Academic writing:
It’s a skill, not an art
Theresa Bell, Writing Centre Coordinator
© Royal Roads University, 2013
Academic
writingWriting?
at RRU
What
is Academic
At RRU, academic writing:
• Provides an in-depth, evidence-based analysis of a
topic
– Demonstrates your critical thinking on the topic
• Is clear, concise, and easy to understand
– Avoids assumptions of reader knowledge/experience
• Demonstrates the outcomes for the assignment
• Consistently and correctly follows the APA style rules
2
Personal/reflective papers
• Focus is on your thoughts and experiences
o Present your thoughts on a reading, discuss a
personal experience, apply a theory to a real-life
example, or some other focus that asks you to
think about and explain your thoughts and
experiences
• Use the first person voice (I, me, my)
• Usually less formal than a standard research paper
3
Expository papers
• Informs or introduces your reader to a subject
• Expository paper explains things to your reader
• Doesn't argue a position but rather explains the
issue
o
E.g., an expository essay might present an overview of the
differing views on what should be done to address a
specific topic, whereas an argumentative essay will
choose which approach is the most appropriate.
4
Argumentative papers
• Strives to convince your reader of a position by
using statements to establish a claim, and then
supports the statements with research evidence
using sound reasoning.
•
•
E.g., Emotional intelligence is a key factor to consider
when assessing someone’s leadership potential.
Synonyms: appeal, assert, claim, contend, defend,
demonstrate, display, establish, explain, justify,
persuade, present, reason, show
5
Analytical papers
• Highlight your critical examination or analysis of a
topic in order to interpret the strengths and
weaknesses of a debate.
• Often uses a compare-and-contrast model
• E.g., if asked to analyse two models, you would look at
each author’s claims, the evidence they use to support the
model, consider the assumptions, and then demonstrate
how the models are similar and different.
• Synonyms: explain, consider, determine, dissect, divide,
estimate, evaluate, figure, interpret, investigate, resolve,
scrutinize
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WhatisisCritical
critical Thinking?
thinking?
What
“Good critical thinking is
skillful and responsible
thinking in which you
study the problem from all
angles, and then exercise
your best judgement to
draw conclusions."
(Retrieved from
http://www.otal.umd.edu/~vg/msf98/homework/cri
tthink.htm)
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The Oreo cookie approach
Your idea
Claim (assertion)
Other scholars’
work
Research evidence
Analysis of connection between
evidence and claim
Your demonstration of your
critical thinking skills that
answers the “so what?” or
“why should I care?”
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Creating a document
Document plan
Plan
•
•
•
•
Helps you stay on track
Identifies missing research
Identifies jumps in logic/assumptions of
understanding before you start to
write
Helps prevent writer’s block
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Choose
topic
and
1.
Choose
Topic
& brainstorm
Brainstorm ideas
Ideas
Returning
learners
Gardens
Peacocks
Royal Roads
University
Online &
F2F
learning
Applied
programs
Focus on
teamwork
10
11
Determine
thesis statement
Thesis
Statement/Research
Question
• Should be specific because it outlines the parameters
of the study
• e.g., Royal Roads University is unique amongst postsecondary institutions on Vancouver Island because
of its history, Hatley Park, wildlife, and educational
programs.
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Edit and theme ideas
13
Group ideas
1. History
◦ First Nations
◦ Heritage trees
◦ The Dunsmuirs
◦ Royal Roads Military
College
◦ Quarterdeck
◦ Royal Roads
University
2. Hatley Park
◦ Unique ecosystems
◦ Gardens
◦ Hiking paths
3. Wildlife
◦ Cougars
◦ Deer
◦ Peacocks
4. Educational programs
◦ Focus on life-long
learning
◦ Workplace learners
◦ Applied focus
◦ Blended model of
delivery
14
Create the plan
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Linear outline
I. Introduction
Say what you’re going to say
- Includes thesis statement
II. Main point A
- Oreo cookie
III. Main point B
Say it
- Oreo cookie
IV. Main point C
- Oreo cookie
Say what you’ve said, what you’ve learned,
V. Conclusion
and why it’s important
16
Academic
writingWriting?
at RRU
What
is Academic
At RRU, academic writing:
• Provides an in-depth, evidence-based analysis of a
topic
– Demonstrates your critical thinking on the topic
• Is clear, concise, and easy to understand
– Avoids assumptions of reader knowledge/experience
• Demonstrates the outcomes for the assignment
• Consistently and correctly follows the APA style rules
17
Questions?
Contact the Writing Centre
•
http://library.royalroads.ca/writing-centre
•
Ask a question:
http://writeanswers.royalroads.ca
•
(250) 391-2600, ext. 4353/1-800-788-8028
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