Academic Writing

Moosen

What is Academic Writing? Academic writing includes: the use of a formal tone third-person rather than first-person perspective (usually) a clear focus on the research problem precise word choice and evidence cited from scholarly sources

Academic writing does the following:

1. Minimizes the Use of Personal Pronouns Pronouns like “I,” “we,” and “you” are either entirely absent from academic writing or used sparingly. Why do you think this is?

Practice I think it is unfair that people are given jobs just because they were male or female. I don't think that is an acceptable approach and is even against the law. It appears that in a number of instances jobs were assigned on the basis of gender. Given the current anti-discrimination laws, this raises serious concerns.

Practice I believe modern technology should not replace traditional face-to-face classroom teaching. In this paper, I will argue against the proposition that surrogate motherhood is an acceptable practice.

Practice From my understanding of the article, capital punishment may not be beneficial because it is inhumane. I feel that societies should provide a better solution to citizens than putting their criminals to death. My essay will demonstrate that capital punishment should be abolished and I will provide three supporting reasons.

2. Uses Formal Language In academic writing, formal language is used. Formal language does the following: Avoids the use of slang and contractions Uses formal verbs rather than verb phrases Example: instead of using “look at” use “consider” Uses more nouns than verbs Example: instead of “to worry” use “concerns”

2. Uses Formal Language Examples Original: In order to truly understand inflation, let’s look at these facts. Revised: In order to truly understand inflation, consider the following data. Original: Lots of job loss is just one thing resulting from automation. Revised: Widespread unemployment is one consequence of automation.

Practice Systems analysts can help out managers in many different ways. This program was set up to improve access to medical care. The author felt his novel had improved because his publisher had gone through it and made changes.

3. Uses Passive Voice In academic writing, passive voice (versus active voice) is preferred. Active voice: Focus is on who is doing an action Passive voice: Focus is on who is receiving or experiencing the action Active: Scientists classify glass as a solid. Passive: Glass is classified as a solid.

3. Uses Passive Voice Active: Four members of the nursing staff observed the handwashing practices of staff during rostered shifts. Passive: The handwashing practices of staff were observed by four members of the nursing staff during rostered shifts.

Practice Kobe Bryant dunked the ball. Newton discovered gravity. We presented our findings at the Dunder Mifflin Paper Conference.

4. Uses Objective Writing Specific reference to personal opinions, or to yourself as the performer of actions, is usually avoided. Expressing Opinions “In my opinion” should be “ it has been argued that” “I believe that”…”some writers claim” “In my view”…”clearly,” OR “it is clear that…”

Uses Objective Writing Writer avoids referring to themselves as the performer of actions I undertook the study…The study was undertaken In this essay I will…This essay examine