How to write like an Academic Video #5 How to write like an Academic Dr. Matthew Robinson Appalachian State University Boone, NC USA

Academic writing: how to … Start like an academic! 1) Choose a topic to research that: is interesting to you is contemporary/relevant has available information (articles, books) is not too broad is not too narrow For example, climate change or global warming … OR the role of CO2 emissions in it … OR the role of CH4 (methane) emissions in it …

Academic writing: how to … 2) Research to find sources Academic, library databases Articles, books Also websites, reports, news These are NON academic sources!

Academic writing: how to … 3) Read! Read! Read! Read to learn what we know about the topic Read to learn what we don’t know about the topic

Academic writing: how to … 4) Take notes Use reverse outlining This is writing ON the source (book, article) itself to: Organize the reading by topic Take notes on important points

Academic writing: how to … In the left column, write what the paragraph is about Be brief! (few words) In the right column, write a key point or fact related to the argument

Academic writing: how to … Intergovernmental panel on climate change Warming, Ocean acidity Risks of climate change Extinction caused by less oxygen, more acids, higher temps Species extinction Less fish, wheat, rice, maize due to less water Food scarcity

Academic writing: how to … 4) Take notes (continued) Use outlining This is organizing all your information into an outline All the information from your research will be contained in the outline But it is very brief! It is like a “roadmap” for your paper Major topics are organized in a logical way Minor topics are organized below major topics

Example of an outline I. What is Climate Change? A. First definition 1. Insert definition here with source B. Second definition II. Controversies About Climate Change A. Is it real? 1. Some say it does not exist 2. Evidence shows it is real a. data on temperatures b. data on oceans c. data on storms B. Is it caused by humans? 1. Yes a. CO2 emissions are rising: WHY? b. CH4 emissions are rising: WHY?

Academic writing: how to … 5) Write a paper, using the outline Follow the organization in your outline Summarize what is known (in writing) Tell us what we know and don’t know Can provide information to the public Can lead to an argument for a policy Can lead to a question for a new research study