Academic writing: An introduction Video #1 Academic writing: An introduction Dr. Matthew Robinson Appalachian State University Boone, NC USA

Academic writing defined Definitions: 1) Readings produced by academics Academic: a member of an institution of learning; a person who is academic in background, outlook, or methods For example, a university professor

Academic writing defined 2) The forms of expository and argumentative prose used to convey information about a subject Expository: summarizing what is known about a topic Argumentative: taking a stand based on what is known about a topic

Academic writing defined An expository paper on climate change might show: Climate is changing Temperature is rising Oceans are warming and becoming more acidic Drought is spreading World ice is melting Storms are increasing in number and intensity Climate change is worsened by human activity

Academic writing defined An argumentative paper on climate change might argue: We need policies to address it We must reduce use of “fossil fuels” We must reduce pollution We should reduce CO2 levels We should reduce CH4 levels We should use alternative energy sources

Academic writing defined 3) Writing done by scholars for other scholars Scholar: a well-educated person who knows a particular subject very well; expert For example, a university professor

Academic writing defined 4) The types of writing you do in college courses Papers assigned by a professor to students for classes