1. Academic Writing

3. Moosen

5. 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

6. Academic writing does the following:

7. 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?

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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”

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

17. 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…”

18. 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