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Learning Outcomes
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
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What is academic writing?
Personal writing versus academic writing
Effective academic writing
Organization
Audience and tone
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What is Academic Writing?
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Academic writing is different from creative writing
used in stories.
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In academic writing, the words and grammar and the
way of organizing ideas are probably different from
what you are used to in other types of writing.
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Academic Writing vs Personal Writing
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PERSONAL WRITING vs ACADEMIC WRITING
Features of Personal Writing:
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Differences between Personal &
Academic Writing
Personal Academic
(Informal/Colloquial) (Formal/Technical)
Audience close friends and family professors, lecturers
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Convincing Content
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Convincing Content
The content shows depth of thought.
shows elements of critical thinking
analysis of information
interpretation of facts
making judgments
drawing conclusions
summarizing
defending opinions
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Convincing Content
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Clear Organization
Most academic writing in English is linear:
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
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Clear Organization
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Effective Use of English Language
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Audience and Tone
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Audience
Importance of Audience
In academic writing, writers need to consider who their
readers/audience are.
An important feature is the control of audience and tone
(formality).
Correct level of formality helps writers connect with the
audience.
(eg with friends informal language indicates close relationship)
(eg with lecturers formal language indicates respect)
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Audience
When planning to write, consider the following factors:
1. Identify Audience
Audiences age, gender, social status, level of
education, special interest or needs, profession,
cultural or racial background, feelings and
attitudes, or relationship.
2. Purpose/Occasion
Fulfilling an academic assignment, completing
essay test, getting a scholarship
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Tone
Importance of Tone
Expression of an attitude in your writing
Objective
Persuasive
Enthusiastic
Serious
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Tone: Objective
Language used in formal report
Example:
a) A hazard exists if contact is made with this part while
it is whirling.
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Tone: Persuasive
Example:
The purpose of this study is to discover a more efficient
way to produce hydrocarbons. The financial support for
this study will benefit many users. The researchers will be
able to investigate the problems comprehensively
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Tone: Enthusiastic
Writing in favor of a particular subject for possible
recommendation or acceptance. Example: sharing a new
finding with intended readers
Example:
The discovery of medicinal properties in this bacteria
will eradicate Alzheimers Disease. This is a very
important and exciting discovery in the world of medicine.
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Tone: Serious
Example:
Our study has shown that if we do not recycle, natural
resources will be depleted in 2010 and planet Earth will
be barren. This will cause economic and environmental
disasters.
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The End
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