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Troy Winston Megan Keaton ENG 111-08 7 July 2013 Good Academic Writing

People have several ways to define what good academic writing is. Everyone has different writing techniques; it just depends on which one of these techniques the writer is comfortable using. It is being creative with the writers unique touch on his or her writing. Even though it may be an academic setting, like all writing, it needs to keep the writers interests. The audience can easily loose interest if there isn't anything to keep them occupied and thinking. If the essay is being read by a professor, it is wise to follow all procedures and guidelines

Good academic writing can be defined by completing the necessary brainstorming techniques prior to putting pen on paper. A writer must first have a plan. Writing without a plan can be a recipe for disaster. Thats is where a good outline comes into a play. Depending on the subject matter, a writers prewriting techniques can vary. It depends on what motivates a writer before the writing begins. Some individuals may join a discussion group, do public speaking, or listen to music to jumpstart their writing process.

An outline is the nucleus to any prewriting or brainstorming process. It can prepare the writer mentally for the task at hand. A writer has to put, step by step, what needs to go in the essay from the introduction to the conclusion. The outline consists of the introduction, purpose of the essay, thesis, supporting information and the conclusion. This will keep a writer in line with what needs to go inside the essay and make it easier for the audience to follow.

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Many writers use a thesis in their writing. Using a thesis in academic writing is not necessary when the essay is used in personal writing but if you're going to use it, there is a strict set of rules. These rules are that the thesis must be blunt and to the point, descriptive to what you're trying to say, concise, clear and specific. The thesis subject matter must be the focus of the entire essay in addition be the topic of what the writer is trying to say. It should also be used in the beginning and reinstated in the conclusion of the essay. The thesis must be something that is interesting, original and logical. The writer must also think ahead and be prepared to provide proof to those that disagree. It's natural for the thesis to be revised when the writers revises the argument.

It is important for the writer to have good organization to achieve good academic writing. If the essay's organization is poor, it will baffle and confuse everyone who reads it. They will quickly loose interest and focus their attention to something else. A good way to keep the paper organized is to keep referring to the outline structure. Many writers have issues starting new paragraphs mainly because they have no clue what to write next. Formulating transition statements that cling paragraphs together can be difficult. Therefore, a writer shouldnt start a new paragraph until they present new information pertaining to a different topic. When the writer has exhausted all information, start preparing the reader for the next phase of the essay by smoothly transitioning to a new paragraph. By making the paragraph transition smooth, the reader will have a easier time reading and understanding it. When you exhausted all your information from one topic, it is time to move on to another one. When writing in a academic setting, understand that the audience, whether peers or professor, would like to know where the information was obtained. If a writer writes a statement

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and the audience has questions, there must be a logical explanation. If the research is done, there shouldn't be a problem showing them. there are many ways a writer can obtain information such as reading, surveys, questionnaires and interviews to name a few. So if challenged, the writer can counter back with facts, instead of looking like a dear in the headlights. There has to be concrete evidence when writing in a academic setting because one persons opinion isn't going to convince the masses. An opinion is just that. In academic writing, readers need proof of what you write to be backed by credible sources. Everyone must be on the same sheet of music across the board and can cross reference the information that is provided to them. If there is quotations or cited work being mentioned, use with extreme care. Revision plays a huge part in good academic writing. Revision is a way to absorb different thoughts and opinions to make corrections if necessary. It may take a writer two or more times to revise their work before they are satisfied with it. They may need to add new sentences, revise statements, correct spelling or use different punctuations at the end of sentences. Writer should use revision time to the best of their ability, because once the essay is turned in for grading, there is no more revision. Its also good to get feedback from peers. The writer can agree to disagree or try to pursuade them to consider logic if there is evidence to support it. Readers can be impressed with new ideas, especially when provided evidence or proof. At any rate, its always good to get helpful feedback. The conclusion to an academic essay highlights what was wrote about pertaining to the subject matter or thesis. In good academic writing, a thesis controls the content of the essay and also its conclusion. The conclusion recaps what was said in the beginning of the essay and lets the reader know that the thesis was explained. The conclusion is the summary of your paper. Its

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purpose is to tie together the issue, or research covered in the body of the essay. The conclusion shouldnt have any new information that hasnt already been discussed in the essay. Academic writing doesn't have to be lifeless and boring. It should flow with a lot of energy and intrigue to keep the readers attentive and thinking. . It represents the writer's unique creation within the policies of an academic setting. Having a good outline, being organized and easy follow is a good start. Being interesting and original is another. To be proficient at good academic writing, it takes practice.