Academic Writing

Introduction
This guide focuses on four aspects of academic writing as follows: (1) Writing style (2) integrating
research, evidence, arguments and your own ideas (3) How to write a good paragraph (4) critical
analysis (5) proofreading.
Style
The first thing to note about academic essays is that they need to be written in a formal style.
Remember who you are writing for and avoid using informal language such as clichs e.g. 'every coin
has two sides', contractions e.g. 'its, phrases you might use when talking e.g. well actually I find this
subject really interesting, and descriptions that are purely subjective e.g. this movie is great. If you
are an ESL student it would be a good idea, and a great way to improve your vocabulary, to familiarise
yourself with the AWL, or Academic Word List. You can click here to view a copy in PDF format.

Use straightforward language and avoid writing in the first person. Theres no need to use words just
because they sound academic when plain words will do. Also instead of writing, I think that, say it
can be argued,' or it can be claimed, instead. Your tutor or examiner will be looking to see a clear
expression of your ideas and arguments that are straight to the point. Shorter sentences are usually
better in this respect but make sure your sentences are complete; ESL students often have a tendency to
write run-on sentences.
Integrating Research, Evidence, Arguments and Your Own Ideas
Your argument is your informed and reasoned answer to the essay question and needs to be supported
by research and evidence. Use the books, articles, journals and research material that you consult when
writing your essay to support your arguments. You need to ensure that you select and interpret research

and evidence that is directly relevant to the question and your argument concerning the question. In
academic writing, ESL students sometimes have a tendency to include material to support their
arguments that is vague, irrelevant or peripheral.
Each point you make should be supported by data or a quote from an acknowledged authority in the
area you are writing about. Not only does this provide strength and support to your argument, it also
demonstrates to your tutor or examiner that you have researched the question thoroughly. Be careful
not to overdo it though. Your tutor or examiner want to see research data and referenced quotes used to
support your arguments, not a list of data and references that comprise your argument.
Here are four points that you can use and refer to, to ensure that you write a good paragraph in
your academic essays.
1. Introduce the main point of the paragraph in your own words. It is essential that you do not
plagiarise material.
2. Add evidence to support your point. This could be a quote, statistical data or paraphrased evidence
for example.
3. Explain how and why this evidence supports the point of your paragraph. In addition, say what you
think about the point made, elaborate on your point in your own words and think critically.
4. Explain how the point you have made helps to answer the question of the essay. Keep your writing
focused and directly relevant to the essay question.
This is not the only way to go about writing your paragraphs. As your academic writing develops you
can add to or adapt this model to suit your own writing style and preferences.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is an essential requirement for writing academic essays at college or university.
Critical thinking provides the tools for you to assess and evaluate the ideas and arguments you read
(including your own) and ensure that what goes into your essay is relevant and supports the main
argument or point that you are making. Critical thinking is not the preserve of advanced native English
speaking students. As an ESL student you use critical thinking on a regular, daily basis, though this is
likely to be done in your native language. Work on transferring this skill into English writing.
How to Think Critically
1. Think about an idea and see if you think the evidence given in support of the idea is valid. (This is
something you do naturally everyday when looking at a news report and hearing the views of a
politician on the TV for example)
2. Explain why you think the evidence or argument is convincing or not. (What is wrong with the
statistics given, is the argument supported by others)
It is also a good idea to ask yourself questions about what you are reading and writing. Typical
questions to help you think critically are:

Who is making the point or argument and what is their perspective?

What is the main point being conveyed?

What arguments and evidence are used in support?

What are the counter arguments or conflicting evidence?

Do I agree/disagree and why?

Who is the audience and how does this impact on the information being given?

Some other useful ways to employ critical thinking in your academic writing essays include: (1)
Avoiding unnecessary description. Only include general information when it adds to your
argument. (2) Interpret your evidence. Explain how and why the evidence you have given
supports your arguments. (3) Be specific. Avoid waffle, generalisations and points that are
difficult to support. (4) Use counter-arguments to your own advantage. Do not ignore arguments
and evidence that contradicts what you are saying. Your argument will be stronger if you
include opposing opinions and then say why those opinions are not as convincing as the
arguments you are making.

Proofreading
Identifying your mistakes and making corrections to your academic writing is the last and one
of the most important parts of the academic essay writing process. Simply reading over your
essay once or twice before you submit your work is inadequate. It is easy to overlook mistakes
unless you know how to proofread. It is a tragic waste of your time to write an essay, only to see
that essay receive a poor grade as a result of inadequate proofreading.