Andrada Gustavo - Areco Yesica
July 2014
What is "Academic" Writing? by L. Lennie Irvin
Summary
Introduction
Having the right idea of what a writing task is expected to be like is the main basis to be successful with academic writing.
Myths about writing
Some concepts to clarify this kind of activity are:
-Writing is recursive; it is not a linear process.
-Many of the ideas come up while writing.
-Many drafts and revisions are needed to reach a good writing.
-The five paragraph essay is useful, but it is not a must.
-Using an objective "I" should be avoided in some cases, but it depends on the writing situation.
The Academic Writing Situation
At the moment of writing, it must be taken into account the separation in time and place from the reader, and the impossibility to see him and be aware of his reactions and feelings.
Some of the skills required for writing tasks in college's level are:
-Knowledge of research, to find information and be able to choose from it.
-The ability to read complex texts, and to think critically while reading.
-Understanding concepts and language appropriate to the Discipline.
-The skill to synthesizes, analyze and criticize new information.
Decoding College Writing Assignments
An academic writing is basically the presentation of an argument (thesis), which is actually only a viewpoint, and the evidence that supports it.
At the moment of getting a writing task, the student must be aware of the professor's expectations (surely it is not going to be a summary unless specific indications.)
Out of doubt, a keen reading, adequate research, and the presentation of an argument properly backed up.
To analyze a writing task, it is necessary to identify the meaningful parts of the subject, examine them as separate units, and then to realize how they relate each other as a whole coherent body. This interpretation of the text will constitute the thesis of the task, which will have to be supported by adequate evidence.
Types of College Writing Assignments
-Closed writing assignment: It presents two opposed claims and the analysis will have to choose one of them and justified this position.
-Semi-open writing assignment: There is a subject matter to write upon, but the extension of possibilities is fenced.
-Open writing assignment: there is freedom to decide what topic to write about and what claim will be supported.
Picking and Limiting a Writing Topic
Looking for interesting things as reading the text that has to be worked with is a way to limit the topic. It is easier and preferable to write about such kind of issues. The chosen topic has to be stated as a clear and interesting question, and the paper will be developed as a restricted answer to that question. The work should be limited to a size able to be handled and well supported.
Characteristics of Academic Writing
An academic writing is expected to show:
-Persistence, open-mind and discipline of the writer.
-Reason over feelings.
-A rational objective reader interested in information and reasoned comprehension.
Characteristics of the Critical Essay
-It is an argument that makes a point and supports it.
-The point is debatable and open to interpretation.
-It should have introduction, body and conclusion.
-The original text is the main source for claims' support. No assertion should be left without support.
-Sources have to be documented.
-Transition sentences have to be linked back to the thesis.
-The format has to be one of academic essays, such as MLA or APA.
-It has to lack of grammatical mistakes.
Bibliography
Irving, Lennie L. What is "Academic" Writing? Writing Spaces: Reading
