Academic Writing University of Gujrat
This is a style of writing which is more careful and considered than everyday writing (as, for example, in letters) and, obviously, more considered
than everyday speech.
Academic language tends to:
be precise and accurate - concerned with definitions
be cautious - not very direct or bold
be careful and clear in establishing links between ideas, evidence and judgements
take care to distinguish facts from opinions
be objective rather than emotional or rhetorical
be logical in sequence and structure
be sceptical - open to doubt, aware of alternative evidence and views,aware that new lines of
evidence and argument will emerge over time, therefore
avoid sweeping claims or statements
contain references to other work to show where evidence and ideas have come from
Arguments
Strengths in argument
Consistent argument
Links ideas together
Proceed, step-by-step, in a way which has been explained, to a logical conclusion.
Explain premises and assumptions
Distinguish between fact and opinion - identify opinions as such
Acknowledge alternatives
Explain or simplify
Show that examples/quotes are understood - interpret, comment, link to other parts
Make clear why a quote or example is so significant.
Qualify arguments, appreciate limits
Weaknesses in argument
Contradictions
No relationship with previous statements
Sequence not clear or logical
Basic assumptions not questioned
Opinions used as facts
Alternative views or explanations ignored
Jargon used without explanation
Quotation without demonstrating understanding
Quotation without 'connecting' the quote to the surrounding argument/text
Argue in absolutes
