Academic writing: It’s a skill, not an art

Theresa Bell, Writing Centre Coordinator

© Royal Roads University, 2013

What is Academic Writing?

At RRU, academic writing:

• Provides an in-depth, evidence-based analysis of a topic – Demonstrates your critical thinking on the topic

• Is clear, concise, and easy to understand– Avoids assumptions of reader knowledge/experience

• Demonstrates the outcomes for the assignment• Consistently and correctly follows the APA style rules

Academic writing at RRU

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• Focus is on your thoughts and experienceso Present your thoughts on a reading, discuss a

personal experience, apply a theory to a real-life example, or some other focus that asks you to think about and explain your thoughts and experiences

• Use the first person voice (I, me, my) • Usually less formal than a standard research paper

Personal/reflective papers

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• Informs or introduces your reader to a subject• Expository paper explains things to your reader• Doesn't argue a position but rather explains the

issue o E.g., an expository essay might present an overview of the

differing views on what should be done to address a specific topic, whereas an argumentative essay will choose which approach is the most appropriate.

Expository papers

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• Strives to convince your reader of a position by using statements to establish a claim, and then supports the statements with research evidence using sound reasoning.• E.g., Emotional intelligence is a key factor to consider

when assessing someone’s leadership potential. • Synonyms: appeal, assert, claim, contend, defend,

demonstrate, display, establish, explain, justify, persuade, present, reason, show

Argumentative papers

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• Highlight your critical examination or analysis of a topic in order to interpret the strengths and weaknesses of a debate. • Often uses a compare-and-contrast model• E.g., if asked to analyse two models, you would look at

each author’s claims, the evidence they use to support the model, consider the assumptions, and then demonstrate how the models are similar and different.

• Synonyms: explain, consider, determine, dissect, divide, estimate, evaluate, figure, interpret, investigate, resolve, scrutinize

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Analytical papers

What is Critical Thinking?

“Good critical thinking is skillful and responsible thinking in which you study the problem from all angles, and then exercise your best judgement to draw conclusions." (Retrieved from http://www.otal.umd.edu/~vg/msf98/homework/critthink.htm)

What is critical thinking?

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The Oreo cookie approach

Research evidence

Analysis of connection between evidence and claim

Claim (assertion)

Your demonstration of your critical thinking skills that answers the “so what?” or “why should I care?”

Your idea

Other scholars’ work

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Creating a Document Plan

• Helps you stay on track• Identifies missing research • Identifies jumps in logic/assumptions of

understanding before you start to write

• Helps prevent writer’s block

Creating a document plan

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1. Choose Topic & Brainstorm Ideas

Royal Roads University

Peacocks

Focus on teamwork

Online & F2F learning

Gardens

Applied programs

Returning learners

Choose topic and brainstorm ideas

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Thesis Statement/Research Question

• Should be specific because it outlines the parameters of the study

• e.g., Royal Roads University is unique amongst post-secondary institutions on Vancouver Island because of its history, Hatley Park, wildlife, and educational programs.

Determine thesis statement

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Edit and theme ideas

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1. History◦ First Nations◦ Heritage trees◦ The Dunsmuirs◦ Royal Roads Military

College◦ Quarterdeck

◦ Royal Roads University2. Hatley Park

◦ Unique ecosystems◦ Gardens◦ Hiking paths

3. Wildlife◦ Cougars◦ Deer◦ Peacocks

4. Educational programs◦ Focus on life-long

learning◦ Workplace learners◦ Applied focus◦ Blended model of

delivery

Group ideas

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Create the plan

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I. Introduction- Includes thesis statement

II. Main point A- Oreo cookie

III. Main point B- Oreo cookie

IV. Main point C- Oreo cookie

V. Conclusion

Linear outline

Say what you’re going to say

Say it

Say what you’ve said, what you’ve learned, and why it’s important

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What is Academic Writing?

At RRU, academic writing:

• Provides an in-depth, evidence-based analysis of a topic – Demonstrates your critical thinking on the topic

• Is clear, concise, and easy to understand– Avoids assumptions of reader knowledge/experience

• Demonstrates the outcomes for the assignment• Consistently and correctly follows the APA style rules

Academic writing at RRU

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Questions?

• http://library.royalroads.ca/writing-centre • Ask a question:

http://writeanswers.royalroads.ca • (250) 391-2600, ext. 4353/1-800-788-8028

Contact the Writing Centre

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