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SUMMARY - Academic Writing - A Handbook For International Students 3rd Ed

This chapter discusses various elements of academic writing such as argument and discussion, cause and effect, cohesion, comparisons, definitions, examples, generalizations, numbers, problem and solutions, and style. It provides guidance on how to effectively incorporate these elements when writing academically. The chapter examines topics like using discussion vocabulary to evaluate benefits and disadvantages of a topic, organizing discussions vertically or horizontally, dealing with counterarguments, providing evidence to support conclusions, comparing structures and forms of comparison, writing simple and complex definitions, introducing and restating examples, generalizing clearly and building on generalizations, using numerical and percentage language accurately, structuring problems and solutions writing, and developing an appropriate academic style.

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Anne Salsabila
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434 views4 pages

SUMMARY - Academic Writing - A Handbook For International Students 3rd Ed

This chapter discusses various elements of academic writing such as argument and discussion, cause and effect, cohesion, comparisons, definitions, examples, generalizations, numbers, problem and solutions, and style. It provides guidance on how to effectively incorporate these elements when writing academically. The chapter examines topics like using discussion vocabulary to evaluate benefits and disadvantages of a topic, organizing discussions vertically or horizontally, dealing with counterarguments, providing evidence to support conclusions, comparing structures and forms of comparison, writing simple and complex definitions, introducing and restating examples, generalizing clearly and building on generalizations, using numerical and percentage language accurately, structuring problems and solutions writing, and developing an appropriate academic style.

Uploaded by

Anne Salsabila
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SUMMARY: Academic Writing: A Handbook for International Students 3rd ed

By: Anne Salsabila 071.17.019

Chapter 2. Elements of writing

2.1 Argument and discussion


On most courses it is not enough to show that you are familiar with the leading authorities.
Students are expected to study the conflicting views on any topic and engage with them. This means
analysing and critiquing them if appropriate. This unit presents ways of demonstrating your
familiarity with both sides of an argument and presenting your own conclusions in a
suitably academic manner.

A. Discussion vocabulary –
This requires an evaluation of both the benefits and disadvantages of the topic, with a section of the
essay, sometimes headed ‘Discussion’, in which a summary of these is made.
B. Organization
The discussion section can be organised in two ways; either by grouping
the benefits in one paragraph and the disadvantages in another (vertical),
or by examining the subject from different viewpoints (horizontal).
C. The language of discussion
When discussing common ideas avoid personal phrases
D. Counter arguments
Counter-arguments are ideas that are opposite to your ideas. In an academic
discussion you must show that you are familiar with both sides of the
argument, and provide reasons to support your position. It is usual to deal
with the counter-arguments first, before giving your view.
E. Providing evidence
Normally your conclusions on a topic follow an assessment of the evidence.
You must show that you have studied the relevant sources since only then
can you give a balanced judgement.

2.2 Cause and Effect


Academic work frequently involves demonstrating a link between a cause, such as a cold
winter, and an effect, such as an increase in illness. This unit explains two methods of describing
the link, with the focus either on the cause or on the effect.

A. The language of cause and effect


A writer may choose to put the emphasis on either the cause or the effect. In both cases, either a verb or
a conjunction can be used to show the link.

2.3 Cohesion
Cohesion means joining a text together with reference words (e.g. he, theirs, the former) and
conjunctions (e.g. but, then) so that the whole text is clear and readable. This unit practises the use of
reference words, while conjunctions are examined in Unit 3.5.

A. Refernce words
B. Preventing confusion

2.4 Comparisons
It is often necessary to make comparisons in academic writing. The comparison might be the
subject of the essay, or might provide evidence for the argument. In all cases it is important
to explain clearly what is being compared and to make the comparison as accurate as possible. This
unit deals with different forms of comparison and practises their use.

A. Comparison structures
B. Forms of comparison
C. Using superlatives

2.5 Definitions
Definitions are usually found in introductions (see Unit 1.11). They are not needed in every
case, but if the title includes an unfamiliar phrase, or if the writer wants to use a term in a special way,
it is important to make clear to the reader exactly what is meant in this context. This unit presents
ways of writing both simple and complex definitions.

A. Simple definitions
B. Complex definitions

2.6 Examples
Examples are used in academic writing for support and illustration. Suitable examples can
strengthen the argument, and they can also help the reader to understand a point. This unit
demonstrates the different ways in which examples can be introduced, and practises their use.

A. Using examples
B. Phrases to introduces examples
C. Restatement

2.7 Generalisations
Generalisations are often used to introduce a topic. They can be powerful statements because
they are simple and easy to understand. But they must be used with care, to avoid being inaccurate or
too simplistic. This unit explains how to generalize clearly and effectively.

A. Using generalisations
B. Structure
C. Building on generalisations
Most essays move from the general to the specific, as a generalisation has to be supported and
developed.

2.8 Numbers
Most students are required to write about statistical data clearly and accurately. This unit
explains and practises the basic language of numbers and percentages, while presenting data in charts
and tables is dealt with in Unit 2.11 Visual information.

A. The language of numbers


B. Percentages
C. Simplification
Although the accurate use of numbers is vital, too many statistics can make texts difficult to read.
D. Further numerical phrases

2.9 Problem and solutions


Writing tasks frequently ask students to examine a problem and evaluate a range of solutions.
This unit explains ways in which this kind of text can be organised. Note that some of the language is
similar to that practised in Unit 2.1 Argument and discussion.
A. Structure
B. Alternative structure

2.10 Style
There is no one correct style of academic writing, and students should aim to develop their
own ‘voice’. In general, it should attempt to be accurate, impersonal and objective. For example,
personal pronouns like ‘I’ and idioms (i.e. informal language) are used less often than in other writing.
This unit gives some guidelines for an appropriate style, but see also Units 3.2
Academic vocabulary, 3.4 Caution and 3.13 Verbs – passives.

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