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Academic Writing

Academic writing is used by scholars to communicate their research and ideas within their fields of study. It involves learning to think, research, and write like an academic, even if one does not plan to pursue an academic career. An essay is a structured written work that presents an argument on a specific topic. The introduction is important for capturing the reader's attention and outlining the essay's main argument or thesis. A strong introduction typically includes a hook, background information, and a clear thesis statement. Common introduction strategies include using an anecdote, question, quotation, statistic, or historical context to engage the reader.

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28 views

Academic Writing

Academic writing is used by scholars to communicate their research and ideas within their fields of study. It involves learning to think, research, and write like an academic, even if one does not plan to pursue an academic career. An essay is a structured written work that presents an argument on a specific topic. The introduction is important for capturing the reader's attention and outlining the essay's main argument or thesis. A strong introduction typically includes a hook, background information, and a clear thesis statement. Common introduction strategies include using an anecdote, question, quotation, statistic, or historical context to engage the reader.

Uploaded by

Mj Eliser Menor
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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Academic Writing

Academic writing is what scholars do to communicate with other scholars in their fields of study, their disciplines. It‘s the
research report a biologist writes, the interpretive essay a literary scholar composes, the media analysis a film scholar
produces. At the same time, academic writing is what you have to learn so that you can participate in the different
disciplinary conversations that take place in your courses. You have to learn to think like an academic, read like an
academic, do research like an academic, and write like an academic—even if you have no plans to continue your
education and become a scholar yourself.

Essays
- An essay is a written piece of work that presents an argument or a point of view on a specific topic. It is a literary
form that allows the author to express their thoughts, ideas, and opinions in a structured manner. Essays are
commonly used in academic settings, but they can also be found in various forms of non-fiction writing, such as
newspapers, magazines, and blogs.
Parts:
Introduction
Development
Conclusion
Reference

Introduction:
The introduction of an essay plays a pivotal role in capturing the reader's attention, setting the tone, and
providing a roadmap of the essay's content. It typically begins with a general statement about the topic, narrows
down to the specifics, and ends with the thesis statement which outlines the main argument or purpose of the
essay.

Key Elements of an Introduction:

Hook: Grabs the reader's attention.


Background Information: Provides context to the topic.
Thesis Statement: Clearly states the main argument or purpose.
Signposting: Optionally outlines the structure of the essay.

Example:

Hook:
"In an era where a single social media post can receive thousands of likes in minutes, it's easy to overlook how these
digital interactions are affecting the youngest users behind the screens."

Background Information:
"Social media platforms have become a ubiquitous part of daily life, especially for teenagers. While these platforms offer
opportunities for connection and entertainment, they also present significant challenges to mental health, including
increased feelings of anxiety, depression, and loneliness. With the average teenager spending upwards of six hours a day
on social media, understanding the impact of these digital interactions has never been more important."

Thesis Statement:
"This essay argues that, despite the potential benefits of connectivity, the pervasive use of social media is detrimentally
affecting the mental health of teenagers by promoting unrealistic expectations, facilitating cyberbullying, and diminishing
real-world interactions."

Signposting (Optional):
"The following sections will examine the psychological effects of social media on teens, discuss the role of cyberbullying,
and explore strategies for mitigating these adverse impacts."
Strategies for Writing Essay Introductions:

The Anecdotal Introduction:


Starts with a short, interesting story or personal experience related to the topic.
Purpose: Engages the reader by making the topic relatable.
Example: "Last summer, I witnessed the devastating impact of climate change firsthand when my family's farm
suffered through the worst drought in decades. This experience brought home the urgent need for sustainable
environmental practices."

The Question Introduction:


Begins with a thought-provoking question.
Purpose: Stimulates the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to think critically about the topic.
Example: "Have you ever wondered what drives societies to engage in warfare? Is it purely the desire for power,
or are there underlying psychological factors at play?"

The Quotation Introduction:


Starts with a relevant quote from a well-known figure or literary work.
Purpose: Adds authority to the topic and connects it with broader themes.
Example: "As Mahatma Gandhi once said, 'Be the change that you wish to see in the world.' This philosophy is
crucial in today’s fight against racial injustice."

The Statistical Introduction:


Begins with a compelling statistic or fact that highlights the significance of the topic.
Purpose: Demonstrates the relevance and urgency of the topic.
Example: "According to the World Health Organization, over 1 billion people worldwide lack access to clean
drinking water, a crisis that demands immediate action."

The Historical Context Introduction:


Provides a brief overview of the historical background relevant to the topic.
Purpose: Sets the stage for the discussion by highlighting its historical significance and evolution.
Example: "The struggle for women's rights has evolved significantly over the past century, from the suffragette
movement of the early 1900s to today's global push for gender equality."

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