ACADEMIC WRITING

By
MUKUKA J. (MR)
 DEFINITION
• Academic writing is a style of writing used in
scholarly work and educational settings.
• Focus: presenting ideas, arguments, and
research findings in a clear, precise, and formal
manner.
• It is used by students, researchers, and
professionals.
 Characteristics of Academic Writing
1. Objective and Formal Tone : avoids personal opinions, slang, or informal
language. It uses objective language to present ideas based on evidence
and reasoning rather than personal beliefs or emotions.
2. Clear Structure: typically following a clear structure: introduction, body,
and conclusion.
3. Thesis-Driven : often built around a central thesis or argument, which is
introduced at the beginning and developed throughout the piece.
4. Evidence-Based : Supporting claims with credible sources (e.g., articles,
books, etc.) is essential.
5. Precision and Clarity : Academic writers aim for clarity, avoiding
unnecessary words or ambiguous statements. Jargon and technical
terms are used when necessary.
Types of Academic Writings
1. Essays
• Essays are short pieces of writing that present a coherent argument,
analysis, or interpretation of a specific topic.
• Commonly used in academic settings
• Purpose: to assess a student's understanding of a subject and their
ability to express ideas clearly and critically.
 Types of Essays
• 1. Descriptive Writing
• Purpose: To present facts, definitions, or straightforward descriptions
of a subject, without personal opinions or interpretation.
• Structure: Organized by themes or topics, focusing on clarity and
coherence.
• Common Command Words:
• Define: Explain the meaning of a term or concept clearly and precisely.
• Describe: Provide details of an object, event, or concept in a straightforward
way.
• Identify: Point out or specify key elements, without further explanation.
• List: Provide a list of key points, features, or ideas related to the topic.
• Summarize: Provide a concise version, focusing on main points.
 Analytical Writing
• Purpose: To break down information, examining how parts relate to
one another and the larger whole.
• Structure: Organized around key points or parts of the topic.
• Common Command Words:
• Analyse: Break down the topic into parts and examine their interrelationships.
• Compare: Identify and discuss similarities between two or more subjects.
• Contrast: Identify and discuss differences between subjects.
• Examine: Look at a topic closely to understand its deeper meaning or
structure.
• Explore: Investigate a concept in depth to uncover insights or underlying
patterns.
 Argumentative/Persuasive Writing
• Purpose: To present an argument or position on a topic and persuade
the reader through logic and evidence.
• Structure: Introduction with a thesis, body paragraphs presenting
evidence, and conclusion that reinforces the argument.
• Common Command Words:
• Argue: Take a stance on a topic and provide reasoning to support it.
• Justify: Provide evidence and reasoning to support a specific argument or
decision.
• Evaluate: Assess strengths and weaknesses of an argument, often including
your own position.
• Discuss: Present a balanced view on a topic, considering different
perspectives.
• Defend: Support a specific position with evidence and reasoning.
 Expository Writing
• Purpose: To explain or inform the reader about a topic in a neutral
and straightforward manner.
• Structure: Logical and organized, often following a sequence or
thematic approach.
• Common Command Words:
• Explain: Make a concept or idea clear by detailing how it works.
• Illustrate: Provide examples to clarify a point.
• Clarify: Make a topic understandable by breaking it down.
• Demonstrate: Show how something is true or how a process works.
• Outline: Give a brief overview of main points without detailed elaboration.
 Critical Writing
• Purpose: To evaluate, critique, and challenge ideas, theories, or
research, presenting a balanced view.
• Structure: Clear introduction, objective examination of strengths and
weaknesses, and a conclusion providing an overall evaluation.
• Common Command Words:
• Critique: Provide a detailed analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
• Evaluate: Judge the value or effectiveness of an argument, theory, or
research.
• Appraise: Assess the significance or value of a subject, often with a focus on
quality.
• Assess: Weigh the evidence to form a judgment on a subject.
• Question: Challenge assumptions or validity, exploring alternative
interpretations.
 Reflective Writing
• Purpose: To explore personal insights, experiences, or learning related
to an academic topic or professional practice.
• Structure: Often flexible; may include an introduction to the
experience, a reflective discussion, and conclusions about learning
outcomes.
• Common Command Words:
• Reflect: Think deeply about an experience or topic, relating it to your learning.
• Consider: Think about how an experience or concept has affected your
perspective.
• Review: Look back over a process or event and discuss its significance.
• Assess: Evaluate your learning or experiences in light of academic theories.
• Interpret: Explain the meaning of an experience or how it has influenced you.
 2. Research Writing

• Purpose: To communicate original research findings, including

methodology, data analysis, and results.
• Structure: Typically includes abstract, introduction, methodology,
results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Common Command Words:
• Investigate: Conduct research and examine the topic in detail.
• Analyse: Break down research data or findings to understand patterns.
• Interpret: Explain the meaning of data or research outcomes.
• Report: Present findings in an organized and factual way.
• Present: Display research findings or data comprehensively.
 3. Report Writing
• Purpose: To document findings from an investigation or research,
often with recommendations.
• Structure: Formal, structured sections like introduction, objectives,
methodology, findings, and recommendations.
• Common Command Words:
• Report: Present factual findings from an investigation.
• Summarize: Give a concise account of research findings.
• Outline: Provide a structured overview of main points.
• Present: Display findings and analysis systematically.
• Recommend: Suggest actions based on report findings.