7 Ways to Improve your Academic Writing.

Academic writing is obviously different to other types of writing. Firstly, you will need a more formal vocabulary. The thing to remember is that you can write to a format. When you learn this it will become much easier.

1. Plan.
Thinking about what you are going to write before you write it will ensure that your writing will have a logical progression- English academic writing generally has a linear progression from A-B-C-D.

2. Structure.
You can use variations on a '5 Paragraph Format'.
Paragraph 1: Introduction
Paragraph 2: Body 1
Paragraph 3 Body 2
Paragraph 4 Body 3
Paragraph 5: Conclusion

This format will make it easier for the reader to navigate thought the ideas you are expressing.

3. Introduction.
The idea of the introduction is to state your position, not to start introducing your points. You may say something in general about the topic or, if you are answering an exam question you may want to paraphrase the question. It should grab the read4. Body Paragraphs.
Your first paragraph should contain your strongest argument. During the planning stage write your points down (these will be your 'topic sentences'- see point 5). In most pieces of academic writing you will need to present a counter argument. You should do this in the planning stage .

5. Topic Sentences.
Each paragraph should have a topic (there may be other related topics too).  After your topic you will have a 'controlling idea' this tells the reader where your argument is going. You will see this explained in my model.

6. Conclusion.
The conclusion will be similar in many ways to your introduction. It will state your position again but not introduce any new points. It is in the conclusion that you can give your opinions and sum up your arguments. You could make a general prediction about future outcomes. Your final sentence should be a 'global statement' or a 'call to action' (again you can see an example in the model).

7. Linking words.
In order to make your writing easier to follow you will have to use the words which: introduce, sequence ideas, give results, reasons, give examples,contrast ideas and finally conclude your piece. There are many different linking words and so it is important to know their function and how some connect clauses and how some connect noun phraser's attention. Remember do not copy the question


Here is a short, highly simplified (rather silly) model of an academic essay about cats.

Introduction
Many people say that dogs are man's best friend but they are not the only pet whose company people enjoy.

(This introduction is a general statement and we know now that the essay is going to be about the advantages of having a cat.).

Body
Firstly, cats can be just as affectionate as dogs
(sequencing word + the controlling idea 'affectionate').

For instance they often purr and cuddle up when they are being stroked
(example word + example of cats being affectionate).

Furthermore, when they are not being affectionate they can be very playful.
(addition word + another example)

However, many people claim that cats are cold. For example...
(contrast word introducing a counter argument and example).

Other 'body' paragraphs would follow a similar pattern.

Conclusion
To sum up, with their affectionate, playful nature and... cats make an ideal pet
(conclusion word and a summary, ending with a general statement).

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