Academic Style

I. The main features of academic writing are as follows: 1. It is formal in an impersonal or objective style (often using impersonal pronouns and phrases and passive verb forms). 2. Cautious language is frequently used in reporting research and making claim.

Academic Style I. The main features of academic writing are as follows: 3. Vocabulary appropriate for particular academic contexts is used (this may involve specialist or technical words). 4. The structure of the writing will vary according to the particular type (genre), for example, essay, report, thesis, etc.

Academic Style I. The main features of academic writing are as follows: 5. Academic writing often contains references to other writers ’ publications, sometimes including quotations. 6. Writing styles (formal and informal) should not be mixed; there should be uniformity and consistency.

Academic Style I. The main features of academic writing are as follows: 7. Choosing the more formal alternative when selecting a verb, noun, or other part of speech.

Academic Style I. The main features of academic writing are as follows: 8. Using a single verb wherever possible. This is one of the most dramatic stylistic shifts from informal to formal style. Here is an example. According to some biologists, coming up with clear proof of the decreasing numbers of frogs has been difficult (less formal style).  According to some biologists, offering clear proof of the decreasing numbers of frogs has been difficult (academic style).

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 1. Avoid contractions. Export figures won ’ t improve until the economy is stronger.  Export figures will not improve until the economy is stronger.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 2. Use the more appropriate formal negative forms. The analysis didn ’ t yield any new results.  The analysis yielded no new results.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 3. Limit the use of “ run-on ” expressions, such as and so forth and etc. These semiconductors can be used in robots, CD players, etc.  These semiconductors can be used in robots, CD players, and other electronic devices.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 4. Avoid addressing the reader as you. You can see the results in Table 1.  The results can be seen in Table.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 5. Be careful about using direct questions. In some fields they are common, while in others they are not. What can be done to lower costs?  It is necessary to consider how costs may be lowered.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 6. Place adverbs within the verb. Actually, very little is known about the general nature and prevalence of scientific dishonesty.  Very little is actually known about the general nature and prevalence of scientific dishonesty.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 7. Consider whether you should split infinitives. We need to adequately meet the needs of those enrolled in the program.

Academic Style II. The following are some recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style. 8. Aim for an efficient use of words. It may be difficult to make a decision about the method that we should use.  Choosing the proper method may be difficult.