WRITING / Academic style

Academic Writing Style – key points

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Academic Style is…

… the conventions often associated this academic writing. Although there is much debate over ‘what exactly academic style is’, generally there is an agreement among ‘most’ Academic English tutors to the key elements that should or should not be included. The following is a list of the do’s and don’ts…

Key points of academic style writing

YES Formal Linkers

(In addition, Moreover, Consequently…)

YES Academic Vocabulary

See A.W.L

YES Referencing systems

(Harvard / APA / Chicago…)

YES Passive structures

We analysed the data /

The data was analysed…

YES Complex Grammar structures

[Cohesive devices – independent + subordinator + dependent clause]

Although / Despite / since…

 YES Nominalisation / noun forms

The data was analysed (passive)

An analysis of the data showed… (nominalised)

YES Noun phrases

adjective + noun  / quantifier + noun  / noun + noun structures

YES Caution / hedging – tentative language

Possibly / seems / appears / could / may

YES Accurate vocabulary

Difference between law / rule

YES Precise facts / figures

A few years ago / in 2014

Practice in Academic Style for writing essays

Example

(a) Another thing to think about is the chance of crime getting worse.

____________________________________________________________________

 1. First highlight informal words / non-academic style:

(a) Another thing to think about is the chance of crime getting worse.

2.  Use synonyms for informal words 

Thing = area / aspect / feature / point

Think about = consider / note / understand / acknowledge /

chance = possibility / probability / situation / 

getting = becoming / 

3. Rewrite the sentence

Another aspect to consider is the possibility of crime becoming worse

4. Noun phrase / nominalisation structure

Another aspect of consideration is the possibility of crime becoming worse

# For more exercises – download this lesson for 50p (10 practice exercises)