10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
School of Distance Education
UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
Writing skill expectations change as a student moves from school to college.
Academic writing skill is needed for success in higher education.
Only through constant and deliberate practice one can master academic writing.
Academic writers are not expected to make subjective judgments, categorical remarks and
use information from unreliable sources.
Writing tasks assigned to students at college/university is referred to as academic writing.
Academic writing is formal and follows a well defined pattern.
Non academic writing is informal and without any predictable pattern.
Students, teachers and researchers who engage in academic writing at college or university
are called €scholars• or €academicians•.
Papers sent for publication in a scholarly journal undergo peer reviewing and evaluation.
Academicians are expected to adhere to certain basic ethics, and they have to conduct
themselves in a responsible manner.
Answer the following questions
1. Differentiate between the skills expectation in school and college with focus on writing.
A. Skill expectations change significantly as you move from school to college. College students
are expected to write a range of written works as a part of their studies and developing written
communication is essential for studies at the tertiary level. School students often write in
informal, simple and non technical language. There is a chance for creative writing (the writers
personal feelings and self expression). Writing skills expected at the college level mainly
involves the ability to write clearly and logically following certain techniques, conventions and
styles.
2. What are the prerequisites for learning academic writing?
A. Academic writing is to be understood as higher order of writing skill. It is apparent that to
learn academic writing one should possess basic skills to use writing for communication. The
following are the prerequisites for learning academic writing.
1. Start free writing: Write continuously without worrying about the correctness, grammar
mistakes, or logical order. You need to encourage yourself to write something.
2. Keep a journal: Make it a habit to write something in a notebook specifically meant for the
purpose. Keeping a personal journal can be used as a practice for developing academic writing
as well.
3. Reading and writing: Reading is an important prerequisite for aspiring writers. If you take into
account others• opinions and findings it will help you to improve your writing skill.
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 5
School of Distance Education
4. Think critically: It is a process of inspecting something closely and reflecting on it. Writing
and thinking are complementing each other; that is, thinking will refine your writings and
writing will strengthen your thoughts.
5. Develop research skills: Developing research skills will help you to find out and make use of
the sources of information.
6. Learn language of your discipline: To write on your discipline you need to get a systematic
initiation into the fundamentals of your discipline. The fundamentals include the key words and
phrases frequently used in that discipline
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,10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 5
School of Distance Education
4. Think critically: It is a process of inspecting something closely and reflecting on it. Writing
and thinking are complementing each other; that is, thinking will refine your writings and
writing will strengthen your thoughts.
5. Develop research skills: Developing research skills will help you to find out and make use of
the sources of information.
6. Learn language of your discipline: To write on your discipline you need to get a systematic
initiation into the fundamentals of your discipline. The fundamentals include the key words and
phrases frequently used in that discipline.
3. List the distinctive features of academic and non academic writings.
A.
Academic writing Non academic writing
Formal language, use technical and formal Simple language, use informal phrases and
vocabulary. slangs.
Signal words to indicate organizational pattern Language use suitable for a larger audience.
of the work.
Formal introductory paragraph containing Short introduction, suiting the subject a
statement. thesis matter of the work.
Body paragraphs are long and with each Main body paragraphs are shorter in length
sentence serving a specified purpose. like topic sentence, substantiation and
transition.
Elaborate explanation of the central idea or Ideas are elaborated well, but not supported
argument with supporting expert sources. with expert sources.
Referencing Personal stories or impressions and no
referencing.
Others ideas and answers incorporated to in Direct quotations from others without citing
body paragraphs as direct quotations, sources.
paraphrasing.
Author•s stand on the issue raised in the essay, Author expresses opinion directly as €I•
but without expressions like €I think•, €In my
view•.
Tables No tables and figures
Precise figures. Approximate figures
4. How do you define academic writing?
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 6
School of Distance Education
A. Academic writing generally refers to all writing tasks assigned to students for the purpose of
study at the college level. It is a formal way of writing. It is different from creative writing and
various other informal and fictional writings.
5. Explain €blind peer reviewing•?
A. A paper submitted by a scholar for publication to a journal is sent to other scholars
(reviewers) by the editor of the journal without the names and other details of the writer. The
about:blank 2/42
,10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 6
School of Distance Education
A. Academic writing generally refers to all writing tasks assigned to students for the purpose of
study at the college level. It is a formal way of writing. It is different from creative writing and
various other informal and fictional writings.
5. Explain €blind peer reviewing•?
A. A paper submitted by a scholar for publication to a journal is sent to other scholars
(reviewers) by the editor of the journal without the names and other details of the writer. The
reviewers read the paper and determine if the paper is worth publishing. The identity of the
reviewers is never disclosed to the author of the paper.
6. What are the implications of using others• material as one•s own?
A. Plagiarism is an act of stealing others• material as one•s own. It is an unethical act, a serious
offence, and is treated as a breach of academic integrity.
7. Comment on the seriousness of plagiarism and suggest ways to avoid it.
A. Plagiarism is an act of stealing others• material as one•s own. It is an unethical act, a serious
offence, and is treated as a breach of academic integrity. The easiest way to avoid plagiarism is
to distinguish your ideas from the ideas of others in your paper. That is, every idea borrowed
from others need to be acknowledged in the text of your paper by separating them using
quotation marks and providing the details of the sources.
8. What is €honor code•?
A. Writer of an academic paper is expected to adhere to certain basic ethics and they have to
conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Some universities make it mandatory for all
students to sign an agreement called €honor code• at the time of enrolling for academic
programmes. Honor code is like a pledge taken by students to the effect that they will uphold
academic integrity and ethical behaviour and will not engage in any kind of cheating, stealing
and misrepresentation.
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 7
School of Distance Education
UNIT II
GENRES AND TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, case study, literature
review, project report, proposals and dissertation/ thesis.
An academic essay is written to answer a question, or to defend an argument or opinion on
about:blank 3/42
, 10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 7
School of Distance Education
UNIT II
GENRES AND TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, case study, literature
review, project report, proposals and dissertation/ thesis.
An academic essay is written to answer a question, or to defend an argument or opinion on
a topic with supporting evidence.
A research paper provides detailed information on a topic through different sections like
literature review, methodology, discussion and conclusion.
The most popular documentation style in subjects under Humanities MLA (Modern
Language Association) style; whereas in Social Sciences research scholars usually follow
APA (American Psychology Association) style.
The word €case• in case study refers to an individual situation.
A review of literature attempts to look at previous writings with a critical eye, often
finding out the methodological and other shortcomings of a work reviewed.
The words dissertation and thesis are often used interchangeably to refer to the mandatory
final projects in certain academic programmes.
There are different approaches to academic writing. They are expository, descriptive,
persuasive, analytical, critical/ evaluative and narrative/ reflective.
Answer the following questions
1. Discuss the genres in academic writing and their distinctive uses.
A. The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, book review, textual
analysis, literature review, project report, proposals, dissertation/ thesis and case study. Most
academies use essays to assess students• progress. An academic essay is written to answer a
question or to defend an argument or opinion on a topic supporting evidence. A research paper
provides detailed information on a topic through different sections like literature review,
methodology, discussion and conclusion. A proposal is what you present to explain objectives,
purpose, methodology, and detailed plan for a proposal. Literature review is the summary of
relevant previous writings on the topic under discussion. The main purpose of review of
literature as an academic writing activity is to display your knowledge of the subject.
Dissertation / thesis are often used as interchangeably to refer to the mandatory final projects in
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 8
School of Distance Education
certain academic projects. Case study is widely used in Social Science and Science subjects like
Medicine.
2. What are the features of a case study? Explain.
A. Case study is widely used in Social Science and Science subjects like Medicine. The main
skills involved in case study are problem solving, critical thinking and writing. Case study uses
the method of analyzing sample cases- real or imaginary crises, hypothetical situations- to
about:blank 4/42
School of Distance Education
UNIT 1
INTRODUCTION TO ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
Writing skill expectations change as a student moves from school to college.
Academic writing skill is needed for success in higher education.
Only through constant and deliberate practice one can master academic writing.
Academic writers are not expected to make subjective judgments, categorical remarks and
use information from unreliable sources.
Writing tasks assigned to students at college/university is referred to as academic writing.
Academic writing is formal and follows a well defined pattern.
Non academic writing is informal and without any predictable pattern.
Students, teachers and researchers who engage in academic writing at college or university
are called €scholars• or €academicians•.
Papers sent for publication in a scholarly journal undergo peer reviewing and evaluation.
Academicians are expected to adhere to certain basic ethics, and they have to conduct
themselves in a responsible manner.
Answer the following questions
1. Differentiate between the skills expectation in school and college with focus on writing.
A. Skill expectations change significantly as you move from school to college. College students
are expected to write a range of written works as a part of their studies and developing written
communication is essential for studies at the tertiary level. School students often write in
informal, simple and non technical language. There is a chance for creative writing (the writers
personal feelings and self expression). Writing skills expected at the college level mainly
involves the ability to write clearly and logically following certain techniques, conventions and
styles.
2. What are the prerequisites for learning academic writing?
A. Academic writing is to be understood as higher order of writing skill. It is apparent that to
learn academic writing one should possess basic skills to use writing for communication. The
following are the prerequisites for learning academic writing.
1. Start free writing: Write continuously without worrying about the correctness, grammar
mistakes, or logical order. You need to encourage yourself to write something.
2. Keep a journal: Make it a habit to write something in a notebook specifically meant for the
purpose. Keeping a personal journal can be used as a practice for developing academic writing
as well.
3. Reading and writing: Reading is an important prerequisite for aspiring writers. If you take into
account others• opinions and findings it will help you to improve your writing skill.
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 5
School of Distance Education
4. Think critically: It is a process of inspecting something closely and reflecting on it. Writing
and thinking are complementing each other; that is, thinking will refine your writings and
writing will strengthen your thoughts.
5. Develop research skills: Developing research skills will help you to find out and make use of
the sources of information.
6. Learn language of your discipline: To write on your discipline you need to get a systematic
initiation into the fundamentals of your discipline. The fundamentals include the key words and
phrases frequently used in that discipline
about:blank 1/42
,10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 5
School of Distance Education
4. Think critically: It is a process of inspecting something closely and reflecting on it. Writing
and thinking are complementing each other; that is, thinking will refine your writings and
writing will strengthen your thoughts.
5. Develop research skills: Developing research skills will help you to find out and make use of
the sources of information.
6. Learn language of your discipline: To write on your discipline you need to get a systematic
initiation into the fundamentals of your discipline. The fundamentals include the key words and
phrases frequently used in that discipline.
3. List the distinctive features of academic and non academic writings.
A.
Academic writing Non academic writing
Formal language, use technical and formal Simple language, use informal phrases and
vocabulary. slangs.
Signal words to indicate organizational pattern Language use suitable for a larger audience.
of the work.
Formal introductory paragraph containing Short introduction, suiting the subject a
statement. thesis matter of the work.
Body paragraphs are long and with each Main body paragraphs are shorter in length
sentence serving a specified purpose. like topic sentence, substantiation and
transition.
Elaborate explanation of the central idea or Ideas are elaborated well, but not supported
argument with supporting expert sources. with expert sources.
Referencing Personal stories or impressions and no
referencing.
Others ideas and answers incorporated to in Direct quotations from others without citing
body paragraphs as direct quotations, sources.
paraphrasing.
Author•s stand on the issue raised in the essay, Author expresses opinion directly as €I•
but without expressions like €I think•, €In my
view•.
Tables No tables and figures
Precise figures. Approximate figures
4. How do you define academic writing?
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 6
School of Distance Education
A. Academic writing generally refers to all writing tasks assigned to students for the purpose of
study at the college level. It is a formal way of writing. It is different from creative writing and
various other informal and fictional writings.
5. Explain €blind peer reviewing•?
A. A paper submitted by a scholar for publication to a journal is sent to other scholars
(reviewers) by the editor of the journal without the names and other details of the writer. The
about:blank 2/42
,10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 6
School of Distance Education
A. Academic writing generally refers to all writing tasks assigned to students for the purpose of
study at the college level. It is a formal way of writing. It is different from creative writing and
various other informal and fictional writings.
5. Explain €blind peer reviewing•?
A. A paper submitted by a scholar for publication to a journal is sent to other scholars
(reviewers) by the editor of the journal without the names and other details of the writer. The
reviewers read the paper and determine if the paper is worth publishing. The identity of the
reviewers is never disclosed to the author of the paper.
6. What are the implications of using others• material as one•s own?
A. Plagiarism is an act of stealing others• material as one•s own. It is an unethical act, a serious
offence, and is treated as a breach of academic integrity.
7. Comment on the seriousness of plagiarism and suggest ways to avoid it.
A. Plagiarism is an act of stealing others• material as one•s own. It is an unethical act, a serious
offence, and is treated as a breach of academic integrity. The easiest way to avoid plagiarism is
to distinguish your ideas from the ideas of others in your paper. That is, every idea borrowed
from others need to be acknowledged in the text of your paper by separating them using
quotation marks and providing the details of the sources.
8. What is €honor code•?
A. Writer of an academic paper is expected to adhere to certain basic ethics and they have to
conduct themselves in a responsible manner. Some universities make it mandatory for all
students to sign an agreement called €honor code• at the time of enrolling for academic
programmes. Honor code is like a pledge taken by students to the effect that they will uphold
academic integrity and ethical behaviour and will not engage in any kind of cheating, stealing
and misrepresentation.
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 7
School of Distance Education
UNIT II
GENRES AND TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, case study, literature
review, project report, proposals and dissertation/ thesis.
An academic essay is written to answer a question, or to defend an argument or opinion on
about:blank 3/42
, 10/11/23, 7:57 AM Waps - Lecture notes 1-9
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 7
School of Distance Education
UNIT II
GENRES AND TYPES OF ACADEMIC WRITING
Points to Remember
The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, case study, literature
review, project report, proposals and dissertation/ thesis.
An academic essay is written to answer a question, or to defend an argument or opinion on
a topic with supporting evidence.
A research paper provides detailed information on a topic through different sections like
literature review, methodology, discussion and conclusion.
The most popular documentation style in subjects under Humanities MLA (Modern
Language Association) style; whereas in Social Sciences research scholars usually follow
APA (American Psychology Association) style.
The word €case• in case study refers to an individual situation.
A review of literature attempts to look at previous writings with a critical eye, often
finding out the methodological and other shortcomings of a work reviewed.
The words dissertation and thesis are often used interchangeably to refer to the mandatory
final projects in certain academic programmes.
There are different approaches to academic writing. They are expository, descriptive,
persuasive, analytical, critical/ evaluative and narrative/ reflective.
Answer the following questions
1. Discuss the genres in academic writing and their distinctive uses.
A. The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, book review, textual
analysis, literature review, project report, proposals, dissertation/ thesis and case study. Most
academies use essays to assess students• progress. An academic essay is written to answer a
question or to defend an argument or opinion on a topic supporting evidence. A research paper
provides detailed information on a topic through different sections like literature review,
methodology, discussion and conclusion. A proposal is what you present to explain objectives,
purpose, methodology, and detailed plan for a proposal. Literature review is the summary of
relevant previous writings on the topic under discussion. The main purpose of review of
literature as an academic writing activity is to display your knowledge of the subject.
Dissertation / thesis are often used as interchangeably to refer to the mandatory final projects in
Writing for Academic and Professional Success Page 8
School of Distance Education
certain academic projects. Case study is widely used in Social Science and Science subjects like
Medicine.
2. What are the features of a case study? Explain.
A. Case study is widely used in Social Science and Science subjects like Medicine. The main
skills involved in case study are problem solving, critical thinking and writing. Case study uses
the method of analyzing sample cases- real or imaginary crises, hypothetical situations- to
about:blank 4/42
