Academic Writing Style Pointers

What makes a good piece of academic writing?

• It answers the question set.
• It demonstrates understanding and clarity of thought.
• It provides evidence of reading and research.
• It supports any assertions by evidence.
• It is well structured.
• It is written in an appropriate style.
• It flows logically from one section to another, and from one paragraph to another.
• It is appropriately referenced.
• It is interesting to read!

http://www2.napier.ac.uk/gus/writing_presenting/style.html

When researching this style I found a lot of information from universities as people at university are required to do lots of writing!!! Many of these universities described the same important points to academic writing.
I choose to use this extract from Glasgow Caledonian University.

Features of Academic Writing
The emphasis in academic writing is on facts and interpretation of the facts. These should be presented in a logical way using an academic writing style.

Some Academic Writing Tips

• Use straightforward language.
Take care with grammar and sentence construction. Avoid using a note-style of writing.

• Try not to use pompous language.
For example: use "find out" rather than "endeavour to ascertain". Try not to use jargon or clichés

• Provide definitions.
Include explanations of technical or unusual terms, unless you can reasonably expect your reader to know them.

• Use impersonal language.
Essays and reports should be written in the third person singular. Avoid personal terms such as 'I' or 'We'; the word 'It' should be used instead:
For example:
"I decided to interview the Tourism Planning Officer..." should read
"It was decided to interview the Tourism Planning Officer..."
The only exceptions to this may be where you are asked to link theory to your own professional practice.

• Be precise.
Avoid using terms such as 'nice', 'good' or 'excellent' that lack a precise meaning One person's idea of what is meant by 'good' is not necessarily another's.

• Be concise and to the point.
For example: Use 'now' or ‘currently' instead of phrases like 'at the time of writing' or 'at this point in time'.

• Try not to make generalizations.
For example: "Everyone agrees that cold calling does not produce results".
While this may be true you can only make such statements if supported with evidence. Instead you should write:
"According to the Mori Report (2000), cold calling does not produce results."
http://www.gcal.ac.uk/student/coursework/writing/index.html

This writing style is the one that I am going to find the hardest to use as it’s very precise and must be well referenced as well as sticking to all of the above pointers. I will certainly give it a try though.