Introduction to academic writing
During your programme you will likely be required to produce many written assignments, for example, essays, reports, case studies and dissertations. Academic writing uses a particular style which may be unfamiliar at first.
As you progress through your course and read from books and journals, you will start to understand how academic style is different from other styles of writing like fiction or newspaper articles.
“Any courses, along with subject specific lessons, teach us one of the most important lessons anyone can receive, how to write. This in itself is a superpower. As Martin Luther said, “If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.”
Rich Croxford, 3rd year Politics and International Relations
Writing is a key element in understanding a concept, as well as crucial in understanding yourself. To write is to manifest your thoughts into a physical form; it is an incredible act of self development.”
What is Academic Style?
Academic style is formal – it avoids slang, the use of colloquial language, clichés or unnecessary jargon.
It also avoids shortening words through contractions or abbreviations. Contractions are the substitution of a letter with an apostrophe; for example ‘They’ve’ would be written as ‘They have’ and ‘It’s’ as ‘It is’. Abbreviations are fine for making notes in lectures or when you are reading but not in assessed coursework.
All University of Lincoln students have access to the learning resource hub Skills for Study, provided by the Library.
Follow this link to a Writing Skills module and complete topics on:
– Academic writing
– Planning and writing
– Developing your writing
– Improving your writing
– Writing for different subjects
You will need to login using your University of Lincoln credentials to access this learning resource.
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