Discuss in groups:

1. Do you like writing in your native language? What do you usually write about?
2. How do you like writing in English? When do you write in English?
3. What makes good writing in your native language? In English?
4. What is your most unforgettable writing experience in either language?
5. What are the purposes of writing?
6. What areas of English writing are easy for you? What areas are challenging?
7. What expectations do you have for this course?
8. What do you think academic writing is?

II. Definition of Academic Writing

What is writing for?  As you have just discussed,  the simplest answer is to communicate meaning.

People write for different purposes. For example,

• Some of them write to inform, as in news stories and technical manuals^[1].
• Some write to entertain^[2], as in fictions and movie scripts.
• In daily life, people may scribble^[3] a short reminder note, compose a festive party invitation, or craft a well-versed^[4] love letter.
• In work, meeting memos^[5] and business reports are very common.
• In colleges and universities, students write paragraphs, essays, research papers, lab reports, and many others. These forms of writing are called academic writing – a formal, nonfictional written piece of work for learning, teaching, and researching.

It is the last type – academic writing – that this course is introducing and focusing on. At this intermediate level, you will be learning the basic styles and uses as well as practicing editing skills associated with academic writing to be ready for higher-level compositions^[6] in colleges and universities.

 

III. Characteristics of Academic Writing

All types of writing share many aspects in common. However, each type has its own characteristics. Academic writing is characterized by the following:

1. Logical and direct

Academic writing in English uses a very linear organizational style. This means that the writers explain their information in a straightforward way, like a vertical line – the main idea first, followed by supporting ideas to explain the main idea, and a conclusion that signals the completion of the explanation.

Main idea

⇓

Supporting ideas

⇓

Conclusion

Unlike the approaches^[7] in some other countries, the American style requires the students to state their focus early in their writing, without “hiding” the points or “circulating” hints till the end of writing.

2. Formal

Formal, standard English is expected. This requires a good understanding of formal grammar and usage. Colloquial^[8] and spoken English should not be used.

3. Clear

Writing clearly is extremely important as the purpose of writing is not only to clarify your own thoughts but also to communicate them for others to understand. To achieve this, you should not translate from your native language and should always proofread^[9] your writing for accuracy.

4. Concise

Being concise means not repeating the same words and ideas unnecessarily.  Sometimes, repetition is important to emphasize a point, but most often needless duplications^[10] of the same ideas may make your writing redundant^[11] and inefficient.

 

Writing is a process. Almost no one can produce perfect writing on the first try; in fact, there is no such thing as perfect writing. Good writing takes time and repeated revisions^[12]. Most importantly, it takes patience and continuous efforts to achieve the characteristics explained above.

IV. Ten Most Common Misconceptions about Writing

The following ten misconceptions^[13] are very common among ESL students of all levels. Read each statement first and think/discuss whether you feel the same way.  Then click to read explanations and suggestions.