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Identifying Academic Style

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Identifying Academic Style

Some Stylistic Features of Academic Writing:
1. Systematic introduction and development of topic.  
2. Writer's approach is analytical, objective and intellectual.

Not impressionistic.

Strong opinions may be expressed but not subjectively or emotionally.

3. Formal manner of writing. Not conversational or colloquial.
4. Impersonal tone.

Is the use of ‘I’, ‘We’ and ‘You’ acceptable?

How do I choose between the use of active voice and passive voice?

Evidence from books and research rather than personal experience or what you think.

5. Referring to literature/research gives objectivity and credibility to academic writing.

Multiple sources of evidence. Acknowledge ideas from other writers, whether quoted, paraphrased or summarised.

Proper in-text citation and referencing.

The penalty for plagiarism is high.

6. More complex sentences and specialised vocabulary. Complex sentence structures are often used but do not put too many ideas in one long sentence.
7. Accurate spelling and grammar.

Do not overuse specialised vocabulary; readers will be confused.

Do not use slang.

Avoid contractions.

When acronyms are used, spell the term out the first time and put it in parentheses. After that, the acronym can be used in the rest of the paper.

The above are some general guidelines. Read widely in your own discipline to determine the stylistic features most suitable for your writing/assignments. When you are in doubt, always check with your lecturers/tutors.


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Attribution information
Title: Student Learning - Identifying Academic Writing Style
Source: https://www.utas.edu.au/health/resources/open-resources/resources/courses/workshops/identifying-academic-style
Author: Lucy Sun