Writing is a skill required in many contexts throughout life. However, academic writing is quite different from personal writing because it follows its own set of rules and practices:
- Organising ideas in a formal order or structure.
- Supporting ideas with references from academic literature.
- Dealing with the theories and causes of a given topic and exploring alternative explanations for these theories or events.
- Using a particular tone and concise, formal and objective language.
- Adhering to traditional conventions of punctuation, grammar and spelling.
Key elements of academic writing
Structure
Typically, university assignments follow a formal structure. An essay, for example, includes an introduction, essay body paragraphs and a conclusion.
Other kinds of assignments, such as reports or annotated bibliographies, may have a different structure. It's important to check with your lecturer if you're unsure.
Referencing
A significant difference between academic writing and other kinds of writing is referencing.
- If you make claims, judgements or statements about something in academic writing, you must support your opinion with another source. Reference an author who previously wrote about the issue.
- Citing the work of other authors is central to academic writing because it shows you have read the literature, understood the ideas and have integrated these issues and varying perspectives into the assignment task.
- Because referencing is so important, different disciplines use different referencing systems, for example, APA, MLA, Chicago, so make sure you use the correct style.
Academic tone
Like all varieties of writing, academic writing has its own tone, which dictates the choice of words and phrasing.
Academic writing typically aims to be:
- objective, for example, using inclusive language and avoiding personal pronouns
- concise
- formal – avoiding slang, exclamation marks and contractions.
The tone of academic writing can also vary significantly depending on the subject area and the academic discipline you're writing for. For example, reflective writing might use 'I' while in most essays, this should be avoided.
Your course readings and textbook usually reflect the tone to use, so study the style carefully.
The audience
When writing academically, assume that your readers are intelligent thinking people, but they may not be familiar with your topic. Do not presume your reader knows all the terms and concepts associated with your work. Give concise definitions or explanations of key terms and events. This demonstrates to the assignment marker understanding of the topic.
Punctuation and grammar
In academic writing, always follow the rules of punctuation and grammar. Punctuation and grammar conventions are universally known systems within individual languages that maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity in expression. It's important that the spelling and grammar check software on your computer is turned on and set to the correct language.
Academic writing rules and guidelines
Referencing
Learn about referencing books, journals and other material in APA, Chicago and MLA referencing styles, and quoting and paraphrasing for academic writing.
Formatting & editing
Learn about the importance of a consistent format, editing strategies and meeting the word limit of your assignment.
Abstract
Learn how to write an abstract and about the purpose, length, types and style.
Annotated bibliography
Learn how to write an annotated bibliography successfully using 5 key criteria.
Constructing an argument
Learn how to identify errors or flaws in logic and construct an argument in your academic writing.
Writing in te reo Māori
Find out the requirements for academic writing in te reo Māori, including where to get help with oral presentations.