Video summary

An Introduction to Academic Writing

Main summary

Key takeaways

Educational

Main ideas / concepts covered

Purpose of the series

The speaker introduces an ongoing video series from the Academic Writing Center focused on:

  • Concepts
  • Techniques
  • Strategies

…for academic writing in English.

Four guiding questions answered

The series addresses four key questions:

  1. What is academic English?
  2. What is academic writing?
  3. What are the general characteristics of academic writing?
  4. Why is academic writing important?

Academic English (definition and scope)

Academic English is described as the variety of English used to share research.

Research is framed as a process where a researcher answers a research question by creating an argument supported through:

  • Critical analysis
  • Evidence

Academic English is used to persuade a general academic audience that the argument responding to the research question is effective.

Two varieties are identified:

  • Spoken academic English
  • Written academic English

Academic writing (definition and types)

Academic writing is defined as the written variety of academic English used to convey research.

It includes many genres, such as:

  • Literature reviews
  • Research papers
  • Abstracts
  • Lab reports

A key principle is that each genre has its own rules and conventions, so writers should identify the expectations for the specific genre before starting.

General characteristics of academic writing

Most academic writing tends to share the following traits:

  1. Focus and specific expectations

    • Academic writing is used to answer research questions.
    • Research questions may be:
      • Given by an instructor, or
      • Developed by the writer/researcher.
    • Strong academic writing begins with a focused, specific question.

  2. Logical reasoning over emotion/sensory impressions

    • Facts matter more than feelings.
    • Writing should reflect:
      • Clear critical thinking
      • The ability to make arguments
    • Arguments should be strengthened with evidence.

  3. Clarity for the reader (low-context, reader-responsible)

    • Academic writing is described as low-context and reader-responsible:
      • Readers rely on what is written.
      • Therefore, it’s the writer’s job to make the argument understandable.

  4. Coherence

    • Coherence means:
      • Logical connections between sentences
        • Example strategy: start sentences with information that connects to the previous sentence.
      • Paragraph unity
        • Each paragraph should center on a single idea.
      • Relevance to the overall argument
        • Included information should help build the effective argument addressing the research question.

  5. Following a process

    • Even though individuals develop personal workflows, most writers follow a broadly similar process.

Academic writing methodology (steps/instructions)

The video presents a multi-step workflow:

  • Step 1: Analyze the task

    • Clarify your purpose for writing.
    • Identify your target audience.

  • Step 2: Plan your argument

    • Develop a main claim.
    • Decide how you will support the claim with evidence.

  • Step 3: Research

    • Gather quality evidence that is:
      • Fact-based
      • Objective
    • Use this evidence to support the main claim/argument.

  • Step 4: Write, draft, and revise

    • Emphasize that good writing is not done overnight and usually requires multiple drafts.
    • Edit and proofread
      • Check punctuation and proper spelling.
    • Assess argument structure
      • Ensure logical structure and that information supports the argument.
    • Ask others for feedback
      • Seek comments from peers and colleagues.

Why academic writing is important (benefits)

Academic writing is valuable for both professional and personal reasons:

  • Enables writers to make individual contributions to academic discussions in their field.
  • Gives individuals a greater voice and the ability to participate in conversations about topics important to them.
  • Building academic writing skills also builds being:
    • an effective researcher
    • a strong critical thinker
  • It is a marketable/professional skill:
    • Can improve qualifications
    • Makes candidates more attractive to employers.

The speaker concludes that academic writing is more than just writing itself—it involves a set of linked skills:

  • Critical thinking
  • Argument construction
  • Research skills

Speakers / sources featured

  • John Karowski (speaker; English as a foreign language instructor; host for the Academic Writing Center series)
  • Dr. Karen Otwell (source cited; Cambridge University Language Center)

Original video