Developing an Academic Writing Style

As if!  Because writing is a daily part of our lives, whether in the form of sending text messages to friends or emailing colleagues at work, it is very easy for the way we use writing informally to creep into the way we write formal academic papers. However, using formal style and diction is a very important component of good college writing. A good academic paper is not necessarily peppered with ‘big words’ or ‘SAT words’ in every other sentence but effective academic writers usually do not use slang or text message spellings when communicating.

In general, unless you are writing a personal essay or your teacher specifically requests that you do so, avoid the use of first person (‘I’ or ‘we’) or second person (‘you’).  Use the third person. Write clearly, concisely, and specifically. Do not make hasty generalizations: justify your claims. Avoid words like ‘a lot’ or ‘many.’ Give precise definitions and use exact numbers. Do not make too many assumptions about what your audience knows. Your professor wants to know what you know: you are not speaking informally to a group of friends where you can make the assumption that they know you well and that you all share a common base of knowledge.

Avoid the use of too many contractions, be wary about using abbreviations unless they are commonly used, and explain any complex or obscure terms. Write in complete sentences. Vary your use of vocabulary, including your use of ‘connecting’ words like ‘but’ and ‘and.’ Good academic writing should be interesting because it is communicating ideas. You do not need to try to be ‘cute’ nor should you rely upon filler to cover up your lack of knowledge. Academic writing requires a different standard of expression than every day written conversation.  Do not use the writing equivalent of jeans and a t-shirt when your professor specifies ‘black tie’ in terms of the standard of formality.