The document outlines the principles of academic writing, emphasizing the importance of a neutral tone, balanced arguments, and critical analysis. It highlights the need to support claims with literature and accurately reference sources, while also suggesting methods to evaluate writing quality. Additionally, it discusses the evolving nature of writing skills in response to feedback.

1. Introduction to
academic writing

2. What is academic writing?
 A way of demonstrating professional thinking
 Neutral tone
 Balanced argument
 Supported by literature
 Critical analysis

3. Neutral tone
 Be aware of your own opinions and biases
 Avoid emotive language
 “…this is a terrible idea…”
 “…in Evans’ (2020) brilliant article…”
 “…it is disgraceful that…somebody think of the
children!”

4. What else would you avoid?
 In small groups:
 What types of punctuation would you avoid using?
 Suggest a “test” that you could use when deciding
whether to use a particular sentence.
e.g. Would I say it to my…

5. Tests might include;
 Would the original author agree with how I have used their material?
 Can someone who does not know the subject follow my discussion?
 Does it make sense when Word reads my work aloud?
 Would I use this language in ‘real life’?
And hundreds of others.
The tests you use will adapt over time as you get feedback for your work.

6. Balanced argument
 Academic writing recognises that opinion varies and that
evidence is often mixed.
 If you can find evidence in support of a concept, you can
almost always find evidence to refute it, or to support
another approach
 Developing skills of critical analysis will enable you to
present multiple ideas and weigh up the alternatives.

7. Supported by literature
 By reading around the subject, a balanced argument can
be underpinned by good quality research and evidence
 Finding this evidence is a large part of the student
experience and developing the skills to do this will be a
theme which is returned to throughout the course.
 Accurately referencing the sources used is an essential
component of academic writing and one which can seem
daunting.

8. Critical analysis
 Involves assessing the quality of the evidence presented
 Includes:
 Weighing up the information
 Comparing with other opinions/evidence
 Balancing your argument