Academic writing Guide: Tips & Checklist

Both essay and report writing need formal writing, analytical thinking, solid reasoning behind every conclusion, careful reading and neat presentation, but a report-writing layout is very different from essay writing.

Writing Reports

A report is a presentation of Facts & Findings, and usually has Recommendations (for a specific audience), and probably intended to be kept as a Record as these are generally required for Judging the performances of various departments in an organization.

It is purely based on Observation and Analysis. It Discusses a particular problem in great detail.

A good report is always Fact Finding and not fault finding. It is prepared with an unbiased approach.

Research Paper

A Research paper is any piece of academic writing (done on a topic) that professors expect you to submit as a requirement for a class. It provides analysis, interpretation, and argument based on in-depth independent research, often in response to a question chosen by the student. A Research Report is commonly submitted by undergraduate students as a part of their studies in college.

Thesis/ Dissertation

A dissertation or thesis is a long piece of academic writing based on original research, submitted as part of a doctoral, master’s, or bachelor’s degree. The large final research project undertaken at the end of a degree, usually on a topic of the student’s choice.

Related: dissertation Writing Guide

Other types of Academic writing include writing Articles, Reflective journals, Portfolio writing, etc.

Academic Writing Tips

Academic writing is always written in the third person throughout (no use of I, we, you, etc., unless using a direct quote).

Use Cite Them Right conventions to correctly reference in-text citations and reference lists.

Academic writing should be neutral and cautious throughout (do not write ‘this research proves…’ rather ‘this research suggests…’). Both sides of an argument should be presented.

Academic writing is formal. There should be no use of slang, informal language or contractions (e.g. isn’t is written is not).

Academic writing is objective not subjective, and appropriate language should be used (e.g. you cannot use emotive or subjective language -gorgeous, good, bad, beautiful, disgusting, outrageous, etc.).

Academic writing is based on fact and evidence and should be specific. Do not write ‘Online consumer reviews have been around for a while,’ rather ‘Online consumer reviews were first introduced in 1995 by the retail pioneer Amazon (Chen and Xie, 2008).’

Academic writing should adopt a critical approach (see separate resources).

Numbers under 10 should be written out in full using words. Numbers over 10 can be expressed in digits, e.g. ‘The four interview participants watched a 20 minute film on…’

Charts and tables should be referred to in the main body text and clearly labelled and referenced.

Any reference material used must be academic in nature – if you are unsure check with your tutor.

In general, the following makes a GOOD academic writing:

• The introductory sentence immediately tells the audience your topic.
• The opening paragraph supports the opening sentence. The second paragraph supports the first paragraph.
• There are no spelling errors, and the writing is clear and concise.

What is Paraphrasing?

Paraphrasing is a Restatement of the same or different length as the original, written with different words, often reorganized, faithful to the author’s intended meaning, and Reader-Friendly.

Paraphrasing helps provide a level of understanding, avoid plagiarism and enables comprehension of the material being paraphrased.

Paraphrasing Techniques: Change to synonyms, Change word forms, Change from quoted speech to indirect speech, Change from active voice to passive voice, Interpret meaning, Identify the underlying meaning of a statement.

All the paraphrased sentences should be properly cited.

Flow chart on how to approach PROJECT work

Here’s a flow chart that shows how students should approach their project work for best results.

The steps include:

Think of a topic for the project study

Identify the problem you want to study relate to your organisation. Read the concerned subject matter as to how much or to what extent research has been done in that area

Consult your guide to see if the problem you want to study is relevant. If so proceed with the next step else

Plan of action as to how research will be done; where will the problem be studied; how & where will the data be collected; forecast what kind of analysis and inferences can be drawn

Proceed with actual project work

Report writing – write the report, prepare a draft & redraft (guide to scrutinise the work)

Final project – submit in college or upload on the website for evaluation.

Upload ppt presentation and book slot for viva

Attend viva session at the institute

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