Academic Writing
Features of academic writing
Planning
Academic writing is well planned. It usually takes place after research and evaluation, according to a specific purpose and plan.
The following procedure is typical when writing an extended essay or assignment.
| Task | |
| 1. | Read the question or brief and understand what you are required to do.
Think about the subject, the purpose and the audience. |
| 2. | Think about what you know about the subject.
Write it down in some way. |
| 3. | Go to the library or internet and find relevant books, articles or websites. |
| 4. | Find the books on your reading list – if you have one – and study them. |
| 5. | Make notes on these books and articles.
Record full details of the materials you use. |
| 6. | Organise your piece of work. |
| 7. | Type or write your first draft. |
| 8. | Discuss your first draft informally with friends, other members of your class and your lecturer if possible. |
| 9. | Revise your first draft, bearing in mind any comments that were made in your discussions.
Go back to 2. if necessary Produce your second draft. |
| 10. | Proofread your draft. |
| 11. | Produce a final typed version. |
| 12. | Check everything. |
See: Process, Writing Genres; Research; and Evaluation.
