03: WRITING FOR ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL SUCCESS

Unit 1 . Introduction to Academic Writing ✍ 

1.  Differentiate between the skill expectation in school and college with focus on writing.

Ans: There are a lot of difference in the expectation of skills when you move from school to college. In schools, students can use informal, simple and non technical words. Whereas in colleges these practices are not much allowed. College students are expected to write in a good and error-free language to elevate their standard. It means that they must be able to write technical vocabulary in logical and conventional styles.

2. What are the prerequisites for learning academics writing?

Ans:  Like any other skill, academic writing skill can also be learned by certain practices. It is to be developed gradually as it is a high order of skill.

The following are the prerequisite s for academic writing:

1. Start free writing: Continuous writing without bothering about grammar mistakes and vocabulary errors. It should be a self encouraging activity.
2. Keep a journal: keep a notebook always to write something on it. This will help to develop writing skills 
3. Reading and writing: Academics is all about reading and writing. It helps to take others opinions and findings and to develop writing skills.
4. Think critically: A close look at everything with a critical mind helps a lot in academic writing. This will lead to refine our writings and finally benefits with sharp thoughts.
5. Develop research skills: Research skills help you to check the validity and authenticity of the works of you and its source of information.
6. Learn language of your discipline : All subjects areas are having some technical vocabulary and phrases which is essential to develop academic writing.

3. List the distinctive features of academic and non academic writings.

Ans:

   

ACADEMIC WRITING

NON-ACADEMIC WRITING

1.In academic writing, only technical and formal language is used 2.Indicative words or signal words are used to show organisational pattern of the work 3.All Supporting sources are shown to prove the central idea of an argument 4. Body paragraphs are usually broad and wide. 5.All sentences have specific purpose 6. Referencing is important. Quotations are used in case of quoting other writers. 7. Personal pronouns like I, we, In my opinion, etc., are not used.

1. Free to write simple and informal language. Informal phrases can also be used 2. The language is intended for a larger audience 3. All ideas are well explained. Supporting documents are not much seen 4. Main body paragraphs are not lengthier. 5. Instead of references, personal experiences and stories are given 6.Personal pronouns appear ( I, we, they)

4.  How do you define Academic Writing?             

Ans: Academic writing is a formal way of writing. It is different from all other creative and fictional form of writings

5. Explain ‘ blind peer reviewing’.   

Ans: ‘Blind peer reviewing’ is an objective process in which writings of scholars are valued by other superior scholars not knowing the identity of the written documents. This is to ensure the quality of the writings rather than focusing on the person it is written.

6. What are the implications of using others’ materials as one’s own?

Ans: Using others materials as one’s own is an unethical deed. It spoils one’s academic career and it is a serious offence. This is dead against to the integrity of academics.

7. Comment on the seriousness of plagiarism and suggest ways to avoid it.

Ans: Plagiarism is a kind of theft of others materials and present it as one’s own. It’s an unethical serious offence. To avoid plagiarism we should separate others ideas and thoughts in quotation marks. Giving references of the ideas or thoughts we cited will also help us to avoid plagiarism.

8. What is 'honour code'?

Ans: Writers of academic papers are expected to practice certain ethics to maintain academic integrity. Many universities have made it compulsory to sign an assignment called ‘ honour code’at the outset of an academic program. Honour code is a self assurance by scholars to become aware and to be adhered with academic truth.

Points to remember:

• To become well in higher education, one must be well versed in academic writing
• Expectation of writing skill varies when one moves from school to college.
• Academic writing skills can only be acquired by constant writing and revising practices
• As academic writing is a high order of writing, academic writers should be objective and reliable. They are expected to use materials from authentic sources.
• Academic writing is having a well-defined pattern whereas non-academic writing is informal and does not have a fixed pattern
• People who are engaged in academic writing at colleges or universities are called ‘scholars’ or ‘academicians’
• ‘Blind peer reviewing’ is an objective process in which academic writings are valued hiding the identity of the writer.
• Academic integrity is mandatory to all academicians.

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Unit II : Genres and Types of Academic Writing✍ 

 1.   Discuss the genres in academic writing and their distinctive uses.

Ans.     The major academic genres are essays, research papers, dissertation/thesis, book review, textual analysis, project report, proposals, literature review and case study. Essay is the main tool to check the progress of students in most academics. The purpose of writing an academic essay is defending an argument or giving opinions on a topic with supporting evidence. A research paper is prepared with detailed information on a topic. It has various sections like literature review, methodology, discussion and conclusion. Dissertation or thesis are often used interchangeably to refer to the mandatory final projects in certain academic projects. A literature review is a precise summary of the previous writings on the topic under discussion. Review of literature is to display your knowledge of a specific subject. The use of proposal is to explain objectives, purpose, methodology of an idea. Case study is an effective tool which is used in medicine and social science areas.

 2.  What are the features of a case study?

Ans.    Case study is an effective tool which is used in medicine and social science subjects. Problem solving, critical thinking and writing are the main skills involved in case study. By using this method, case study analyses - sample cases, real or imaginary cases, hypothetical situations- to demonstrate how they are handled or resolved.

There are some steps involved in writing a case study. They are:

1.  Describing the situation.
2. Identifying the issues to be solved.
3. Analysing the case using theories and approaches relevant to the discipline. 
4. Giving recommendation or suggesting a series of steps to solve the problem in the best possible way.

3. How would you differentiate between a thesis/ dissertation?

Ans. Dissertation/thesis are the final document of research work carried out by scholars. The world dissertation/thesis are often used interchangeably to refer to the mandatory final projects in certain academic programs. These are used in different names in different places. In the United States a thesis is the final project of masters degree whereas in the United Kingdom a thesis is submitted for doctoral degree. In the U.S a dissertation is submitted for doctoral degree but in the U.K it is aimed for masters. A doctoral thesis/ dissertation is lengthier and broader compared to thesis/ dissertation for masters.

4. What is the objective of literature review? 

Ans.  Many people would have already penned their views on the topic you are researching. In order to go through these writings you can get different perspectives of your topic. The word ‘literature ‘ in literature review refer to previous written works on a particular area of study on a topic.

5.  Bring out the major approaches to writing 

Ans. Depending upon the purpose academic writing can be executed through different approaches. They are expository, descriptive, persuasive, analytical, critical/evaluative and narrative/reflective. Expository method is used to explain, inform or define a subject. Instead of opinions or arguments facts and figures are given here. As per the subjects, things are arranged in logical manner. In descriptive writing visual words and descriptions are used to enable visualising. Figurative or poetic use of language is the example for descriptive approach. Persuasive approach is used to convince readers to accept the writers point of view. Analytical approach contains the elements of exposition,persuasion and description. Critical or evaluative approach checks out the merits of an existing work and provides alternatives. In narrative or reflective approach the writer presents a story, personal experience and ideas through narration.

6. Lists the rhetorical modes and their uses.

Ans.

Narration: To explain or to recounting events

Description: Describing, portraying people, things and places

Illustration or exemplification: Describing with illustration or examples

Division and classification: Explains categories and parts

Process analysis: Explaining the process of working something or explaining how something can be done

Comparison and contrast: Showing similarities and differences

Cause and effect: To explain causes and its effects

Definition: To Define something or explain what we mean by something

Argument and persuasion: Citing claims and substantiate them convincingly.

7. What are the popular style guides in use today?

Ans.  There are two major popular style guides are use in today. The first one is MLA (Modern Language Association) style. MLA is used underground humanities subjects. In social science subjects, APA ( American Psychology Association) is used. Apart from this many world class universities are using their own style guides for this purpose.

8.  Write briefly on the sections in social science dissertation.

Ans.  The sections in social science dissertation are - title page, abstract, introduction, review of literature, methodology, results, discussion/findings and references/bibliography. Introduction catches the attention of the reader towards the topic. The sufficient information of the background of the topic is also given in this. Review of Literature tells what others tell about the topic under discussion. Methodology is the systematic theoretical analysis of the method applied to a field of study. Discussion or findings are the final part that summaries the findings of the scholar. Bibliography is the reference books used for the findings or any other sources used for the study.

Points to remember:          

• The genres of academic writing include essays, research papers, case study, literature review, project report, proposals and dissertation/thesis.
• An academic essay is written to answer a question or to defend an argument or opinion on a topic with the supporting evidence.                               
• A research paper gives detailed information on the topic through different sections like methodology, literature review, discussion and conclusion.                                                    
• The major popular documentation style in subjects like humanities is MLA (Modern Language Association) whereas in social science subject research scholars usually follow APA (American Psychology Association).  
• The word ‘case’ in case study is referred to an individual situation.              
• Literature review attempts to look at a previous writings with the other writers with a critical eye, often finding out the methodological and other shortcomings of a work reviewed. 
• Dissertation/thesis is a word related with research. They are often used interchangeably to refer to the mandatory final projects in certain academic programmes.          
• There are many different approaches possible in writing academics. They are expository, descriptive, persuasive, analytical, critical/evaluative and narrative/reflective.

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Unit III The Process of Writing ✍  

1.Briefly discuss the step-by-step process of writing an academic assignment.

Ans: Three major processes are there in the submission of an academic assignment. They are pre-writing, writing and a revising, each of these process involves certain steps to be followed.

1.Decide on what you want to study :-    this step involves choosing ia subject, find out an aspect or area within the subject to focus. Then we can narrow down to formulate our topic. Understanding the audience and purpose of your proposed work.         
                         

2. Collect information or export sources:-  Identifying the sources of information is very important, take down notes and prepare a working bibliography or list of works to be consulted or quoted.     

3. Prepare a framework or structure to work on:-  This step involves finalising the basic premises, key points, the organisational pattern of the work and a grouping of points for paragraphs.

4.  Start writing:-  Writing starts as a fourth step. Here preparing the first draft, going through the draft to ensure there are no structural and thematically inconsistencies, editing and revising the papers are the major steps involved. Language errors and use of taboo is/informal/discriminatory words and expressions are to be checked as a part of editing.                                     

5.  Prepare the final draft can you submit:-  It would be better keeping a checklist to verify if anything important is missed out, before submitting.

2. Discuss the importance of audience analysis in academic writing.       

Ans.  To get an effective communication audience analysis is an  inevitable part.  This is very much true in academic writing as well.  Before going to write an academic assignment you need to have a clear idea about your audience. You can ask yourself:-Who am I writing for? What do I expect my readers to know about my topic? What do I want my readers to think about my topic? What do my readers know about my topic? Having a clear-cut idea about your reader and your purpose will make your writing understandable to your audience and it helps to satisfy your expectations. As per your audience,  you may write to inform, justify your stand on a topic, educating the audience on a subject or persuading your audience think or act in the way you want them to think or act.

3. Bring out the purpose of an academic work.                                                  

Ans: 'Purpose' is  meant by your reason for writing academics.  Even though academic writing is purely meant for academic/educational reasons, it is also having some social, rhetorical and other career related purposes as well.  Rhetorical purpose of an academic writing is aimed at persuading the audience to think the way you want them to think.

4. Examine the importance of ‘voice’ in an academic work.         

 Ans.  Academic writers are expected to maintain objectivity in their approaches and perspectives. Your own distinctive voice makes your assignment different.  That means when you are writing a persuasive piece there is a consistent attempt throughout your work to convince the reader that your views are worth considering. Expressions like ’I think’, ‘in my opinion’ and ‘I found out that’ do not commonly use in academic writing. In order to make your writing is more inclusive, it is better to write without reinforcing your stake in the work. Being neutral is the best way of writing academics. Whatever is the voice in the text one thing is crucial:  Your voice in academic assignment should be authentic, educated, well informed, sophisticated and rational.  You can convey your ideas direct and clear.

5. Illustrate the structure of an academic essay. 

Ans.  There are three major parts in an academic essay  including  introductory paragraph, body paragraph and concluding paragraph.  Introductory part is aimed at catching the attention of the reader and makes a few statement on the background, the main ideas and outline of your essay.

Body paragraph is the main paragraph of an essay.  Each paragraphs are connected as a natural links or a chain, contributing to the wholeness  of the work. However paragraphs are not to be written in such a way as to make them stand independent of the totality of the essay. The last paragraph of the essay is concluding paragraph.  Here you can repeat your thesis statement given in the introduction, summarise the points through which you explained your thesis statement in the body paragraphs and you can finish your essay with a concluding statement.

6. List the main steps in planning an essay.  

 The major three steps in planning an essay are pre-writing, writing and a revising

1. Pre-writing : prewriting activities are preliminary steps before starting to write your essay knowing the question well, topic, purpose and audience. Use pre-writing techniques like a brainstorming, clustering/mind mapping to list and organise your ideas.If the instructor has given you a question convert the question into a topic.  If the topic is given convert the topic into a question. If only a keyword is given you are required to frame topic as well as the question. Identify the sources and gather relevant materials.Prepare an outline, decide the logical ordering of ideas/cluster ideas for paragraphs. Identify the thesis statement.

2. Writing

Frame the thesis statement list and the main points.

• Draft the introductory paragraph.
• Draft each body paragraphs with supporting points, substitutions and transition.
• Draft the concluding paragraph. 

3. Revising . You can revise and edit your essay essay: check for inconsistencies, tone, use of taboo words and expressions, grammar, spelling, punctuation and referencing

7.Consider brainstorming and outlining as effective pre-writing activities. 

Brainstorming is a group activity conducted the beginning of a project to generate ideas.  In business and organisational context, brainstorming is used as method to generate innovative ideas on an area of interest and sometimes to find leads to address problems, challenges or conflicts. Brainstorming can be of great use as a pre-writing techniques.   Before starting brainstorming it is a sensual for you to gather ideas and get into the heart of your subject.

 The first paragraph of an essay is the introductory paragraph. Body paragraph is the main paragraph of an essay. Body paragraphs give a complete idea with necessary illustrations, explanations, quotation and other kind of substantiation. Concluding paragraph is the last paragraph of an essay. You are expected to restate your thesis statement given in the introduction, summarise the point through which you explain your thesis statement in your body paragraphs and finish your essay with a concluding paragraph.

8. What are the three types of paragraphs in an academic essay? 

Ans. The three types of paragraph in an academic essay:—

1. Introductory paragraph
2. Body paragraph
3. Concluding paragraph

9.What are the kinds of sentences used in an academic essay? Explain their functions.

Three types of sentences are used in an academic essay.  They are topic sentence, substantiation, conclusion or transition. All this sentences have special function. The topic sentence gives the main content or ideas of each paragraph. This includes the focus of the paragraphs and tells readers what the paragraph is going to be about. Although the topic sentence  Can be located anywhere in a paragraph in academy cases, it is usually given at the beginning of each paragraph. Successful academic writing requires claims and arguments to be substantiated with the evidence from each or other authoritative sources. This practice goes to the heart of academic writing because it a reflects the  The objectivity of your writing. The concluding sentence summarises the points that you have made. It's a tie the whole paragraph together without simply rephrasing the topic sentence. Your  concluding sentence should wrap up your entire argument and provide guidance to your readers about to what to do with the information you have given them.

Points to remember: 

• The important features of academic writing can be described in three words; formal, objective and a technical
• All academic writings are implicit in its tone  In ’who is writing and why’
• Academic essay is typically structured in three parts of paragraphs: an introductory paragraph, a minimum of three body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph.
• Three major processes preceding the submission of an academic assignment. Pre- writing, writing and revising.
• Brainstorming is defined as a group activity conducted at the beginning of a project to generate ideas.
•  Academic essays are structured in three paragraphs: an introductory paragraph, a minimum of three body paragraphs and a concluding paragraph.
• Three major processess, preceding the submission of an academic assignment. They are pre-writing, writing and revising.
• Brainstorming is a group activity conducted at the beginning of a project to generate ideas.
• Thesis statement brings together the different sections in an essay. It is introduced in the opening paragraph, this statement allows the readers to know what the essay is about.
• To keep and maintain an academic style you are expected to avoid highly judgemental, vague,broad, dogmatic, categorical and overstated statements as your thesis statements.
• Introduction paragraph should be introduced in a simple manner to invite the attention of the reader. It gives vital background information, It presents the thesis statement and provides outline statements.
• The purpose of paragraph is to present a one idea. Usually there are three types of sentences in a body paragraph.
• Concluding paragraph re-emphasise the thesis statement, summarises the main points/premises and gives a concluding paragraph.

Unit IV : Elements of Writing ✍   

 1. Discuss the features of narration as a rhetorical mode.

Narration is one of the major narration modes suitable for relating sequence of events or thoughts. Narratives can be classified as fictional and nonfictional. Any kind of writing that brings out a story, fictional or real, can be considered a narrative. Examples for this writings are short story, novella, novel, etc., and non fictional narratives are biography, autobiography, newspaper, etc.

 2. Write a paragraph describing a place familiar to you.

Palakkad is one of the 14th district in Kerala. It is the gateway to Kerala due to presence of Palakkad Gap, in the Western Ghats. The largest Malampuzha dam is situated in Palakkad. It has a tropical wet and dry climate. The famous national Park silent Valley is in Palakkad district. Palakkad Fort is an old Fort situated in the heart of Palakkad town. Here's a large ground between the Fort and Palakkad town Hall, known as “kota Maidanam”

3.  How are examples given in an illustrative essay? Explain.

Ans. Illustrative writing is not having a well-defined pattern. The exemplification is sometimes used to refer to illustrative writing.  In order to write essays using exemplification /illustration you have to give statements with examples for each statement. An illustrative essay presents a controlling idea or thesis the illustration of which is done using examples. Example serves as evidence for your statement and claims.

 4.  Explain the process of applying for a passport. 

Ans. At first apply for the passport through online mode.  Then give your personal details and submit the application. The submitted documents are verified at the passport Seva Kendra. The next step you receive updates on your file number through SMS to your registered mobile number.  Then police verification is initiated. The police verify the details and enquire with your neighbours. Then make it clear that there is no criminal offence against the person. Then police submits a clear report. After passport verification is complete then start the process of printing passports. The passports printer will be sent through speed post.

5. Bring out the characteristics of comparison and contrast essay.

Ans. When writing an academic paper you may be required to find out similarities and differences between two subjects. The rhetoric mode that comes to your rescue during such situation is compare and contrast. A compare and contrast essay examine two subjects by either comparing them, contrasting them or both. The main objective of compare and contrast essay to analyse subjects that can be analysed using comparison or contrast in a meaningful way.

6. How are thesis statements prepared for definition essays? Clarify.

Ans. In definition essays, thesis statement is the term and its definition. Part of developing your thesis revolves around writing an effective definition. There are multiple approaches to defining your selected items.

• By analysis:  compare to something similar and it showed differences
• By function: what it does and how it works.
• By structure:  how it is organised.
• By opposite definition: explain what the term is not.

7. Explain the purpose of division or classification essays.

Answer. The main purpose of classification or division essay is to divide subjects into smaller parts. In academic writing classification/division Essay analyses people, things/ideas categorising them into groups and classes. Classification would enable you to approach a subject in a more satisfactory manner.  Classification/division method make things more understandable.

8. What are the main elements of a division/classification essay?

Ans. The main elements of division/classification essay are as follows:

There must have some common characteristics for the items to be shared.

Formulate the criterion or scheme for classification:  It is to be decided at the pre-writing stage that which properties of your subject is taken into account for categorising. All classification in an essay needs to be based on one principle. Clear examples with explanations are to be given to each category.

Mention what you're planning to classify in the introduction: your statement on what is classified in the essay and the criterion for classification serves as the thesis statement of the essay.                                             

To sequence your classification transition words like ‘the first type/kind/class’, ‘the second type/kind/class’, ‘the third type/guide/class’ can be used.

Points to remember:

• The words rhetoric and rhetorical refer to the ways you can adopt to communicate effectively. These are your strategies to reach your audience. 
• A narrative is a rhetorically more suitable for relating a sequence of events or thoughts. Or it can be classified as fictional and nonfictional.
• Description involves presenting information in a manner appealing to the senses-sight, sound, smell, taste and touch and creating an impression in the reader or listener. 
•  Illustration is a rhetorical mode aimed at explaining something with examples. 
• Argumentative writing is also called a persuasive writing because one of the foremost  objectives of argumentative writing is to persuade the reader to think in the way the writer wants to think. 
• An argumentative essay consist of a set of debatable statements. The statements can be classified into two: premises and conclusion. In a typical argument there is one conclusion and a minimum of one premise. The premises are assertatons that lead to a conclusion. 
• A cause and effect essay deal with causes, effects or both causes  and effects of an issue, a phenomenon, or an event. 
•  A process analysis may be for explaining how something happens or works; or how to do something. The former is called informational process analysis and the latter, directional process analysis.
• The general purpose of classification and division is to break broad subject into smaller parts. In academic writing a classification or division essay analyses people, things or ideas categorising them into groups and classes

Unit V : Vocabulary and Grammar for Academic Writing✍ 

1.    Write a brief note on the importance of revising a research paper.

Every formal written work needs revision and editing  prior to submission of publication.  It is at the editing or revising stage that you remove unnecessary words and expressions. To make your paragraphs effective you need you to do the following: 

• Ensure that your vocabulary is appropriate to your purpose.  
• Use colloquial style, slang, expressions, non-standard diction and conversational  style are not advisable in academic writing. 
• Diversify your sentences.
• Use parallelism.
• Remove redundant expressions and avoid the wordy sentences
• Maintain the right tense.
• Avoid week phrases and use strong verbs instead.

2. What is a AWL? Explain its uses. 

Ans. The high frequency words in academic works in English language are referred to as academic word list.  Averil Coxhead from Victoria University of Wellington,  New Zealand was among the earliest compilers of AWL.  After examining papers from different disciplines, she came up with 570 headwords. The important prerequisite to learn academic words list is the ability to use the most elementary words in English.

The most frequently  used words from Averil Coxhrad’s  list are given below; 

Analysis, occur, estimate, percent, evidence, export, policy, factors, principle, financial, formally, process, benefit, function, income, response, individual, section, contract, interpretation, involved, significant, etc.

3.  Give examples of word categories to be avoided in academic writing.

Ans. It is important checking the suitability of the language while writing for different processes and in different occasions. The words we are using every day situations are not welcomed in academic writing.  Certain category of words to be avoided in your writing; however there is no strict ban for anything.  But if the word is suitable for the context, it is possible to write it. Care should be taken while using words and phrases used in expressing doubt. Care should be taken while using words and phrases used in expressing doubt. They are called qualifiers. Example; suggest, appears, may,might, probably, usually, possibly, etc

Unit VI : Mechanics and Conventions of Writing✍ 

Unit VII : Writing for Professional Purposes I✍ 

Unit VIII : Writing for Professional Purposes II✍