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Thinking about academic writing

Before we look at this in more detail, here are a few general, basic questions to start you thinking. They are about common sense ideas because they draw on your own knowledge, understanding and experiences. But you may not have given them much thought before now.

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A: The relationship between thinking and writing

How closely related, do you think, are thinking and writing?

They are very closely related. Writing is a process because our thinking changes over time. Every minute of the day we are changing. So we develop our thoughts continually and this affects our writing.Check your answer

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B: Your use of English

What has influenced the way you use English now?

Your use of English will have been influenced by all your experiences up till now and especially the ways you have been communicating: from the distant past to the present. They include cultural, educational and linguistic influences.Check your answer

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C: Writing in English

Which factors have influenced the way you write in English now?

There are very many factors because there are so many different types of writing: from text-messaging to academic essays and beyond. They include all the influences of the past but the most important ones are those of the recent past and the present, especially:

  • who you write for;
  • why you write;
  • what you read;
  • who you communicate with.

All these influences are important because our use of language develops sub-consciously. It depends on practice.

Check your answer

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D: Thinking of the reader when you write

Why is it necessary to think of the reader when you are writing something?

Writing is always a form of communicating with a reader. The reader may be someone you have never met or a close friend, or it may be you! The way you write depends on who is going to read your writing. Your academic writing must communicate your ideas effectively to the reader.Check your answer

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E: Different kinds of writing

Why and how are different kinds of writing distinct from one another?

They are different for many reasons. Three main reasons are:

1 Each piece of writing has a specific purpose. So the kind of vocabulary and expressions will need to be appropriate for that purpose.

2 Each piece of writing is communicating something to a specific reader or group of readers. So the appropriate level of formality needs to be used.

3 Each piece of writing depends on the mode that is used: e g, hand writing, word-processing, printing or text-messaging. So, the most effective kind of language needs to be used for that mode.

Check your answer

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F: Speaking and writing

How are speaking and writing different to one another? Think of studying at university and make a list of the ways in which they are different. Use the following table.

Speaking at university Writing at university

This depends on the situation: especially the purpose and the people involved.

Speaking and writing can be different at university because of the formal situation.

Speaking at university Writing at university
Speaking is spontaneous. Writing is the result of careful thinking.
A lot of language is used quickly. Language is selected carefully.
Communication may be supported by body language. Body language cannot be used.
The people involved in the communication can be easily identified. The people involved in the communication are not easily identified.
Grammar is not a priority. Grammatical use of language is essential.
The message can be repeated in many different ways. The message needs to be clear and concise.
The message is temporary. The message is permanent.


Check your answer

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G: Developing a voice

Why do we expect every student to write differently within the same School?

Every person writes differently because our experiences, knowledge and understanding are unique. These three influence the unique ways in which we each think and communicate. This is why the world is such an interesting place! Check your answer