academic writing

ACADEMIC WRITING

I. Approach to Academic Writing
Academic writing is a product of many considerations: audience, purpose, organization, style, flow, and presentation. Academic writing employs a variety of organizational patterns, one of them, problem solution (Hoey, 1983). These pattern usually has four parts, namely:
a. Description of situation
b. Identification of the problem
c. Description of solution
d. Evaluation of the solution

Task one
Labeled the four parts of this problem solution text. The first part has been done for you.
(1)For over20 years now biologists have been alarmed that certain population of amphibians has been declining. (2) These declines have occurred both in areas populated by humans as well as areas seemingly undisturbed people. (3) However, offering clear proof of the declining numbers of amphibians has been difficult because in most cases there is no reliable data on past population sizes with which to compare recent numbers. (4) Moreover, it is not entirely clear whether the declines are actually part of natural fluctuation in population arising from drought or a scarcity of food. (5) To address this problem biologists are changing the way that they observe amphibian’s populations. (6) One good documentation method involves counting species over the course of several years and under a variety of climatic conditions. (7) This method should yield reliable data that will help researchers understand the extent to which amphibian population s are in danger and begin to determine what can be done to stem the decline in populations.
(Note: the underlined sentences can be categorized as description of situation)

II. Language Focus: Formal Grammar style


The following are some non vocabulary-related recommendations for maintaining a formal academic writing style:


1.Generally avoid contractions
incorrect
Export figures won’t improve until the economy is stronger
correct
Export figures will not improve until the economy is stronger


2.Use the more appropriate formal negative forms
incorrect
- The analysis didn’t yield any new results

- This problem doesn’t have many viable solutions

correct
- The analysis yielded no new results

- This problem has few viable solutions

3. Limit the use of “run-on” expressions, such as and so forth, and etc
incorrect
These semiconductors can be used in robots, CD players, etc
correct
These semi conductors can be used in robots, CD players, and other electronic devices.

4. Avoid addressing the reader
incorrect
You can see the results in table 1

Correct

The results can be seen in table 1

5. Be careful about using direct questions
incorrect
What can be done to lower costs?

Correct

It is necessary to consider how costs may be lowered

6. Place adverbs within the verb
incorrect
- Actually, very little is known about the general nature and prevalence of scientific dishonesty
- This model was developed by krugman (1979) originally
correct
- Very little is actually known about the general nature and prevalence of scientific dishonesty
- This model was originally developed by krugman (1979).

7. Use efficient words.
incorrect
- It may be difficult to make a decision about the method that we’ve to use.
- There are some inorganic materials that can be used by bioengineers in the process of tissue engineering that have been show to be very promising.
correct
- Choosing proper method may be difficult
- Some inorganic materials used in tissue engineering have shown great promise.

Task two
Reduce the informality of each sentence

1. You can use this model to analyze the effects of several parameters changes.


2. OK, what are the reasons that coffee prices have fallen? There’re a lot of possibilities


3. You can see the difference between these two approaches to designing underground subway stations clearly.


4. Recent research has shown that the arms are used commonly for protection during a fall to the ground.


5. So far there hasn’t been any comprehensive study looking into the role of smiling in getting the initial trust of individuals.


6. There are some studies that have concluded that bamboo could be used by builders more widely than it is now as a construction material.


7. These special tax laws have been enacted in six states: Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, etc.


8. There isn’t very much research on the use of oil palm shell as coarse aggregate in the production concrete.

Task three
Working with a partner, find an article that you think is well written. Analyze this article following some of the aforementioned suggestions.