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MHS Library | Academic writing

Academic writing

Academic writing is a formal style of writing.

  • It uses grammatically correct sentences and punctuation.

  • It appears neutral and avoids emotional language.

  • It avoids conversational words: you know, things like, stuff and abbreviations: can’t, won’t, doesn’t, shouldn’t.

  • It uses verbs that avoid expressions of absolute certainty such as: give the impression of, tend to, appear to be, consider, think, doubt, indicate, recommend, show.  

  • Your view is the basis of your argument BUT you need to back up your position with evidence from academic sources.

  • It demonstrates analysis and evaluation of arguments from recent academic evidence.

  • It presents your ideas and evidences in a logical and progressive manner.

  • It contains a bibliography.

The worst advice about essay writing

Library learning series: MHS webinar

How to write clearly

Essay structure

Structure and key elements of academic paragraphs

How to paraphrase ideas in your writing

Guide created by

Tania Sheko

Contact me if you have any questions.
08606363@mhs.vic.edu.au