《Writing Approaches》
I. Core Principles of Academic Writing
Academic writing must be supported by evidence, such as data, facts, quotations, arguments, statistics, research, and theoretical frameworks. This evidence serves to strengthen the writer’s own ideas, demonstrate awareness of existing scholarship, situate the argument within the academic field, and show that the topic has been researched both broadly and critically.
II. Four Main Methods of Supporting a Discussion
The document outlines four key ways of integrating other people’s work into academic writing:
- Summarising: Condensing the main ideas of a source into a shorter form using one’s own words, while retaining the core argument and providing appropriate citation.
- Synthesising: Combining ideas from multiple sources to develop and support an original argument, rather than discussing each author separately.
- Quoting: Reproducing an author’s words exactly, using quotation marks and citations, typically for key definitions or authoritative statements.
- Paraphrasing: Restating an author’s ideas in one’s own words and structure while maintaining the original meaning and acknowledging the source.
IV. Avoiding Patchwork Writing
The document emphasises that academic writing should not be a patchwork of summaries, paraphrases, and quotations. Instead, writers must demonstrate how the sources they use contribute to the development of their own arguments, interpretations, and critical perspectives. Effective organisation of sources and selective use of evidence are essential to maintaining coherence and originality.
VI. Active and Passive Voice in Academic Writing
Both active and passive voice have appropriate uses in academic writing. Active voice is often clearer and more direct, making arguments easier to follow. Passive voice, while more formal and impersonal, can be useful when the focus is on processes or results rather than on the individual performing the action. Academic writing typically benefits from a balanced and purposeful use of both forms.