Reflective Writing 5: What Should Be Considered In Academic Writing?

Academic writing is a writing style that focuses on academic purposes. It is commonly used for academic publications. The characteristics of academic writing are using a formal tone, using a third-person perspective, focusing on the topic, and having precise word choices. Academic writing uses formal writing. It occurs because the target reader of academic writing is the academic community. Writers who employed academic writing will avoid jargon, slang, abbreviations, and a first-person perspective. Some examples of academic writing can be found in essays, research papers, journals, etc.

Besides using formal writing, there are several important aspects of academic writing such as plagiarism and literature. Plagiarism is copying a text without the proper acknowledgment of the author. In writing an academic text, writers should paraphrase what is stated in the source text into their writing. Literature, on the other hand, can be concluded as references where writers get ideas or evidence for their argument. A good academic text uses current references from credible sources. 

Academic writing is a learned skill. Teachers, students, and everyone who works in the academic field should master this skill. They can improve their academic writing skill by practicing more in writing an academic text. In writing an academic text, the first thing writers should do is focus on the context. Writers should pay more attention to the issue that is being discussed in the text. They should provide their argument with strong evidence to support their claim. The second thing writers should do is check the grammar of the text. They can check their grammar with the help of a “writing assistant”, such as Grammarly. 

From this meeting, I understand that many important aspects should be considered when we write an academic text. It includes using a formal writing style, avoiding plagiarism, and having reliable references. Each of these aspects is crucial to making good academic writing. To be a good academic writer, we have to practice more in writing an academic text because writing is a non-instant process. Writers should make several drafts to revise their writing so the readers will feel comfortable reading their writing. I hope, I could improve my academic writing skill by understanding this material.