Academic Writing Style

Academic Writing Style

Academic Conventions: Things to Avoid

  • Avoid a personal tone or using personal pronouns like “I” unless your essay has a reflective element
  • Do not use contractions e.g. “isn’t”, “they’re”, “wasn’t”
  • Avoid slang
  • Avoid vague ideas
  • Ensure that you do not plagiarise!

Academic Conventions: Things to Do

  • Do address both sides of an argument
  • Do cite your sources
  • Do use a formal tone
  • Do take a stand
  • Do use concrete details

Use transition words or sentences to bridge ideas so the reader does not get confused

  • First
  • Second
  • In addition
  • Nevertheless
  • In contrast
  • Furthermore
  • Therefore

More information/Practice?

Academic Writing Style from UNE

Writing in an Academic Style from USYD (includes examples/activities)

Activity: Sample Essay Reflection 

If you haven't already - check out the Sample Essay from the University of New England.

Complete the activity (Exercise 1) and then reflect below on 3 things that you noticed about essay writing and structure.