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Academic Writing - Handout
Academic Writing - Handout
PARAGRAPHS
Paragraph (¶) – a short block of text set off by indentation or space, with all sentences connected in some
way into a single topic.
A paragraph is also a device to help readers follow the writer's line of thought.
Today most writers strive towards shorter paragraphs.
Consider paragraph length - ideal length depends on what sort of paragraphs you are writing.
After you have decided on the topic, you have to narrow your focus to a specific topic.
Turn your topic into a thesis statement.
Your thesis states your main idea. The thesis announces your topic and indicates what points you want to
make about that topic.
Types of theses: reflective thesis, informative thesis, persuasive thesis
Compose a draft
Successful writers don't write a finished piece in one sitting without having to go back and change
everything.
Rewriting
Don't start with the small stuff at the beginning (e.g. wrong word, misplaced comma).
Read your draft aloud.
Editing
1. Check the connections between sentences
2. Check your sentences (if they are hard to read or didn't sound right)
3. Eliminate wordiness (long expressions that can easily be shortened, unnecessary repetition)
4. Use active verbs (instead of 'there is')
5. Use specific and inclusive language
Proofreading
1. Know what your spelling checker can and cannot do
2. Check for grammar and mechanics