DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING

POST GRADUATE DIPLOMA: MANAGEMENT

ACCOUNTING (PGDMA1)

RESEARCH METHODS (PGRM801)

TOPIC GUIDE: ACADEMIC WRITING

2022

Guide created by: Ms. M. Naicker (2021)

Guide Updated: February 2022
The following table presents the learning outcome and assessment criteria
Learning Outcome Assessment Criteria
To develop a knowledge and • To define and explain the concepts
understanding of basic academic of grammar and punctuation.
writing principles.
• To apply the concepts of basic
academic writing.


1. What is academic writing?
According to Smith (2021), academic writing is a form of writing, which
communicates ideas, information and research to the wider academic
community. There are two types of academic writing namely, student academic
writing and expert academic writing.


• Student academic writing – is used as a form of assessment at university
and schools.

• Expert academic writing – is writing that is intended for publication in
an academic journal or book.

Both types of academic writing need to adhere to the same standards.


2. Smith (2021) explains the seven characteristics of academic writing:

2.1 Structured – should have a clear structure, this depends on the genre of
writing. For example, an essay should have an introduction, body and
conclusion. A research report should have introduction, literature review,
methodology, discussion of findings and conclusion.

In addition, a structured writing piece is cohesive and coherent. To
explain, coherent means that writing must have a logical progression of
ideas throughout the paper. Cohesive means that different parts of the
writing must be connected (for example, each paragraph must connect
with the next paragraph). To have a well-structured piece, students need
to carefully plan and lastly revise their writing using feedback from
lecturers and peers.

2.2 Evidenced – good academic writing contains opinions and arguments
that are supported by evidence. The evidence can be sourced from journal
articles and other credible online sources. It is important for evidence to
be referenced, which includes in-text referencing and a list of references
at the end of the writing piece.

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 2.3 Critical – ‘Academic writing does more than just describe. As an academic
writer, you should not simply accept everything you read as fact. You
need to analyse and evaluate the information you are writing about, in
other words make judgments about it, before you decide whether and
how to integrate it into your own writing. This is known as critical
writing. Critical writing requires a great deal of research in order for the
writer to develop a deep enough understanding of the topic to be truly
critical about it.’ (Smith, 2021).


2.4 Balanced- requires consideration to all sides of the issue and avoiding
bias.

2.5 Precise –clear and precise language should be used so that the reader
understands the meaning. This may require the writer to use subject
specific vocabulary that helps to convey meaning as opposed to using
non-technical terms.

2.6 Objective – emphasis needs to be placed on arguments and information
and not on the writer. This means that passive voice is used rather than
the active voice.

2.7 Formal –academic writing is more formal than everyday writing. Formal
writing also consists of complex sentences whilst avoiding contractions
and informal words/expressions.


3. GRAMMAR
Grammar is important in organizing language. It ensures that ideas are conveyed
accurately and clearly.

3.1 Using formal vocabulary

Many dads enjoy attending football games.
Answer: Many fathers enjoy attending football games.

There are lots of people that believe in vaccination against diseases.
Answer: There are a significant number of people that believe in vaccination
against diseases.

Many musicians, like John Pitt and Michael Willow have their own recording
studios.
Answer: Many musicians, such as John Pitt and Michael Willow have their own
recording studio.

There are 7 colours in a rainbow.
Answer: There are seven colours in a rainbow.

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3.2 Using formal verbs
Informal verb Formal verb
Go up Increase
Go down Decrease
Talk about Discuss
Get better Improve
Get worse Deteriorate
Go on Continue
Bring up Raise


3.3 Avoid using contractions

Don’t..……………….Do not
Won’t………………..Would not
Couldn’t…………….could not
Hasn’t ……………….Has not
Shouldn’t. …………Should not



3.4 Use formal grammar structure

The emission of greenhouse gases is polluting our environment. This is a global
issue.
The emission of greenhouse gases is a global concern.

Brand A heaters save more electricity than Brand B heaters. Brand A heaters are
also more affordable than Brand B heaters.
Brand A heaters are more affordable and save more electricity than Brand B
heaters.


3.5 Avoid rhetorical questions and use statements.

What were the reasons for the decrease in food production?
There were five reasons for the decrease in food production.

How is a banana different from a plantain?
A banana is different from a plantain.


3.6 Use impersonal language
Avoid the active voice, and instead use the passive voice. Also, avoid personal
pronouns (I, we, they) and adverbs that indicate emotions (surprisingly,
happily). Avoid using these terms… very, really, so, a lot.

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I can think two main problems surrounding unemployment.
There are two main problems surrounding unemployment.

In the laboratory experiment, I dissected the frogs.
In the laboratory experiment, the frogs were dissected.

Luckily, there was no major water damage to the interior wall.
There was no major water damage to the interior wall.

The lion ate the deer (active)
The deer was eaten by the lion (passive)


3.7 Use Precision

Avoid vague wording such as ‘thing’, instead use words such as, ‘factor’, ‘issue’,
‘topic’ and ‘aspect’. Avoid using the words such as, ‘about’ or ‘several’ instead use
exact figures or values.

There are several methods to improve time management.
There are five methods to improve time management.

The first stealth plane was invented over 30 years ago.
The first stealth plane was invented during the early 1980’s.

There are four things that improved patient recovery rates.
There are four factors that improved patient recovery rates.


3.8 Cite sources of information
Always reference sources of information used. Avoid making vague claims.

Some people are not aware of vaccine safety.
McCloud (2018) states that 70% of the global population is not aware of vaccine
safety.


3.9 Avoid absolute statements.
In academic writing, use tentative language such as ‘possibly’ ‘appears to be’
‘probably’.

Omega 3 fatty acids prevent heart disease.
Omega 3 fatty acids may prevent heart disease.

Poorly trained employees caused the breakdown of Machine ABC.
Poorly trained employees possibly caused the breakdown of Machine ABC.

Miami beach resort always offers discounted rates during off-peak seasons.
Miami beach resort often offers discounted rates during off-peak seasons.

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3.10 Use transition signals
Transition signals’ is a method of connecting ideas and linking sentences in a
writing piece. The writer has to ensure that transitional signals are used at
appropriate points in a writing piece, without being overused.

Examples:
The restaurant chef was unable to purchase all of the ingredients for the gala
dinner. The chef had to change the menu. He used the ingredients he had
available. The dinner was a success. All guests enjoyed their meals.

The restaurant chef was unable to purchase all of the ingredients for the gala
dinner. As a result, the chef changed the menu and used the ingredients he had
available. In the end, the gala dinner was success as all guests enjoyed their
meals.

Computer or video games may help improve cognitive abilities. More studies
needs to be conducted on the extent to which they help and on the types of
games.

Computer or video games may help improve cognitive abilities. However, more
studies needs to be conducted on the extent to which they help and on the types
of games.


3.11 Commonly confused words
There are many words in English that look and sound alike but have different
meanings.

ACCEPT/EXCEPT
Accept – to receive something offered
Except – to exclude something or to leave it out

Examples
Jimmy accepted the award on behalf of his colleague.
The cruise fare per person covers everything except beverage costs.


ADVICE/ADVISE
Advice – A noun that refers to a recommendation regarding a decision or a
course of action
Advise – A verb that refers to the act of giving advice

Examples
Laurie took her mum’s advice to exercise everyday.
I would advise all students to study for the upcoming assessment.

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AFFECT/EFFECT
Affect –a verb that means to influence
Effect –a noun that means result

Examples
Air pollution affects respiratory health of many people.
Poor air quality is an effect of air pollution


CITE/SIGHT/SITE
Cite: a verb that means to acknowledge, quote or mention.
Sight: both a noun that refers to a view or the ability to see and a verb that means
to see.
Site: a noun that refers to a place or location.

Examples
To avoid plagiarism, writers need to cite the sources of information used.
The aurora is a beautiful sight to behold.
Betty found the perfect site on which to build her dream house.


FARTHER/FURTHER
Farther: used to refer to a physical or tangible distance.
Further: used to refer to an addition when there is no physical distance involved.

Examples
Ben’s house is farther down the street from Sally’s house.
The scholarship allowed Mary to further her studies.


4. PUNCTUATION
Good punctuation is important in academic writing. When used correctly,
punctuation connects ideas in a writing piece.

4.1 Brackets [ ] Parentheses ( ) and Braces { }

Brackets should be used to insert information, clarification, correction or
comments into quoted material. Brackets can also be used to insert information
that already containing parentheses.

Examples:
Jennifer said, “He [Ben] wrote the editorial letter yesterday.”

The singer stated, “I graduted [graduated] with an accounting degree from the
University of Chicago.”

The store sells a variety of gift boxes (including square, round [small], and
rectangular).

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Parenthesis is used to enclose additional information in your own writing.

Example
The Kenwood food processor comes with additional attachments (including, a
mincer, a juicer and a blender), whilst the other brands only provide the basic
attachments.


Braces are used to group items or to show a relationship among lines, symbols,
or formulas in a mathematical, statistical or chemical equation.

Example
{15 – [3(2+1) +1]} x 4
= {15 – [3 x 3 +1]} x 4
= {15 – 10} x 4
= 20


4.2 Apostrophes ( ‘ )
There are two uses for the apostrophe

• Contractions – A contraction is a shortened version of a word. An apostrophe
is used to show that something has been left out, and where it has been left
out.

Examples
They’ll (They will)
Haven’t (Have not)
Can’t (Cannot)

• Possessives – An apostrophe is used to indicate ownership/possession with
nouns. To show ownership of one person/thing, place the apostrophe
between the noun and the letter ‘s’. To show ownership of more than one
person/thing, place the apostrophe at the end of the word.

Examples
The cat’s food is cold (belonging to a single cat)
Billy’s shoe was dirty (belonging to one person)
The students’ textbooks arrived at the department. (belongs to more than
one student)
My parents’ car is parked in the garage (car belongs to more than one parent)

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4.3 Comma ( , )
Comma is used to separate lists, phrases and clauses in sentences. It also forces
the reader to pause.

A single comma can be used in a long sentence so that it becomes more readable.
In other words, the comma is used to pace a sentence and indicates to the reader
when to pause. A set of commas can be used to separate items on a list.


Examples
After selling cotton candy at the St. Louis World Fair, Morrison and Wharton
continued their business selling cotton candy to friends and clients in Tennessee.

Madeline bought oranges, tomatoes, potatoes and onions.

The teacher asked the students to bring a ruler, pencil, eraser and math set for
tomorrows lesson.


4.4 Colon (:)
Is used to inform the reader that more detail is to follow.

Examples
Maggie competed in three Olympic events: Netball, Swimming and Hockey.

To bake a cake you will need the following ingredients: Flour, Sugar, Butter, Eggs
and Milk.



4.5 Hyphen (–)
A hyphen is used to join two or more words together. There should be no spaces
before or after a hyphen. Here are 4 ways to use a hyphen:

§ Letter collisions – when two letters need to be separated for clarity.
Examples
Co-operate
Bell-like
Inter-related


§ Prefixes – placed at the beginning of a word to modify or change its
meaning.
Examples
Anti-nuclear
Post-colonial
Self-contained
Pre-Christmas

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 § Suffixes –placed at the end of a word to modify or change the meaning.
Examples
Atlanta-based
Home-style
President-elect
Gluten-free


§ Family relationships –in English, family relationships are spelled with a
hyphen.
Examples
Son-in-law
Great-grandmother
Great- grandfather



4.6 Dashes (–)
Dashes are used to emphasise a long break or pause in a sentence. Also, note that
a dash is a longer punctuation than a hyphen. Some writers use dashes to replace
commas, colons and brackets. Dashes are considered an informal punctuation
mark, therefore dashes are mostly used in informal communications. For the
purposes of this module, it is advisable to refrain from using dashes in academic
writing as it is considered an informal punctuation mark. Instead, use commas,
colons and brackets for academic writing.



4.7 Ellipses (…)
A ellipsis is shown by creating three consecutive full stops. In academic writing
ellipses is used to indicate that parts of a quote have been removed. This is done
to shorten a statement and hence get to the point.

Example
“The coach encouraged the athletes…they achieved second place for the final
game.”


4.8 Quotation marks and Speech marks (“quotation ”) (‘speech’)
Quotation marks also known as speech marks indicates that words or phrases
that are spoken or quoted. Single or double quotation marks can be used,
however it’s important that the writer is consistent in the using either one.

Example
Molly said, “I completed the monthly budget for the purchasing department.”

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4.9 Semi-colons (;)
A semi-colon helps to join closely connected ideas into one sentence. Semi-colons
are often used to replace coordinating conjunctions. Semi-colons can also be
used before conjunctive adverbs.

Examples
Molly spent hours at the clothing store but she could not find the dress she
wanted.

Using a semi-colon the sentence could be written as follows:
Molly spent hours at the clothing store; she could not find the dress she wanted.

If using a conjunctive adverb in a sentence, use a semi-colon before the
conjunctive adverb.
Molly spent hours at the clothing store; however she could not find the dress she
wanted.

Note:
Coordinating conjunctions: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so.
Conjunctive adverbs: however, instead, meanwhile, therefore, consequently, accordingly, also.

In addition, semi-colons can be used to break up a list. In most lists, commas are
used to separate items. Semi-colons can be used to break-up complicated lists
and makes the overall list more clearer and easy to understand.

Examples
When I go on vacation, I make sure to pack toiletries, clothing, footwear and my
passport.

Using a semi-colon to break a long list of items.
When I go on vacation, I make sure to pack sunscreen, deodorant, shampoo,
toothpaste, toothbrush; dresses, skirts, pants, coats; boots, sandals, slippers and
my passport.

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REFERENCES

Smith, S. 2021. Academic Writing. Available:
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/what/ (Accessed 19 July 2021).

Smith, S. 2020. Academic Style. Available:
https://www.eapfoundation.com/writing/style/ (Accessed 20 July 2021).

Grammar and Punctuation. (n/d). Available:
https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/grammar-punctuation (Accessed 02 August
2021).

Punctuation Guide. 2019. Available: https://student.unsw.edu.au/punctuation-
guide (Accessed 03 August 2021).

A complete guide to punctuation for teachers and students. 2021. Available:
https://www.literacyideas.com/punctuation (Accessed 03 August 2021).

Altair, Z. 2021. Dashes vs Hyphens: Explanation and Examples. Available:
https://prowritingaid.com/art/2288/dashes-vs-hyphens.aspx (Accessed 06
August 2021).

How to avoid dashes in formal writing. 2018. Available:
https://www.occupationalenglishtest.org/language-tips-punctuation-dashes/
(Accessed 06 August 2021).

How to use semi-colons. 2021. Available:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/topics/zr6bxyc/articles/z6w6cqt (Accessed 06
August 2021).

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