The Top 10 Academic

Writing Myths [a widely held but false

belief or idea]
Whether you are just starting your freshman year of college or you're in the
final year of your doctorate, you have probably fallen for one (or more) of
these pervasive myths about academic writing. To dispel these
misconceptions and help you become a better writer, let's debunk the top 10
most common academic writing myths.

Myth #1: You only have to cite direct quotes

Many people incorrectly believe that they only need to cite direct quotes, so
they think that if they paraphrase another author's words, they don't have to
worry about citing the source. This is a dangerous myth: Citing your sources
is essential for establishing credibility and avoiding plagiarism chances.Citing
your source gives readers a place to look if they want more information.

Myth #2: Just insert quotes into the text, and the
quotes will make the argument for you

This is another mistake in academic papers. Students find quotes, insert them
into the paper, and incorrectly assume that each quote is self-explanatory. Do
not make this mistake. You need to introduce the quote with a signal phrase
and provide some context about who said the quote and why readers should
care about this person's opinion on the topic. Additionally, you need to frame
the quote and explain how the quote relates to your paper. Do not distort the
meaning of a quote to fit your paper; if you find yourself omitting words to
change a quote's meaning, delete that quote and search for a quote that
supports your argument.

Myth # 3: You should always avoid using first-

person voice in academic writing

Many students erroneously believe that they need to avoid using first-person
voice (pronouns such as "I" and "we") in academic writing. Check your
citation style guidelines, but most guidelines now accept first-person voice
and prefer it over passive voice. When students think they need to avoid
using "I" or "we," they often end up writing in passive voice instead.
However, passive voice can confuse readers, because it removes the active
subject and makes it difficult to tell who did the action.

Myth #4: You should always use the five-

paragraph method for academic writing

In high school, most of us learned the standard five-paragraph format for

writing papers: an introduction paragraph, three paragraphs that support your
argument, and a conclusion paragraph. Many people incorrectly think that
they need to stick to this format for the rest of their academic careers.

However, once you are writing papers at the college level, you are probably
making longer and more complex arguments, so you need more than just
three supporting paragraphs to present your arguments. You will still need an
introduction and conclusion, but use as many paragraphs as you need to
convey your research and present your argument. However, make sure you
stay within your instructors' word count minimums or maximums.
Myth #5: Your thesis statement should only be one
sentence.

When writing a complex thesis or dissertation, you might need several

sentences to accurately convey your thesis statement. According to the
Purdue Owl, Purdue University's writing center, Your thesis statement should
be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and
should be supported with specific evidence. Instead of trying to cram your
entire thesis into one sentence, focus on writing a strong thesis statement
that is specific and that you can support with research.

Myth #6: You must have all your information

clearly outlined before you start writing.
research as part of your writing process. Do not wait to start writing until you
have all the information; it is usually better to get started and leave gaps and
placeholders rather than waiting to start at the last minute.

Myth #7: Only bad writers need feedback or others

to proofread their work.

It is also a good idea to ask a friend, colleague, or professional to review your

paper. Most universities have writing centers that are staffed with volunteers
or students who will proofread papers and help you enhance your work. You
can also check out the professional editors at ServiceScape.

Myth #8: You should use big words to impress

your professors.
Many students think that using impressive words will earn them a better
grade, but what matters most is that you articulate your argument in a clear
manner that readers can understand. If you try to only use advanced words,
you might actually confuse your readers and reduce the impact of your
words.

Myth #9: When writing your conclusion, just

summarize everything you discussed in the paper.

For longer and more complex academic papers, you want to leave the reader
with a powerful conclusion. To achieve this, consider the overall purpose of
your paper and the message you want to convey to readers. Is there a way to
express this in your conclusion? If your research uncovered new questions
that could be explored in future research, include this in your conclusion.

Myth #10: "I'll never be a good writer, because

grammar is impossible!"
Being a good writer is about more than just proper punctuation and grammar.
Writing is about conveying ideas, sharing research, or presenting strong
arguments. Don’t let your concerns about grammar hold you back from
sharing your ideas.

If you struggle with grammar or punctuation, consult with an editor or visit

the writing center at your school.