Unite A: Understanding Academic
Convention
Lecturer: Atiqullah Mashal
5 Steps:
1. How is writing different from speaking?
2. How is academic writing different from other forms of writing?
3. What is plagiarism?
4. How can I use other people’s ideas in my writing?
5. How can I reference properly?
Step 1: How is writing different from speaking?
• In terms of language, speaking & writing differ in 2 ways:
1. The method of delivery:
Speech is immediate, usually unplanned and while thinking we use fillers such as um, er & I
mean.
Writing can be edited, rewritten many times.
2. The level of formality:
Anglo-Saxon, French & Latin are the 3 languages that in particular given academic English the
vocabulary.
Words of Anglo-Saxon are everyday words that are more likely to be found in speech. For
instance: then.
Words from French and Latin are often a feature of writing. For instance: consequently.
Major differences between speaking & Writing:
How is the skill acquired?
• We can acquire the spoken language naturally.
• The Writing however is a difficult skill, has complicated process and takes long time.
• Writing is more important & prestigious.
How is the language joined together?
• Spoken language use simpler forms of linking words (and, but).
• Written language typically uses more complex forms (however, therefore).
How formal is the grammar?
• Grammar has more flexibility in speech than in writing.
• In most of the writing you are supposed to use full sentences which are grammatically correct.
• In speech this is not always important.
Cont…
How can extra meaning be communicated?
• In speaking we can communicate the meaning without using language. for instance: body
language.
• In Writing we cannot take the advantages of body language.
• Your writing has to be as specific & clear as possible.
• In Writing it is important to use punctuation marks for meaningful communication.
How can specific emphasis be created? Speech Writing
• Speech has a range of effects through which we can indicate emphasis: Voice gets !
louder
A. Volume (soft/loud) Tone rises ?
B. Pitch/tone (rising/falling) Pitch/voice () or …
drops
C. Tempo (Slowly/quickly)
Shorter pause ,
• In Writing we have to use punctuation to perform the same role. Longer pause . Or ;
Cont…
How do you interact with the audience?
• When speaking, we always know who we are speaking to.
• In writing our words might be read by anyone.
• Before we write, it is important to consider the audience and avoid the vagueness & ambiguity.
• In speaking you have more opportunities and can explain as many times as necessary,
• But in writing you have one opportunity to make yourself understood.
Cont…
Is variety possible?
• Spoken language varies greatly from region to region.
• Two speakers of the same language may find it difficult to understand each other.
• Writing on the other hand is more standardized.
Can you change what you said?
• Once something has been said, it has been said. It cannot be deleted, but can be clarified.
• In Writing, texts can be edited & redrafted.
Step 2: How is academic writing different from other
forms of writing?
Key characteristics of academic writing:
• Academic writing is more objective: avoid using phrases such as I think, I believe, according to
my point of view.
• Use the following strategies for achieving objectivity:
A. Heading language (generally speaking): it increases the distance between the writer and the text.
B. Empty introductory phrases (there are): such phrase provide a platform for objective statements.
C. The passive voice (can be seen): removes the need for a subject in sentence. Useful to avoid
using I.
Cont…
• Academic writing is more complex: it usually discusses difficult, challenging ideas which can
only be expressed with particular grammar & language.
• Areas where we can see the complexity:
A. Formality of language
B. Grammatical structures
C. Density of language
D. Academic writing has a more formal structure
E. Academic writing uses more referencing
Step 3: Plagiarism
The followings are not the normal practices, especially in the UK:
• I can use other people’s original ideas without reference.
Using other people’s ideas without reference is known as plagiarism.
It refers to other people’s words, data, diagrams, photographs, etc.
Plagiarism is taken seriously by the academic community.
Punishment can range from a deduction/reduction of marks.
The universities use computer programs to detect cheating.
You can use other people’s ideas in your writing, but (quote, summarize or paraphrase for
avoiding plagiarism).
Cont…
• I need to reference ideas which are commonly known or accepted.
Information which is commonly known & opposed to someone’s discovery doesn't need to be
referenced.
But it is necessary to recognize the info.
• I can use/adapt the research of my friends.
Group project work is performed together & credit is received equally.
• I Can copy & paste info from the internet without saying where it’s form.
You need to understand the distinction between searching & researching.
Your ability is assessed by understanding & processing the info.
Your have quote & paraphrase the downloaded info.
Cont…
• I can submit the same piece of work twice.
This kind of plagiarism is know as self-plagiarism.
• I can pay someone to check through/proofread my essay to make minor improvements.
You can use the proof-readers to improve the grammar & language.
If the proof-reader bring significant changes in your work & you don’t reference- then plagiarism
has occurred.
Step 4: How can I use other people’s ideas in my
writing?
Basic skills when quoting, paraphrasing & summarizing:
• Understand why a range of sources is important.
You don’t need to read all of your reading list.
You don’t need to understand everything in every ource.
• Ensure that you understand the difference between the 3 skills:
Direct quotation
Paraphrasing
Summarizing
• Be careful about the length of quotations which you use
Cont…
Quoting, paraphrasing & summarizing can be beneficial to your writing in 3 main ways:
1. Clarity
2. Authority
3. Support
Strategies for paraphrasing:
4. Changing the words (use synonyms, but you must be accurate & appropriate).
5. Changing the grammar (2 ways to bring changes: changing the voice & changing the word
class).
In both the cases, ideas should remain the same, but the specific detail should be different.
Step 5: How can I reference properly?
Key terminology used in referencing:
Paraphrase
In-text citation
References
Bibliography
Direct quotation
Footnotes (endnotes)
Cont…
• Each style (APA, Chicago, MLA, MHRS, etc) has its own principles for referencing.
• Read the Harvard referencing system page: 25
• There is no universal system for referencing.
• As a student, there are 3 golden rules to follow:
1. Follow the guidelines of your department
2. Be consistent (do not mix the systems)
3. Ensure that your in-text citations match your references.
