In: Psychology
There are a number of ways to improve Academic Writing
Style that might be useful for writing for research
projects and to an Academic Audience.
It is important to minimize distractions in your writing for the
comfort of the readers accustomed to academic writing type. The
basic simple guidelines to a better Academic Writing
are:
1) Avoiding using Casual Language. Write using a
formal language unless it is allowed to use conversational
language.
Example:
Use "The noise hampered my concentration." in the place of ''It was so noisy that I couldn’t even think.''
2) Omit Short-Forms and Abbreviations. Spell each word out completely. For example, use ''would not'' and ''had not'' in the place of ''wouldn’t'' and ''hadn't'' respectively.
3) Avoid Passive Voice. Use of Active Voice
improves the clarity of writing.
4) Do not use Split Infinitives. Splitting Infinitives violates a rule of grammar according to many so it is better to avoid it. We may more commonly use “to slowly eat” in a sentence, the proper way in Academic Writing is writing “to eat slowly.”
5) Using the First Person efficiently. Choose to use the first person carefully in your writing to strengthen it. Know when and how to use it.
6) Do not use prepositions to end sentences. Just like the Split Infinitives, many professors and publishers avoid to accept it because of a widespread belief of it being incorrect.
7) Include Page Numbers. It is easier for your readers to navigate through your paper. Numbering the pages also helps a grader to quickly determine whether the paper is of the proper length.
8) Add your Short-Essay. That gives the reader a quick idea of the topic of your paper.
9) Use a preferred Citation Style. It is wise to use the Citation Style that your professor may prefer if citations are required in your paper.
10) Proper Proofreading. Paying attention to common mistakes is very important. For example, use of correct homophones (there vs. their) and apostrophes (it’s vs. its).
11) Provide time for Revision. Revising is one of the key parts for the completing of the writing process.
12) Read Aloud the Paper. This little trick will help you notice unpleasant phrases, unnecessary portions, and missing words.