Academic writing uses formal language, which means avoiding the use of slang and colloquial language associated more commonly with speech, text chat, as well as publications, such as newspapers, magazines and online media. It is very rare that you will see informal language used in academic publications, unless it is in a direct quotation.
Here are a few tips for writing in a more formal style in your assignments:
Be Specific
When making statements in your writing, specific details and examples should be given. What?, Who?, Why?, Where? and When? are all good questions to ask yourself as you research and write but also consider the next level of detail in your questioning.
For example: In what way is it important?, Who do they represent?, Exactly how much?, To what extent? and What are the specific factors involved?
Use Formal Wording
To avoid informal wording remember the following rules:
Spell the words out completely.
For example: do not → don’t;
is not → isn’t;
they are → they’re.
Use formal verb forms.
Avoid ‘verb + preposition’ forms. Opt for a more formal verb form instead.
For example: go up → increase;
come back → return;
find out → discover.
Avoid informal shortened forms.
Avoid shortened forms used in text and chat. Use a more formal alternative.
For example: pros and cons → advantages and disadvantages
B4 → before
ASAP → as soon as possible
Use Passive Voice Judiciously
Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is fundamental to writing proficiency. Whether active or passive voice is most appropriate will depend on what you are trying to communicate.
Active voice highlights the person or entity responsible for the action, making it ideal for situations where you want to emphasise agency. It is more direct and concise and is preferred for persuasive, argumentative writing, like essays and short answer questions.
Passive voice often downplays or omits the person or entity doing the action, which can be useful in cases where the entity is unknown, unimportant, or intentionally obscured. Therefore, it is more suited to scientific writing, where you may need to emphasize the target of the action.
However, you should remember that it’s not recommended to use more than 2 passive structures in a paragraph (+-150 words) because it can cause wordiness and make the passage confusing for the reader.
Use Linking Words and Phrases
Linking words and phrases (often referred to as transition markers) connect your ideas within a paragraph and link paragraphs together. You can do this by highlighting similarities, contrasts or other relationships between the ideas or repeating key terms or concepts. This helps maintain coherence and flow in your writing and allows the reader to follow the direction of your argument.
Try using some of the following linking words to create more cohesion and flow in your writing.
Adding: | and, also, in addition, moreover, furthermore |
Contrasting: | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, on the contrary, by contrast |
Exemplifying: | for example, for instance, in particular, to illustrate |
Conceding a point: | even though, although, despite this |
Summing up: | overall, to conclude, in conclusion, clearly then |
Endorsing (avoid in formal papers): | clearly, in particular, importantly, naturally, obviously |
Stating a logical conclusion: | therefore, thus, hence, as a result, consequently, accordingly, for that reason |
Use Inclusive Language
Using inclusive language is important not only in everyday life but also in your academic writing.
Inclusive language can mean all the following:
Using non-gendered language when referring to authors or people
e.g., “they” rather than “he/she”
Using culturally appropriate terms and capitalisation when necessary,
e.g., “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people” or “Indigenous Australians”.
Using descriptive language (age, ethnicity, sex, gender, etc.) of a person only when necessary/relevant to the discussion.
Avoiding perpetuating stereotypes or assumptions of individuals or groups based on their characteristics
Using language that respects the diversity of cultural backgrounds, age, sexual orientation and socio-economic contexts.
Write Effective Sentences
Crafting well-structured sentences will help you communicate your ideas more effectively. It will enhance the clarity of your ideas and hopefully foster a connection with your reader. A well-constructed sentence will contribute to the logical flow of your argument and help the reader navigate your assignment easily.
Tips for writing effective sentences |
Understand the purpose: Ask yourself what information you would like to convey. |
Start with a clear subject: The subject is usually the person or thing performing the action in the sentence. |
Include a verb: Ensure that your sentence contains a strong and relevant verb (action word) to convey the action. |
Be concise: Avoid unnecessary words and get straight to the point. Clear and concise sentences are more effective and easier to understand. |
Vary sentence structure and length: Using a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences makes your writing more engaging. |
Proofread: Ensure you are using correct punctuation and grammar and that your verb tenses are consistent. |
Cite any sources used: Ensure you acknowledge your sources with in-text citations using the correct referencing style. |