Many students spend years trying to work out what good academic writing is. The answer's surprisingly simple:
Good academic writing is writing that shows a good argument.
Above all else, you do this with writing that's clear (your reader understands it easily), precise (your reader doesn't have to guess - they see what's in your mind), and logical (your reader sees how the different parts go together).
| Good writing offers many advantages. Its main advantage is encouraging readers to take the author's ideas and interests seriously. |
Notice it's not that different to your ordinary everyday language - it only puts more emphasis on the qualities of good argument. It's also fairly efficient, letting you fit more in (and so make a fuller argument) without going over the word limit.
COMMON MISTAKES
If good academic writing is clear, precise and logical, bad academic writing fails on one (or more) of those features. Your reader might have to fight to see your point (1), need to guess your meaning (2), or not see how your ideas work together (3).
Many people's biggest mistake is trying to 'sound academic' - using complicated grammar, obscure words, unnecessary jargon, and long sentences. Don't. It puts you in all three dangers.
| (1) |
X Sophisticated articulation in a written medium enjoys a range of beneficial effects. Significantly, it can be utilised in order to ensure a positive response in the recipient. |
| (2) |
X Good writing has many things that are good. It means the reader's response will more likely be what the author wants. |
| (3) |
X Good writing offers many advantages. Everyone wants their ideas and interests to be taken seriously. |