Writing using appropriate language

What is academic style?

In an assignment, you are trying to persuade your reader of your arguments, using reasoned and objective language (not emotive or subjective statements).

Some things to look out for:

• Use correct English grammar – get the assignment proof-read by someone who can advise you, if necessary
• Your writing should ‘flow” well – so use 'linking words' at the beginning of paragraphs and sometimes also sentences
• A paragraph should have 4-8 sentences on average.
• Write clearly what you mean, and take out unnecessary words.  Sentences in academic writing may be longer than in everyday language, but they should still be simple and clear.
• Avoid everyday language

A really useful test to check the clarity of your essay is to read only the first sentence of each paragraph.  This should be enough to sketch out your entire argument.  If you get lost in doing this, then your reader or examiner is likely to get lost too.  Do try this with an old essay or any other text, and let us know how you got on!