No 21
Revised January 2010
Reading academic writing, writing for the academic reader
Academic documents have their own particular qualities, requirements and structure. The following notes will be useful, particularly if you are studying at postgraduate level. intended to capture the attention of readers, to hold their interest and encourage them to read the entire publication. An abstract is also used by search engines to identify elements or descriptors to help researchers narrow their literature search.
Structure The structure of an academic article usually guides your reading in a focussed way. It forms a framework or scaffold for the writer to organise and categorise information so as to ensure a logical and sequential presentation of an argument, discussion or research report. Having a clear structure is fundamental to good writing practice.
Introduction The introduction to an academic article, presentation paper, book or information document is of key importance. It should attract and hold the attention of readers by offering enough information to invite them to read on while providing insights into the whole document in terms of content, approach taken, context, outcomes and conclusions. A successful introduction will entice the reader with key words linked to the document title (which first attracts the reader’s attention), a succinct expression of the author’s thesis, or point of view, and the promise of more detail to follow.
Title When broken down, an article title will provide key words about the topic and context of the paper. A title will often contain words that link the paper to a particular conference, area of research or theme running through contemporary academic literature. Key words These are usually descriptors that the author has used to get the paper published in a particular journal or setting. They are used by search engines to highlight an article’s content, focus, context or relationship with other materials/situations.
Body of document, or discussion section The principal part of any research publication is the main body or discussion section. Here writers set out in detail their thesis, examine the literature used to establish their research position, present their research methodology, data gathering and analysis methods and include ways used to ensure the
Abstract The aim of an article abstract is to summarise overall themes, ideas, facts, research approach, context, findings and recommendations and conclusions. It is 1
soundness of their research. It is usual to structure the body or discussion section of a paper with subheadings under which these parts, and any others thought necessary, are described. In short, in a discussion section the writer tells the reader ‘this is what I did’, and ‘this is how I did it’. Outcomes from this process are usually documented under different sections and headings.
A structure for writing academic documents Title Key words
Catch attention – define topic
Abstract Overview Thesis
Introduction Overview -Thesis Context Encourage reader
Body or Discussion
Findings
Provide rich detail Soundness of work Numbers, Tables, Words
Recommendations Application of findings Further research
Conclusion What took place What does it all mean?
Findings Often a research document will include a section detailing ‘findings’ or ‘results’ or ‘outcomes’ of the research. The various findings may be statistically based, graphically represented, or described in rich detail. Sometimes the author may present her/his findings in the context of other research findings, or describe them within the limitations of the present study. It is important that limitations, if any, are stated because such limitations may change how the reader interprets or values the material. However, the limitations should never be stated in a way that seems to portray a weakness or some sort of shortcoming in your own study. Instead they should be stated as indicating ‘the limits’ of what you did so that others can build on your findings or research.
Appendices Keep them small
References Chicago style Alphabetical Cited in text
Conclusion The concluding section of an academic paper usually includes a summing up of the topic, the methods used to explore that topic, emergent findings and recommended action. Many writers also use the conclusion to reiterate key aspects of their findings or recommendations, to leave the reader with their most valued points fresh in memory. This is a useful way of encouraging readers who skim only the introduction and conclusion to read the entire article.
Recommendations Many academic publications contain recommendations. This is true also for business reports and a host of other research-based documents. Recommendations allow writers to suggest applications of their findings to new situations or to address particular needs or problems that led to their research. It is not unusual to see suggestions provided for further study or research in the area or in an associated area based on results of the documented research.
CBS Communication Skills Centre Curtin Business School Room 407.202 Email: cbs-comskills@cbs.curtin.edu.au www.cbs.curtin.edu.au/communication
2