Formal Academic Writing

In your assignments for class, you should not address the academic community in the same way you would talk to your friends. Academic writing needs to be both objective and persuasive. Writing that is too casual is typically less convincing than more formal writing. The following guidelines can help improve your grades and prepare you for professional writing situations.

Do . . .

Use Precise Language and Effective Words

Correct word usage is essential for proper diction. Choose words that have both the correct denotation (dictionary definition) and connotation (the accepted or implied meaning). Always use a dictionary along with a thesaurus. (See A Writer’s Reference, pp. 347–50.)

Example:

firm = steady (positive)
stubborn = unreasonable (negative)

Another common mistake is using vague or informal words.

Faulty:
It is really awesome just how creepy the characters in “A Rose for Emily” are.

Revised:
Through his use of tone and symbolism, Faulkner creates mysterious and complex characters in “A Rose for Emily.”

Present Others’ Arguments Fairly and with an Appropriate Tone

When presenting a position or argument with which you disagree, describe it accurately and without biased language. According to Everything’s an Argument, “Most academic argument adopts the voice of a reasonable, fair-minded, and careful thinker who is interested in coming as close to the truth about a topic as possible” (390).

Your tone should be authoritative. State the strengths of your argument confidently using neutral, non-combative language.

Use Active Instead of Passive Voice

Passive voice can make it unclear who or what is performing the action. Active voice improves clarity.

Passive:
The law was passed in October. (Who passed the law?)

Active:
The city council passed the property tax law in October.

Say It; Do Not Say That You Will Say It

Avoid telling readers what you are going to do in the paper. Instead, make the point directly.

Faulty:
In this paper, I will analyze the arguments against handgun control.

Revised:
Arguments against handgun control are unconvincing because . . .

Use Concise Language

Wordiness often indicates that ideas need refinement. Wordy writing can sound pretentious or confuse readers. Aim for clear and direct language. (See A Writer’s Reference, pp. 351–54.)

Wordy:
The reason why most people want to travel is that they want to experience other cultures.

Concise:
Most people want to travel to experience other cultures.

Do Not Use . . .

Contractions

Avoid contractions in formal academic writing.

they’re → they are
can’t → cannot
it’s → it is or it has

First- or Second-Person Pronouns

Avoid first-person (I, me, my, we, us, our) and second-person (you, your) pronouns unless your instructor specifically allows them. Using third-person pronouns or nouns creates a more formal tone. (See A Writer’s Reference, p. 325.)

Faulty:
I believe that capital punishment is wrong because . . .

Revised:
Capital punishment is wrong because . . .

Faulty:
To go on vacation, you have to save hundreds of dollars for airfare, food, and hotels.

Revised:
To go on vacation, travelers have to save hundreds of dollars for airfare, food, and hotels.

Language That Is Racially Offensive or Sexually Skewed

Use terms that reflect the preferences of the group being described. Avoid exclusionary language such as the generic “he.” When possible, use plural nouns with third-person plural pronouns to maintain clarity. (See A Writer’s Reference, pp. 345–47.)

Slang, Jargon, Clichés, and Conversational Language

Slang and clichés are often imprecise and informal. Write exactly what you mean, and avoid vague words such as stuff and things. (See A Writer’s Reference, pp. 362–63.)

Faulty:
The story talks about a whole bunch of stuff that changes many things in the main character’s life.

Revised:
Ray Carver’s “Cathedral” describes the transformation that occurs in the protagonist’s life when he encounters a disabled man who shows him how to perceive other people in new and empowering ways.

Cliché:
Rebuilding New Orleans is easier said than done.

Revised:
In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding the city requires foresight, grit, hard work, and billions of dollars.

Pretentious Language and Euphemisms

Avoid words that sound impressive but obscure meaning. Replace showy or evasive language with clear, direct wording. (See A Writer’s Reference, pp. 343–45.)

Pretentious:
To perpetuate our endeavor of providing funds for our elderly citizens, we will face the exigency of enhanced contributions from all our citizens.

Revised:
Citizens cannot continue to fund Social Security for the elderly unless taxes are raised.

Ambiguous References

Avoid vague constructions such as “in many ways,” “it is,” and “there are.” (See So What? The Writer’s Argument, 2nd ed., pp. 221–24.)

Faulty:
It is not fair that administrators make all decisions that affect students in many ways.

Revised:
School administrators make all policy decisions, which can impact students’ schedules and finances.

Faulty:
There are lots of opportunities for good students.

Revised:
Opportunities in fields such as medicine, high-tech, and education abound for intelligent, hardworking college graduates.