Theory, Academic Skills Writing, Dr Beth Caldwell

Looking deeper into the essay writing skills needed for academic submissions, 4 types of writing styles were discussed, those being;

• abbreviated; 
• reporter/reportage;  
• technical writing
• and finally, what can only be described as Archaic, such as the writings of Shakespeare etc.

It was pointed out that in academic essays and in our short or long essays in particular, at degree level one must not use "own" opinions, but instead one should use others' opinions from validated written sources in order to back up your views.

• Avoid using the 1st person/impersonal style of writing. Do not use the word I and in most cases we.
• Academics are interested in debate, your style of writing should reflect this therefore.
• In the long essay, it should be written with the intent that someone from the outside of the field of study, and and uninformed individual, should be able to read and understand the essay presented.

In conclusion,

•  present the debate, rather than a rhetorical argument. 
• Almost all paragraphs should have some, at least one reference taken from a valid and authoritative source.
• Write in the 3rd person
• avoid stating your own opinions
• do not jump to conclusions without a reference
• keep to the point, not waffle
• use the passive voice
• refer to the assignment itself i.e. the essay, and not to the author i.e. do not use the word "I"

Do not overstate your point, but instead be aware that someone else may have other information that you don't have. Therefore use hedging language.


Be politically correct to avoid any gender or racial conflict.

Avoid the use of slang jargon or metaphors cliches and contractions. Avoid similes and idioms.

Be transparent and reference correctly so that the research and the information that you gain from it can be tracked and verified. And finally always be accurate with grammar and spelling and punctuation.