What Is Academic Writing?

What Makes Academic Writing Unique?

Academic writing differs from everyday writing in a few important ways:

1. Formal Tone

Academic writing avoids slang, contractions, and overly casual expressions. Instead, it favors objective, professional language.

Example:
? “The results were kinda weird.”
? “The results were unexpected and require further analysis.”

2. Evidence-Based

Claims must be backed by credible sources—such as academic journals, books, or reputable websites.

3. Structured and Organized

Academic writing follows a clear structure. Common formats include essays (introduction, body, conclusion), research papers (abstract, methodology, findings), and reports.

4. Objective and Neutral

Instead of personal opinions, academic writing emphasizes logic and objectivity. Use third-person voice and avoid phrases like "I believe..." unless personal reflection is required.

5. Citations and Referencing

Referencing shows where your information comes from and avoids plagiarism. Popular styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago.