学术写作academic writing.pptVIP

Workshop for academic writing, SUMC, 2012 Academic Writing For Medical Students Outline of the workshop An overview of the features of academic writing from the perspective of linguistics An introduction to a typical research article A focus on abstract A. Features of Academic Writing Objective: to inform rather than entertain Linear: one central point or theme with every part contributing to the main line of argument, without digressions or repetitions. The standard written form of the language 8 Central Features Complexity Formality Precision Objectivity Explicitness Accuracy Hedging Responsibility 1. Complexity Written language: more complex than spoken language. What’s the difference then? Ex. A1 (distribute the job in dif. Groups) Ex. A1 (distribute the job in dif. Groups) The complexity of written language longer words lexically more dense more varied vocabulary using more noun-based phrases than verb-based phrases. shorter more grammatically complex, including more subordinate clauses and more passives. More examples from medical textbooks Ex.A2: Underline verbs in text 2(a) that are transformed into nouns in text 2(b).. Spoke texts: shorter sentences, longer texts, asking questions and answering them Nominalization produces more academic texts Ex. A3: Passive voice in the case history. Focus of writing: the patients and their physical conditions, not the doctors or nurses. Coherent 2. Formality In general this means in an essay that you should avoid: colloquial words and expressions; stuff, a lot of, thing, sort of, abbreviated forms: cant, doesnt, shouldnt two word verbs: put off, bring up“ sub-headings, numbering and bullet-points in formal essays - but use them in reports. asking questions Ex.A4: Rewrite the following sentences, replacing the informal two-word verb with a more formal equivalent. 1. A primary education system was set up throughout Ireland as early as 1831 2. This will cut down the amount of drug required an