On Characteristic Features of Academic Writing

         Academic writing is intended for a particular audience. Thus, the academic text follows the rules, norms and conventions of academic genre. The writer uses specific patterns that are characteristic of academic writing in order to be more persuasive and revel his/her goals appropiately.
        There is a rule when writing a paper that is very important to remeber: Tell them what you are going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them. This simply means that you are to have an introduction, a body and a conclusion that re-states what you've already told them.
        Before you start writing a paper, you need to decide three important things: what you are writing about, who you imagine will be reading your paper and what you want to tell them.
        When you write an essay, you must make each paragraph connect smoothly with the paragraphs before and after it. The main idea or point developed in an essay is called the thesis statement (or thesis sentence) rather than as in a paragraph, the topic sentence. The thesis statement appears in the introductory paragraph, and it is then developed in the supporting paragraphs that follow.
       A characteristic feature of academic writing is the usage of the formal vocabulary. The writer's claims are clearer and more academic. Colloquialisms should be avoided because they are used in spoken language.  
      Another feature found in academic writing is the passive voice. The subject is not mentioned. It is better to change all sentences from active voice into passive voice. Yet, the writer should be very considerate not to overuse passive voice.
      As in academic writing it is better to avoid emotive language, questions and contractions obviously  the writer uses objective and cautious language. Objectivity makes the paper to sound more authoritative.
     In order for the writer to support his/her opinions and ideas he/she needs to use references. All borrowed ideas from others works are cited properly in the form of either quotations or paraphrase.
     When it comes to the organization and flow, the writer's thoughts should be explored in a logical sequence, the organization of the material is clear. His/ her ideas should relate to each other, the structure is logical this is what coherence represents.
    Thus, academic writing includes certain essential features which are to be followed in oder to get a good paper that reveals an important issue to an audience. Learning how to write a paper can be maddening, exasperating process, but it doesn't have to be. If you know the steps and understand what to do, writing can be easy and even fun.