Academic and Professional Writing

• Academic writing


  A form of writing which communicates ideas, information, and research to the wider academic community
• Academic writing


  • Formal and unbiased
  • Clear and precise
  • Well-sourced
  • Correct and consistent
• Professional writing


  A style of writing that is clear, concise, and seeks to convey information and ideas quickly in a professional setting
• Professional writing


  • Professional in tone
  • Planned
  • Utilizes formal language
  • Correct in grammar and syntax
• Essay


  A written piece to present an idea, propose an argument, express the emotion, or initiate debate that is designed
• Anatomy of an essay


  1. Introduction

  2. Body

  3. Conclusion
• Introduction


  • Provides the background information of the topic as well as the thesis statement
  • Introduces the topic and why it matters
  • Identifies the specific focus of the paper
  • Indicates how the paper will be organized
• Body


  • Presents substantial information (supporting details) that discusses the introduction
  • Provides information and arguments that follow logically from the main point identified in the introduction
• Conclusion


  • Ends the topic
  • Summarizes the points
  • Leaves a message to the readers
• Position paper


  An academic writing that is making an argument which is built upon evidence
• Purpose of a position paper

  To generate support on an issue and convince the audience/reader that your opinion is valid and worth listening to
• Guidelines on writing a position paper

  1. Select a topic

  2. Conduct preliminary research

  3. Challenge your own topic

  4. Summarize your argument and restate your position
• Selecting a topic for a position paper

  • It should be backed by research and can withstand challenges
  • It is advisable to research multiple topics and choose the one you can effectively argue, even if it differs from your personal beliefs
  • The topic can range from simple to complex, but the argument must be cogent and coherent
• Preliminary research for a position paper

  • It is important to ascertain if there is enough evidence to support your position
  • Search reliable websites such as those ending in .edu or .gov for professional studies and statistics
  • If no results are found after an hour or if the information conflicts with your stance, consider selecting a different topic
• Challenging your own topic for a position paper

  • It is necessary to have a thorough understanding of the opposing perspective before taking a stance
  • It is important to anticipate potential challenges and refute them with evidence
  • Seeking input from others can provide valuable alternative viewpoints
  • When encountering opposing arguments, it is best to address them fairly and explain why they are invalid
• Anatomy of a position paper


  • Introduction: Presents the topic/issue, background info, and thesis
  • Body: Presents counterclaims, provides supporting details and evidence, presents one's claims and supporting details/evidence
  • Conclusion: Restates the argument presented in the body, provides a plan of action
• Academic writing


  A form of writing which communicates ideas, information and research to the wider academic community. It is a formal style of writing used in universities and scholarly publications.
• Characteristics of academic writing

  • Formal and unbiased
  • Clear and precise
  • Well-sourced
  • Correct and consistent
• Professional writing


  A style of writing that is clear, concise, and seeks to convey information and ideas quickly in a professional setting. It is the composition of informative materials in a professional capacity.
• Characteristics of professional writing

  • Professional in tone
  • Planned
  • Utilizes formal language
  • Correct in grammar and syntax
• Essay


  A written piece to present an idea, propose an argument, express the emotion or initiate debate that is designed. It is a tool that is used to present writer's ideas in a non-fictional way.
• Parts of an essay

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
• Position paper


  An academic writing that is making an argument which is built upon evidence. It presents an arguable opinion about an issue/topic.
• Purpose of a position paper

  • To generate support on an issue
  • To convince the audience/reader that your opinion is valid and worth listening to
• Questions to ask when choosing a position paper topic

  • Is it a real issue, with genuine controversy and uncertainty?
  • Can you distinctly identify two positions?
  • Are you interested in the give issue?
  • Is the issue specific and manageable?
• Elements needed for a position paper

  • Research
  • Citations
  • Peer-reviewed studies
  • Statistics
  • Factual information
  • Informed opinions/observations
• Parts of a position paper

  • Introduction
  • Body
  • Conclusion
• Business letter


  A written message to a person or group within a professional setting. They are used when the writer would like to be formal and professional.
• Application letter


  Also known as a "cover letter", it is a document that you send to potential employers to secure a position or get an invitation to an interview. It provides the recruiting managers with essential information that describes your skills, passion, experience and educational background.
• Parts of a business letter

  • Heading (Return Address) or Letterhead
  • Date
  • Inside Address
  • Greeting
  • Subject Line (optional)
  • Introduction
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Complimentary Close
  • Signature and Writer's identification
• Resume


  It includes the information about one's background and qualifications relevant to a job/ profession. It communicates the most important, relevant and technical information about you to employers in a clear, easy-to-read format.
• Parts of a resume

  • Introduction
  • Contact details
  • Education
  • Experience
  • Skills
  • Interests
  • Research and Publications
  • Achievements
  • Trainings and Seminars
  • Reference List
• The Introduction

  ➢ This paragraph should introduce why you are writing the letter and sum up the key points in the following paragraphs.

  ➢ Include a statement that shows you are knowledgeable of the audience to which your letter is directed.
• Essay defined...

  ➢ An essay is composed of a group of related paragraphs that works together to present one main point.
• Conclusion - Its purpose is to end the topic, summarize the aforementioned points, and leave a message to the readers.
• THE INTRODUCTION

  This part presents the following:

  ✓ The topic/issue

  ✓ Background info about the topic/issue

  ✓ Present the thesis to the topic/issue
• THE BODY

  This part where the counterclaims on the thesis are shown, followed by the writer’s own argument.
• THE CONCLUSION

  This part where the summary of the points will be closed.

  ✓ It restates the argument presented in the body.

  ✓ It provides a plan of action.
• The Heading (The Return Address) or Letterhead

  ✓ The information about the organization’s identity is usually written at the top of the sheet using printed paper.
• Date

  ✓ Date of writing. The month should be fully spelled out and the year written with all four digits October 12, 2005.