01 • FOUNDATIONS
Academic Writing Basics
Academic writing is clear, purposeful and evidence-aware. It is not about using the longest words; it is about making your thinking easy for a reader to follow.
Start with the task
Underline the task words. Are you being asked to explain, analyse, compare, argue, reflect or evaluate? The verb tells you what the writing must do.
Purpose and audience
Decide why you are writing and what your reader needs to understand. This affects tone, explanation, structure and evidence.
A useful self-check
Can you explain the assignment in your own words? Can you state the main point you want the reader to understand by the end?
Practice
Choose one current assignment. Write a one-sentence purpose statement beginning: “By the end of this paper, my reader should understand…”