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CS Reviewer

The document outlines essential guidelines for academic and professional writing, emphasizing the importance of formal tone, structure, and proper citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. It details the components of research papers, academic essays, and formal business letters, while also providing strategies for effective reading and writing improvement. Key concepts include maintaining academic integrity, clarity in communication, and the significance of evidence-based arguments.

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kneeldough3
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6 views

CS Reviewer

The document outlines essential guidelines for academic and professional writing, emphasizing the importance of formal tone, structure, and proper citation styles such as APA, MLA, Chicago, and Harvard. It details the components of research papers, academic essays, and formal business letters, while also providing strategies for effective reading and writing improvement. Key concepts include maintaining academic integrity, clarity in communication, and the significance of evidence-based arguments.

Uploaded by

kneeldough3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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POINTERS TO REVIEW

1. Academic Writing
2. -Characteristics

Academic writing is formal, objective, and structured. Avoid informal


language, personal opinions, and contractions.

- **Tone**: Use a neutral, professional, and impersonal tone. Keep


the writing focused on facts, evidence, and analysis rather than
emotions or casual language.
3. **Citation Styles**
- **MLA**: Common in humanities (literature, philosophy, etc.).
- **APA**: Used in social sciences (psychology, education, etc.).
- **Chicago**: Often used in history and some other disciplines.

- **Harvard**: A common citation style in certain academic fields, such as


business.

4. **Research Paper Structure**


- **Abstract**: A concise summary of the paper’s key points:
purpose, methods, results, and conclusions.
- **Thesis Statement**: A clear and concise statement that presents
the main idea or argument of your paper.
- **Literature Review**: Discusses and analyzes existing research
related to the topic to provide context and background.
- **Methodology**: Describes the research methods and approach
used in the study.
- **Conclusion**: Summarizes findings, restates the thesis, and
discusses implications.
5. **Professional Writing**
- **Emails**: Use a polite tone, a clear subject line, and a formal
greeting (e.g., “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name]”). Avoid overly casual
greetings like “Hey” or “Hi there.”
- **Resumes**: Include an objective statement, contact information,
work experience, and education. Avoid irrelevant personal details.
- **Reports**: Structured with organized sections and headings.
Focus on clarity and precision, and avoid unnecessary jargon or
personal anecdotes.
- **Presentations**: Be clear and concise, avoid speaking too fast,
and engage the audience with eye contact and questions.
6. **Academic Integrity**
- **Plagiarism**: Copying someone else’s work without proper
citation is considered plagiarism and is unethical in academic
settings.

- **Peer Review**: A process where experts or colleagues evaluate the


quality and validity of a research paper before publication.

7. **Improving Writing Skills** - **Reading**: Regularly read academic


articles and books in your field to understand writing styles, vocabulary,
and structure.

- **Writing Practice**: Regularly write papers, essays, or reports to improve


your skills. Use feedback from peers and professors to refine your work.

8. **Communication Skills**
- **Professional Communication**: Always aim for clarity, precision,
and professionalism. Avoid slang, overly emotional language, and
casual expressions.

- **Tone in Academic Writing**: The tone should be **objective** and


**evidence-based**. Refrain from using exaggerated or biased language.

9. **Key Concepts to Remember**


- **Formal vs. Informal Language**: In academic and professional
settings, always use formal language. Avoid contractions (e.g., use
“do not” instead of “don’t”) and colloquial expressions.
- **Structure and Organization**: Whether writing an academic
paper, report, or resume, having a **clear structure** with
appropriate headings and subheadings is crucial for clarity and flow.
- **Correct Citation**: Always provide proper citation for the sources
you refer to in your work, using the appropriate style (APA, MLA,
Chicago, etc.).

1. **Five Characteristics of Academic Writing**

Academic writing is distinct from other forms of writing because it follows


certain conventions. Key characteristics include:

- **Formal tone**: Avoid casual language, slang, contractions, and


personal anecdotes. Use precise, impersonal language.
- **Clarity and coherence**: Ideas should be clearly stated and
logically organized. Avoid ambiguity.
- **Objectivity**: Academic writing focuses on facts, evidence, and
analysis, rather than personal opinions or emotions.
- **Evidence-based**: Arguments and claims must be supported with
credible sources, data, or research findings.
- **Structured format**: Academic writing follows a clear structure
with sections such as an introduction, body, and conclusion. Each
part has a specific function and is organized logically.

2. **Three Main Parts of an Academic Essay**

An academic essay typically consists of three core parts:

- **Introduction**:
- Introduces the topic, provides background information, and includes
a **thesis statement** that outlines the main argument or purpose
of the essay.

- **Body Paragraphs**:

- Each paragraph presents a specific point or argument that supports


the thesis. The body develops the main idea using evidence,
examples, and analysis.

- **Conclusion**:
- Summarizes the main points discussed in the body and restates the
thesis in light of the arguments presented. It may also suggest
broader implications or areas for further study.

3. **Four Types of Citation Styles Commonly Used in Academic Writing**

Different academic disciplines use different citation styles to ensure proper


referencing and avoid plagiarism. Four common citation styles include:
- **APA (American Psychological Association)**:
- Used primarily in the social sciences (e.g., psychology, sociology,
education).

- **MLA (Modern Language Association)**:

- Common in the humanities (e.g., literature, philosophy, cultural


studies).

- **Chicago/Turabian**:
- Chicago style is widely used in history and some social sciences.
Turabian is a simplified version often used by college students.

- **Harvard**:

- Used primarily in the UK and Australia, particularly in the social


sciences, business, and some humanities.

4. **Parts of a Formal Business Letter**

A formal business letter is structured with specific sections to ensure clarity


and professionalism:

- **Sender’s Address**:
- This includes your address (without your name) at the top of the
letter, usually aligned to the right or left.

- **Date**:

- The date the letter is written, usually placed below the sender’s
address.
- **Recipient’s Address**:
- The address of the person or organization you are sending the
letter to (placed below the date).

- **Salutation**:

- A formal greeting, such as “Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name],” or “To Whom


It May Concern” (if you do not know the recipient’s name).

- **Body of the Letter**:


- This is the main content of the letter, divided into paragraphs with
a clear and concise message.

- **Closing**:

- A formal closing phrase, such as “Sincerely,” “Yours faithfully,” or


“Best regards.”

- **Signature**:
- Leave space for your handwritten signature if submitting a hard
copy and then type your name below.

5. **Five Strategies for Effective Academic Reading**

Effective reading in academic contexts requires focused and active


engagement with the text. Here are five strategies to improve academic
reading skills:

- **Preview the Text**:


- Before reading in-depth, skim the headings, subheadings, abstract
(for articles), and conclusions to get a sense of the structure and
main ideas.

- **Take Notes**:

- Write down key points, terms, and ideas as you read. This helps
reinforce understanding and aids in later review.

- **Highlight Key Information**:


- Use highlighting or underlining to mark important concepts,
arguments, or evidence. This makes it easier to locate key sections
for later reference.

- **Summarize Each Section**:

- After reading a section, pause to summarize it in your own words.


This ensures comprehension and retention.

- **Engage Critically**:
- Ask questions about the text. Evaluate the arguments, the evidence
provided, and the conclusions drawn. Look for strengths and
weaknesses in the text’s approach.

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