Interact with the text

This involves taking a critical approach to reading, making the reader an active participant in the process.

Journal article

An academic paper that has been published in a journal and has to conform to the particular academic requirements of that journal. It will generally include an abstract, an introduction and a conclusion as well as the main body and references. Articles in serious scientific journals have to be peer-reviewed, i.e., reviewed by recognized specialist in the field.

(academic) literature

Existing textbooks, research and discussion papers that may be referred to in extended academic writing.

Logical conclusion

A conclusion based on clear, consistent reasoning and which follows from the development of the essay.

Oral presentation

A short lecture, talk or demonstration (usually formal) given in front of an audience. The speaker prepares and structures a presentation in advance and will often use visual aids to illustrate it.

Paraphrase

A rewritten version of a writer’s or speaker’s idea, usually relating to a specific point that the writer has made, with an acknowledgement of the source.

Persuade

A major purpose of academic writing is to persuade, i.e., to convince the reader of a particular point at view, which the writer sets out in her/his work.

Plagiarism

Reproducing sections of another writer’s material and claiming it as your own, whether in the form of long chunks of text or short lines or phrases. This practice is unacceptable in academic writing. Any reproduction of another writer’s work has to be clearly acknowledged.

Poster presentation

A visual display, for example, a placard displayed in a public place during a conference, incorporating information and pictures or diagrams. The audience generally reads the poster while the presenter stands next to it and provides additional explanation.

Referencing

Acknowledging the quotations of other writers in a way that is academically acceptable for example using the APA style. This involves acknowledgement within the text and a full bibliographical reference at the end. There are a number of different referencing systems. The system used may depend on the location of the institution, or on the disciplines within that institution.

Refute/support (an argument)

A major purpose of academic writing is to use reasoning and evidence to show that an argument is false (refute the argument), or that there is some basis for it being true (support the argument).

Reiterate (an idea)

To explain in a different way ideas that have already been mentioned.

Relevant information

Information that directly or indirectly addresses the issues within the chosen topic.

Scanning

Reading in order to find specific information. For example, it is normal to scan a text to find Dates, names or facts. In such cases, the reader knows what he/she is looking for.

Shared knowledge

Information that, it can be assumed, is understood by the reader of the particular piece of writing. An example might be that global warming is the result of human activity.

Skimming

Reading in order to understand the general idea or gist of a text. This involves reading the text quickly to take in the main points, rather than focusing on every word/ for example, it is normal to skim a letter or book cover to find out what it is about. This often precedes reading for more specific information.

Stance

The point of view of the writer, which is normally established in the thesis statement and is then developed and exemplified in the remaining text.

Summarizing

Stating clearly and succinctly the key ideas of an argument in your own words, with an acknowledgement of the source.

Synthesizing

Compiling and organizing different views in a way that shows their relationship and the differences between them.

Thesis

A writer’s point of view or position on the main issue addressed within a text may be referred to as her/his thesis. In order to write an evaluative project, the writer needs to develop a thesis as the starting point.

Thesis statement

This expression of the writer’s thesis is a key element of the introduction to an academic text which directs the reader and helps to focus the content. The thesis is then supported by evidence and reasoning in the main body of the essay or presentation.

Tutorial

Usually a private meeting between a student and a tutor (a teacher or lecturer) who has been assigned to provide her/him help and support.