Writing the introduction to an academic paper is challenging. In addition to providing summary details about the paper’s purpose (including motivation), methodology and findings, it also needs to be written in a way appealing to both technical and non-technical readers. The introduction also needs to meet the expectations of the journal in terms of keyContinueContinue reading “Writing introductions to academic papers”
Category Archives: writing
Different steps in the writing process
The writing process consists of several steps: pre-writing (reading, collecting and analysing data, thinking), drafting, reviewing, revising, editing, and proofing (often with multiple loops within this process). Combining any of these steps can be false economy – they require different skills and perspectives. Editing your work as you go can block your creative process. ApproachingContinueContinue reading “Different steps in the writing process”
The importance of writing well
There are clear benefits of writing well. This is particularly the case in academia – careers depend on it. Not only that, both in teaching and research, we have an inherent responsibility to communicate knowledge clearly and respectfully to others. How you communicate says a lot about you and your work. You are: More likelyContinueContinue reading “The importance of writing well”
Useful references
Everyone has their favourite references. A few of my favourites: Books: On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Non-Fiction, William Zinnser Style Manual (now online http://www.stylemanual.gov.au) Dictionary – completely underrated Websites: http://www.stylemanual.gov.au – also sign up for their newsletter which has very useful tips Vision Australia – Digital Access Blog (their training and webinarsContinueContinue reading “Useful references”
Communicating research beyond academia
To have any impact, research needs to be actively communicated to those it affects. When communicating research outside of academia, you need to think about: who the research impactswhat the key messages/implications arewhether the research is time sensitivehow you can reach your target audience how you communicate the research (often multiple ways)how you can leadContinueContinue reading “Communicating research beyond academia”
Asking for feedback
Writing well means writing with the reader in mind, and structuring your content to suit them – not necessarily you. The best way to find out whether you are meeting the needs of your potential reader is to ask for their feedback. This can be through informal or formal review processes. First, do not wasteContinueContinue reading “Asking for feedback”
Elements of writing well
William Zinsser wrote a book ‘On Writing Well’ in which he provides valuable lessons for writing non-fiction. Aim for simplicity over clutterClear thinking leads to clear writingConsider style and audienceImitate ‘good writing’Understand the words you are usingAim for unity (consistency) in language and contentOpening (and closing) is important to engage the reader Remember these pointsContinueContinue reading “Elements of writing well”
The importance of writing well
There are clear benefits of writing well. This is particularly the case in academia – careers depend on it. Not only that, both in teaching and research, we have an inherent responsibility to communicate knowledge clearly and respectfully to others. How you communicate says a lot about you and your work. You are: More likelyContinueContinue reading “The importance of writing well”
Style Guides (Part 3)
Organisational and journal style guides are often incomplete. While I recommend defaulting to a recent publication to guide you on the style requirements of a specific publication (see Style Guides (Part 1)), this does not always provide you with an understanding as to why one approach is used over another. If in doubt, I referContinueContinue reading “Style Guides (Part 3)”
Style Guides (Part 1)
Every publication has it’s own style – in terms of writing, format and content. Most organisations (including universities) and journals have a Style Guide to help authors understand what is required for publication. Style Guides cover many things; they may include requirements about structure, length, headings, citation/reference style, writing style and presentation. This ensures theContinueContinue reading “Style Guides (Part 1)”
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