This post highlights a series of YouTube videos explaining how to use writing strategies to get started on academic writing sessions.

In academic writing, there is a clear distinction between active and passive voice. In active voice, the subject of the sentence is the doer of the action. While both forms are used in academic writing, active voice is generally preferred as it is more concise and direct. Passive voice sentences often use more words, can be harder to read, and can give the appearance of evading responsibility. In this. blog post, I will offer tips on how you can change passive voice to active voice in your own writing.

Counterarguments enhance the credibility of your argument by demonstrating you understand the position of other researchers in your field. Thus, counterarguments are a critical component of an academic argument. But how exactly do you go about doing this? In this bog post, I’ll offer a step-by-step guide on how to develop an effective counterargument for any academic paper.

Proofreading your writing is a strategic exercise. It requires more effort than simply checking your document for correctly spelled words. The English language uses several punctuation marks such as commas, colons, dashes, ellipses, exclamation marks, and more. When inserted into your writing correctly, proper punctuation can add flair to your writing.

One key element to master in scholarly writing is constructing the topic sentence. This sentence stems from your thesis statement, which summarizes the purpose of your research.

Academic writers must incorporate the sources they used to support and construct their arguments. By including source material, you can establish what is already known in a field of study by showing what other researchers have discovered or proven on the topic.

Arguments play a key role in academic writing. Academic arguments consist of a claim, also called a thesis statement, followed by logical reasoning and evidence to support the claim. You may be surprised to learn that counterarguments and objections also play a key role in academic writing. They contribute to your argument’s persuasiveness and bolster your credibility as a researcher by showing your awareness of the issues and your ability to address differing viewpoints.

The problem statement guides your entire research proposal, it is considered a key item underpinning your study. Getting this element right is imperative for keeping your research on track. Organizing your ideas allows you to draft a sound problem statement. Download our free problem statement worksheet to help you organize your ideas.

Students and scholars alike often use the terms “academic” and “scholarly” interchangeably when referring to these two types of writing. While it is unlikely that you will be quizzed on the differences between academic and scholarly writing, you can benefit from understanding the similarities and subtle differences between the two.