Think About The Last Time You Had To Turn In An Academic Paper How Lo
Think about the last time you had to turn in an academic paper. How long ago was it? For some, it may have been recent, but for many, it has been some time since they took a college course. You might write regularly but academic writing has a different look and tone than informal or business writing. Therefore, it is important for you to understand instructor expectations as you embark on your degree program journey.
Whether you recently completed a degree program or have not taken a college course in 20 years, planning for success is key. To prepare: visit each tab on the “Scholarly Writing: Overview” page on the Walden Writing Center website, located in the Learning Resources section for this week. Review some of the additional resources, such as the recorded webinars. Then, reflect and provide a self-assessment in your journal this week on:
- How would you describe academic writing, and how does it differ from informal writing?
- What is your experience with academic writing?
- What strengths do you bring as a writer that will help you be successful in your academic program?
- What areas do you think you might struggle with as a writer, and how might you overcome these areas of concern?
Your journal entry should be approximately 400–800 words. Reference at least two Walden resources from the Learning Resources this week (that you used in your self-assessment).
Paper For Above instruction
Academic writing is a formal style of writing used in scholarly settings, characterized by clarity, precision, and a logical structure. Unlike informal writing, which often employs conversational tone, contractions, and personal opinions, academic writing strives for objectivity and evidence-based arguments. It emphasizes the use of scholarly sources, proper citation, and adherence to specific style guides such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. For example, academic writing seeks to present ideas that are well-reasoned and supported by research, fostering a professional tone that demonstrates credibility and authority.
My experience with academic writing has been both challenging and rewarding. During my previous coursework, I have learned to construct thesis statements, develop coherent paragraphs, and cite sources
effectively. Initially, the formal tone and strict adherence to citation rules were daunting, but over time, I gained confidence and improved my ability to articulate ideas clearly. The structured nature of academic writing has helped me develop critical thinking skills and a more disciplined writing process.
One of my key strengths as a writer is my attention to detail. I am meticulous about following assignment guidelines and citation requirements, which ensures my work meets academic standards. Additionally, I am a dedicated researcher, capable of locating credible sources and integrating them into my writing logically. This ability allows me to support my arguments convincingly and lends credibility to my work.
Furthermore, I possess strong organizational skills, enabling me to plan and structure my papers effectively. I often outline my ideas before writing, which helps me maintain a coherent flow and logical progression of arguments. My background in writing from both personal and professional experiences has also contributed to my ability to adapt my tone and style to suit academic purposes.
Despite my strengths, I recognize potential areas of challenge. One is managing time effectively, particularly when balancing multiple assignments. To overcome this, I plan to develop a detailed schedule and set interim deadlines to ensure timely completion of my papers. Another challenge is limiting the use of informal language or colloquialisms, especially when expressing ideas in a more personal tone. To address this, I will review my drafts critically and compare my language to academic standards, possibly seeking feedback from peers or instructors.
Additionally, I am aware that refining my skills in synthesizing sources and avoiding plagiarism is crucial. I intend to utilize resources such as the Walden Writing Center's webinar on proper citation practices and academic integrity (Walden University, 2023). Consulting these resources will help me strengthen my skills in paraphrasing, summarizing, and citing sources accurately, ensuring my work remains ethical and credible.
Overall, my experience with academic writing has laid a solid foundation for further growth. I am committed to continuously improving my skills by actively engaging with available resources and seeking feedback. Developing proficiency in academic writing is essential to my success in achieving my academic and professional goals, as it enables me to communicate ideas effectively and demonstrate scholarly competence.
References
Walden University. (2023). Scholarly writing: Overview. Walden Writing Center. https://writingcenter.waldenu.edu
Walden University. (2023). Academic integrity and citation practices. Walden Resources. https://academicguides.waldenu.edu
Hood, W. C., & Rouse, S. V. (2018). Critical thinking and academic writing. Journal of Higher Education, 89(2), 123-135.
Graff, G., & Birkenstein, C. (2018). They say / I say: The moves that matter in academic writing. W.W. Norton & Company.
Lunsford, A. A., & Ruszkiewicz, J. J. (2019). Everything's an argument. Bedford/St. Martin's.
Richards, J. C., & Schmidt, R. (2019). Longman dictionary of language teaching & applied linguistics. Routledge.
O’Neill, T., & McGinnity, L. (2020). Writing academically: Strategies and practices. Journal of Academic Literacy, 14(3), 45-59.
Appleby, R. C. (2017). Academic writing in college and beyond. Sage Publications.
Johnson, J. (2021). Strategies for effective academic writing. Modern Academic Publishing.
Wilkinson, D., & Cargill, M. (2022). Research methods in health: Foundations for evidence-based practice. Wiley-Blackwell.