The art of academic writing is not easy to master.Academic writing is the skilful exposition and explanation of an argument, which the writer has carefully researched and developed over a sustained period of time.But the joy of reading and sharing with others, one's succinctly composed piece of argument, is incomparable.
Before beginning to write, the writer must ask himself a few questions – Why am I writing? What is it that I intend to share with others? What purpose will my writing serve? Have I read enough about the topic or theme about which I am going to write?Because academic writing is a serious activity – it makes one part of a shared community of readers and writers who wish to disseminate and learn from well-argued pieces of writing.
The structure of an argumentative essay should take the form of – Introduction (which should be around ten percent of the entire essay), Body (it should constitute eighty percent of the piece) and the Conclusion (again, ten per cent of the essay).The body should include cogent and coherently linked paragraphs and the conclusion should re-state the argument and offer a substantial ending to the piece.
A. These questions may well get clearer and clearer during the process of academic writing.
B. The introduction should function as the hook which draws the reader in and holds his attention.
C. It is a formal skill, which requires precision and accuracy, and is perfected by continuous and dedicated practice.
D. If one is hesitant to answer even one of the aforementioned questions, one had better not write at all!
E. It may take one a considerable period of time to know the skills of academic writing, even long after his/her college graduation.
F. It is a time-consuming activity and demands patience and perseverance.
