THE SECRETS TO MASTERING ACADEMIC WRITING SKILLS: FORMAL STYLE, CRAFTING A STRONG THESIS STATEMENT, AND RULES FOR AVOIDING PLAGIARISM.
Keywords:
Key words: Academic Writing, Formal Style, Thesis Statement, Plagiarism, Citation, Academic Honesty.Abstract
ABSTRACT: This article provides essential strategies and actionable rules for
students and researchers aiming to elevate their academic writing skills to meet
international standards. Effective academic communication requires a balance between
formal language, clear argumentation, and unwavering integrity.
The paper first explores the principles of Formal Style, emphasizing the
necessity of objectivity, clarity, and the judicious use of sophisticated academic
vocabulary, while advising against personal pronouns and emotional language. Next,
it delves into the core of any scholarly work: the Thesis Statement. Practical guidelines
are offered on how to craft a thesis that is debatable, specific, and focused, serving as
the central argument of the entire paper. Finally, the article provides a critical review
of Rules for Avoiding Plagiarism, distinguishing between direct quoting, effective
paraphrasing, and summarizing. It underscores the importance of proper in-text citation
using recognized formats (e.g., APA/MLA) to uphold academic honesty.
By mastering these three pillars—formal expression, strong argumentation, and
ethical referencing—authors can ensure their research is not only impactful but also
credible and academically rigorous.
References
References:
1. Bailey, S. (2018). Academic writing: A handbook for international students (5th
ed.). Routledge.
2. Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2016). The craft of research (4th
ed.). The University of Chicago Press.
3. Harwood, N. (2005). "I'll go with the 'group' on that one": Changing our academic
writing practices. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 4(3), 241–254.
4. Pecorari, D. (2016). Plagiarism and academic integrity: Custom and context in
writing. 5.Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 24, 46–55.
5. Purdue University Writing Lab. (n.d.). General format. Retrieved from
https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_s
tyle_guide/general_format.html
6. Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic writing for graduate students:
Essential tasks and skills (3rd ed.). The University of Michigan Press.
7. The University of Sydney. (2020). Developing your thesis statement. Retrieved
from https://sydney.edu.au/students/learning-hub/writing/thesis-statements.html