Introduction to Academic Writing

Summary

This video script explains the importance of understanding different writing genres in academic settings. It highlights how each academic discipline requires adapting to its unique genre, emphasizing that writing is situational and varies depending on the audience and purpose. The script outlines the core purpose of academic writing, which is to make an argument based on reason, support it with evidence, and explain its relevance. It also discusses how different genres differ in argumentation, structure, and citation styles, offering guidance on how to navigate these variations for academic success.

Takeaways

• 😀 Writing is situational, and what counts as good writing varies depending on the purpose and audience.
• 😀 There is no one ideal way to write well; writing is often about meeting the expectations of the specific genre.
• 😀 Genres in writing, like country music and hip hop, have distinct characteristics that meet the expectations of their audiences.
• 😀 Different types of writing, such as a love letter, text message, or college essay, follow different conventions and styles.
• 😀 Academic writing varies depending on the discipline, with different formats for philosophy, business, or anatomy classes.
• 😀 The three main goals of academic writing are to make an argument, emphasize reason over emotion, and explain the significance of the argument.
• 😀 Academic writing should aim to change the reader's way of thinking or acting, using sound logic and strong evidence.
• 😀 Understanding the purpose behind academic writing helps to craft compelling arguments that matter and solve problems.
• 😀 Successful academic writing often depends on adapting to the genre, including how you argue, structure, and format your writing.
• 😀 Academic genres differ in how arguments are presented, the types of evidence used, and the organizational structure of the writing.
• 😀 While academic writing has different genres, they all share the common goal of presenting an argument with reasons that matter.

Q & A

What is the most common complaint students have about their English classes?

The most common complaint is that students often don't know what teachers are looking for in their writing, as each teacher has their own quirks and preferences for what makes a good paper.

Why do students struggle with writing for different teachers?

Students struggle because each teacher has their own expectations, and it often takes them most of the semester to figure out how to write in a way that aligns with those expectations.

What does the professor mean by 'writing is situational'?

The professor means that what counts as good writing can vary depending on the purpose of the writing and the audience it's intended for. There is no single 'ideal' way to write well.

What is the concept of 'genres' in writing?

Genres refer to different types of writing situations, such as love letters, college essays, or text messages, each with its own set of expectations and purposes.

How does the professor compare country music and hip hop to writing genres?

The professor uses country music and hip hop as examples to show how different genres have distinct styles and expectations, just as different writing genres require different approaches and structures.

Why is it important to adapt your writing to different genres in college?

It is important because academic writing varies across disciplines, and being able to adapt to these differences is crucial for success in college.

What are the three main goals that academic writing should strive to accomplish?

Academic writing should aim to: 1) make an argument that changes the reader's perspective, 2) emphasize reason over emotion by presenting strong logic and evidence, and 3) explain why the argument matters and how it helps solve problems or understand the world better.

How does the purpose of academic writing differ from other types of writing?

Academic writing focuses on making a well-reasoned argument that matters, whereas other types of writing, like love letters or text messages, are usually more personal, emotional, or informal.

In what ways do academic writing genres differ from one another?

Academic writing genres differ in three main areas: the ways of arguing (types of arguments and evidence), macro structures (how the argument is organized), and style and citation (formatting and tone).

What will the professor focus on in the following videos for students?

The professor will focus on helping students understand the similarities and differences between academic writing genres, and how to adapt their writing for different disciplines and assignments.