Wk 1 Comment on Kathy Kellen's Post

Dartmouth Writing Program Materials for Students:
What is Academic Writing? Tips For Transitioning Writers

In her article “What Is An Academic Paper?” Karen Gocsik (2004) addresses how writing in college differs from that in high school. She clearly defines “academic writing” as writing that is done by scholars for other scholars, such that addresses topics that the academic community is interested in, and presents the reader with an informed argument. Writers of the NACTA Journal article “Teaching Tips/Notes” explain that
Using the professional/ technical style would demonstrate that
the student not only has studied and understands the material
well but also has organized his/or her thoughts using the
professional style common for that field of study and has
therefore moved to a higher level of organization. (2010).

Moving from personal response to analytical writing can present a challenge. An academic writer must show that the associations, reactions, and how the text has been experienced, are written with an analytical frame of reference instead of a personal one. Points to remember are to summarize, evaluate, analyze, and synthesize. “When you analyze, you break the text into its parts. When you synthesize, you look for connections between ideas.” (Gocsik, 2004 p.18)
In depth research is necessary for both the development of arguments and the creation of an original piece of writing. This will avoid repetitive content and clichés. The use of secondary sources supports conclusions. (Przybyla, 2009 p.4).

Questions are a vital component to the academic writer. Gocsik’s article lists questions to be asked at every stage of the writing process, which can help the writer to focus in on the topic, the target audience, and the appropriate structure. It also lists helpful tips for writers either new to, or long distanced from academic writing.

@ Kathy
The quote you pulled stating how "the student not only has studied and understands the material well but also has organized his/her thoughts" is perfect for this reading. I also feel one of the most important aspects of academic writing is the amount of organization shown within the writing. The idea of questions being a "vital component" is true in writing just as I have noticed it is with our Action Research Projects. Nice job using the skills mentioned above to produce a quality summary.