Lesson 15: Academic Writing Mastery: Conventions and Beyond
Learning Objectives:
- Students will understand and apply the key conventions of academic writing, including formality, objectivity, precision, and accuracy.
- Students will learn to use appropriate vocabulary and grammar for academic contexts.
- Students will practice citing sources correctly and avoiding plagiarism.
- Students will develop their critical thinking and analytical skills through academic writing exercises.
Materials:
- Whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or pens
- Handouts with academic writing guidelines and examples (see below)
- Mentor texts (academic articles, research papers, essays)
- Writing prompts related to academic topics
Procedure:
Part 1: Introduction (5 minutes)
- Greeting and Review: Greet students and briefly review previous lessons on essay writing.
- Introducing Academic Writing: Explain that academic writing is a specific style used in scholarly settings, such as universities and research institutions. It has unique conventions that distinguish it from other types of writing.
Part 2: Modeling and Explanation (15 minutes)
- Key Conventions: Introduce the key conventions of academic writing:
- Formality: Use formal language, avoiding slang, contractions, and personal pronouns (I, you, we) in most cases.
- Objectivity: Present information in a neutral and unbiased manner, focusing on facts and evidence rather than personal opinions.
- Precision: Use precise language and avoid vague or ambiguous terms.
- Accuracy: Ensure that information is factual and supported by credible sources.
- Citation: Cite sources correctly to avoid plagiarism.
- Vocabulary and Grammar: Discuss the use of academic vocabulary and complex sentence structures in academic writing.
- Example: “The research conducted by Smith et al. (2020) indicates that…” (formal vocabulary and citation)
- Citation Styles: Briefly introduce different citation styles (e.g., APA, MLA) and their basic guidelines.
Part 3: Guided Practice (15 minutes)
- Identifying Formal vs. Informal Language: Provide examples of formal and informal sentences and have students identify the differences.
- Rewriting Sentences: Have students rewrite informal sentences in a more formal academic style.
- Citation Practice: Provide examples of in-text citations and reference lists, and have students practice citing sources correctly.
Part 4: Independent Practice (20 minutes)
- Writing Prompt: Provide a writing prompt related to an academic topic (e.g., the impact of climate change on Cambodia, the history of Angkor Wat, the role of education in economic development).
- Instructions: Have students write a short academic paragraph or essay, incorporating the conventions discussed in class.
- Differentiation: Offer different prompts for varying levels of challenge.
Part 5: Sharing and Feedback (15 minutes)
- Peer Review: Have students exchange papers and provide feedback using a peer review checklist that focuses on academic writing conventions.
- Whole Class Discussion: Discuss common challenges and strategies for adhering to academic writing conventions.
- Teacher Feedback: Provide detailed feedback on individual writing samples, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Example Handouts:
- Academic Writing Guidelines: A summary of key conventions with examples.
- Citation Guide: A brief overview of a chosen citation style with examples.
Outro:
Mastering academic writing conventions is essential for success in higher education and many professional fields. By practicing these conventions and developing your critical thinking skills, you can effectively communicate your knowledge and ideas in a scholarly manner. Remember, academic writing is a process that requires ongoing practice and refinement, so embrace the challenge and strive for excellence!
