College writing often focuses more on research
College writing often focuses more on research, or more deeply on research than students might have experienced previously, and asks students to interpret that research rigorously, ethically, and thoughtfully. The research on which the writing in college is based must have a solid foundation; it must go beyond featuring a few articles found in a last-minute online search and offer deeper investigation into a topic, placing multiple credible sources in conversation. College writing also requires critical thinking from the researcher/writer, to interpret information and arrange it rhetorically for an audience.
Research is everywhere. But it varies in depth, accuracy, timeliness, and reliability, so it’s not always possible to accept something at face value. The ability to discern between credible and effective information and that which is not credible and effective is an important capability to develop, not just for college but for work and life beyond.
Through research, we become discerning users of information rather than just passive consumers of it.
In this class, understanding research begins with considering the academic context and exploring a topic deeply.
Reading
-Academic Research Writing: What is it?https://quillbot.com/courses/research-based-writing/chapter/academic-research-writing-what-is-it/
-What is Academic Writing? by L. Lennie IrvinLinks to an external site.
https://wac.colostate.edu/docs/books/writingspaces1/irvin--what-is-academic-writing.pdf
Assignment
For this assignment, complete the readings above and post a response in less than 250 words to the following questions:
1.What surprises you about academic writing according to the readings? What do you find interesting or problematic, and why?
2.In a few sentences, how would you describe what academic writing is?
3.What kinds of research have you experienced in the past? Have you used search engines to find information, and have you used library resources? What kinds of writing using research have you done in the past?
4.What are you hoping to learn about the research process and about research writing?
One surprising aspect of academic writing according to the readings is the emphasis on deep research and the need for multiple credible sources. This goes beyond what many students may have experienced in previous writing assignments, where a quick online search may have sufficed. The requirement to critically analyze and interpret research is also interesting, as it highlights the importance of thinking critically and presenting information in a thoughtful manner. However, this can also be problematic for students who may not have had much exposure to this level of research and critical thinking.
Academic writing can be described as writing that is based on rigorous research, is ethically and thoughtfully interpreted, and is intended for an academic audience. It involves going beyond surface-level information and delving into deeper investigation of a topic, utilizing multiple credible sources, and presenting information in a logical and coherent manner.
In the past, I have primarily relied on search engines to find information for research purposes. I have used library resources to a lesser extent, but I am aware of their importance in finding more credible and in-depth sources. In terms of writing using research, I have completed assignments that required incorporating research into essays and reports. However, these assignments did not necessarily require the same level of deep research and critical analysis as academic writing.
I am hoping to learn more about the research process and how to effectively navigate and evaluate different sources of information. I want to develop my skills in conducting thorough and credible research, as well as improve my ability to critically analyze and interpret the information I find. Additionally, I am interested in learning how to properly integrate research into my writing in a way that is coherent, persuasive, and engaging for an academic audience.