Academic Writing
"thesis driven": centered on a specific perspective
clear topic sentences
logical
cohesive
describes complex ideas clearly
formal (usually third person rather than first)
cites sources
provides a list of references
Resources address academic writing and "degrees of certainty":
“Academic Writing Style.” University of New England. 2011. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
The site is a “workshop” that provides questions and feedback related to the “formal style” of academic writing. Under the “What to Do” and “What NOT to Do” sections, the links are active; that is, additional information is provided. Under “What NOT to Do,” “Avoid using words that express your opinion toooooo strongly” states that your argument should be “well-considered and reasonable” and offers a “Certainty barometer” with the following options: “low certainty, Medium certainty/hedging, and High certainty”
Link: http://www.une.edu.au/tlc/aso/aso-online/academic-writing/academic-style.php#dont
"Academic Writing Style." University of Southern California Libraries. University of Southern California. n.d. Web. 20 Aug. 2012.
Site offers a definition of academic writing, discusses the value of academic writing, and provides strategies.
Link: http://libguides.usc.edu/content.php?pid=83009&sid=645284
“Because I Said So: Effective Use of the First-Person Perspective and the Personal Voice in Academic Writing.” The First Person in Academic Writing. Writing Studio. Duke University. n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
Discusses the use of third- and first-person points of view in academic writing and cites James Raymond who says that the question is “not whether the authorial I is allowed, but whether it is earned and wther it is effective” (4).
Link: http://twp.duke.edu/uploads/media_items/first-person.original.pdf
“Expressing Opinion.” Academic Writing. Uni learning. University of Wollongong. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
Tables address “modal verbs and adverbs” to address “different degrees of certainty of modality” (strong, moderate, and tentative) as well as examples. As the site notes: “The level of modality . . . must match the level of certainty provided by your evidence.”
Link: http://unilearning.uow.edu.au/academic/4aiii_2.html
“Features of Academic English.” London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicene. 2010. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
With a brief introduction regarding expectations, this page offers questions about “features of academic English” and allows you to check your answers. Number eight specifically addresses degrees of certainty.
Gillet, Andy. “Rhetorical Functions in Academic Speaking: Expressing Degrees of Certainty.” Using English for Academic Purposes: A Guide for Students in Higher Education. UEfAP.com. 2013. Web. 12 Apr. 2013.
Site provides examples that correlate with degrees of certainty: Complete, strong, partial, less strong, and no commitment.
Link: http://www.uefap.com/speaking/function/certain.htm
UEfAP.com Link: http://www.uefap.com/index.htm