UndergradSkiller: Skill Set Map for Undergraduates and Their Educators
ACADEMIC READING AND WRITING: Academic Writing
Academic Language and Argumentation
Academic writing has its own conventions of language and argumentation. Knowing which phrases to use when presenting evidence, building a case, or signaling caution helps students write with greater precision and authority.
Useful Resources on Academic Language and Argumentation:
Morley, J. (2023). Academic phrasebank. The University of Manchester. https://www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk/
Annotation: Bank of generic academic phrases organized by the main sections of a research paper or dissertation and by general communicative functions. The phrases are content-neutral and can be adapted for use without risk of plagiarism.
Excelsior Online Writing Lab. (n.d.). Argument in college writing. https://owl.excelsior.edu/argument-and-critical-thinking/argument-in-college-writing/
Annotation: Introduction to the principles of formal argumentative writing at the college level, distinguishing it from broader persuasive writing. Covers argumentative structures, types of evidence, logical reasoning, and rhetorical strategies relevant to essays, presentations, and policy proposals.
Pantuso, T., LeMire, S., & Anders, K. (2022). Informed arguments: A guide to writing and research (4th ed.). Texas A&M University. https://open.umn.edu/opentextbooks/textbooks/informed-arguments-a-guide-to-writing-and-research-pantuso
Annotation: Textbook designed for first-year college-level composition and research courses, covering foundational writing skills with a focus on argumentation.
Peer Review: None
Table of contents:
- 1.1. Reading Strategies
- 1.2. Academic Writing
- 1.2.1. Getting Started with Writing
1.2.2. Academic Language and Argumentation
- 1.3. Essay Writing
- 1.4. Thesis Writing
Author: Leeanne Irwin
Peer Reviewer(s): None