Writing Resources
Precision, Clarity, and Academic Expression
According to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA; 2010, p. 65), "Devices that are often found in creative writing - for example: setting up ambiguity, inserting the unexpected, omitting the expected, and suddenly shifting the topic, tense, or person - can confuse or disturb readers of scientific prose." Likewise, "the author who is frugal with words not only writes a more readable manuscript but also increases the chances that the manuscript will be accepted for publication....You can tighten long papers by eliminating redundancy, wordiness, jargon, evasiveness, overuse of the passive voice, circumlocution, and clumsy prose" (APA, 2010, p. 67).
Use the handouts below to master the skills needed to be a precise, clear, smooth, and economic writer.
Word Choice in Standard Academic Writing
Don't let these concepts deter you from enjoying the academic writing process, though. According to APA, "Although scientific writing differs in form from literary writing, it need not lack style or be dull" (APA, 2010, p. 66). Use the hadout below to learn how to keep your writing engaging.