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What is academic writing: A go-to guide for students
Academic writing is one of your biggest challenges as an undergraduate student at uni. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. Think of academic writing as a new language with rules and grammar that builds on skills you’ve gained at school.
Academic writing might sound intimidating at first but think of it as learning a new skill—like cooking or coding, just with more footnotes. It’s a formal way to share your ideas and research, whether you’re crafting essays, reports, or even a thesis. The trick? Clear, logical, and evidence-based communication.
What is academic writing?
Academic writing is essentially a formal, structured and objective way to communicate your ideas and research. It's used in everything from essays and reports to case studies, literature reviews and theses. The goal is to present your knowledge and position clearly, logically and in a way that is backed up by evidence.
There are lots of support services at ANU to help you grow your skills in academic writing.
What are the types of academic writing?
At university, academic writing takes on a few main styles. Some might feel familiar from high school, while others could push you out of your comfort zone (in a good way).
Descriptive writing
Ideal for reports or summaries, this style is all about facts. If your lecturer says “summarise” or “define,” they’re after descriptive writing.
Analytical writing
This involves breaking down ideas into smaller parts and connecting the dots. Words like “compare”, “examine” or “contrast” on your assignment sheet? That’s your cue for analysis.
Persuasive writing
Time to take a stand! Persuasive writing builds on analytical writing, adding your opinion to convince readers of a particular point of view. Think “discuss” or “argue.”
Critical writing
This type of academic writing is more for postgraduate students, as it requires a deep understanding of your topic. Critical writing means exploring others’ research while forming your own takes. It’s about critique, not just agreement.
What forms can academic writing take?
Your assignments will come in different shapes and sizes. Here are a few you’ll get to know well:
Essays
Essays require you to argue your case and back it up with evidence. Your job? Understand the question, engage with the debate and convince the reader.
Reports
Reports showcase research findings, often following a structured format like “methods,” “results,” and “discussion.” At ANU, reports are a common form of academic writing if you’re conducting fieldwork, experiments in a lab or reporting on an exchange experience that’s part of your coursework.
Theses
The ultimate academic test. A thesis (60,000–100,000 words!) is about original research. You’ll only undertake this if you’re an honours, master’s, or PhD student.
Case studies
Real-world scenarios turned into in-depth analyses. Expect these in business, economics, or medical degrees at ANU. We even host an International Case Study Competition.
Literature reviews
A literature review surveys what’s already known (and not known) about your topic, paving the way for your research.
Reading up on published academic writing is a great way to learn the tips and tricks of the field.
Why academic writing stands out
Unlike casual writing, academic writing sticks to the facts. It’s formal, structured and backed by evidence. The more you practice, the easier it gets. Start by reading examples from respected journals or your peers. You’ll be an expert in no time.
ANU offers students plenty of study skills and academic integrity workshops, advice and events.
