How to Write Academic English

Skills for Success / Academic Skills / How to Write Academic English

Writing at Level 6

Level 6 corresponds to the final year of undergraduate study in the UK. At this level, you are expected to show a high degree of skill in academic writing, showcasing your ability to engage critically with complex ideas and conduct independent research. Here’s what is typically expected at Level 6:

Key Expectations

• Sophisticated Critical Analysis: Students should exhibit advanced critical thinking skills, including the ability to critically analyse and synthesise complex information from diverse sources.
• Independent Research: Conduct independent research projects, demonstrating the ability to formulate research questions, design methodologies, and analyse data.
• Complex Argumentation: Develop and present sophisticated arguments that are well-supported by evidence and consider multiple perspectives.
• Professional Writing Style: Write with a high level of clarity, precision, and sophistication, suitable for academic and professional contexts.
• Advanced Referencing: Demonstrate mastery of referencing and citation practices, ensuring all sources are accurately and consistently cited.

Practical Tips

• Engage Deeply with Sources: Critically engage with a wide range of sources, including primary research, peer-reviewed journals, and advanced theoretical texts. Evaluate the credibility and relevance of each source.
• Develop Complex Arguments: Construct nuanced arguments that consider various viewpoints and counterarguments. Use evidence strategically to support your claims and address potential criticisms.
• Design and Conduct Research: Formulate clear research questions and hypotheses. Design appropriate methodologies for data collection and analysis. Present your findings in a structured and coherent manner.
• Enhance Writing Style: Aim for a professional and polished writing style. Use varied sentence structures, precise vocabulary, and a formal tone. Avoid colloquialisms and ensure your writing is free from grammatical errors.
• Use Advanced Referencing Techniques: Ensure your referencing is thorough and accurate. Familiarise yourself with advanced citation practices, such as citing secondary sources.
• Structure Your Work Effectively: Use clear and logical structures for your essays, reports, and dissertations. Include detailed introductions, well-organised body sections, and comprehensive conclusions.
• Seek Feedback and Revise: Continuously seek feedback from instructors, peers, and Skills for Success. Use this feedback to refine your arguments, improve clarity, and enhance the overall quality of your writing.

Examples

Here are examples of writing at Level 5 and Level 6, focusing on the same topic for clarity: The Impact of Social Media on Society.
Level 5 Writing Example

"The influence of social media on contemporary society is profound and multifaceted. On the one hand, platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram facilitate unprecedented levels of connectivity and information dissemination, enabling users to maintain relationships and stay informed about global events in real-time (Smith, 2019). On the other hand, the pervasive nature of social media has introduced several challenges, including the rapid spread of misinformation, privacy concerns, and the potential for addictive behaviours (Jones, 2020). For instance, the phenomenon of "fake news" has been exacerbated by the viral nature of social media, leading to widespread misinformation that can have serious societal consequences (Taylor, 2018). Moreover, the addictive design of these platforms, which often employ algorithms to maximise user engagement, can lead to excessive screen time and negative mental health outcomes (Brown, 2021). Thus, while social media undeniably enhances communication and access to information, it is imperative that users navigate these platforms with a critical eye and a mindful approach to mitigate potential adverse effects (Williams, 2017)."

Level 6 Writing Example

"The pervasive influence of social media on contemporary society is both profound and multifaceted, warranting a nuanced analysis of its benefits and drawbacks. Social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram have revolutionised the way individuals communicate and access information, fostering unprecedented levels of connectivity and real-time information dissemination (Smith, 2019). These platforms enable users to maintain relationships and stay informed about global events, thereby enhancing social cohesion and awareness (Jones, 2020). However, the ubiquitous nature of social media also presents significant challenges. The rapid spread of misinformation, often referred to as "fake news," has been exacerbated by the viral nature of these platforms, leading to widespread misinformation with potentially serious societal consequences (Taylor, 2018). Additionally, privacy concerns have emerged as a critical issue, with users' personal data being exploited for commercial gain (Brown, 2021). The addictive design of social media, driven by algorithms that maximise user engagement, can result in excessive screen time and negative mental health outcomes, such as anxiety and depression (Williams, 2017). Therefore, while social media undeniably enhances communication and access to information, it is imperative that users navigate these platforms with a critical eye and a mindful approach to mitigate potential adverse effects. Future research should focus on developing strategies to address these challenges, ensuring that the benefits of social media are maximised while minimising its negative impacts (Johnson, 2022)."

Key Differences

• Depth and Detail: Level 6 writing provides an even more in-depth analysis, including a call for future research and a more comprehensive discussion of the topic.
• Complexity of Language: Level 6 uses more sophisticated vocabulary and complex sentence structures, with a greater emphasis on academic tone and precision.
• Critical Thinking: Level 6 demonstrates higher levels of critical thinking and analysis, offering a more nuanced perspective and suggesting areas for further investigation.