Conventions of Academic Writing

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Conventions of Academic Writing
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What are conventions?

• Written and unwritten rules that may be
  brokenbut with a penalty.
• Powerful social/economic/political forces.
• Behaviors we agree upon to make life easier.
• Rules that change over time.
• Rules that do not carry the force of law.

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Academic Writing

• is an artificial form you can learn.
• has the core values of truth and social harmony.
• is direct and straightforward.
• avoids gimmicks.
• empowers writers.
• respects its audience.

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Conventions

• strict formality
• complete sentences
• standard grammar
• careful documentation by last name
• evidence over belief or opinion
• author willing to change position
• humility

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Avoid Logical Fallacies

• ad hominem
• post hoc ergo propter hoc (false cause)
• straw man
• ad populum
• fallacy of tradition
• red herring
• slippery slope

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Remember Core Values

• Search for Truth
• Social Harmony