ENG 112 – Unit 1 Notes: Introduction to
Academic Research & Writing
1. Purpose of Academic Writing
● Academic writing is formal, evidence-based, and audience-focused.
● Unlike casual writing, it emphasizes:
○ Clear thesis statement
○ Logical organization
○ Proper use of sources
● Goal: persuade, inform, or analyze using credible evidence.
Key idea: Academic writing is not just stating opinions; it’s about supporting ideas with research.
2. The Writing Process
1. Prewriting
○ Brainstorm ideas
○ Identify purpose & audience
○ Develop research questions
2. Drafting
○ Start with a rough outline
, ○ Write the introduction with a clear thesis
○ Include supporting paragraphs with evidence
3. Revising
○ Check flow, clarity, and argument strength
○ Make sure each paragraph connects to the thesis
4. Editing
○ Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
○ Proper formatting (MLA/APA)
5. Publishing / Final Submission
○ Ensure citations are correct
○ Check formatting and readability
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute — research takes time, and good writing is
revised multiple times.
3. Thesis Statements
● A thesis statement is a single sentence that states your argument or main idea.
● It should be:
○ Specific, not too broad
○ Arguable (not just a fact)
○ Supported with evidence from sources
Academic Research & Writing
1. Purpose of Academic Writing
● Academic writing is formal, evidence-based, and audience-focused.
● Unlike casual writing, it emphasizes:
○ Clear thesis statement
○ Logical organization
○ Proper use of sources
● Goal: persuade, inform, or analyze using credible evidence.
Key idea: Academic writing is not just stating opinions; it’s about supporting ideas with research.
2. The Writing Process
1. Prewriting
○ Brainstorm ideas
○ Identify purpose & audience
○ Develop research questions
2. Drafting
○ Start with a rough outline
, ○ Write the introduction with a clear thesis
○ Include supporting paragraphs with evidence
3. Revising
○ Check flow, clarity, and argument strength
○ Make sure each paragraph connects to the thesis
4. Editing
○ Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure
○ Proper formatting (MLA/APA)
5. Publishing / Final Submission
○ Ensure citations are correct
○ Check formatting and readability
Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute — research takes time, and good writing is
revised multiple times.
3. Thesis Statements
● A thesis statement is a single sentence that states your argument or main idea.
● It should be:
○ Specific, not too broad
○ Arguable (not just a fact)
○ Supported with evidence from sources
