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Academic writing

A common form of academic assessment is the written assignment.

Its purpose is for you to demonstrate your understanding of relevant key concepts associated with your academic scientific area, your ability to communicate this understanding in a formal and structured way, and your research skills.

An academic written work is not a description or a repetition of what you’ve read while researching or heard in your lectures; it requires analysis and interpretation of different authors' ideas and research work, producing logical and clear arguments, and deepening or creating new scientific knowledge.

Some of these works are:

Internship report 
It’s written upon completion of a curricular internship during a bachelor’s or master’s degree programme. Although it’s focused on the internship experience description, it requires a theoretical and methodologic framework as well, demonstrating the application of skills and knowledge acquired during the curricular part. Its format and content can vary widely according to the course and scientific area.

Master dissertation 
It’s generally required for a master’s degree. It involves research work and a comprehensive, selective, and critical literature review. It does not necessarily need to be innovative. It can be built on previous works, providing an incremental contribution to its scientific area.

Doctoral thesis 
It’s original research work required for a doctorate degree. It involves truly exhaustive research work and a literature review, revealing a deep and complete knowledge of the scientific area under investigation. It must include an innovative contribution to its scientific area.

Cover: It must contain all the elements that identify the work, such as title, author(s), date, institution, etc.

Abstract and keywords: Dispensable on shorter works. The abstract should describe briefly the content of the work, including the methodology used, results, discussion, and conclusions. Also, choose 3 to 6 keywords covering the main topics.

Table of contents: It should include all chapters, subchapters, and sections. When writing, use an automatic table of contents if possible.

Introduction: Introduces and creates a context for the subject, topic, and central argument. It also describes the work’s structure.

Body: It varies according to the work type and objective. It’s the most extensive part of the work as well.
It’s organised in several parts, including the theoretical framework and its practical application:

Literature review: building an argument, synthesising authors

Argument + support (citation)
Argument + support (citation)
...

Methodology: A detailed description of the chosen methods and techniques

Results and discussion: Reports and interprets in a simple and objective way research findings

Conclusion: Briefly summarises the main scope, research outcomes, implications, or further recommendations.

References: Lists all the sources cited in the document in alphabetical order.

Annexes: Complete information found in the document.

Your writing should be clear, concise, and easy to read. It should be formal in tone and style, but not complex.
Avoid long sentences and paragraphs or complicated vocabulary.
Mind your grammar and spelling. Proofread your text frequently. 
Be objective and focused. Organise your text in a well-structured, logical, and harmonious way. 
Be original; use your own words and natural conversational style.
Use research, citations, and references to support your arguments.

For more information, please refer to your local librarian.
You also have available in your library a wide selection of books to help you navigate your research and writing.
For more information on APA style, please check the official APA manual.

Presentations

During your academic journey, it will be necessary at some point to present the results of your investigation to your class or a group of peers.

Oral presentations allow us to share the main results of our work and investigation, usually in short periods of time (for example, 10 minutes), in a formal manner, presenting logical arguments that validate our point of view, from the starting question to the proposed solution.

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare a well-thought-out presentation.

In some cases, it is possible to follow the introduction, body, and conclusion structure.
You don’t need to mention every detail of your investigation; only the key facts necessary to its understanding should be mentioned in a logical and interesting line of thought capable of keeping your audience engaged.

Consider your audience and whether they already have some knowledge of the topic you're presenting. Use clear and known terms for your audience.

Prefer visual presentation supports, like PowerPoint slides, images, and videos, but avoid unnecessary distractions, like animations, transitions, etc. Remember, these are a complement to your presentation and not the focus.

Verify the readability of your visual presentation. Choose a letter font and size that are easy to read at a distance. Employ high contrast.

Keep your text simple and to the bare minimum. Minimise the number of slides as well. Consider the available time for each, considering the total time of your presentation.

To keep within the established time for your presentation and to feel at ease with it, you need to rehearse it!

It’s important to know your own presentation in-depth, but don’t memorise it word-for-word. Keep it fluid and natural.

Rehearse it alone or with people who can provide useful feedback.

If you are not familiar with the presentation space or equipment, rehearse with them before the presentation if possible.

Keep in mind that the first times are always more challenging, but with training and practice, it will be easier to manage your anxiety.

Have your presentation ready at least 10 minutes before the start time so you can start on time with no delays.

Keep your confidence and smile during the presentation; it is well-rehearsed after all.
Don’t read it. You already know what it says; remember the words you’ve practised.
Stand, if possible, move, and gesture naturally.
Speak slowly. Your nerves might trick you into rushing it but remember to moderate your speech.
Avoid turning your back on your audience. Make regular eye contact to give them a confident impression.

Respect the time limit set for your presentation!

If you have materials related to your presentation, distribute them now. Whether before or during the presentation, these will result in unnecessary distractions.

Thank your audience for their time and attention. Leave time for questions, if possible or necessary. Plan answers for possible questions. Be available for constructive feedback on your presentation or topic.

It may not go exactly as planned, but it will be a great presentation. Your audience will appreciate the effort you’ve put into it. This preparation will also be reflected in a good grade for your work.