The academic essay format is very important in writing essay requirements, coursework and dissertation. It is the format used and required in these different kinds of writing. In fact, academic writing is the style of writing required in writing books, book reports, conference papers, explications, research articles, research papers and technical reports among others.
Academic essay writing format is achieved using correct punctuation and grammar, eliminating sentence fragments and using referencing style or system:
- Punctuation and Grammar – Academic essay writing format requires you to use correct punctuation and grammar. You should make sure that your essay is free of punctuation and grammar errors. Having a teacher or professor who is not particular or is not that good in English does not exempt you from this rule. Flawless punctuation and grammar are an essential in academic writing format.
- Sentence Fragments – The academic essay writing format is free of sentence fragments. Fragments are incomplete sentences and cannot stand by itself. It even lacks an independent clause. It appears to be a sentence but does not have a complete thought.
- Using Referencing Style or System – Academic writing and formatting requires you to use a referencing style or system. You should see to it that you know whether your teacher, professor, advisor or university specifies a referencing style or system. If your writing format shows that you are using referencing, it is truly academic writing. Referencing is the mark of academic writing because it protects against plagiarism and plagiarism is the opposite of academic writing.
