06 Mar, 2024
Strategies for Slaying the Obstacles in Academic Writing

We all know the drill: you have got ideas brighter than the light, but getting them onto paper feels like struggling to wake up every morning. Let us address the confusion hiding in every sentence, making your writing sound like a robot on vacation. Together we will tackle the “ what do i even say?” restlessness by understanding the challenges and chasing away the dreaded “ boring words” creature. We will help you turn your academic writing into a story so clear and fun, even your professors would want to read them again and again.

 It’s not about getting published, it's all about striving the process.

 

Let’s explore some of the common hurdles encountered in academic writing

 

  1. Choosing a Focused Research Subject: Have you ever been at a loss for topics to write about and found yourself looking at a blank page? 

Selecting a topic that fits your interests and academic objectives is crucial. Start with a wide brainstorming session and work your way down to a specific research question or thesis statement. Consult your professor or academic advisor for advice; their knowledge can be very helpful in helping you finalise and improve your topic.

 

  1. Conducting Thorough Research: Imagine you've settled on a research topic; the next step is to get relevant information to support your arguments. 

Make use of various scholarly resources, such as academic databases, libraries, and credible online sources. To make sure you don't miss any important details, take thorough notes and arrange them according to themes or subtopics. Seek advice from your instructors or librarians if you're feeling overwhelmed by the amount of information available.

 

  1. Structuring the Paper: Now that you have your research materials, it's time to establish a clear structure for your paper.

Begin with an introduction that grabs the reader's attention and clearly states your thesis statement. Make sure that every paragraph or section in your paper focuses on a different aspect of your subject. Make certain that your points make sense and support your main point. As you move the reader through your concepts, use transitional phrases.

 

  1. Maintaining academic Tone and Style: Academic writing has its own unique style, characterized by formality and precision.

It can be difficult to keep this tone and style consistent throughout your article, particularly if you're used to writing in a more informal manner. Use clear and concise language, avoiding slang or colloquial expressions. Present your points of view honestly, providing facts to back them up and correctly attributing your sources. To ensure correct formatting and citation procedures, familiarise yourself with the particular style guide—such as APA, MLA, or Chicago—recommended by your institution.

 

Writing an academic paper comes with a few other challenges 

1.Plagiarism- plagiarism is a serious offence that happens when someone uses another person’s ideas, works or words without giving them proper credit. It includes copying and pasting text from a source without citation, paraphrasing someone else's work without acknowledgement.

 Tips to avoid it- 

  • Learn about proper citation style, such as APA, MLA, or chicago and use it consistently in your work
  • Effective planning and organization can significantly reduce the chances of accidental plagiarism.
  • Include in-text citations within your work and make a comprehensive bibliography or reference list at the end.
  • Provide proper credit to the author or researchers who introduced the concept, even if you have put your own words.
  • Check Your work using proper plagiarism tools to ensure that your work is plagiarism free.

 

  1. Language editing for manuscripts- 

 Language editing plays a crucial role in increasing the clarity and effectiveness of your manuscript.

Tips for editing manuscript

  • Focus on grammar, punctuation, clarity, coherence or referencing.
  • Pay close attention to grammar and spelling errors.
  • Ensure your ideas are expressed clearly and coherently.
  • Verify the accuracy and consistency of your referencing and citations.

 

  1. Syntactical errors-

It refers to the structure and arrangement of words and phrases in a sentence. This can hinder the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.

How can you avoid it-

  • Having a strong foundation of grammar rules is essential for avoiding syntactic problems.
  • After completion of your writing, allow sufficient time for proofreading and revision.
  • Use clear and concise language to avoid this problem.
  • Pay attention to the order in which words and phrases are placed with a sentence.

 

  1. Organising the content- 

Orhanizing the content effectively plays a key role in academic writing as it helps readers follow your ideas, enhances understanding, and presents your writing in a logical and coherent manner. 

 

How can your frame the content-

  • Give time to plan and outline your paper.
  • Start with a clear and concise introduction that gives an overview of the topic.
  • Maintain a logical flow of ideas throughout your paper to ensure that each paragraph supports your overall paper.
  • In longer academic papers, use headlines and subheadings to provide a clear structure and give proper direction.

 

How can you overcome the challenges in academic writing

 

Although academic writing might be a difficult task, you can overcome common obstacles by being proactive and using the appropriate tools.

 

  • Plan ahead and get started early: Starting early and creating a writing process plan is one of the best strategies to overcome obstacles in academic writing. Many times, procrastination results in rushed and poor-quality work. To make sure you allot enough time for research, writing, and revisions, divide your assignment into manageable activities and make a timeline.
  • Recognise the needs of the assignment: In order to successfully complete academic writing assignments, it is essential to understanding the assignment requirements. Go over the directions that your supervisor or professor have supplied carefully. Take note of the word count, deadline, formatting style, and any further instructions. Ask your instructor for clarification if you are unsure about anything.
  • Conduct Extensive Study: In academic writing, well-conducted research is essential. Spend some time investigating various reliable sources, including books, scholarly articles, and trustworthy websites. For pertinent information, use academic search engines and library databases.
  • Develop a summary: Before you begin writing, making an outline can be quite helpful. An outline guides you through the logical development of your ideas like a road plan. It facilitates coherent writing, helps you arrange your ideas, and assures coherence. Separate your work into sections that address different aspects of your subject. 
  • Improve Your Writing Skills: Continue to improve your writing abilities in order to overcome obstacles in your writing career. To educate yourself with academic writing styles and procedures, read widely in your subject of study. Take note of the sentence structure, grammar, and punctuation. Seek opportunities to write in various formats, such as essays, research papers, and literature reviews, and engage in frequent writing practice. 
  • Make Use of Writing Resources: Take advantage of the numerous writing resources available to support your academic writing journey. To guarantee correct formatting and citation, refer to reliable style guidelines like the APA or MLA manuals. Online writing forums and communities can also offer insightful advice and helpful tips from experienced writers.




While writing an academic paper, grammatical errors can pose serious challenges which you tend to overlook. These errors can lead to rejection, undermining the essence of your valuable contribution. 

Due to these challenges, around 20%  of manuscripts face rejection due to scope mismatch, hindering their progress.

Fear not! We at IARCON ensure that your research not only preserves its essence but amplifies its significance. 






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