In academia, a critical review requires scholars and researchers to study and discuss a text and share a critical analysis of its strengths and weaknesses. The text could either be a book, journal article, or other kinds of literary work. Unlike a simple summary, which presents a basic recap of …
Academic Writing Guides
In academia, when tasked with writing an analytical essay, scholars are expected to study a topic or subject in great detail, gain new insights, and present their arguments based on supporting evidence and critical analysis. Unlike other types of essays, an analytical essay typically focuses on the ‘how’ and ‘why’ …
Referencing is the practice of providing citations and sources of information in detail to help readers identify the sources of the information or idea. Through referencing, an author provides evidence to substantiate their arguments and acknowledges original authors from whom they have incorporated ideas into their work. In academics, referencing …
Research and writing are core components in academia, and for good reason. Every piece of research is built on a foundation of evidence and fact, and this evidence must be presented in a way that makes it easy for readers to verify. That is why providing citations and listing references …
Unlike literature reviews that focus on individual studies, thematic literature reviews allow scholars to organize and study research on a topic by identifying recurring themes or concepts. This approach not only ensures a more structured and nuanced understanding of a subject but also helps researchers identify gaps in existing knowledge. …
The Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition) is a widely used guide for manuscript preparation and publication. Often abbreviated as CMOS or simply Chicago and called the “editor’s bible,” it provides detailed instructions on grammar, usage, formatting, citation and more. Thus, the Chicago Manual of Style is an essential resource …
Researchers are stretched for time as they juggle their research work and reading, the ability to quickly assess a study’s relevance can prove very useful. This is where academic abstracts come into play. What is an abstract? An abstract is a summary of an academic journal article, research report, thesis, …
While diving into groundbreaking research can be exciting, writing and editing academic manuscripts and getting them ready for publication can often be tedious. However, it is crucial for early career researchers to develop strong writing and editing skills, as this enables them to share their work with wider audiences, build …
Citations are fundamental to maintaining the integrity and continuity of academic discussions. They allow researchers to guide readers to literary sources that they may have consulted during their study. Over the years, as the scope of academia and science grew and evolved, so did the need to ensure clarity and …
For new research to be meaningful, it must be contextualized within existing literature. This can be done through a literature review, a comprehensive study of existing knowledge on a specific topic. It allows researchers to assess their current understanding of a subject, identify gaps, and consequently justify the need for …