Formal Academic Writing

Formal academic writing should look like this:

Here's how you do it: 

COMPLEXITY - written language should sound more complex than spoken language.  Don't write how you speak.  Construct sentences that communicate well-thought out ideas using grade level words. 

FORMALITY - Don't use slang words or abbreviations like you would in a Facebook status update. Use proper language just like you would on the state exam. 

CLARITY - Check over your writing to make sure every sentence is clear and makes perfect sense to the reader.  A good way to check yourself is to use PEER FEEDBACK!  

OBJECTIVITY - Don't make it personal.  This isn't a diary... it's a research project.  Write in the third person using the voice of an intelligent, educated 8th grader.