What are some areas one can improve upon to advance their academic writing skills?
Step-by-step explanation:
There are many ways in which one can improve their academic writing skills.
Here is an itemized list of recommendations from a Native English Speaker:
- Grammar. One of the best ways one can improve their academic writing skills is to understand grammar and writing conventions. Even if an individual's vocabulary isn't as strong, understanding and utilizing writing conventions correctly will add an aspect of professionalism. One of the best ways to learn grammar is from ACT prep books. These books are straight to the point, teach most things one should know, and are often easily accessible.
- Vocabulary. Once one is able to fully understand and employ grammar techniques, the next best step would be to strengthen their writing by updating their vocabulary. Vocabulary is an excellent way to deepen the meaning of one's writing. Especially, knowing and understanding multiple ways to express the same idea. This allows the writing to become creative while also being "correct" by the standard conventions of English (or any language for that matter).
- Fluency. The ability to express an idea correctly, creatively, and in as few words as possible is what makes an advanced writer. This will vary as creative writing, poetry, song, etc, allows for wordiness. However, in an academic sense, it is always best to get straight to the point. This is an area that many writers (including the one writing this post, evidently) struggle with. Additionally, it is arguably the skill that takes the longest to hone. However, once this skill, in addition to the first two skills, is adapted, one will be writing at the level of most scholars and academic thinkers.
These areas are generally accepted to improve one's academic writing skills. However, the approaches in this post are highly opinionated and based on personal experience. Please let me know if there are specific guidelines to this question and I will gladly adjust. Please also let me know if this helped!!!