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Some useful expressions used in academic writ ing for :

1. Stating your own position on a Subject or Topic

The aim of this paper is to

The point of this article is to It shall be argued in this paper/essay/review that The view presented in this paper/essay/review is that..

2. Presenting your own point of view

There are many reasons why. It is important/necessary to point out that The first thing to be considered is It is a fact that There is some doubt that

Followed by the follow ing expressions to support your view:

The first/second reason why.is or Firstly/Secondly The most important In addition, Furthermore, What is more, Another reason is A further point is

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To introduce paraphrases and direct quotes:

1. Stating the view of Another Person on a Subject or Topic

Smith (1999, p. 333)

In a study of , Smith (1999, p. 333)

maintainsarguesassertsclaims

points out

that

The opinion of Smith (1999, p. 333) is that Smith (1992, p. 123) has suggested that . According to Smith (1992, p. 123), It is thought by some theorists, for example, J ones (2004, p. 2) and

Smith (2002, p. 1) that

2. Agreeing with the Views of Others

Smith (2002, p.123) is certainly/may be correct/accurate in saying

that because. As Smith (2002, p.123) says/states Like Smith (2002, p.123), it can be agreed that . because

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3. Disagreeing with the Views of Others

Smith (2002, p.123) fails to address the issue when he says because

When Smith (2002, p.123) argues that . His reasoning is

questionable because. One of the main arguments against J ones (2004, p. 2) and Smith

(2002, p. 1) is that Smiths (2000) approach/position/methods is/are somewhat

inadequate/inaccurate/insufficient because

4. Indicating a Lack of Knowledge in a Particular Topic or Subject

Although the research has tended to focus on..rather lessattention has been paid to

Although most studies, such as J ones (2004, p. 2) and Smith (2002,p. 1), have emphasised/concentrated on/focussed on..inadequate /insufficient..

5. Drawing a Conclusion Using the Work of Others

.Based on these authors, a connection can be made between It can be concluded from what J ones (2004, p. 2) and Smith (2002, p.

1) have stated that.. is When Smiths (2001, p.52) work/paper is looked at closely, it is seen

that

One outcome of Smiths (2001, p.52) work/paper/research is

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These are just some of the expressions used in writing critically. There aremany sources for accessing expressions used in academic writing, found onAcademic Writing websites.

Reference List

Gillett, A 2006, Using English for Academic Purposes,A Guide for Students inHigher Education, School of Combined Studies,University of Hertfordshire,Hatfield, UK Viewed 7 February 2006

Hemmings, B n.d., Sentence Beginnings, Learning skills, Student Services,Charles Sturt University, Bathurst, NSW

McGowan, B & McVilly, B 2004,Avoiding Plagiarism, A guide for students inhigher education, Learning Skills, Student Services, Charles Sturt University,Bathurst, NSWhttp://www.csu.edu.au/division/studserv/learning/plagiarism

Signposts for Essays, Learning skills, Student Services, Charles SturtUniversity, Bathurst, NSW