What should be avoided in academic writing?
Strong academic writing is clear, evidence-based, and ethical. To earn higher marks (and protect your integrity), avoid vague claims, informal tone, padding, source misuse, weak paragraph structure, and inconsistent referencing. This guide explains common pitfalls, shows better rewrites, and gives checklists you can apply today.
UK focus · For undergraduates, postgraduates, and international students
Quick answer (what to avoid)
- Vagueness & unsupported opinions — claims without data, definitions, or scope.
- Informal or biased tone — slang, clichés, overstatement, emotive language.
- Padding & repetition — wordcount inflation; empty sentences.
- Patchwriting & plagiarism — close paraphrase or missing citations.
- Quote dumping — long quotations with minimal analysis.
- Weak paragraph logic — no clear claim → evidence → explanation → citation.
- Poor source quality — unscholarly blogs, generative AI outputs presented as sources.
- Referencing errors — inconsistent style, missing page numbers, incomplete refs.
Common pitfalls and how to fix them
| Pitfall | Why it hurts marks | Fix it fast |
|---|---|---|
| Vague claims (“many scholars think…”) | Unverifiable and unfalsifiable; markers can’t assess accuracy | Name specific studies; define population, timeframe, measure |
| Informal tone & clichés | Signals weak register; undermines objectivity | Use precise, discipline-appropriate terms; avoid idioms |
| Padding & redundancy | Masks thin argumentation; reduces clarity and engagement | Cut filler; ensure each sentence moves the argument forward |
| Over-quoting | Description over analysis; your voice disappears | Paraphrase accurately, analyse in your words, then cite |
| Patchwriting (close paraphrase) | Academic misconduct risk; fails to demonstrate understanding | Read → close the source → write from notes → check against source → cite |
| Weak paragraph structure | Ideas feel disjointed; criteria on coherence missed | Use the C-E-E-C frame: Claim → Evidence → Explanation → Citation |
| Low-quality sources | Unreliable claims; poor alignment with scholarly standards | Prefer peer-reviewed journals, academic presses, reputable data portals |
| Referencing errors | Lowers credibility; can trigger similarity flags | Adopt one style (e.g., Harvard, APA) and stick to it meticulously |
Before/after rewrites (from weak to strong)
1) Vague → Specific
Weak: “Many researchers say social media affects mental health.”
Stronger: “Recent longitudinal studies of UK adolescents (e.g., Smith 2023; Khan 2024) report small-to-moderate associations (r=0.18–0.32) between daily screen time and self-reported anxiety.”
2) Descriptive → Analytical
Weak: “The policy changed in 2020.”
Stronger: “The 2020 policy shift reduced waiting times by targeting triage bottlenecks; however, gains were uneven across trusts, indicating capacity constraints rather than workflow alone.”
3) Quote dump → Paraphrase + Analysis
Weak: Long quotation occupying the paragraph.
Stronger: Paraphrase the core claim, compare with two studies, then evaluate external validity; cite each source precisely.
Paragraphs that earn marks: the C-E-E-C method
Use this repeatable scaffold for most analytical paragraphs:
- Claim — A precise, arguable sentence that advances your thesis.
- Evidence — Data, study findings, or authoritative sources.
- Explanation — Your analysis: how/why the evidence supports the claim.
- Citation — In-text reference in the required style.
Tip: One main idea per paragraph. If you need “and also…”, you probably need a new paragraph.
Language to avoid (and what to use instead)
Prefer: Quantified terms, defined concepts, and verbs that show analysis (e.g., “indicates”, “contradicts”, “mediates”, “moderates”, “corroborates”). Hedging should be disciplined (“may”, “appears to”) when evidence is suggestive, not certain.
Using sources without risk
Quality hierarchy
- Peer-reviewed journals & academic books
- Government and reputable NGO reports
- Primary datasets (ONS, OECD, WHO, etc.)
- High-quality industry white papers (use carefully)
- News as context only (not as sole evidence)
How to avoid patchwriting
- Read and close the source.
- Write from memory using your notes.
- Check against the source for accuracy.
- Add the in-text citation and full reference immediately.
Never cite a source you haven’t read. If you encountered it second-hand, state “cited in” according to your style guide, or better, locate the original.
Referencing: the most avoidable marks lost
| Error | Typical cause | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Missing page numbers for quotes | Not recording details while reading | Capture page/DOI in your reference manager immediately |
| Inconsistent author-date formats | Switching styles mid-draft | Pick one style and apply a global style check before submission |
| In-text refs not matching the list | Late additions/edits | Run a reference audit: every in-text must resolve to the list |
Editing workflow: avoidable problems solved in 4 passes
- Clarity pass: Replace vague nouns/verbs; define key terms.
- Cohesion pass: Add topic sentences and transitions; remove tangents.
- Concision pass: Cut redundancy, hedging bloat, filler adverbs.
- Correctness pass: Spelling/punctuation; verify references and formatting.
Finish with a similarity check and resolve legitimate matches (quotes, references) via formatting and citation.
Myths to avoid
- “More words = higher marks” — markers reward clarity, not volume.
- “Quotes prove I read widely” — analysis proves it; use quotes sparingly.
- “AI text is automatically acceptable” — policies vary; heavy undeclared use can breach integrity rules.
FAQs (UK)
Can I use AI tools when writing?
Only if your module policy permits it. Be transparent about permitted uses (e.g., planning or proofreading), verify facts and citations, and ensure the argument and wording are yours.
Is first person allowed in academic writing?
Some disciplines allow restrained first person in methods or reflective sections. Follow your style guide and your programme’s norms.
How can I avoid plagiarism?
Keep meticulous notes, write from your understanding (not side-by-side with the source), and cite every idea or phrase that isn’t your own.
How many references do I need?
Enough to support your claims with credible evidence and show awareness of the literature. Prioritise quality and relevance over raw count.
References & student resources
- Your university’s Academic Integrity and Writing Centre pages
- Library referencing guides (Harvard, APA, MLA, OSCOLA)
- Reputable study-skills MOOCs and subject guides
Submission checklist (printable)
- Each paragraph follows Claim → Evidence → Explanation → Citation.
- All claims are specific and testable (no vagueness).
- Style is formal and precise (no slang/clichés/overstatement).
- Quotes are minimal and analysed; paraphrases are accurate.
- References: consistent style; every in-text ref resolves in the list.
- Similarity report checked and legitimate matches explained.
