Effective Communication in Academic Writing

The video tutorial from Royal Roads University Writing Center focuses on simplifying language in academic writing for clarity and concision. It highlights the drawbacks of using unnecessarily complex words and phrases, which can alienate readers. The tutorial provides examples of simplifying sentences and discusses the use of jargon, advising writers to use plain language for a general academic audience. The goal is to communicate ideas clearly, not to sound important. Resources for further learning are also provided.

What is the main focus of the Royal Roads University Writing Center tutorial?

• Learning complex grammar rules

• Simplifying language for concision

• Improving vocabulary

• Writing poetry

Why might complex words and phrases be problematic in academic writing?

• They make the text more interesting

• They are always necessary

• They are easier to write

• They can confuse readers

What is the simplified version of the sentence 'bookstores provide the opportunity to purchase hundreds of books'?

• Bookstores offer a wide range of books

• Bookstores have many books

• Bookstores sell hundreds of books

• Bookstores are places to read books

What is the purpose of the example given about bookstores in the tutorial?

• To explain the importance of bookstores

• To demonstrate how to sell books

• To illustrate simplifying complex phrases

• To show how to write a book

What is jargon?

• Simple language used in everyday conversation

• Slang used by teenagers

• Specialized terms used in a specific field

• Words that are easy to understand

Why should jargon be avoided in academic writing?

• It makes the writing more engaging

• It can alienate readers

• It is too simple

• It is not allowed in academic papers

What is the risk of using jargon in communication with patients, as per the example given?

• Patients will feel more informed

• Patients will be confused or frustrated

• Patients will appreciate the complexity

• Patients will understand better

What should you do if you must use specialized terms in your writing?

• Avoid them completely

• Use them frequently

• Explain or define them

• Assume the reader knows them

For whom should you write your academic paper unless instructed otherwise?

• The general academic community

• Yourself

• A specialist in your field

• Your friends and family

What should be the focus when writing for a general academic audience?

• Writing in a complex manner

• Avoiding any definitions

• Explaining specialized terms

• Using as much jargon as possible