Writing for Professors: Get in the Driver's Seat

by David Roberts, UR Writing Fellow

Driving a car may be like riding a bike: once you learn, you never forget. But if you’re driving in an unfamiliar place or in a different kind of car, there are some useful reminders to have. Similarly, when writing for an academic audience, there are important principles to remember.

Purpose

You have a destination when you’re driving; realize your destination in your paper.

Method and organization

You know how the streets you'll take in getting there; know how you plan to reach your destination in your paper.

Roadmapping

You signal turns in your driving; show your audience where you’re going in your paper. See our page about Using Transitions for help.

Audience

You drive differently if you’re with your parents or friends; write differently with professors from how you would write to friends.

Think critically and originally

You don’t tailgate when you drive; don’t follow other people’s ideas too closely.

Introducing and supporting ideas

You accelerate smoothly when you drive; don’t suddenly jump into your paper and don’t idle once you get going. See our Writing Introductions for ways to avoid "telegraphic" sentences and to adopt an appropriate tone in your introduction.

Focusing and concentration

There’s a reason sports cars don’t have cupholders; don’t get distracted when you’re focusing on complex ideas.

Knowledge of writing mechanics and paper content

Before a long trip, you make sure your car is in good condition; check your processes and your understanding of the topic before you get underway on a paper.

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