Tips for Writing Academic and Non-Academic Articles for Popular Publications

 

The image for this illustration is by the author.

The Dayak Research Center (DRC) - PONTIANAK: Writing for academic journals and non-academic, popular outlets requires different approaches. 

Mastering these distinctions can make your writing more appealing to your target audience and increase the chances of acceptance by editors. 

Tips for Writing Academic Articles

Here’s how you can tailor your work for each type of publication:

1. Know your audience. Understand who you’re writing for: academics, general readers, or a specific community? Your tone, style, and approach should match their expectations.
2. Use clear, accessible language that conveys the essence of the topic without overcomplicating it.
3. Create an engaging title that captures attention—perhaps a question or a clever play on words. Example: “How Social Media is Changing the Way We Think”
4. Write in short, active sentences to keep the narrative flowing.
5. Use analogies or relatable examples to explain complicated concepts. For instance, describe artificial intelligence as a “virtual assistant with a mind of its own.”
6. Include images, infographics, or illustrations to complement your main points. Visuals help readers grasp ideas more quickly.
7. Tailor your language to your audience’s knowledge level. If technical terms are necessary, provide a brief explanation to ensure understanding.
8. Pose rhetorical questions or encourage discussion to involve your audience. For example: “What do you think? Does this resonate with your own experience?”

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Academic Article

1. Ignoring Submission Guidelines: Failing to follow the journal’s submission guidelines, such as formatting and referencing style, can result in rejection. Always carefully review and adhere to the provided instructions.
2. Overly Complex Writing: Using unnecessary jargon or convoluted sentence structures makes your work harder to understand. Aim for clarity and simplicity, ensuring your ideas are easily accessible, even to non-experts.
3. Weak or Unsupported Arguments: Presenting claims without sufficient evidence or support weakens the credibility of your article. Always back your arguments with solid data, reliable sources, and logical reasoning.
4. Neglecting Proofreading: Submitting articles with errors in grammar, spelling, or formatting detracts from professionalism. Proofread your work multiple times, and consider having a peer review it for accuracy.
5. Unclear Thesis or Purpose: Articles without a clear thesis or central argument confuse readers. Define your research question early on and ensure every section supports it consistently.
6. Overgeneralizing: Avoid making broad claims without adequate evidence. Acknowledge the complexity of the issue and avoid overstating conclusions based on limited data.
7. Improper Citation: Plagiarism or incorrect citation can lead to rejection or serious academic consequences. Always cite sources accurately and consistently.
8. Overloading Information: Including too much irrelevant data or excessive background information dilutes your argument. Stay focused on what is necessary to support your thesis.
9. Weak Conclusion: An article without a clear conclusion or discussion of implications leaves the reader uncertain about its significance. Summarize key findings and suggest areas for future research.

By avoiding these mistakes, your academic article will be more likely to succeed in the submission process and make a valuable contribution to your field.

Practice makes perfect

Writing for academic journals differs significantly from writing for general media, but it’s not a matter of difficulty. Instead, the key lies in adapting to a structured, formal style that adheres to specific conventions. 

Academic writing requires precision, clarity, and the ability to convey complex ideas in a straightforward manner. On the other hand, writing for general media focuses on accessibility and engagement, making the content relatable and easy to understand. Both forms demand practice and a willingness to refine your craft.

Read The Importance of Researching Literacy Levels Among the Dayak and Why Literacy Matters

The good news is that writing is a skill, not an innate talent. This means that anyone can improve with dedication and consistent effort. 

Don’t be discouraged by initial rejections or critiques—these are part of the learning process. Just as a muscle grows stronger with exercise, your writing improves the more you practice. Experiment with different styles, seek feedback, and embrace revisions. Over time, what once felt challenging will become second nature.

Remember the saying, "Practice makes perfect.” While no one achieves perfection, the pursuit of excellence is what matters. 

Treat writing as a journey of growth, where each draft is an opportunity to learn and refine. Whether you’re crafting an academic article or a compelling story for a broader audience, the principles remain the same: practice, persistence, and passion. With these, you’ll find yourself not only becoming proficient but also enjoying the process of turning ideas into impactful words.

-- Rangkaya Bada