Academic Writing in Additional Languages (LX). Teaching research and emergent technologies

Abstract

A significant number of students begin their university education without the necessary preparation for academic writing. The Portuguese high school curriculum barely grazes the surface of the subject, focusing minimally on textual cohesion and largely omitting the skills required for effective academic writing. Terms like dissertation, thesis, and scientific article often remain vague concepts to students, who may struggle to define them or understand the complexities involved in crafting such pieces. Academic writing demands not only a firm grasp of grammar and syntax but also critical thinking, the ability to analyse and synthesise information, recognise various argumentative strategies, and construct and defend a thesis with relevant evidence. Moreover, students may find it challenging to integrate information from diverse sources, adhere to proper citation standards, and present arguments coherently and persuasively. The transition to university-level writing, which often involves specialised knowledge and a deep comprehension of research methodologies, poses a significant hurdle.