Academic Writing
Video 1: Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya
Video 2: The Mechanics of Writing- Atanu Bhattacharya
Video 3: Academic Writing: Kalyan Chattopadhyay
Here is my blog on detailed analysis of each videos you can visit this blog:
Academic writing video based analysis
Academic writing is different from informal or everyday writing, such as writing a letter to a friend or a social media post. It is a formal and structured form of writing used in academic and research contexts. It maintains an appropriate academic tone and focuses on presenting ideas clearly and logically. Academic writing does not require the use of difficult words or unnecessary jargon. Instead, it should use clear, precise, and natural language so that ideas can be understood easily by the reader.
Structure and Organisation:
For structuring and organising research, Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya refers to Swales’ CARS Model, which provides a systematic approach to developing a research study. It includes elements such as definition, justification, literature review, methodology, arguments, and conclusion. This helps avoid plagiarism and allows the researcher to develop an independent academic voice. He describes this process as “standing on the shoulders of giants,” meaning that new research builds upon existing scholarship while contributing original ideas.
Critical Writing:
Critical writing involves analyzing ideas, comparing different views, questioning existing arguments, and presenting your own position. Researchers should ask questions based on their reading to develop their own critical voice and original ideas. A researcher may agree, disagree, or partly agree with other scholars. Words such as “generally,” “arguably,” “seems,” and “appears” help present ideas carefully without making absolute claims. Close reading of a text can also reveal deeper meanings.
Literature Review and Justification:
A literature review involves critically examining existing research and building on the work of previous scholars. Researchers must evaluate sources carefully and maintain academic integrity by avoiding fabricated data and unsupported claims. If secondary material is limited, this gap can become an opportunity to broaden the review and develop an original contribution. In my research, I use databases and tools such as UGC CARE, Scopus, ONOS, Connected Papers, Semantic Scholar, Taylor & Francis Online, and JSTOR to strengthen the depth and credibility of my research.
Research Methods:
Prof. Atanu Bhattacharya highlights triangulation, which involves using multiple perspectives, methods, or theories to strengthen research. Other important practices include close reading and textual analysis, paraphrasing to engage with scholarship without plagiarism. Digital tools can also support citation mapping and literature analysis. Together, these methods show how research combines critical analysis, ethical practice, and digital literacy.
Key Learnings and Application:
The three videos helped me understand the importance of clarity, structure, and critical thinking in academic writing. I learned how to organize arguments logically, develop an independent academic voice, and engage critically with existing scholarship. The discussions on literature review, triangulation, close reading, paraphrasing, hedging, and ethical research practices strengthened my understanding of the research process. I also learned how digital tools can support literature analysis and citation mapping.
I can apply these learnings to my PhD research on the scripts of Imtiaz Ali by critically analyzing textual elements, connecting them with relevant theoretical frameworks, identifying research gaps, and developing well-supported arguments. These skills will help me make my research more systematic and academically meaningful.
References:
DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Basics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpVre1V6cxw.
DoE-MKBU, and Atanu Bhattacharya. Academic Writing: The Mechanics: Atanu Bhattacharya. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AHCikaKKm48.
DoE-MKBU, and Kalyan Chattopadhyay. Academic Writing - Kalyan Chattopadhyay. 2020. YouTube, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT3mk0ufTdA&t=1s.
