Explicitness

Explicitness in Academic Writing equals being clear and concise throughout the entire writing. For instance, the writer can be clear when citing and acknowledging his/her sources, so as to state his/her opinions, beliefs and understanding of the topic.


Another useful way of being explicit is by using connectors, such as: However, nevertheless, in addition, among others not only help the writer to send the message across, but also to organize their writing. This way the author’s ideas will be clear for the audience.

As an example, the following paragraph can guide the reader to realize if a line of argument is going to change, making it clear with the use of “However”:
The Bristol 167 was to be Britain's great new advance on American types such as the Lockheed Constellation and Douglas DC-6, which did not have the range to fly the Atlantic non-stop. It was also to be the largest aircraft ever built in Britain. However, even by the end of the war, the design had run into serious difficulties (1).

It is clearly important to be simple, organized, concise and explicit when writing an academic paper. Otherwise, it would be hard for the reader to fully understand the connection of ideas developed by the author.


(1): Gillett, Andy.”Explicitness”. Using English For Academic Purposes A Guide For Students in Higher Education. Visited: March 20th,2009.