Why Academic Writing is Different
University writing ≠ high school essays.
Key differences:
- Depth: More analysis, less description
- Research: Must cite sources (books, journals, studies)
- Critical thinking: Don’t just repeat—analyze, evaluate, argue
- Formality: Strict academic tone
- Complexity: Longer (2,000-10,000+ words), more structured
Many first-year students struggle because they don’t know these expectations.
Good news: Academic writing follows clear patterns. Learn them, and you’ll excel.
What Lecturers Look For
When marking assignments, lecturers assess:
1. Understanding of Topic (30%)
Do you grasp the subject?
Evidence: Accurate explanation of concepts, correct use of terminology.
How to show it: Define terms, explain theories correctly, demonstrate you’ve engaged with course material.
2. Critical Analysis (30%)
Most important skill in university writing.
Not enough: “Author X says Y.”
Required: “Author X says Y, which is significant because… However, Critics argue Z. In the Kenyan context, this means…”
Analysis = explaining significance, evaluating, connecting ideas.
3. Use of Evidence (20%)
Every claim needs support:
- Research studies
- Statistics
- Expert opinions
- Examples
Example:
- Weak: “Poverty is a problem in Kenya.”
- Strong: “According to KNBS (2022), 36.1% of Kenyans live below the poverty line, highlighting the significant socioeconomic challenges the nation faces.”
4. Structure and Organization (10%)
Clear flow:
- Introduction states thesis
- Each paragraph = one idea
- Logical progression
- Conclusion summarizes
Transitions between ideas (Furthermore, However, Similarly, In contrast).
5. Referencing (10%)
All sources must be cited (in-text + reference list).
Plagiarism = serious offense (can fail assignment or be expelled).
Use consistent style: APA, Harvard, MLA (check assignment guidelines).
Don’t: Start writing immediately.
Do: Follow these steps.
Step 1: Understand the Assignment (30 mins)
Read prompt carefully (3+ times).
Identify:
- Task words: Analyze, compare, evaluate, discuss, critically assess
- Topic: What specifically to write about
- Parameters: Word count, formatting, due date, referencing style
Common task words:
Analyze: Break down into parts, examine relationships
Compare: Identify similarities and differences
Contrast: Focus on differences
Critically evaluate: Judge strengths and weaknesses, give supported opinion
Discuss: Explore different perspectives
Explain: Make clear how/why
Illustrate: Give examples
Review: Survey, examine critically
Underline keywords in prompt.
If unclear: Ask lecturer for clarification (better than guessing).
Step 2: Research (3-5 days for typical essay)
Where to find sources:
1. University library: Physical books, access to online databases
2. Academic databases:
- JSTOR
- Google Scholar
- PubMed (health/medicine)
- ResearchGate
- African Journals Online (AJOL)—for Africa-specific research
3. Course readings: Textbooks, articles lecturer provided
4. Government/NGO reports: KNBS, World Bank, WHO, UNESCO
What to look for:
- Peer-reviewed journals (most credible)
- Books by established scholars
- Recent sources (last 5-10 years unless studying history)
What to avoid:
- Wikipedia (not academic—use it for overview, then find real sources)
- Blogs, random websites
- Non-credible sources
How many sources?
- 1,000-word essay: 5-8 sources
- 2,000-word essay: 10-15 sources
- Longer: More sources
As you research:
- Take notes
- Record full reference details (author, year, title, publisher/journal)
- Note page numbers for quotes
Don’t: Copy-paste large chunks (plagiarism risk).
Step 3: Plan and Outline (1-2 hours)
Create outline before writing.
Basic structure:
Introduction:
- Hook
- Background
- Thesis statement
Body (3-5 sections):
- Point 1 + evidence
- Point 2 + evidence
- Point 3 + evidence
- (etc.)
Conclusion:
- Summarize
- Restate thesis
- Implications/recommendations
Example outline (essay on “The Impact of Social Media on Kenyan Youth”):
I. Introduction
- Hook: Statistics on social media use in Kenya
- Background: Rise of platforms (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter)
- Thesis: Social media has both positive and negative impacts on Kenyan youth, affecting education, mental health, and social interactions.
II. Positive Impacts
- Access to information and education
- Business opportunities (e.g., influencers, small businesses)
- Social connections and networking
III. Negative Impacts
- Cyberbullying and mental health issues
- Misinformation and fake news
- Addiction and time wastage
IV. Case Studies
- Examples from Kenyan context (specific incidents, research)
V. Recommendations
- Media literacy education
- Parental guidance
- Platform regulation
VI. Conclusion
- Summary of key points
- Restate thesis
- Final thought
Outline guides writing, prevents going off-topic.
Step 4: Write First Draft (2-4 days)
Don’t aim for perfection—just get ideas down.
Write freely, following your outline.
Tips:
- Write body paragraphs first (easier to write intro/conclusion after)
- Leave placeholders for citations (fill in later if needed)
- Don’t stop to edit (slows you down)
Goal: Complete draft, even if rough.
Step 5: Revise and Edit (1-2 days)
Revision (big picture):
- Is thesis clear?
- Do paragraphs support thesis?
- Is evidence strong?
- Is argument logical?
- Any gaps?
Editing (sentence level):
- Grammar
- Spelling
- Punctuation
- Word choice
- Clarity
Proofreading: Final check for typos.
Read aloud: Catches errors you’d miss reading silently.
Ask friend/classmate to read (fresh eyes spot issues).
Step 6: Format and Submit (30 mins - 1 hour)
Check:
- Correct font, size (usually Times New Roman, 12pt)
- Line spacing (usually double-spaced)
- Margins (usually 1 inch)
- Page numbers
- Cover page (if required—name, course, date, title)
- Reference list formatted correctly
Submit on time (late penalties are harsh).
Keep backup: Save multiple copies (computer, email, Google Drive).
Essay Structure in Detail
Introduction (10% of word count)
Purpose: Introduce topic, provide context, state thesis.
Elements:
1. Hook (1-2 sentences): Capture attention
- Surprising statistic
- Relevant quote
- Provocative question
- Brief anecdote
Example: “In Kenya, over 90% of youth aged 15-24 own a mobile phone with internet access (KNBS, 2021), making social media an integral part of daily life.”
2. Background (2-4 sentences): Context, definitions, scope
Example: “Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and TikTok have transformed how young people communicate, access information, and form identities. While these platforms offer opportunities for connection and learning, they also present challenges including cyberbullying, misinformation, and addiction.”
3. Thesis statement (1-2 sentences): Your main argument
Example: “This essay argues that while social media provides educational and economic opportunities for Kenyan youth, its negative impacts on mental health and critical thinking skills necessitate urgent intervention through media literacy programs and responsible platform regulation.”
Thesis should be:
- Clear
- Specific
- Arguable (not obvious fact)
- Roadmap for essay
Body Paragraphs (80% of word count)
Each paragraph:
- One main idea
- 5-8 sentences
- Supports thesis
Structure (PEEL):
Point: Topic sentence (main idea of paragraph)
Evidence: Support from sources (quotes, paraphrases, data)
Explanation: Analyze evidence—why it matters, what it means
Link: Connect to thesis or transition to next paragraph
Example paragraph:
[Point] One significant positive impact of social media is its role in entrepreneurship among Kenyan youth. [Evidence] According to a study by Omwansa and Waema (2014), approximately 30% of Kenyan youth use social media platforms to market products and services, generating income through online businesses. Platforms like Instagram and Facebook have enabled young Kenyans to reach customers without the overhead costs of physical stores. [Explanation] This democratization of business opportunities is particularly crucial in a country where youth unemployment exceeds 40% (World Bank, 2022). Social media has effectively lowered barriers to entry for entrepreneurs, allowing creativity and innovation to flourish regardless of socioeconomic background. [Link] However, while economic opportunities abound, the darker side of social media—particularly its impact on mental health—cannot be ignored.
Use transitions: Furthermore, Moreover, In addition, However, Conversely, On the other hand, Similarly, In contrast, Nevertheless
Conclusion (10% of word count)
Purpose: Wrap up, reinforce thesis, leave lasting impression.
Do NOT:
- Introduce new information
- Simply copy-paste introduction
- Start with “In conclusion” (unoriginal)
Elements:
1. Restate thesis (in different words)
2. Summarize main points (briefly—1-2 sentences)
3. Implications/recommendations: So what? Why does this matter?
4. Closing thought: Final impactful statement
Example:
“While social media has undeniably transformed the landscape of communication and opportunity for Kenyan youth, its unchecked proliferation poses significant risks to mental health and societal cohesion. Policymakers, educators, and parents must collaborate to implement media literacy programs that equip young people with critical thinking skills necessary to navigate digital spaces responsibly. Only through proactive intervention can Kenya harness the benefits of social media while mitigating its harms, ensuring that the digital revolution truly empowers rather than endangers the next generation.”
Critical Thinking in Academic Writing
The difference between A and C grades.
Don’t Just Describe—Analyze
Weak (descriptive):
“Ngugi wa Thiong’o wrote ‘Decolonising the Mind’ in 1986. He argues that African languages should be used in African literature instead of English.”
Strong (analytical):
“Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s ‘Decolonising the Mind’ (1986) presents a radical challenge to the linguistic imperialism perpetuated by colonial powers. His advocacy for African languages in literature is not merely a stylistic preference but a political stance against cultural domination. However, critics such as Achebe (1975) contend that English, as a lingua franca, enables pan-African communication that indigenous languages cannot achieve. This tension reflects the broader postcolonial dilemma: how to assert cultural authenticity while engaging with globalized modernity.”
See the difference? Second version explains significance, considers counterarguments, connects to bigger themes.
Ask Questions
As you write, constantly ask:
- Why is this important?
- What does this mean?
- What are the implications?
- Are there alternative viewpoints?
- How does this relate to the Kenyan/African context?
Synthesize (Combine Ideas)
Don’t: Present Author A’s view, then Author B’s view separately.
Do: Show how they relate.
Example:
“While Moyo (2009) argues that foreign aid perpetuates dependency in African nations, Sachs (2005) contends that targeted aid can lift countries out of poverty traps. The Kenyan experience, however, suggests a more nuanced reality: aid has indeed funded crucial infrastructure projects like the Standard Gauge Railway, yet concerns about debt sustainability (Jubilee Debt Campaign, 2019) lend credence to Moyo’s warnings.”
Synthesis = bringing multiple sources into conversation.
Develop Your Own Voice
Academic writing doesn’t mean no opinion.
You can argue a position—but support it with evidence.
Example:
“This essay argues that the 8-4-4 system inadequately prepared Kenyan students for the demands of a knowledge economy, making the shift to CBC not only necessary but overdue.”
Balance: Your voice + scholarly sources.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Plagiarism
What it is: Using someone’s ideas/words without citation.
Types:
- Direct plagiarism: Copy-pasting without quotes/citation
- Paraphrasing plagiarism: Rewording without citation
- Self-plagiarism: Submitting same work to multiple courses
- Mosaic plagiarism: Patchwork of copied phrases
Consequences: Zero on assignment, suspension, expulsion.
How to avoid:
- Always cite sources
- Use quotation marks for direct quotes
- Paraphrase properly (change structure and words, not just synonyms)
- Use plagiarism checkers (Turnitin, Grammarly, Copyscape)
When in doubt, cite.
2. Weak Thesis
Weak: “This essay discusses corruption in Kenya.”
Why weak?: No argument, vague.
Strong: “This essay argues that systemic corruption in Kenya stems from weak institutional frameworks, and can only be addressed through comprehensive judicial reform and citizen oversight mechanisms.”
Thesis must take a position.
3. Poor Paragraph Structure
Wrong: Giant paragraph covering multiple ideas.
Or: One-sentence paragraphs.
Right: Each paragraph = one idea, 5-8 sentences.
Use topic sentences to signal main idea.
4. Informal Tone
Avoid:
- Contractions (don’t, can’t, won’t)
- Slang (guys, stuff, things)
- Personal pronouns in some contexts (I, you, we—check discipline norms)
- Rhetorical questions
- Emotional language
Example:
- Informal: “Corruption in Kenya is just super bad and we need to do something about it.”
- Formal: “Corruption in Kenya poses significant economic and social challenges that necessitate immediate policy intervention.”
5. Insufficient Evidence
Every claim needs support.
Weak: “Many students fail because of poor teaching.”
Strong: “A study by Mwaniki et al. (2020) found that 45% of students at Kenyan public universities cited inadequate teaching quality as a barrier to academic success.”
6. Lack of Proofreading
Typos, grammar errors, formatting inconsistencies signal carelessness.
Always proofread (or ask someone to).
7. Last-Minute Writing
Rushing leads to:
- Shallow analysis
- Poor structure
- Errors
- Stress
Start early: Break into manageable tasks.
8. Ignoring Guidelines
Lecturer specifies:
- Word count: 2,000 words
- Referencing: APA
- Deadline: Friday 5pm
You submit:
- 1,200 words (too short)
- Harvard referencing (wrong style)
- Saturday morning (late)
Result: Penalties, lower grade.
Read assignment brief carefully.
9. Over-Quoting
Don’t fill essay with quotes (shows you can’t paraphrase/analyze).
Quote only when:
- Exact wording is important
- Author’s phrasing is powerful
Most evidence: Paraphrase with citation.
10. Ignoring Counterarguments
Strong essays acknowledge other perspectives.
Example:
“While critics argue that CBC is expensive and difficult to implement in under-resourced schools (Oketch, 2021), proponents contend that long-term benefits justify initial costs (KICD, 2020).”
Addressing counterarguments strengthens your credibility.
Referencing: The Basics
Two parts:
- In-text citations: Within essay
- Reference list: End of essay
In-Text Citation (APA Style)
Format: (Author, Year) or Author (Year)
Example:
“According to Wainaina (2005), African stories are often misrepresented in Western media.”
Or:
“African stories are often misrepresented in Western media (Wainaina, 2005).”
Direct quote:
“Wainaina (2005, p. 92) argues that ‘Africa is not a country.’”
Multiple authors:
- 2 authors: (Ngugi & Sicherman, 2019)
- 3+ authors: (Odhiambo et al., 2020)
Reference List (APA Style)
Alphabetical by author’s last name.
Book:
Ngugi wa Thiong’o. (1986). Decolonising the mind: The politics of language in African literature. Heinemann.
Journal article:
Mwaniki, M., Otieno, J., & Kamau, L. (2020). Teaching quality and student performance in Kenyan universities. Journal of African Education, 15(2), 45-67.
Website:
Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Economic survey 2022. https://www.knbs.or.ke
Check: Your department’s preferred style (APA, Harvard, MLA, Chicago)—formats differ slightly.
Use citation tools: Zotero, Mendeley, EasyBib (free)—automatically generate citations.
Kenyan University Context
Challenges
- Large class sizes: Hard to get individual feedback
- Limited library resources: Some universities lack extensive collections
- Lecturer availability: Office hours may be limited
Solutions:
- Form study groups (peer review)
- Use online resources (Google Scholar, AJOL)
- Email lecturers with specific questions
Opportunities
- Diverse perspectives: Classmates from different counties, backgrounds—learn from discussions
- Local research opportunities: Many Kenyan issues under-researched—you can contribute
- Growing academic community: More Kenyan journals, conferences
Resources for Kenyan University Students
Free online:
- Purdue OWL: Writing guides, citation help (owl.purdue.edu)
- Google Scholar: Find academic articles
- Grammarly (free version): Grammar checking
- Hemingway Editor: Simplifies complex sentences
- YouTube: Academic writing tutorials
University-provided:
- Library workshops: Citation, research skills
- Writing centers: Some universities have centers offering free tutoring
- Lecturer office hours: Use them!
Books:
- They Say, I Say by Graff & Birkenstein (academic argumentation)
- How to Write a Thesis by Umberto Eco
- Available at university libraries or buy
Specific Assignment Types
Research Paper
Longer (3,000-10,000+ words).
Original research (primary data) or literature review (synthesizing existing research).
Includes:
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Literature review
- Methodology (if primary research)
- Findings/Analysis
- Discussion
- Conclusion
- References
Essay
Shorter (1,000-3,000 words).
Focus: Answering specific question through analysis.
Structure: Intro, body, conclusion.
Report
Professional format.
Sections:
- Executive summary
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Findings (often with headings, subheadings)
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
- References
- Appendices (if needed)
Used in: Business, sciences, social sciences.
Annotated Bibliography
List of sources with brief summary and evaluation of each.
Format:
- Citation (APA, Harvard, etc.)
- 1 paragraph per source: Summary, evaluation, relevance
Purpose: Demonstrates research, understanding of sources.
Case Study
In-depth analysis of specific case (person, event, organization).
Structure: Background, analysis (often using theory), conclusions.
Common in: Business, education, health sciences.
Time Management for Assignments
Typical 2,000-word essay timeline:
Week 1:
- Understand assignment (30 mins)
- Preliminary research (3-4 hours)
- Create outline (1 hour)
Week 2:
- Deeper research (4-5 hours)
- Write first draft (4-6 hours)
Week 3:
- Revise draft (2-3 hours)
- Edit and proofread (2 hours)
- Format and submit (1 hour)
Total: ~20 hours spread over 3 weeks.
Don’t: Try to write 2,000 words the night before.
Final Tips for Success
- Start early: Gives time for thinking, research, revision
- Understand the question: If unclear, ask
- Research thoroughly: Use credible, academic sources
- Plan before writing: Outline saves time
- Write clearly: Simple, precise language beats convoluted sentences
- Cite everything: When in doubt, cite
- Proofread: Always
- Use resources: Library, writing centers, lecturers
- Learn from feedback: Read comments on returned assignments, improve
- Practice: Writing skill improves with practice
Academic writing is a skill, not a talent. Anyone can learn it with effort and practice.
Start applying these principles today, and watch your grades improve. Kenyan universities produce excellent graduates—you can be one of them. Good luck!