As this essay will,

Question

Hi,Is it okay to use such set phrases as "As this essay will demonstrate," in academic essays?I came across one in the following written by a professional writing tutor, so I thought it could be acceptable in the right context.https://writetotop.com/ielts-essay-telecommuting/

Poster · Accepted Answer

This phrase crops up about forty times on Google Books:

https://www.google.com/search?q=%22as+this+essay+will+demonstrate%22&tbm=bks&ei=eN8kXNThIsLQ8wXWhbP4BQ&start=30&sa=N&ved=0ahUKEwjU_ZWXmsDfAhVC6LwKHdbCDF84FBDw0wMIbw&biw=1247&bih=958&dpr=1

It seems that almost all the examples are in the context of academic writing.

Both British Council and IELTS.org state that for Academic writing "responses to both tasks must be in a formal style".

https://www.ielts.org/about-the-test/test-format

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/prepare-test/understand-test-format/writing-test

Note that neither specifically requires "academic" style. An indication of what is acceptable is provided by the model answers by British Council here:

https://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/sites/default/files/2018-01/Writing_practice_test_1_IELTS_Academic_Model_Answers.pdf

For Task 1: to me, this is written in a quasi academic style. It includes phrases such as "can be seen", "the figure" (referring to a number), 15% (not fifteen per cent), "the last decade has seen" (anthropomorphic), which might not quite fit into the required style at some universities, but which would be perfectly acceptable in a business and professional reporting context. IELTS is not only used for university entry, but for immigration, and professional testing too.

For Task 2: again, this is not written in an academic style. It contains phrases such as "I do not think", "Things like", "I do believe that ", "I believe", and uses "we" and "our" to generalize about people. Although IELTS is used to test for entry to post-graduate studies, where a knowledge of academic style would be expected, IELTS is also used to test for entry into undergraduate studies, where a knowledge of academic writing style is not expected. This also applies for professional bodies. My conclusion is that we need to distinguish formal from academic style, and that a full academic style is not expected for IELTS, despite the "academic" title of the exam. Examiners have confirmed this.

https://ielts-simon.com/ielts-help-and-english-pr/2016/05/ielts-writing-task-2-ignore-the-word-academic.html

Remember that the question usually asks for your opinion in Task 2, and the first requirement is to answer the question, and make your position clear throughout (as per the marking schema). Using 'the essay' to state your opinion may well not be good enough.

A long argument I acknowledge, but the end position is that referring to "this essay" is best avoided for IELTS purposes, although it may be fine for academic purposes, depending on the style guide for the university under whose auspices you are writing.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Persian LearnerIs it okay to use such set phrases as "As this essay will demonstrate," in academic essays?

It is advisable to avoid mentioning your essay in the first paragraph. Usually, this lets you out of writing an academic thesis statement, which is the conclusion or main point that you will argue in the body of the essay, and restate in the conclusion. It is much easier to write this:

This essay will give the pros and cons of brushing your teeth after every meal and give my conclusion.

Than this:

People who do regular teeth brushing are healthier and will not need implants or false teeth when they get older, so I completely agree that one should brush their teeth after each meal.

You can consult various university writing labs on how to write a thesis statement:

http://www.cws.illinois.edu/workshop/writers/tips/thesis/

http://owll.massey.ac.nz/assignment-types/essay-thesis-statement.php

Some sources have a "purpose" statement, e.g "The goal of this essay is..., " but I would stay on the safe side for these IELTS essays and write a proper thesis statement.

As this essay will,

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