As you challenge yourself to grow as an academic writer, pay particular attention to your readers’ expectations. Some researchers have called English a “writer-responsible” language: Writers (particularly in academic and business settings) are responsible for taking a position on an issue, stating a debatable thesis, and making their ideas clear. Other languages are “reader-responsible”: Writers show many sides to an issue but leave the interpretation entirely to readers.

If you are accustomed to a “reader-responsible” culture, you might find English writing surprisingly direct and assertive. Keep in mind, however, that academic readers in the United States will expect you to make a clear point and to convince them with evidence and examples that your ideas are valuable and worthy of their consideration.