Local Writing Habits Can Slip into Formal Academic Text
Many Malaysian students write in English every day on social media and messaging apps, but thesis writing requires a different level of formality and precision. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread often arise from transferring informal habits into academic sections.
Being aware of these patterns helps you clean up your language before examiners see the final document.
Overuse of Long, Multi‑Layered Sentences
It is common to pack several ideas into one sentence, joined by many “and” or “which” clauses. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread include breaking these into two or three shorter sentences without losing the logical connection.
Shorter sentences make it easier for examiners to follow your argument and reduce the chance of grammatical slips.
Direct Translation from Malay Structures into English
Certain sentence patterns that feel natural in Malay become awkward when translated literally into English. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread involve checking phrases that sound stiff, repetitive, or unclear when read aloud.
Whenever you notice a sentence that feels “translated”, try rewriting it more simply in your own English words.
Informal Expressions and Contractions in Formal Sections
Thesis chapters, especially the abstract, introduction, methodology, and conclusion, should avoid conversational phrases and contractions. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread include replacing expressions like “a lot”, “very big” or “don’t” with more formal alternatives.
Reserve any personal or reflective tone for appropriate sections only, if your discipline allows it.
Inconsistent Use of Tenses across Chapters
Switching tenses halfway through a paragraph can confuse readers. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread involve choosing a standard tense for describing your methods and past results, while reserving present tense for general truths and ongoing implications.
During proofreading, read one paragraph at a time and circle any unexpected tense shifts that do not serve a clear purpose.
Unclear Connections between Sentences and Paragraphs
Even grammatically correct sentences can feel disjointed if they are not linked well. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread include adding transition phrases such as “However”, “In contrast”, or “As a result” where needed.
These small connectors guide examiners through your reasoning and show that you are in control of your argument structure.
Final Proofreading Routine Before You Submit
To catch these local issues, plan at least one proofreading round focused only on language, separate from content checking. Academic English issues Malaysian students should proofread can be easier to spot if you print a hard copy, change the font, or read the text aloud.
Checking one chapter per day also prevents fatigue, so you stay alert to the small but important details that affect how examiners perceive your work.
