Questions in academic writing

Most academic research involves looking for the answer to a question. Therefore it seems reasonable to use question forms in academic titles. But care must be taken to avoid ‘newspaper’ style questions. Compare:
            Skyscrapers: how big is too big?
            Is there a practical limit on the height of very tall buildings?

The second example is a more suitable title for an academic paper.  A recent study of the titles of 100 published articles in an academic journal found that 15% contained a question.

In the text, questions should be used rarely. In most cases it is better to write a statement. Instead of:

            What were the main causes of the first world war?

           How can the energy efficiency of detached houses be improved?

it is better to write:

           There were three main factors leading to the outbreak of war in 1914.

Insulation is the key to improving energy efficiency in detached houses.

To explain the purpose of an essay, it is again better to avoid question forms. Instead use:

           This paper sets out/ attempts to establish the main causes of the first world war.