How to Write Academic English

Skills for Success / Academic Skills / How to Write Academic English

How to Write Academic English

Introduction

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on academic writing. Whether you’re just starting your academic journey or looking to refine your writing skills, this resource is here to support you every step of the way.

Academic writing is an essential skill that involves clear communication, critical thinking, and the ability to present arguments and ideas in a structured and coherent way. In this guide, you’ll find practical tips, explanations, examples, and links to further resources to help you master the art of academic writing.

This type of writing is different from everyday English, so most people are unfamiliar with it. Academic writing is also connected to culture - in the UK it might be different from other countries, meaning that some students have expectations that are not adapted to writing at British universities. In summary, no one is a native speaker of the Academic style of English.

There are also different levels of writing at university; undergraduates start at Level 4 and should finish at Level 6. Postgraduates should be at Level 6 or 7. So, don't worry, you are not expected to be perfect from day 1 - it is a learning process.  

This resource will look at the main features of Academic style, and you can see these features listed in the blue menu boxes. You can choose whether to click on each box one by one, or you can just pick and choose the sections you need to do. 

The sections cover the following

• Understanding the Question: Before starting to write an assignment, you need to know how to read academic questions or assignment briefs, so that will be the first section we will deal with.
• Grammar: How to put a sentence together in standard English.
• Paragraphs: The basic building block of academic writing - essential to know about.
• Academic Vocabulary: How to choose the right words.
• Coherence and Cohesion: How to make your writing flow.
• Summarising and Paraphrasing: How to put things into your own words.
• Incorporating Sources: How to use the ideas of other authors in your work.
• Showing Critical Thinking: Tips on how to include critical thinking in your writing. 
• Planning and Organising: How to structure your writing.