CONTENTS

Preface and acknowledgements

How to use this book

Introduction

1. Why expressing yourself well in writing is important  - how to develop your writing skills

What markers are looking for

2. What markers are looking for in your essays and assignments -how to identify the key elements required to meet markers' expectations

Getting started

3. Tackling writing assignments - How to get started

Researching your topic

4. Effective academic reading - How to read efficiently and with understanding

5. Library and learning resources - How to make the best use of the facilities

6. Note-making from texts - How to create effective notes for later reference

7. Thinking critically - How to develop a logical approach to analysis, synthesis and evaluation

Writing a first draft

8. Academic writing formats - How to organise your writing within a standard framework

9. Planning writing assignments - How to respond to the task

Writing technique

10. Academic writing style - How to adopt appropriate language conventions

11. Shaping your text - how to create effective sentences and paragraphs

12. Improving your grammar - How to avoid some common errors

13. Better punctuation - How to use punctuation marks appropriately

14. Better spelling - How to spell competently

15. Enhancing your vocabulary - How to increase your word power

Editing & Revision

16. Reviewing, editing and proof-reading - how to make sure your writing is concise and correct

Plagiarism and referencing

17. Plagiarism and copyright infringement - how to avoid being accused of ‘stealing’ the ideas & work of others

18. Citing and listing references - how to refer appropriately to the work of others

Presentation

19. Presentation of assignments - how to follow the appropriate academic conventions

Improving your marks

20. Exploiting feedback - how to understand and learn from what lecturers write on your work

21. Essay writing in exams - how to improve your marks 

References and further reading

Glossary of key terms