Academic Writing Skills - For Students

written by Jessica Syme 2007

• Learn to structure your essay before you begin.
• Include an Introduction, Body & Conclusion.
• Look at the number of words you are asked to submit. Divide your paper into 3 sections. Your Introduction will be between 100-150 words. Your conclusion will be 100-150 words. The rest of the word count makes up the body of your essay.
• Begin by putting in these headings – Introduction, Body of the work (which you will rename and break into sub-titles later) & Conclusion.
• Make your cover page exactly as you are told to do in the Study Guide.
• Check what Style Guide is required for the course.
• If it is APA go to http://www.library.uq.edu.au/training/citation/apa.pdf
• Then, at the top of your first page, write out the question.
• Read and re-read the question. You must only answer the question.
• No matter how much material you know or read about the broader topic, your job is to answer the question.
• You are now ready to begin reading and critically analysing the reading materials.  

Critical Analysis

• With the question firmly in mind, begin to read the material – course readings and suggested articles.
• As you read you must do two things 1) read to understand what the author is saying 2) read to understand how this material relates to your question.
• You might need to do these parts separately. Reading through first to understand and comprehend the meaning of the article. Then re-read to see how this relates to your question.
• It might help to read through all the headings and tables first. This helps to not get bogged down in the first paragraph.
• Sit back and consider if the authors you are reading agree with each other. Do they support each other’s arguments? Do they disagree with each other? How do they disagree with each other?
• Make notes, but do not rewrite what is written. Underline or highlight the most important lines.
• Ask yourself your opinion about the topic? Do you agree with any of the authors? Why do you agree? You are not going to write your own opinion but it helps to know it.
• You are ready to begin writing your paper. 

Writing your Essay

• Begin writing your paper by structuring your Introduction.
• In your Introduction you might like to say “This paper outlines …” or “This paper discusses…” Your wording must correspond to the wording of the question.
• Tell your reader what you are going to do. Keep it simple. Keep your sentences short and make sure they are correct.
• Check if they have a noun and a verb and a phrase (adverbial or adjectival). Re-read your own sentences to make sure they make sense to you.
• If English is your second language, practice choosing the right preposition. Learn to write ‘at the shop’ ‘in the supermarket’. (Ask for my preposition practice list).
• Choose a title for the Body. Make sure it relates to the question.
• Make a list of sub-topics that are relevant to the question.
• Put the sub-titles into your paper.
• Put the main point about each sub-topic under the appropriate heading.
• Consider your word length again. How many words will you be able to write under each sub-topic.
• Develop the body of your paper, step by step building an argument.
• You are ready to write a Conclusion. 

For editing & Proof-reading of essays, papers and theses, contact jessicasyme@iinet.net.au