This indispensable guide shows students what successful academic writing involves and gives them the tools they will need to write successfully themselves. It separates fact from fiction and takes students through the five essential elements of academic writing: writing critically; using sources; developing your own voice; having a clear structure and style; and editing and polishing drafts. Chapters include annotated extracts of real students' academic writing from a range of subject areas. This third edition has been revised throughout, and contains three new sections on originality, argument and synthesising sources.Writing for University is an essential resource for students making the transition to university-level study and a valuable reference point for all students doing academic study in English. It is suitable for students of all disciplines, from education and business through to social work and psychology.

Small, sharp and to-the-point: a handy resource rather than a weighty tome

PART 1: INTRODUCTION1. Myths and Realities2. What Academic Writing Looks Like3. Understanding Your Context and Purpose4. What Your Tutors Mean by 'Originality'SummaryPART 2: WRITE CRITICALLY5. What Critical Writing Is6. What Critical Writing Looks Like7. Common Errors in Critical Writing8. Forming an ArgumentSummaryPART 3: USE YOUR SOURCES CORRECTLY9. Using Their Words - Quotation10. Using Your Words - Paraphrase and Source Summary11. Using Verbs to Show You Understand Your Sources12. Referencing Styles and Techniques13. Avoiding Accidental PlagiarismSummaryPART 4: LET YOUR OWN VOICE SHINE THROUGH14. Synthesizing Sources to Create Your Own Insights15. Making Sure Your Own Arguments Stand Out16. Using Verbs to Show Your Position17. Using I and We18. Expressing Levels of Certainty and CautionSummaryPART 5: WRITE FOR YOUR READER19. Creating a Clear Assignment Structure20. Structure of Different Assignment Types21. Creating a Clear Paragraph Structure22. Developing a Clear Writing Style23. Using Words PreciselySummaryPART 6: EDIT AND POLISH YOUR ASSIGNMENT24. The Process of Writing and Rewriting25. Common Language Errors26. A Checklist