Writing an academic essay
In most of your courses at University, you will encounter some form of a writing task. The most common type of writing at University is an academic essay. However, depending on the academic program in which you are enrolled, your writing tasks may involve lab reports, other types of reports, or long or short answer responses to questions.
Academic essays can be quite different from the types of essays written at school or elsewhere. They have their own conventions, style and language relevant to academia in general and academic disciplines in particular. You will need to familiarise yourself with these different conventions and styles.
Your essays will also need to be well structured and contain analytical arguments supported by independent research. You will be expected to do far more than simply accurately reproduce what others have said. You will be expected to use the ideas of others to support your own opinions and ideas.
Writing essays at University can be a lengthy process! Completing your research, planning and writing can take weeks so you will need to get an early start.
How can I enhance my skills?
Start by browsing the academic skills self-help resources on the Learning Services website. You can also attend one of the free academic skills workshops on topics related to academic writing.
What's expected of me?
- Recognise different academic writing conventions and styles
- Structure an academic essay
- Develop and support my arguments with independent research
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