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Academic English Writing
Writing Skills

Academic English Writing

Academic English follows conventions that can feel unfamiliar, especially to writers whose first language is not English. This material explains them clearly, from building a thesis and structuring an essay to paraphrasing, citing sources and adopting a suitably formal tone. Annotated examples show how strong academic paragraphs are put together and how common mistakes can be corrected.

Levels
4
Starting from
250 credits
Category
Writing Skills
Choose a level

About this study guide

Writing at university level asks for more than correct grammar. Readers expect a clear argument, evidence used carefully, and language that is precise without being stiff. This study guide sets out those expectations step by step, with particular care for people writing in English as an additional language.

Early chapters cover sentence accuracy, formal vocabulary, linking words and paragraph structure. Later chapters turn to essay types such as argumentative, comparative and cause-and-effect writing, as well as summaries, literature reviews and research reports. Guidance on paraphrasing, quoting and referencing explains how to use sources honestly and avoid plagiarism.

The material follows four levels, from Beginner to Expert. Model paragraphs with notes in the margin illustrate each point, and checklists at the end of chapters help you review your own drafts before submitting them.
Each level is unlocked separately

Choose a level

Compare the levels below and add the one that suits you to your cart

01
Level 1

Beginner

250 credits

What this level includes

  • Covered in this level

    The material covers sentence accuracy, formal vocabulary in place of conversational words, linking words, and the structure of a clear academic paragraph with a topic sentence, support and a concluding sentence. You also meet the idea of a thesis statement and a first look at why sources are cited.

  • Suited to

    This level suits people beginning to write in English at university level, especially those whose first language is not English. It is also helpful for anyone returning to study after a long break who wants the basic conventions of academic writing explained plainly.

  • What you will be able to apply

    After this level, you will be able to write well-formed academic paragraphs, choose a more formal word where needed, and connect ideas with appropriate linking expressions. You should feel ready to draft a short essay built around a simple thesis.

02
Level 2

Intermediate

450 credits

What this level includes

  • Covered in this level

    This stage explains how to develop a focused thesis, plan and structure argumentative, comparative and cause-and-effect essays, paraphrase and summarise without plagiarism, and cite sources in common styles such as APA and Harvard. Common problems, including over-quoting and weak conclusions, are examined through annotated examples.

  • Suited to

    Choose this level if you can already write clear academic paragraphs in English and now need to produce full essays. It suits university writers facing argumentative or comparative assignments who want reliable methods for planning, paraphrasing and referencing.

  • What you will be able to apply

    By the end of this level, you should be able to plan and write a complete academic essay, integrate evidence from sources in your own words, and reference it consistently. You will be able to recognise and correct the most frequent weaknesses in your drafts.

03
Level 3

Advanced

750 credits

What this level includes

  • Covered in this level

    Here you study synthesising multiple sources, writing a literature review, developing counter-arguments and rebuttals, using hedging and stance language appropriately, and maintaining cohesion across long documents. The material also covers precise academic vocabulary, nominal style and the conventions of different disciplines.

  • Suited to

    This level is meant for writers with solid experience of academic essays in English who now face longer and more demanding work. It suits people preparing literature reviews, research reports or dissertation chapters and wanting more precision and critical depth.

  • What you will be able to apply

    You will be able to synthesise sources into a coherent discussion, present a nuanced argument that acknowledges other positions, and control your stance with suitable hedging. You should feel ready to structure extended academic texts with confidence and consistency.

04
Level 4

Expert

1,050 credits

What this level includes

  • Covered in this level

    This deepest stage examines building an original contribution into the argument, balancing concision with complexity, positioning your work within scholarly debates, editing for flow at the level of the whole text, and the trade-offs between disciplinary conventions and plain English. Annotated extracts show refined academic prose.

  • Suited to

    The Expert level is for advanced academic writers who want to refine their work to a high standard. It suits researchers, postgraduate writers and experienced authors aiming for an authoritative scholarly voice while keeping their writing clear and readable.

  • What you will be able to apply

    After working through this level, you should be able to write academic texts that make a clear, original case, engage critically with existing scholarship, and read smoothly despite complex content. You will be able to edit your own work with a demanding, informed eye.

Levels are unlocked with credits from your balance. You can add more credits at any time.