Write a successful abstract
A good abstract tells the story of your research, explains its significance and shows the reader what your research achieves.
Weave a narrative thread—in 3 easy steps
We cannot resist the lure of a good story. A desire to see a narrative also permeates many areas of academia.
Using a Gantt chart for planning
Use a Gantt chart to plan chunks of time to work on your assignment, making sure you factor in your other commitments.
Using a diary to process your reading
Writing can be a lonely business. By starting a diary, you will create a kind of companion at your desk and a record of the writing process.
Use the essay title to plan your essay
To plan your essay, identify what you're being instructed to do, the topic area and the limits of the essay.
Paraphrasing: what it is and how to do it
Swapping the author’s words for your own, even with the help of the thesaurus, won’t save you from plagiarism. Indeed, although the thesaurus is a useful writing tool, it can also be a trap. In a PhD, dissertation or essay, successful paraphrasing is taking the nub of someone else’s argument and relating it to the point you are making.
Successful note-making in lectures
1 Beforehand: get prepared Devise your own note-making shorthand, adapt it for your course requirements and vocabulary and then use it consistently. Having an effective shorthand system avoids the need to write down full words, but remember to introduce new…
How to bring your voice into reflective writing
Dr Lucy English Reflective writing is used in subjects as varied as education, nursing, sociology and the creative arts as a method to reflect on the learning experience. Students often find reflective writing difficult. How do you write about your…
Effective reading
Do you start reading an academic journal article, plough through a few paragraphs and realise you have lost your focus? Try this technique to gain a quick overview and identify the sections you need to read in depth.[1] 1 Reading…
How to write clearly and concisely
Students want their text to get to the point, and for their argument to be easy to understand. Their writing needs to be clear and concise.