Paraphrasing

In academic writing, you will need to use other writer's ideas to support your own. The most common way to do this is by using paraphrase.

Creating cohesion

Cohesion is what makes writing cohere or 'stick together', for example via the use of transition signals, references words or repeated words.

Hedging

Hedging, also called cautious language, is a way of softening the language by making the claims or conclusions less absolute.

Describing data

Describing data from graphs, tables or other sources requires certain grammar and vocabulary structures.

Writing numbers

Understand when to use numbers in academic writing and when to use numerals, and some exceptions to the rule.

Using complex grammar

Good writing requires an appropriate mix of different types of sentence, using both simple and complex grammar (e.g. noun clauses, adjective clauses and adverbial clauses).

Writing objectively

Academic writing uses a more objective tone than ordinary writing, with use of passive voice and impersonal structures.

Writing critically

Critical writing is writing which analyses and evaluates information, usually from multiple sources, in order to develop an argument.