Essential Academic Writing Programme

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Use correct grammar, tenses, punctuation, and sentence structure in your writing

• Organise ideas logically into clear, coherent paragraphs

• Use linking words to connect ideas smoothly and improve flow

• Avoid common grammar, vocabulary, and spelling mistakes

• Follow standard academic formats for essays, reports, research papers, and university/college assignments

• Plan, structure, and write effective exam answers under time pressure

• Write short, clear, and well-structured academic work with confidence

Part 1: Writing Basics

• Understanding academic writing in higher education

• Building clear sentences and using punctuation correctly

• Organising ideas in a logical order

Part 2: Paragraph Writing

• Writing topic sentences that guide the reader

• Adding supporting examples, explanations, and evidence

• Linking ideas across sentences and paragraphs

Part 3: Grammar & Language

• Choosing the right tense for your writing

• Avoiding common word choice errors

• Maintaining an academic tone throughout

Part 4: Academic Vocabulary

• Core academic words and phrases for university and college work

• Using connectors and transitions to improve flow

• Expanding vocabulary through reading and practice

Part 5: Academic Formats

• Structure and presentation of essays, reports, and research papers

• Writing clear and concise exam answers

• Formatting university and college assignments professionally

• Introduction to basic referencing and source citation

  
  

• 📖 Week 1: Foundations of Academic Writing

  • What academic writing means in a university or college context

  • The difference between everyday writing and academic writing

  • Understanding simple assignment instructions and brief analysis

  • Building correct sentences using proper grammar and punctuation

  • Introduction to academic tone and avoiding informal expressions

  • Guided exercises: writing your first basic academic paragraph

  🧠 Week 2: Organising Ideas & Paragraph Writing

  • How to brainstorm and plan before starting assignments or exam answers

  • Using topic sentences and supporting details to build strong paragraphs

  • Linking sentences smoothly using connectors (e.g., “however,” “in addition,” “therefore”)

  • Avoiding repetition and off-topic writing

  • Group practice: creating a short essay plan from a sample assignment question

  ✍️ Week 3: Writing Different Academic Tasks

  • The structure of a basic essay: introduction, body, and conclusion

  • How to write simple, clear reports with headings and sections

  • Basics of research paper writing — finding and using reliable sources

  • Writing clear, focused exam answers under time limits

  • Avoiding grammar errors and choosing the right verb tense

  • Tutor-led activity: writing a short practice essay together

  📌 Week 4: Bringing It All Together

  • Combining skills to write essays, reports, and research papers

  • Structuring and formatting university and college assignments correctly

  • Final practice: writing an exam-style response in real time

  • Checking and improving your work: grammar, flow, and presentation

  • Personalised tutor feedback on your writing

  • Certificate presentation and advice on your next steps in academic writing

• Real-time demonstrations of writing techniques

• Live feedback on your work during the session

• Practice with real academic tasks and assignment briefs