CONTENTS
Preface and acknowledgements
How to use this book
Introduction
1. Why expressing yourself well in writing is important  - how to develop your writing skills
What markers are looking for
2. What markers are looking for in your essays and assignments -how to identify the key elements required to meet markers' expectations
Getting started
3. Tackling writing assignments - How to get started
Researching your topic
4. Effective academic reading - How to read efficiently and with understanding
5. Library and learning resources - How to make the best use of the facilities
6. Note-making from texts - How to create effective notes for later reference
7. Thinking critically - How to develop a logical approach to analysis, synthesis and evaluation
Writing a first draft
8. Academic writing formats - How to organise your writing within a standard framework
9. Planning writing assignments - How to respond to the task
Writing technique
10. Academic writing style - How to adopt appropriate language conventions
11. Shaping your text - how to create effective sentences and paragraphs
12. Improving your grammar - How to avoid some common errors
13. Better punctuation - How to use punctuation marks appropriately
14. Better spelling - How to spell competently
15. Enhancing your vocabulary - How to increase your word power
Editing & Revision
16. Reviewing, editing and proof-reading - how to make sure your writing is concise and correct
Plagiarism and referencing
17. Plagiarism and copyright infringement - how to avoid being accused of ‘stealing’ the ideas & work of others
18. Citing and listing references - how to refer appropriately to the work of others
Presentation
19. Presentation of assignments - how to follow the appropriate academic conventions
Improving your marks
20. Exploiting feedback - how to understand and learn from what lecturers write on your work
21. Essay writing in exams - how to improve your marksÂ
References and further reading
Glossary of key terms
