The whole information about this course is here:
What topics will you cover?
Week one:
• Differentiating between academic writing and other types of writing
• Choosing the correct structure for an academic essay
• Analysing essay questions
• Activating what you already know about the topic
Week two:
• Searching for information as a starting point to build your knowledge
• Evaluating resources and reading academic texts
• Annotating and surveying information from source texts
Week three:
• Components of a paragraph and the notion of paragraph leader
• Paragraph development and writing a paragraph
Week four:
• Understanding how to use facts, statistics and research in your writing
• Showing critical thinking through choice of citation type
• How to incorporate appropriate evidence
• Avoiding plagiarism
Week five:
• Writing a plan
• Essay introductions and conclusions
• Proof reading
• Peer support in writing
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...
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Assess the difference between academic writing and other types of writing
•
Identify the different features of an academic essay
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Identify appropriate search systems to find reading texts relevant to your topic area
•
Apply critical reading skills to analyse and evaluate an academic text
•
Explain why most academic texts are organised into paragraphs
•
Produce a well-organised, coherent paragraph as part of an academic essay
•
Identify information from source materials and texts to include in your writing according to the appropriate academic conventions of referencing
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at anyone interested in undertaking academic study in English, but it may be of particular interest to international students. You will require an IELTS English level of 5.5 and above.
What software or tools do you need?
None
Who will you learn with?

Jonathan Smith
I'm Director of Technology-enhanced Learning at the International Study and Language Institute, the University of Reading. I also teach on Pre-sessional courses in English language and study skills.
Who developed the course?

https://www.futurelearn.com/partners/university-of-reading
The University of Reading has a reputation for excellence in teaching, research and enterprise.
