Writing up your university assignments and research projects

by Murray, Neil; Hughes, Geraldine

• ISBN13: 9780335227181
• ISBN10: 033522718X
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-05-01
• Publisher: Open Univ Pr

Summary

What is good academic writing? How should I present my written work? How can I improve my written work? Academic writing can be a daunting prospect for new undergraduates and postgraduates alike, regardless of whether they are home or overseas students. This accessible book provides them/students with all they need to know to produce excellent written work.Based on their many years of experience, the authors have structured the book so as to build students' confidence in their own writing ability whilst at the same time respecting conventional ideas of what is, and what is not, acceptable in the academic domain. To reinforce student learning, the material is presented using a wealth of clear examples, hands-on tasks with answers, and logical sequences that build on earlier chapters. The first two sections of the book address the preparation and writing of assignments and research projects, while the third provides a useful toolkit containing reference materials on areas including punctuation, grammar and academic terminology.The book includes numerous tips and insights and comprehensively covers issues such as: Reading around a new topic The need for coherence and how to achieve it Structure and organisation Plagiarism, quoting and citing sources The main sections of a typical research project Writing style Finding your own voice Examiner expectations

Author Biography

Neil Murray is Senior Lecturer and Programme Director at the School of International Studies, the University of South Australia. He has taught academic English and applied linguistics at undergraduate and postgraduate level for twenty-five years and has published in both areas.

Geraldine Hughes is Lecturer in Academic English and Study Skills at King's College London, where she was formerly Director of the international foundation programme for over a decade. She has also taught academic English and communication skills at undergraduate and postgraduate level for thirty years.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements

Foreword A guide to the book's icons: What do they mean?

The Fundamentals Of Academic Writing

Introduction What are the key functions in academic writing?

How should I structure my writing?

What do I need to know about writing style?

Approaching your writing project: Tips and strategies

Putting Together Your Research Project

Understanding the research and writing process What are the different components of a research project?

...And when it's all over: Publishing and presenting yourresearch

Toolkit

Punctuation basics

A brief guide to the correct use of punctuation

Glossary of key terms

The academic word list

Appendix

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.