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Writing in English at University

Satu Manninen, Ellen Turner, and Cecilia Wadsö Lecaros

Acquiring good academic research and writing skills early on is essential for your success both at university and in your professional life.

This course aims:

- to give you an understanding of the conventions of academic writing in English and to teach you the components and benefits of what is called process writing.

- to help you to put together your own “toolbox” of academic writing skills, as well as to give you a chance to test out these tools and to reflect on your own development as a writer.

Acquiring good academic research and writing skills early on is essential for your success both at university and in your professional life.

This course aims:

- to give you an understanding of the conventions of academic writing in English and to teach you the components and benefits of what is called process writing.

- to help you to put together your own “toolbox” of academic writing skills, as well as to give you a chance to test out these tools and to reflect on your own development as a writer.

- to encourage reflection on discipline specific conventions; although the course deals with generic skills, you will be able to apply these generic skills to meet the particular needs of your own discipline.

The course consists of four modules:

1. Writing in English at university: An introduction

2. Structuring your text and conveying your argument

3. Using sources in academic writing

4. The writer’s toolbox: Editing and proofreading

In each module you will find video lectures and reading assignments, as well as assignments, such as quizzes and reflective self-assessment questions, in which you will have an opportunity to interact with other students taking the course.

The course is free of charge, and learners have access to a free electronic textbook written to complement the MOOC: Writing in English at University: A Guide for Second Language Writers. It is possible for anyone who wishes to obtain a certificate of completion upon completing the entire course, including the graded assignments at the end of each module.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Writing in English at University: An introduction

Welcome to the MOOC course Writing in English at University! This course has been designed as a resource for university students who are currently involved in writing assignments or degree projects as well as for students who wish to learn about academic writing in order to prepare for future writing at university. Although the course will provide guidance and useful tips and tricks to all student writers, it is specifically useful to those who are writing in second language contexts and whose native language is not English. In this course, we provide you with short, instructional videos, a free online textbook, additional reading and assignments. Anyone who wishes to to gain a certificate of completion for this course will need to complete all parts of the course. The exercises that are required for the certificate will be marked as obligatory and they are located at the end of each module.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Covers the basics of writing in English at university level

Taught by experienced instructors who are recognized for their work in English writing

Provides a framework for understanding the conventions of academic writing in English

Develops skills in structuring text and conveying arguments

Explores techniques for using sources in academic writing

Includes a writer’s toolbox with editing and proofreading resources

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Reviews summary

Academic english writing skills

According to learners, this course provides a solid foundation for academic writing in English, particularly benefiting non-native speakers. Students appreciated the well-structured modules covering essential topics like structuring texts, using sources, and editing. The accompanying free online textbook is frequently highlighted as a valuable resource. While many found the explanations clear and the assignments helpful for practice, some noted that the course covers introductory concepts and may not be challenging enough for those with more advanced writing experience. A few reviews mentioned that the course focuses more on theory and guidelines than extensive practical writing tasks.

Assignments aid understanding and skill application.

"The quizzes and assignments helped reinforce the concepts taught in the videos."

"Self-assessment questions were useful for reflecting on my own writing process."

"Graded assignments tested understanding effectively and motivated completion."

"Practice exercises were relevant and practical."

Excellent for those new to academic writing conventions.

"This course offers a great introduction to academic writing for someone just starting out at university."

"Perfect for brushing up on the fundamentals or learning them for the first time."

"Gave me the confidence to tackle my first university essays."

"Provides essential groundwork for anyone needing to write academically."

Modules are well-organized and cover key aspects of academic writing.

"The course is very well structured, covering all the basic aspects of academic writing from planning to proofreading."

"I found the modules on structuring arguments and using sources particularly helpful."

"The course follows a logical progression, building skills step by step."

"Each section broke down complex topics into manageable parts."

The accompanying online textbook is a significant positive resource.

"A great bonus to have a free, high-quality textbook included with the course."

"The free electronic textbook is an excellent companion and provides much more detail than the videos."

"I appreciated having the online textbook readily available as a reference."

"The textbook complements the video lectures perfectly and is easy to navigate."

Especially helpful for those writing in English as a second language.

"Very valuable especially for non-native English speakers who need to write academic papers or theses."

"I am not a native English speaker and this course has been very useful in clarifying some concepts I was not sure about."

"This course really helped me improve my academic writing skills as a non-native speaker."

"Provides clear guidance tailored for learners whose first language is not English."

Emphasizes theoretical concepts and guidelines over extensive practice.

"The course is rich in theory but I wish there were more opportunities for extensive writing practice."

"More guidelines and rules than actual writing assignments to hone skills."

"Good conceptual overview, less focus on writing actual full pieces."

"Learned the 'how-to' but needed to seek external practice opportunities."

Content is fundamental; may not challenge experienced writers.

"While good for beginners, those with some academic writing experience might find it too basic."

"I was hoping for more advanced techniques, but this course is very much an introduction."

"Covers the essentials well but doesn't delve into very complex writing scenarios."

"Suitable for a first course in academic writing, but not for advanced skill development."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Writing in English at University with these activities:

Organize and review your course materials

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Organizing and reviewing your course materials will help you to stay on top of the material and to identify areas where you need to focus your studies.

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Gather all of your course materials, including notes, assignments, and handouts.
Organize your materials into a logical system, such as by topic or by week.
Review your materials regularly, focusing on the key points and concepts.

Revise sentence structure

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Revise different types of sentence structure to strengthen writing clarity.

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Identify different types of sentence structures in academic writing.
Create a reference sheet summarizing the different structures and their uses.
Use the reference sheet to practice writing sentences with different structures.

Review previous English writing

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Review your past work in English writing to refresh your knowledge of the conventions and best practices.

Browse courses on Academic Writing

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Gather your previous English writing assignments and notes.
Read through your work, paying attention to the structure, grammar, and vocabulary you used.
Identify areas where you can improve, such as organization, clarity, or style.

12 other activities

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Watch videos and read articles on academic writing

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Watching videos and reading articles on academic writing will help you to learn more about the conventions and best practices of the field.

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Identify resources that provide valuable information on academic writing.
Watch videos and read articles that cover topics relevant to your needs.
Take notes on the key points that you want to remember.

Attend a writing workshop

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Writing workshops provide a structured environment to enhance writing skills and receive feedback.

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Research and find a relevant writing workshop.
Attend the workshop and actively participate in the exercises and discussions.

Read 'Writing in English at University: A Guide for Second Language Writers'

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This book provides a comprehensive guide to writing in English at the university level, covering everything from grammar and vocabulary to structure and style.

View Writing in English at University A Guide for... on Amazon

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Read through the book, paying attention to the tips and advice it offers.
Make notes on the key points that you want to remember.
Apply the book's advice to your own writing.

Write a summary of a reading assignment

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Summarizing readings improves comprehension and enhances writing skills.

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Read the assigned reading carefully.
Identify the main points and supporting details in the reading.
Write a concise and coherent summary that accurately captures the key ideas of the reading.

Create an essay outline

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Essay outlining helps organize thoughts, develop a clear structure, and improves the flow of writing.

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Brainstorm ideas and identify the main argument of the essay.
Create a logical structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Write topic sentences for each body paragraph.

Complete the quizzes and exercises in the course

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The quizzes and exercises in the course will help you to test your understanding of the material and to practice using the skills you are learning.

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Complete the quizzes and exercises as they are assigned.
Review your answers and identify areas where you need to improve.
Seek help from the instructor or classmates if you need it.

Participate in discussion forums

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Participating in discussion forums will allow you to interact with other students and to learn from their perspectives.

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Read the discussion prompts and respond to them thoughtfully.
Read the responses of other students and comment on them.
Ask questions and seek clarification from the instructor or classmates if needed.

Write a short essay on a topic related to your field of study

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Writing an essay will help you to practice the skills you are learning in the course, such as structuring your text and conveying your argument.

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Choose a topic that is related to your field of study and that you are interested in writing about.
Research your topic and gather evidence to support your argument.
Write an outline for your essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion.
Write a draft of your essay.
Revise and edit your essay, paying attention to grammar, spelling, and clarity.

Connect with a mentor who can provide guidance and support with your writing

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Finding a mentor can provide you with personalized guidance and support as you develop your writing skills.

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Identify potential mentors who have experience in academic writing and who are willing to share their knowledge.
Reach out to potential mentors and introduce yourself.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your writing and to get feedback.

Proofread for grammatical errors

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Proofreading enhances accuracy and improves the overall quality of writing.

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Read through the written work carefully, focusing on grammar and punctuation.
Identify and correct any grammatical errors, such as subject-verb agreement, verb tense, and pronoun usage.

Start a blog or website where you can publish your writing

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Starting a blog or website will provide you with a platform to share your writing and to get feedback from others.

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Choose a topic for your blog or website that is related to your field of study and that you are passionate about.
Set up a blog or website using a platform such as WordPress or Wix.
Publish your writing on your blog or website regularly.
Promote your blog or website on social media and other platforms.

Create a portfolio of writing samples

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Building a portfolio showcases writing skills and provides a valuable resource for reflection and improvement.

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Select a variety of writing samples that demonstrate different writing styles and skills.
Reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of each sample.
Curate a portfolio that highlights the best of your writing and demonstrates your growth as a writer.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing in English at University will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Academic Writer

Academic Writers produce written content for scholarly journals, books, and other academic publications. They must be able to conduct research, analyze data, and write clearly and concisely. The Writing in English at University course can help Academic Writers develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Academic Writers who want to produce high-quality research that is publishable in top academic journals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Writer

Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. They must be able to write clearly and concisely, and they must be able to communicate complex information to students. The Writing in English at University course can help Professors develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Professors who want to produce high-quality lectures and research papers that are effective and informative.

See salaries and explore the career path for Professor

Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content for a variety of purposes, such as books, magazines, and websites. They must be able to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation. They must also be able to improve the clarity and flow of written content. The Writing in English at University course can help Editors develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Editors who want to produce high-quality written content that is error-free and easy to read.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop public policy. They must be able to write clearly and concisely, and they must be able to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences. The Writing in English at University course can help Policy Analysts develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Policy Analysts who want to produce high-quality policy documents that are effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write proposals to secure funding for research projects, programs, and other initiatives. They must be able to write persuasive proposals that clearly articulate the need for funding and the benefits of the proposed project. The Writing in English at University course can help Grant Writers develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Grant Writers who want to produce high-quality proposals that are likely to be funded.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Copywriter

Copywriters write marketing and advertising copy for a variety of purposes, such as websites, brochures, and commercials. They must be able to write persuasive copy that captures the attention of the reader and motivates them to take action. The Writing in English at University course can help Copywriters develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Copywriters who want to produce high-quality copy that is effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Copywriter

Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. They must be able to write clearly and persuasively, and they must be able to analyze complex legal documents. The Writing in English at University course can help Lawyers develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Lawyers who want to produce high-quality legal documents that are effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Judge

Judges preside over legal proceedings and make decisions based on the law. They must be able to write clearly and concisely, and they must be able to analyze complex legal documents. The Writing in English at University course can help Judges develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Judges who want to produce high-quality legal decisions that are clear, concise, and well-reasoned.

See salaries and explore the career path for Judge

Novelist

Novelists write novels, which are fictional stories. They must be able to create compelling characters, develop engaging plots, and write beautiful prose. The Writing in English at University course can help Novelists develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Novelists who want to produce high-quality novels that are entertaining and thought-provoking.

See salaries and explore the career path for Novelist

Content Writer

Content Writers create and edit written content for a variety of purposes, such as websites, blogs, social media, and marketing materials. They must be able to write engaging and informative content that is tailored to the needs of their target audience. The Writing in English at University course can help Content Writers develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Content Writers who want to produce high-quality content that is effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Content Writer

Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialists manage the public image of organizations and individuals. They must be able to write press releases, speeches, and other public relations materials. The Writing in English at University course can help Public Relations Specialists develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Public Relations Specialists who want to produce high-quality public relations materials that are effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Relations Specialist

Journalist

Journalists write news stories and articles for newspapers, magazines, and websites. They must be able to write clearly and concisely, and they must be able to meet deadlines. The Writing in English at University course can help Journalists develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Journalists who want to produce high-quality journalism that is accurate and informative.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Politician

Politicians develop and implement public policy. They must be able to write clearly and persuasively, and they must be able to communicate complex information to constituents. The Writing in English at University course can help Politicians develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Politicians who want to produce high-quality speeches and policy documents that are effective and persuasive.

See salaries and explore the career path for Politician

Screenwriter

Screenwriters write scripts for movies and television shows. They must be able to write dialogue, create compelling characters, and develop engaging stories. The Writing in English at University course can help Screenwriters develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Screenwriters who want to produce high-quality scripts that are entertaining and engaging.

See salaries and explore the career path for Screenwriter

Technical Writer

Technical Writers are responsible for writing and editing technical documentation, such as user manuals, training materials, and website content. They must be able to communicate complex information clearly and concisely, and they must be familiar with the conventions of academic writing. The Writing in English at University course can help Technical Writers develop the skills they need to succeed in their field. The course covers topics such as structuring text, conveying arguments, using sources, and editing and proofreading. These skills are essential for Technical Writers who want to produce high-quality documentation that is easy to understand and use.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Reading list

We've selected 32 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Writing in English at University.