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Academic Writing Made Easy

Elizabeth Hamzi-Schmidt, Tina Schrier, Dr. Heidi Minning, Jeremiah Hendren, Dr. Stephen Starck, Dr. Aparna Bhar, Susan O’Byrne, Rose Jacobs, and Ruth Shannon

4.8

Based on 51 ratings

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Elizabeth Hamzi-Schmidt, Tina Schrier, Dr. Heidi Minning, Jeremiah Hendren, Dr. Stephen Starck, Dr. Aparna Bhar, Susan O’Byrne, Rose Jacobs, and Ruth Shannon

This MOOC takes you through the basics of academic writing step by step. From structuring and organising an academic text to avoiding common pitfalls that can negatively affect your credibility, this 6-week course offers a guide for those who want to improve their writing. It looks at various components that will make your academic writing stand out for all the right reasons, including paragraphing, style, tone, paraphrasing and punctuation. Using samples of student writing it also gives you tips on what to avoid and explains why. Each week is comprised of video lessons, followed by exercises and peer-review tasks, taking you through various aspects of academic writing.

The course requires upper-intermediate (B2) to advanced English (C1).

What you'll learn

You’ll learn:

to understand the basic tenets of academic writing
to identify the different genres and the expectations of each one
to overcome writer's block
to structure your ideas cohesively
to write reader-friendly sentences
to use appropriate tone to gain credibility
to avoid plagiarism and
to ensure your text respects the rules of general punctuation in English.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

To understand the basic tenets of academic writing
To identify the different genres and the expectations of each one
To overcome writer's block
To structure your ideas cohesively

To write reader-friendly sentences
To use appropriate tone to gain credibility
To avoid plagiarism and
To ensure your text respects the rules of general punctuation in english.

To understand the basic tenets of academic writing
To identify the different genres and the expectations of each one
To overcome writer's block
To structure your ideas cohesively
To write reader-friendly sentences
To use appropriate tone to gain credibility
To avoid plagiarism and
To ensure your text respects the rules of general punctuation in english.

Syllabus

The MOOC “Academic Writing Made Easy” covers the following topics to help you improve your writing:

Week 1 Rhetorical Preferences: Meeting the expectations of your target group

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Develops reader-friendly sentences, which is core to written communication

Taught by Elizabeth Hamzi-Schmidt, who is a recognized academic writer

Teaches the basics of academic writing, which are standard in higher education

Examines common pitfalls that can negatively affect credibility, which is useful for writers

Suitable for intermediate (B2) to advanced English (C1), making it accessible for learners

Students may need to take prerequisites before enrolling

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Reviews summary

Practical guide to academic writing

According to learners, this course offers a well-structured and clear introduction to academic writing essentials. Students particularly appreciate the practical tips and exercises that make complex concepts easy to understand and apply. Many found the course helpful for improving their writing skills and gaining confidence. The peer review component is a notable feature, though experiences with the quality of peer feedback vary. Learners should note that the course requires a B2/C1 level of English proficiency.

Involves peer assessment with variable feedback.

"The peer review system was a key part of the course, providing different perspectives."

"I received some very insightful and constructive feedback from my peers."

"The quality of the peer feedback I received was inconsistent; some were very helpful, others less so."

"Participating in the peer review process itself helped me identify issues in my own writing."

Requires strong upper-intermediate English skills.

"This course is definitely suitable for learners with a solid B2/C1 level of English."

"A strong grasp of English grammar and vocabulary is necessary to fully benefit."

"Learners below the B2 level might find the content or exercises challenging."

"The course assumes a certain level of English proficiency, which is appropriate for its stated prerequisites."

Provides actionable tips and helpful exercises.

"The practical tips on structure, style, and punctuation were incredibly useful."

"The exercises were very helpful in reinforcing the concepts learned in the videos."

"I learned how to structure my paragraphs and sentences much more effectively."

"The course provided practical tools and strategies I could apply immediately to my academic papers."

Concepts are explained well and easy to follow.

"The course modules are broken down nicely and are very easy to follow, making complex ideas accessible."

"I finally feel like I understand the basic tenets of academic writing thanks to the clear explanations."

"The instructor simplifies challenging topics effectively, making the material digestible."

"Each week built logically upon the last, which helped solidify my understanding."

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 Academic Writing Made Easy with these activities:

Read 'On Writing Well' by William Zinsser

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Gain valuable insights and improve your writing style by reading this classic guide on writing effectively.

View Extraordinary Lives on Amazon

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Acquire a copy of 'On Writing Well'.
Read the book attentively, taking notes of key concepts.
Apply the techniques and principles discussed in the book to your own writing.

Review Basic Writing Skills

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Brush up on the basics of grammar, punctuation, and spelling to enhance your writing skills.

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Review grammar rules on websites like Grammarly or Khan Academy.
Practice punctuation by completing exercises from books or online resources.
Improve spelling by using spell checkers and practicing regularly.

Explore Academic Writing Techniques

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Gain insights into effective academic writing practices by following tutorials from experts.

Browse courses on Academic Writing

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Identify reputable online resources that provide writing tutorials.
Watch videos or read articles demonstrating different writing techniques.
Practice implementing these techniques in your own writing.

Three other activities

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Compose Sample Academic Texts

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Enhance your writing skills by practicing different academic text formats.

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Identify different types of academic writing assignments, such as essays, research papers, and literature reviews.
Write structured outlines for each type of assignment.
Compose complete drafts and revise them based on feedback.

Start an Academic Writing Journal

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Establish a consistent writing practice by keeping a journal where you regularly record your thoughts and ideas.

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Choose a notebook or digital platform for your journal.
Set aside specific time slots for writing.
Write freely about topics related to the course material or your personal reflections on writing.
Review and reflect on your writing periodically.

Engage in Peer Review and Feedback

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Receive constructive feedback on your writing from peers to identify areas for improvement.

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Join or form a peer review group.
Share your work for review and provide feedback to others.
Analyze feedback, identify strengths, and work on weaknesses.

Career center

Learners who complete Academic Writing Made Easy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Academic Writer

When it comes to academic writing, the job of an Academic Writer can often be very demanding and requires adept mastery of concepts like punctuation, sentence structure, and flow of ideas. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course covers all of these aspects in-depth, giving you the tools you need to succeed in this career. Whether you are just starting out as an Academic Writer or looking to take your skills to the next level, this course can help you achieve your goals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Academic Writer

Content Writer

Content creation is a vast field that encompasses various types of writing, including academic writing. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Content Writers by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the expectations of different genres, overcome writer's block, and write reader-friendly content that meets the needs of your target audience. Whether you write blog posts, articles, or other types of content, this course can enhance your writing skills and make you a more effective communicator.

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Copywriter

Copywriters create persuasive and engaging content for marketing and advertising purposes. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can help Copywriters improve their writing skills by providing a strong foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness in writing, which are essential qualities for successful copywriting. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create compelling copy that resonates with your target audience and drives desired actions.

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Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, documentation, and other technical materials. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Technical Writers by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, accuracy, and organization in writing, which are essential qualities for successful technical writing. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create clear and concise technical documents that effectively communicate complex information.

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Grant Writer

Grant Writers create proposals to secure funding for various projects and organizations. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Grant Writers by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, persuasiveness, and organization in writing, which are essential qualities for successful grant writing. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create compelling grant proposals that effectively communicate the value of your project and increase your chances of securing funding.

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Editor

Editors review, revise, and edit written content to ensure clarity, accuracy, and consistency. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Editors by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the different elements of effective writing, including structure, style, and grammar. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can effectively edit and improve the work of other writers, ensuring that the final product is polished and error-free.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on news and current events. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Journalists by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the importance of accuracy, objectivity, and fairness in writing, which are essential qualities for successful journalism. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can produce well-written and informative news articles that effectively engage your audience.

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Professor

Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Professors by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the different types of academic writing, including research papers, articles, and books. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can effectively communicate your research findings and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

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Researcher

Researchers design and conduct studies to investigate various topics and questions. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course can benefit Researchers by providing a solid foundation in academic writing principles. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, accuracy, and objectivity in writing, which are essential qualities for successful research. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can effectively communicate your research findings and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for Librarians who want to improve their writing skills for various purposes, such as creating research guides, writing library reports, or contributing to professional publications. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, organization, and accuracy in writing, which are essential qualities for effective library communication. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create user-friendly and informative library materials that meet the needs of your patrons.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and records. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for Archivists who want to improve their writing skills for various purposes, such as creating archival descriptions, writing grant proposals, or contributing to professional publications. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, accuracy, and objectivity in writing, which are essential qualities for effective archival communication. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create well-written and informative archival materials that effectively convey the significance of the collections you manage.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators manage and interpret museum collections. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for Museum Curators who want to improve their writing skills for various purposes, such as creating exhibit labels, writing grant proposals, or contributing to professional publications. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, conciseness, and engaging writing, which are essential qualities for effective museum communication. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create well-written and informative museum materials that effectively convey the stories and significance of the collections you curate.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and write about the past. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for Historians who want to improve their writing skills for various purposes, such as writing research papers, articles, or books. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, accuracy, and objectivity in writing, which are essential qualities for effective historical writing. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create well-written and informative historical accounts that effectively convey your research findings and interpretations.

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English Teacher

English Teachers teach students about the English language and literature. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for English Teachers who want to improve their writing skills to better support their students. This course will help you understand the different elements of effective writing, including structure, style, and grammar. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can effectively teach your students the skills they need to become proficient writers.

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Communications Manager

Communications Managers plan and execute communication strategies for organizations. The “Academic Writing Made Easy” course may be useful for Communications Managers who want to improve their writing skills for various purposes, such as writing press releases, creating marketing materials, or managing social media content. This course will help you understand the importance of clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness in writing, which are essential qualities for effective communication. With a better understanding of academic writing techniques, you can create well-written and engaging communication materials that effectively convey your organization's messages.

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Reading list

We've selected 14 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 Academic Writing Made Easy.

Teaching Mathematics Using Interactive Mapping

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This classic guide to writing is essential reading for students of all levels. It provides clear and concise advice on grammar, style, and usage.

Academic Writing Made Easy

What you'll learn

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Practical guide to academic writing

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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