Academic writing style Developing academic English

Using language appropriate to both audience and task

Is the sentence structure clear and concise?
Have you used the relevant vocabulary specific to your subject, with explanations where helpful?
Have you used a form of language that is appropriate for your audience?
Have you presented different perspectives where necessary?
Are linking words used to support the flow of ideas?

Introduction to academic writing

For an introduction to different writing styles for different subject areas and purposes, see Using an appropriate writing style.

Approaches to academic writing

Various subjects often want you to achieve an objectivity and formality in your writing. The following sets of activities from the University of Southampton explore ways to develop a more formal and objective writing style.

Building your vocabulary

Activities from the University of Southampton on how to extend your vocabulary from single base words, including examples from a business context.

Expressing complex ideas

The following activities from the University of Southampton aim to help you get to grips with noun phrases (a useful way of expressing complex ideas).

Developing an argument

The following activities from the University of Southampton aim to help you express subtle differences in meanings and express arguments cautiously thus avoiding bold statements that cannot be supported.

There is a clear explanation on the British Council 'Learn English' site of how Modal verbs express degrees of uncertainty.

You might also like to watch some of the events on The Student Hub Live that talk about developing a good academic argument.