Academic Writing
Academic writing is a style of writing that is used in academic settings, such as colleges and universities. It is characterised by its formal tone, objective language, and clear structure.
Here are some of the key features of academic writing:
- Formal tone: Academic writing should be written in a formal tone, which means that it should be objective and impersonal. Avoid using contractions, slang, or personal pronouns.
- Objective language: Academic writing should use objective language, which means that it should be free of bias and opinion. Avoid using words that express your personal feelings or beliefs.
- Clear structure: Academic writing should have a clear structure, which means that it should be easy to follow. Use headings and subheadings to organise your writing and to make it easy for the reader to find the information they are looking for.
- Supporting evidence: Academic writing should be supported by evidence, such as facts, statistics, and quotes from experts. This evidence should be cited in the text and in a list of references.
- Conciseness: Academic writing should be concise, which means that it should be clear and to the point. Avoid using unnecessary words or phrases.
- Correct grammar and punctuation: Academic writing should be grammatically correct and free of errors in punctuation.
Academic writing can be challenging, but it is an important skill to learn. By following the tips above, you can learn to write academic writing that is clear, concise, and effective.
Useful Resources
Academic Writing Nearpod
Note Taking
Note-taking is an important skill for college students to learn. It can help you to stay organised, retain information, and study effectively.
There are many different note-taking methods, and the best method for you will depend on your individual learning style and preferences. Here are some popular note-taking methods for college students:
- Cornell method: The Cornell method is a popular note-taking method that divides your notes into three sections: the cue column, the notes column, and the summary column. The cue column is for keywords or phrases, the notes column is for the main points of the lecture, and the summary column is for a brief overview of the lecture.
- Outline method: The outline method is another popular note-taking method that organises your notes in a hierarchical structure. The main points of the lecture are listed at the top of the outline, and the supporting details are listed below each main point.
- Mapping method: The mapping method is a visual note-taking method that uses images and symbols to represent the main points of the lecture. This method can be helpful for students who are visual learners.
- Sketchnoting: Sketchnoting is a type of visual note-taking that combines images, text, and symbols to create a visual representation of the lecture. This method can be helpful for students who are visual learners and who want to make their notes more memorable.
- Digital note-taking: Digital note-taking is a popular option for college students who want to take their notes on a laptop or tablet. There are many different digital note-taking apps available, so you can choose one that fits your needs.
No matter which note-taking method you choose, it is important to be consistent and to practise regularly. The more you practise, the better you will become at taking notes.
Useful Resources
Note Taking Nearpod
Plagiarism/Referencing
Referencing is the practice of acknowledging the sources of information, ideas, or data that you use in your work. When you include information from other authors, whether it’s a direct quote, paraphrased idea, or specific data, you need to provide proper credit. This helps avoid plagiarism and shows the depth of your research.
Purposes of Referencing:
1. Credibility: It lends credibility to your work by showing that your arguments are based on research.
2. Avoiding plagiarism: Proper referencing ensures that you’re giving credit to the original authors.
3. Allowing further research: References guide readers to the sources for further reading.
4. Supporting your arguments: Citing authoritative sources strengthens your arguments.
Common Referencing Styles:
• APA (American Psychological Association)
• MLA (Modern Language Association)
• Harvard (Author-Date System)
• Chicago (Notes and Bibliography)
Useful Resources
Harvard Referencing
Harvard Referencing Guide
Presentation Skills
Are you looking to improve your academic writing skills? If so, you've come to the right place. Here at ilearn, we believe that everyone can learn to write effectively, and we're here to help you do just that.
In this section, we'll discuss the importance of academic writing, different academic writing styles, and tips for writing effectively. We'll also provide you with some resources that you can use to practice your academic writing skills.
Academic writing is a formal way of writing that is used in schools and universities. It requires clear, concise, and objective language. When you write effectively, you're more likely to communicate your ideas clearly and persuade your readers.
There are many different academic writing styles, so you'll need to find one that is appropriate for your assignment. Some popular styles include APA, MLA, and Chicago. The best way to find out which style is right for you is to ask your instructor.
Here are some tips for writing effectively:
Know your audience. Who are you writing for? What do they already know about the topic?
Be clear and concise. Use simple language and avoid jargon.
Be objective. Don't express your personal opinions or beliefs.
Support your claims with evidence. Cite your sources properly.
If you're ready to improve your academic writing skills, book a 121 with our ilearn team today. We'll help you find the right academic writing style for you and give you tips on how to write effectively.
Book your 121 with your campus team here.
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Useful Resources
Presentation Resource 1
Revision/Exam skills
Revision Skills:
1. Create a Revision Schedule:
• Plan Ahead: Start revising well before the exam date to avoid cramming.
• Prioritize Topics: Identify the most important or difficult subjects to focus on first.
• Break it into Manageable Chunks: Study in short, focused periods (e.g., 25-30 minutes), with regular breaks in between to maintain concentration and prevent burnout.
2. Active Learning:
• Summarize: After reading, summarize key concepts in your own words to reinforce understanding.
• Teach Someone Else: Explaining a concept to someone else helps solidify your grasp of it.
• Mind Maps and Diagrams: Visual aids can help you organize and remember complex ideas.
3. Practice Retrieval:
• Past Papers: Complete past exam papers or sample questions to familiarize yourself with the format and timing.
• Self-Testing: Quiz yourself on key topics, either by using flashcards, apps, or setting up quizzes with peers.
• Spaced Repetition: Review information at gradually increasing intervals to strengthen long-term retention.
4. Understand Your Learning Style:
• Visual Learners: Use diagrams, charts, or videos to visualize concepts.
• Auditory Learners: Record lectures or your own notes to listen to them again.
• Kinesthetic Learners: Engage in hands-on learning activities like building models or performing experiments.
5. Stay Organized:
• Revision Notes: Keep well-organized notes that are easy to access and review.
• Subject Breakdown: Break down each subject into key topics and subtopics to ensure you cover everything.
• Color-Coding: Use colors, highlighters, and sticky notes to differentiate between ideas or importance levels.
6. Rest and Well-Being:
• Take Breaks: Regular breaks (e.g., 5-10 minutes after 30 minutes of study) boost focus and memory.
• Sleep: Ensure adequate rest, especially before an exam, as sleep helps with memory consolidation.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise can improve concentration and reduce stress during revision.
Exam Skills:
1. Read the Instructions Carefully:
• Before starting, read through the exam paper instructions and each question to understand what is required. Misinterpreting questions can lead to lost marks.
2. Time Management:
• Plan Your Time: Allocate your time based on the marks available for each section or question.
• Answer Easy Questions First: This boosts your confidence and ensures you secure easy marks before tackling more difficult questions.
• Leave Time to Review: Reserve the last 5-10 minutes for checking your answers, correcting errors, or adding details.
3. Answering Questions:
• Structure Your Answers: For essay questions, organize your response into a clear introduction, body, and conclusion.
• Use Keywords: In short-answer questions, focus on using key terms that directly address what the question is asking.
• Show Your Work: For math or science exams, show all steps in your calculations, as you may receive partial credit even if your final answer is incorrect.
4. Stay Calm Under Pressure:
• Breathe: If you feel anxious during the exam, take a few deep breaths to relax.
• Don’t Panic: If you come across a difficult question, move on to others and return to it later.
• Focus on One Question at a Time: Avoid worrying about the whole paper at once. Concentrate on answering the current question to the best of your ability.
Useful Resources
Revision Test Resource 1
Curation
Curation Academic Skills category content to follow.
Useful Resources
Curation category test resource
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the ability to think clearly and rationally about information. It involves evaluating information, identifying assumptions, and drawing conclusions. Critical thinking is an important skill for college students to develop, as they will be required to think critically about the information they are learning.
Here are some of the key aspects of critical thinking that college students should develop:
- Analysing information: Critical thinkers are able to analyse information by identifying the main points, supporting evidence, and assumptions. They are also able to identify fallacies in reasoning.
- Evaluating information: Critical thinkers are able to evaluate information by considering the source, purpose, and bias of the information. They are also able to assess the credibility of the information.
- Drawing conclusions: Critical thinkers are able to draw conclusions by considering all of the available evidence. They are also able to identify the limitations of their conclusions.
- Problem-solving: Critical thinkers are able to solve problems by identifying the problem, brainstorming solutions, and evaluating the solutions.
- Decision-making: Critical thinkers are able to make decisions by considering the options, weighing the pros and cons, and choosing the best option.
By employing critical thinking, individuals can evaluate information objectively, consider multiple perspectives, and analyse complex situations more effectively. It enables them to identify underlying assumptions, uncover biases, and assess the credibility and relevance of data and evidence.
Useful Resources
Critical Thinking test item