Academic Writing & Critical Thinking

These classes are for any student who wishes or needs to learn the kind of language that is used in academic environments. They deal progressively with the kinds of language used in academic textbooks and articles as well as in lectures and seminars.

As a guide to language, it presents vocabulary relating to being a student in that it covers such topics as applications and application forms, money and education and academic courses - its purpose being to familiarise students with the type of language they will encounter both in preparation for university and throughout their time there.

As a study tool, it will enable students to prepare assignments and presentations and to write dissertations in an effective and appropriate way.

Practice is also provided in writing for examinations.

Week by week the student will cover the following.

The process approach to writing:

• writing, rewriting and revision
• self evaluation
• peer evaluation

The development of critical thinking skills

• assessing information
• identifying problems
• seeking solutions
• evaluating the solutions
• assessing the effect of those solutions if applied

The microskills of writing

• writing an effective introduction and conclusion
• communicating ideas paragraph by paragraph
• supporting ideas with examples
• expression through writing more complex sentences
• writing accurately and fluently

The importance of genre

• cause and effect
• situations, problems, solutions, implications and evaluation
• comparison and contrast

The link between reading and writing

• processing and critcally analysing information
• formulating argument

Timed writing

• preparing for formal assessments and examinations

Also, Please see the Events page for specific Academic Writing and Critical Thinking workshops progammed for the Spring Term.