Writing an academic essay

About this course

This course guides learners through the main stages of producing an academic essay. It covers interpreting questions, managing time, organising introductions, main points and conclusions, developing paragraphs, and using an appropriate academic style. Learners also examine how to build a persuasive argument through clear essay and paragraph structure. Teaching combines tutor explanations with group activities, independent classwork and opportunities to ask questions. The course focuses on essay writing rather than spelling, punctuation or grammar.

What you'll learn

• Interpret the requirements of an academic essay question.
• Organise an essay using introductions, developed main points and conclusions.
• Structure paragraphs to support a clear and persuasive argument.
• Apply an appropriate academic style to written work.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended mainly for learners preparing for or undertaking undergraduate study in the Humanities or Social Sciences, with some relevance to A level and Access courses in these subjects. The Intermediate (B1) label suggests developing language ability, while learners should already have good written English and be able to read and comment on short undergraduate-level texts.

• Mainly suited to Humanities and Social Science study.
• Includes tutor input, group activities and independent work in class.
• Learners should be able to engage with short undergraduate-level texts.
• Not designed to teach spelling, punctuation or grammar.

Before you go

• Participants need to bring paper and pens.