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Academic Writing
Activity 1 – Academic vocabulary
Re-write each phrase, using alternative words that would be better suited for
an academic essay
X's research has had a massive impact on how we view science today.
In a nutshell, the research shows...
This proves beyond a shadow of a doubt...
There is lots of evidence illustrating that...
Thanks to X's research, we now have a pretty good idea about...
It has been really interesting to read about...
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Academic Writing
Activity 2 – Analysing Essay Titles
When you are asked to write an essay, it is important that you fully understand
the question or task. Below is a list of essay titles. For each title,

Highlight key words and phrases to do with the essay subject in one
colour.

Highlight key words and phrases to do with the essay instructions (ie How
to approach the task, what you are being asked to do) in another colour.

Highlight statements in a third colour.

What is left over – how can you describe these words that are left?
‘Students should be paid the equivalent of the average wage whilst attending
university.’ To what extent do you support this opinion?
Compare and contrast the experience of going to see a film at the cinema with
that of watching a DVD at home.
Explain what is meant by environmental sustainability. Discuss the measures a
household in Britain might take in order to develop an environmentally-friendly
lifestyle.
The Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has unveiled plans to introduce kangaroos to the
Derbyshire Peak District. Evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of such a
programme to the local environment and economy.
Explain the importance for human beings of the ozone layer in the Earth’s
atmosphere, and the changes in it caused by human activity in recent decades.
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Academic Writing
Activity 3 – Planning an Essay
Choose one of the essay titles from Activity 2, then fill in the remaining boxes
accordingly.
Essay title:
(underline key
words)
What exactly do
I need to do to
do the title
justice?
What do I know
about this topic
already?
What might I
need to find
out?
My key
point/argument
no. 1 is…
My key
point/argument
no. 2 is…
My key
point/argument
no. 3 is…
Counterarguments
might include…
Additional
aspects to
consider are…
What sources
would be best
to answer this
essay title?
(think of journal
articles, books,
people…)
What do I need
to say in the
introduction?
What do I need
to say in the
conclusion?
Anything else?