Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction; Part I. Reflection and Research: 2. Reflection: asking questions and proposing answers; 3. Interpretation: reading and taking notes; Part II. The Dynamics of an Essay: 4. Introductions; 5. Middles; 6. Endings; Part III. Language: 7. You, your language and your material; 8. Analytical language 1: sentences; 9. Analytical language 2: rhetorical strategies; 10. Cohesion and texture; 11. Conventions of academic writing; Appendices; Index.

Promotional Information

Boost your confidence and grades with this step-by-step guide to tackling university writing assignments.

About the Author

Gordon Taylor is Honorary Research Associate at Monash University, Victoria: before his retirement he was Associate Professor and Director of the Language and Learning Unit in the Faculty of Arts. He was a pioneer in the development of content and discipline specific writing programmes for students in higher education. His many publications include The Student's Writing Guide for the Arts and Social Sciences (1989).

Reviews

'Gordon Taylor's guide provides students and academic language professionals with in-depth analytical strategies and well researched methods to handle a broad range of essay topics. Taylor's experience as a writer and as a teacher shines through every section of the book: a must for anyone interested in writing top grade essays.' Alex Barthel, President, Association for Academic Language & Learning, University of Technology, Sydney

'This is an engaging, highly relevant book that shows how effective academic writing emerges from the process of taking an active, questioning approach to studying … It provides much practical help to confront the real problems experienced by student writers as they grapple with new concepts and learn how to create meaning and understanding through language within their disciplines …The book itself is an exemplary illustration of the good writing and clear thinking it aims to develop in its readers.' Kathy Harrington, Director, Write Now Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, London Metropolitan University

'A wonderfully comprehensive guide to essay-writing, covering everything from the importance of initial reflection and research, to how to develop an effective argumentative style. The book itself is a model of clarity, and its friendly tone tells readers they are in very safe hands indeed.' Martin Crowley, Senior Lecturer, Department of French, University of Cambridge