LibGuides: CLaSS Student Resources: Academic English

Academic English

Academic English is the language used to communicate in a formal, academic context; it is based on a range of conventions which may also vary according to the discipline and the level of your course. If you are new to academic study, or if this is the first time you are studying in English, you may need some time to develop your understanding and command of academic style as well as other conventions of academic writing.

This page signposts a range of Academic English self-study resources, classes and one-to-one tutorials to suit your specific needs. Here are some top tips to guide you:

To develop your awareness of academic conventions, explore the Good Academic Practices guides;
To become acquainted with the key requirements of Academic Style, have a look at the Writing in an Academic Style guide and video;
If you are an international student and/or you speak English as an Additional Language, check out the International Students Guide or the English Language support available from CELL;
Furthermore, reading academic texts is the most effective way in which you'll develop your ability to recognise and reproduce academic English. You can explore the Library resources below, use Library search to identify sources relevant to your course, or check out your modules' Resource lists.

Library resources

EAP now!: English for Academic Purposes by Kathy Cox, David Hill
ISBN: 9781740910736
Oxford EAP: A course in English for Academic Purposes by Edward de Chazal, Louis Rogers
ISBN: 9780194002011
Leap by Julia Williams Learning English for Academic Purposes (LEAP) uses high-interest international content to prepare students for the English academic world. nbsp; The texts encourage students to apply critical thinking skills as they engage in academic reading and writing and listening and speaking tasks across a range of disciplines. Each strand (Reading and Writing, Listening and Speaking) follows a parallel chapter structure that builds from a warm-up activity to increasingly challenging skill-building assignments and a final speaking or written presentation that synthesizes all the skills learned. nbsp; Features: ¿nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Academic vocabulary development, including two Vocabulary Build activities in every chapter, gives students ample opportunity to expand their vocabulary. ¿nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Three authentic readings per chapter prepare students for the text length and genres they will encounter in academic courses. ¿nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Wide range of audio presents different viewpoints to encourage students to think critically while developing comprehension of academic content. ¿nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Linear and guided writing tasks take a process approach to guide students in writing various types of essays and assignments in each chapter. ¿nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;The LEAP Companion Website Plus provides self-graded exercises for reading, listening, vocabulary, and grammar. Also includes teacher access to answer keys, teaching notes, tests, and a gradebook to track student progress. nbsp;
ISBN: 9782761352284
Publication Date: 2019-09-17
Academic Writing by Stephen Bailey Now in its fifth edition, Academic Writing helps international students succeed in writing essays and reports for their English-language academic courses. Thoroughly revised and updated, it is designed to let teachers and students easily find the topics they need, both in the classroom and for self-study. The book consists of five parts: The Writing Process Elements of Writing Language Issues Vocabulary for Writing Writing Models The first part explains and practises every stage of essay writing, from choosing the best sources, reading and note-making, through to referencing and proofreading. The four remaining parts, organised alphabetically, can be taught in conjunction with the first part or used on a remedial basis. A progress check at the end of each part allows students to assess their learning. All units are fully cross-referenced, and a complete set of answers to the practice exercises is included. New topics in this edition include Writing in Groups, Written British and American English, and Writing Letters and Emails. In addition, the new interactive website has a full set of teaching notes as well as more challenging exercises, revision material and links to other sources. Additional features of the book include: Models provided for writing tasks such as case studies and essays Use of authentic academic texts from a wide range of disciplines Designed for self-study as well as classroom use Useful at both undergraduate and postgraduate level Glossary to explain technical terms, plus index Written to deal with the specific language issues faced by international students, this practical, user-friendly book is an invaluable guide to academic writing in English.
ISBN: 9781138048744
Publication Date: 2018-01-25

Good Academic Practices

Good Academic Practices
When you do your work at university you will be expected to do it in a way that is honest and fair. Sometimes students may try to do the right thing, but not yet know how to. The terms ‘bad academic practice’ and ‘good academic practice’ are sometimes used to refer to the way work for assignments and exams are produced. This short guide will provide information and link to resources to help you do your work in a way that meets the highest standards.

International Students Guide

International Students Guide
Explore this guide for more details about English Language Support, Study Support, Living in the UK and Support for Students and Staff at International Partner Colleges.

Academic English Tutorials

Appointments with a professional writer
The Royal Literary Fund Writing Fellow is a professional, published author whose role is to help you strengthen your writing. The fellows are offering 50-minute live online tutorials, term-time only.
Academic Writing tutorials with a CLaSS Lecturer
CLaSS Lecturers are offering 30-minute Academic Writing tutorials delivered face-to-face in Kimberlin Library, online via MS Teams, or via email.
English Language Support
The Centre for English Language Learning (CELL) offers Academic English classes and one-to-one support. To find out more, visit the CELL website or email englishlanguage@dmu.ac.uk.
Studiosity tutorials
Studiosity is an external online service available from your LearningZone home page. You can use the service either for a one-to-one Live Chat (Connect Live) or you can upload a file for  written feedback on issues like structure, grammar and style.