1. Academic writing

2. Introduction
Students are frequently asked to prepare a short essay or a report on a particular topic.
An essay can be defined as a short piece of writing on a particular subject, while a report can be defined as a short and concise text which is written for a particular purpose and audience.
Both are pieces of academic writing, the main difference is that an essay presents arguments and reasoning, while a report concentrates on facts.

3. Topic
The topic should be considered carefully, bearing in mind the purpose of the paper and the target audience (the reader).
The selected topic should be related to the study materials and provide some additional information.
Learn as much as possible about your topic. It might be useful to start by making notes about the ideas and aims of your paper, starting from what you already know and proceeding to what you need to learn.

4. Sources
A list of books, journals, chapters, articles and Internet sources related to the topic should be prepared. It is important to use varied sources of information.
The material should be read purposefully, and clear notes should be made from the reading.
A record of the sources should be kept in order to enable the preparation of the list of references.

5. Organization of the text
A well-structured paper should consist of the following:
Abstract
Introduction
Body
Conclusion
References

6. Abstract
The purpose of the abstract is to provide a short, but complete outline of the whole paper and its contents.

7. Introduction
The purpose of the introduction is to present your topic, explaining the motivation for your paper, the purpose of your research, and the structure of the paper.
A good introduction is likely to create a good impression on the reader, so it is very important to think about a possible way to attract his or her attention. An example of an effective introductory sentence is a relevant or well- known quotation or surprising statistics.

8. Body
In the body of the text you should present, analyse and discuss your work, dividing it into clear sections and, if necessary, subsections, in order to make your paper easier to read. All sections and subsections should have a clear and concise heading.

9. Conclusion
In the conclusion, you should briefly summarise the findings of your research, present major conclusions or ideas, propose further research or give recommendations. Your final sentence should give your audience/readers a clear signal that the discussion or argumentation has come to an end and that the writing is finished.

10. References
A list of references has to be added to the end of the paper. It should be compiled in an alphabetical order, including the information about the author, title, publisher and year of publication.

11. Paragraph
A paragraph normally consists of several sentences that are connected by a common topic. The first sentence of the paragraph is often the topic sentence of that paragraph, followed by additional information, examples and details.
It is very important to maintain continuity in the transition from one paragraph to another. This is achieved by using linking words and phrases which indicate contrast, comparison, cause and effect or extension.

12. Style
Every piece of academic writing must be written in an academic or formal style. The style is characterised by several principal features: impersonal style, full forms, caution, appropriate vocabulary and grammar.

13. Referencing
Referencing or citing your sources is an important part of academic writing. It lets you acknowledge the ideas or words of others if you use them in your work and helps avoid plagiarism.
It also demonstrates that you have read relevant background literature and you can provide authority for statements you make in your assignments.

14. Final steps
After writing your paper, read it once again, asking yourself if it is written clearly and checking the organisation of the paper and the language used.
Before you submit it you should carefully check the details of grammar and spelling. Remember to use the spell check and consult a dictionary when necessary.

15. Feedback
Bear in mind that the feedback you get is useful and worth considering, so, if necessary, revise your text accordingly.

16. Thank you!