"Academic writing can be a daunting prospect for new undergraduates and postgraduates alike, regardless of whether they are home or overseas students. This accessible book provides them/students with all they need to know to produce excellent written work. Neil Murray from University of South Australia." -- BACK COVER.

This is the market leading book for anyone doing their research project. Clear, concise and extremely readable, this book provides a practical, step-by-step guide to doing a research project from start to finish. Thoroughly updated but retaining its well-loved style, this 6th edition includes: information on using online surveys; information on online interviewing and using online platforms for observation, e.g. Skype, Google Hangouts; new chapter on the use of social media in small scale research; thoroughly updated chapter on literature searching; revised and additional pedagogy; and a brand new text design. This practical, no-nonsense guide is vital reading for all those embarking on undergraduate or postgraduate study in any discipline, and for professionals in such fields as social science, education and health.

In some circles there is an attitude that academic research consists of two distinct activities. The first of these is the execution of the research activities themselves and the second is writing it up in such a way that it may be presented either for a degree or for publication in a scholarly journal. This is an archaic attitude towards conducting academic research in the 21st century. The writing up of research is an integral part of the research itself, which should begin at the outset of the research activity. It is increasingly appreciated that the writing of ideas is a major contributor to their proper understanding. Leaving the writing until the end does not only lead to an accumulation of tiresome work but actually detracts from the learning available to the researcher through the research experience. This book addresses these issues as well as explaining what the requirements are to produce a readily acceptable research dissertation. Readers of this book have my best wishes in achieving their objectives through their work with academic research.

Discover techniques and insights that will make your writing assignment enjoyable as well as successful. This is a practical book that gives you the tools and planning techniques for making light work of assignments, essays, reports and dissertations. Examples and mini case studies show the difference between good and bad practice. Self-evaluation exercises ensure you stay on the right track. CONTENTS: What is an assignment? - making the right start - analysing the title question or brief - how to plan and take notes - drafting the structure - improving your style - presenting your final assignment - improving through reflexion - where are you now? About the author Pauline Smith, an experienced teacher, chief examiner and Open University tutor, was head of Continuing Professional Development at Manchester Metropolitan University and is now a Senior Education Adviser with the Department for Education and Skills (DFES).

Writing at University offers guidance on how to develop the writing you have to do at university along with a greater understanding of what is involved in this complex activity. Writing is seen as a tool for learning as well as a product to be assessed. The importance of what you yourself can bring as a writer to your academic writing is stressed throughout the book. The book looks at an array of writing projects, including essays, reports and dissertations, and analyzes what is expected of each form of assignment. The authors provide examples of student writing and reflections on writing by both tutors and students. This edition includes new sections on: Making an argument and persuading your reader Using sources creatively Avoiding plagiarism Writing online Further sources of information about academic writing Writing at University is an essential resource for all college and university students, including postgraduates, who wish to develop their academic writing. It will also be an invaluable aid for tutors in supporting their students.

"This is a writing guide for someone who is prepared to sit down and read about the process of writing and who prefers the support of a sympathetic tutor rather than a source of reference or a compendium of rules. It's the sort of book which holds you by the hand and talks you gently through the issues." Roy Johnson, Mantex What is expected of you in university writing? What can you do to develop and build confidence in your writing? How can you address the variety of written assignments you will encounter in your studies? Writing at University is a student writing guide with a difference. It provides a deeper understanding of what writing at university is all about, with useful methods and approaches to give you more control over your academic writing. The book explores both traditional essay and other kinds of writing that you will need to do as part of your studies. You are encouraged to build upon your existing abilities as a writer through applying practical tasks to your own work. The second edition of this best-selling title has been completely updated with new coverage of report writing, learning journals, electronic writing and using the internet. This book is an essential tool for anyone who wants to improve their writing skills at university or FE colleges, including both undergraduates and postgraduate students. It is key reading for students in courses that require essay, report, or dissertation writing and for students returning to study. It is also an invaluable resource for academic staff who want to support students with their writing.

Presents an Integrated Approach, Providing Clear and Practical GuidelinesAre you a student facing your first serious research project? If you are, it is likely that you'll be, firstly, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task, and secondly, lost as to how to go about it. What you really need is a guide to walk you through all aspects of the researc

Academic Planner for undergraduate, postgraduate or doctoral students Plan for success. At college and university finding time for all the reading, research and writing you need to do can be a challenge. This planner gives you a simple structure that you can follow for all your assignments, academic writing and dissertation or thesis work. Project manage your assignments. Set out the project roadmap at the beginning of the research process, setting your intentions to be methodical, manage your time and excel in each assignment. Step 1 - Outline the assignment brief Make sure you understand the assignment by writing a summary in your own words. Step 2 - Set your intentions for the result you want to achieve Review the assignment brief and identify the criteria you must satisfy to get the grade you want assignment. Summarise the guidance that your lecturer has set out for this assignment and how it will help you achieve the grade you want. Step 3 - Manage your time Set out your timeline for research, reading, reflection, writing and editing before submitting your assignment. This mini project plan will help keep you moving forward in your assignment and give you plenty of time to develop your academic research. Step 4 - Start the research process Brainstorm the primary and secondary themes you will research for the assignment, identify the books and journals you will read and start making the notes will you will eventually use to write your assignment. This notebook has been designed to help you record all the information you need to correctly reference your sources and each page includes a header section to note the theme & subject of the research and a Page number to connect your notes with the Reading & References readings.

A practical, step-by-step guide to planning, researching and writing a research project for undergraduate students approaching a research project for the first time. Undertaking a large-scale, original research project can be extremely daunting and challenging to any student. Using the tried-and-tested Smarter Student series approach, style and pedagogy to deliver timely, practical, hands-on guidance based on real-life experience from students and lecturers alike, this book will be an invaluable tutorial and reference for any student approaching an undergraduate or masters research project for the first time. This book will guide the student through all of the key areas that they will need to deliver a successful research project, providing practical guidance, examples and hints and tips for success on areas such as: Choosing a theme and topic for your research Writing the proposal Working with your supervisor Planning and managing your time and activity Analysing and evaluating data Successful academic writing styles and conventions Correct citing, referencing and avoiding plagiarism Ethics in research Researching and compiling the literature survey Methods of collecting and analysing data Writing-up and presenting your findings An essential guide to academic success!

Undertaking a writing project for assessment can be a challenging prospect for students of all disciplines and especially those new to academic writing in higher education. The unique 12-step approach in this book leads you through the different stages that apply to any form of academic writing - gathering relevant information, processing that information through effective planning, creating the text and developing your writing for future assignments including exam writing.