Writing Skills
Paraphrasing
Paraphrase (quotes)
Summarising
Summary Language
Critical Thinking
Argument essays
SPSE essays
Parallelism
Sentence Structure
Academic Writing Vocabulary
Academic style: 20 key features to writing [updated 2020]
This lesson brainstorms academic style / formality in writing. Teacher conducts feedback by using visual highlighting & explaining the concepts. There are also 10x practice transformation exercises from informal to formal. It includes a PowerPoint. PPT Link in download. (Example) Time: 60mins. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic style 2: paragraph analysis, comparison & discussion [new 2020]
This lesson compares two paragraphs on CSR (informal and formal), discusses the conventions of academic style & finishes with a sentence re-writing activity.. (Example) Time: 60mins. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic writing: useful websites for writing
Here are some good websites we recommend to our students when writing essays or doing written work in class. These sites help with key skills of paraphrasing & summarising. Webpage link
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Correction code
Teachers: This code can be used to correct student’s work. Underline the mistake & use one of the symbols to indicate the problem. Students correct the mistake using the code & return to the teacher to check.
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Error correction code: practice & answers
Some EAP teachers use an error correction code when marking students’ work. This practice sheet help students identify the mistake & use the correction code to correct it. Webpage link.
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Error correction code 2: challenging error correction practice & answers
Teachers or students: This is a much harder worksheet of 12 sentences with 3 or 4 mistakes in each sentence. Students identify the mistake & try to correct it. Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
QuickMarks for Turnitin: 42 Prepared QuickMarks
Download an Academic English QuickMarks file. 42 Quickmarks on the correction code, organisation & academic conventions. Each QuickMark includes a description. More information: QuickMarks webpage link (example). TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Hedging #1: Cautious language exercises
This worksheet is for teachers or students. It provides an overview of hedging / cautious language and 8 exercises to practise using hedging language to demonstrate caution. (see worksheet example). Webpage link . Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Hedging #2: Cautious / tentative language [new 2020]
This lesson supports students in their understanding & use of cautious / tentative language.The lesson includes six tasks of guided practice & two tasks of freer practice (see worksheet example). Webpage link . Time: 60mins & homework. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1]. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Referencing
Harvard referencing worksheet
Two part worksheet that is a paragraph & reference list. Students have to put in the correct in-text reference. The second part is a reference list exercise where students have to put the sections in the correct order. A nice lesson to introduce students to referencing & becoming aware of key referencing principles. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Reading & research skills: what is a credible source?
This lesson highlights the key components of identifying credible & reliable resources. It includes a check list on 20 different sources & students have to decide whether these are credible. Page link Level ***** [B1/B2]
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APA 6th edition referencing worksheet
Two part worksheet that is a paragraph & reference list. Students have to put in the correct in-text reference. The second part is a reference list exercise where students have to put the sections in the correct order. A nice lesson to introduce students to referencing & becoming aware of key referencing principles. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Reporting verbs worksheet
Use the verbs in the box to put into the sentences in the worksheet. Each sentence has a description of the type of verb needed. Check the grammar of the verb too! Web page link.
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The C.R.A.A.P Test: A guide to evaluating sources – UoSA
This University of South Australia video explains what the C.R.A.A.P Test is and how to use it to evaluate all types of information. This worksheet helps students to understand what is considered to be a ‘credible’ source and how to check this using an evaluation tool Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [03.17] / MP3 / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
The academic journal peer review process NC State University
This NC State university video explains how an academic scholar submits a research paper to a journal publishing company & the full process the article goes through before it is published. This listening & worksheet helps students to understand what is considered to be a credible source & why. Example Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Video [03.15] / MP3 / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic voice worksheet
Sometimes students wonder what academic stance / voice is & find it difficult to identify how it is used. This document provides a clear example of how a writer adds their own voice through language. Webpage link.
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Academic Writing Skills
How to paraphrase effectively
It starts by discussing the differences between quotation, paraphrase & summary. It takes students through the basics of identifying keywords, finding synonyms & then changing the grammatical structure. There is plenty of practice; all with teacher’s notes. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Writing a paragraph: using quotes about smoking
Students are given a worksheet with nine quotes taken from The New Scientist, BBC News, The Economist, etc…. They select three quotes to write a paragraph trying to paraphrase the quotes & produce a cohesive piece of writing. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] Example / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Paraphrasing writing worksheet
This worksheet provides paraphrasing practice. There are five sentences taken from an academic text & students paraphrase the sentences keeping the meaning the same. Includes possible answers. Webpage link.
Summary writing: the causes of the 2008 Financial Crisis
The text discusses the background history of the financial crash through focusing on prime & sub-prime mortgage lending. It then explores the key reasons behind the profitable trading systems of that time, highlighting the collapse & then the following banking regulations that were introduced in 2009/2010. Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
5x Academic Writing Summaries
AMAZING VALUE – buy all these texts and summary writings in one book. All these tests have been written by Academic English UK. Webpage link. TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Argument essay: home education
Question: ‘Should parents educate their children at home?’ This is the full lesson from the images above. The essay can be used in a number of different ways – see the lesson plan. Words: 440 Level ***** [C2/B1] / Webpage link.
[Updated 2020]
Argument essay: university
Question: Is a university degree worth the cost? This essay investigates the positive aspects of university life & qualifications against high debt & competitive job markets. Example. Words: 633 Level ***** [B1/B2] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
[Updated 2020]
Academic argument essay: climate change
Question: Is Climate Change a result of human activities? This essay investigates the key research behind climate change & the arguments that claims that this research is bias & exaggerated. Sources:7 / Words:680 / Example / Level ***** [B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
[Updated 2020]
4x General argument essays [updated 2020]
AMAZING VALUE – buy all these general essay lessons in one PDF book. Example. TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Critical thinking: questions to support critical reading
This information sheet provides a range of questions that should be applied when reading any academic text. The answers to these questions should be then applied to writing. Webpage link.
Critical review: structure information sheet
This information sheet provides information on how to structure a critical review. It includes the differences between descriptive & evaluative writing. Monash University / Webpage Link.
Critical review: model essay analysis
This information sheet provides information on what makes a good critical review. It analyses a sample essay & highlights critical review academic style & conventions. Monash University / Webpage Link.
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Parallelism Worksheet: 8 exercises
This worksheet provides an explanation of the key concepts of ‘parallelism’ and provides an error correction exercise to practise the key concepts. An awareness of this writing element really helps establish unity and readability in sentence structure. See Example worksheet. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Sentence structure 1: simple, compound, complex & complex compound [new 2020]
This lesson supports students in their understanding & practice of the four types of sentence structure: simple, compound, complex & complex-compound. It includes noticing, guided & freer practice. (see worksheet example) Time: 60mins. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Sentence structure 2: fragment, run-on & comma splice sentences [new 2020]
This lesson helps improve students’ sentence structure through identifying & rewriting fragment, run-on & comma splice sentences. It includes noticing, guided & freer practice. (see worksheet example) Time: 60mins. Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Academic Writing Structure
Introductions: how to write an academic introduction
This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction. It then focuses on highlighting those key sections in three model introductions with particular attention to the thesis (question / topics / stance). It finishes with writing an introduction from a range of titles. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Website link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Thesis statements: how to write a thesis statement
This lesson / worksheet presents the key sections to an academic introduction. It focuses on different writing structures using words like however, although, despite & then follows with a writing task. Students write three thesis statements using the introduction models. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / Webpage link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Topic sentences: the basics [updated 2020]
This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. It includes writing topic sentences from the content of four paragraphs & writing a paragraph from a given topic sentence. (Example) Time: 60mins Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Topic sentences: academic [new for 2020]
This lesson takes students through ‘noticing’ how a topic sentence links to development. This is followed by writing topic sentences from the content of four academic paragraphs & then writing a paragraph from a given topic sentence. (Example) Time: 60mins Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Basic Paragraph Analysis: Corporate Social responsibility (CSR) (new for 2020)
This worksheet provides a step-by-step guide to the key components of a paragraph. It analyses a basic paragraph on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) through structure, topic, cohesion, referencing and stance. It also includes a writing practice on Globalisation. Example. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] MEMBERSHIP
Academic paragraph analysis: block or point-by-point (new for 2020)
This lesson helps students identify the key elements in paragraph writing. It focuses on two paragraph structures: block & point-by-point. Students analyse each paragraph for structure, controlling ideas & key terms, in-text referencing, cohesion & author’s stance. It also includes two writing practice exercises. Example. Level: ***** [B2/C1] MEMBERSHIP
Reading & Writing Argument: Essay [Mergers & Acquisitions]
Topic: Mergers & Acquisitions. Two short texts (included) – students read the texts, make notes of key arguments, and write a 400-600 word essay using in-text referencing and paraphrasing. The essay should follow (block / point-by-point structure) more info. Lesson includes teacher notes, outline & a model essay. Example Level ***** [B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Economic Inequality Lesson PDF Book
AMAZING VALUE – Five lessons in one book. Introduction, definition, reading test & summary writing, 1 x lecture listening, [extra reading text] & seminar / example [TEACHER MEMBERSHIP]
Conclusions: the basics [New for 2020]
This is a great lesson to introduce & practice writing conclusions. It begins with identifying key components of a conclusion, then offers valuable writing practice of summarising key points, restating a thesis & creating ideas for a future focus. It finishes with using an essay outline to write a conclusion. (Example) Time:180mins Level ***** [B1/B2/C1] / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
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Reading & writing argument essay [mergers & acquisitions]
Topic: Mergers & Acquisitions. Two short texts (included). Students read the texts, make notes of key arguments & write a 400-600 word essay using in-text referencing & paraphrasing. The essay should follow (block / point-to-point structure) more info. Lesson includes teacher’s notes, outline & a model essay. Example Level ***** [B2/C1] / Webpage link. / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Linking words lesson: free download
This lesson provides valuable practice in improving formal linking words. Students start by discussing formal linking words, followed by a kinaesthetic matching activity & finishing with sentence worksheet. Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] / webpage link
Cohesion & coherence worksheet AEUK
This worksheet helps to consolidate what cohesion is with a focus on pronouns, word forms & summary nouns. It also includes a coherence sheet on key connections & two practice activities. Example Level: ***** [B2/C1] / Webpage Link / TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Academic Writing Criteria
Writing criteria x 2
There are two writing criterion in this download. One is a basic marking criteria that can be used to mark students’ general writing and the other criteria includes the use of sources. They are divided into three sections of TASK / ORGANISATION / LANGUAGE and have five grade levels A-F. It is a word document so you can add or change any of the rubric to suit your writing test. Example Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Marking Criterion: writing, seminar & presentation criteria
This is a booklet of three marking criterion. It includes a writing criteria (two types: basic / academic sources), seminar criteria (two types: basic / academic sources) and presentation criteria. These are word documents so they can be adapted to your specific requirements. Example / Level: ***** [B1/B2/C1] TEACHER MEMBERSHIP
Argument Essay Titles
To what extent do you agree?.
- University should be free
- Animal testing is necessary
- Prisons don’t work
- Video games encourage violence
- Euthanasia should be legal
- Nuclear power is a bad investment
- Governments are over-spending
- Marriage is becoming old-fashioned
- Money is the key to happiness
- Consumerism is negative
- Social media is changing how we communicate
- Military service should be compulsory
- Education is the key to reduce crime
- Parents should choose the careers for their children
- Brexit is a mistake.
- There is no other life in the universe
- GMOs are dangerous and should be banned
- More should be done to control Superstar Corporations
- Climate Change is a myth
- Academic research can’t be trusted
SPSE Essay Titles
- Plagiarism at university
- Artificial intelligence
- Global Migration
- Climate Change
- Terrorism
- Unemployment
- Cyber crime
- Depression
- Food security
- Discrimination
- Gender inequality
- Off-shore banking
- Debt
- Superstar Companies
- Brexit
More digital resources and lessons
Readings
online resources
Tests
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dictogloss
online resources
New for 2020
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Writing
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Summary
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Grammar
online resources
Topic-lessons
online resources
Listening
online resources
Argument
online resources
Vocabulary
online resources
Critical Thinking
online resources
Speaking
online resources
SPSE Essays
online resources
Free
online resources
AEUK The Blog
online resources