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Academic Writing and Grammar for Students
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Academic Writing and Grammar for Students

Second Edition
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September 2015 | 216 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
Grappling with grammar?  Struggling with punctuation?

Whether you're writing an essay or assignment, report or dissertation, Academic Writing and Grammar for Students shows you how to improve the quality of your work at university – fast – by identifying and using the correct use of English grammar and punctuation in your academic writing.

Using tried and tested advice from student workshops, Alex Osmond shares practical examples that illustrate common mistakes, and shows you how to avoid them.  You’ll also discover guidance on:

  • Writing structure – the what and how of crafting sentences and paragraphs
  • Conciseness – how to express your point succinctly and clearly, showing you understand the topic
  • Effective proofreading – the importance of the final ‘tidy up’, so your work is ready to hand in
  • Referencing – common systems, and how to reference consistently (and avoid plagiarism).

This new edition also includes separate chapters on critical thinking and referencing, exploring each topic in more detail, and learning outcomes in every chapter, so you can identify what new skills you’ll take away.

Student Success is a series of essential guides for students of all levels. From how to think critically and write great essays to boosting your employability and managing your wellbeing, the Student Success series helps you study smarter and get the best from your time at university. 

 
Introduction: The Aims of this Book and How to Use It
 
Basic Conventions of Academic Writing
 
Basic Grammatical Concepts
 
Putting Sentences Together
 
Putting Paragraphs Together
 
Critical Thinking
 
Referencing
 
Conciseness and Clarity
 
Common Mistakes and How to Deal With Them
 
Proofreading Effectively

Supplements

Sage Study Skills hub

Visit the Sage Study Skills hub for tips, resources and videos on study success!

Click for online resources
Visit the Online Resources page for extra materials to help with your academic writing:
  • Alex's blog posts on academic writing 
  • A set of videos where Alex talks through topics in covered in the book
  • A Facebook page sharing tips and advice.

Osmond's Academic Writing and Grammar for Students is a clear and practical learning resource for all in higher education who are keen to develop their writing skills. With well-defined learning outcomes supported by accessible content and sound examples, it offers a lively, engaging guide to enhancing the quality and clarity of students' writing. Now in its second edition, Osmond's book offers a usefully expanded chapter on critical thinking, plus updated suggestions for further reading.

Dr Kate Daniels
Cambridge University

Ruth Hewston
University of Worcester

There are lots of books on correct usage of English, but where this book distinguishes itself from the rest is its focus on academic writing. As well as perhaps obvious (to teachers) advice to avoid emotive language in essays, the book contains information on sentence structure and other aspects of grammar.   What is especially good is that the examples are all taken from academic writing in different subject areas. In addition, the book is easy to read because it has a simple two-colour format with clear headings.

Terry Freedman
Digital Education

This text continues to be useful for students who have not studied for several years, giving them confidence to develop their writing at level 7.

Miss Christine Ann Lewis
Professional Development , Edge Hill University
December 2, 2016

Very good book. Excellent for undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Mr David lawson
Faculty Of Health, Edge Hill University
November 8, 2016

This text explains academic writing in simple form so that students embarking on a university course will be able to follow it with ease.

Miss Ella Malton
Department of Health & Social Studies, Grimsby Institute of HE And FE
April 4, 2017

An excellent resource for students when focusing on their written work

Mrs Linda Robson
Faculty of Health, Edge Hill University
October 17, 2016

A well structured guide giving the student (particularly mature, returners) a sound base from which to begin their academic journey.

Ms Clair Rees
Health, Social and Childcare, Neath Port Talbot College
April 27, 2016

Clearly written with easy to understand examples

Mrs Kate Hutson
Child Studies, York College
April 21, 2016

Academic writing and Grammar for Students provides a good practical approach to addressing common errors, as well as tools and techniques for improvements.
Particularly useful for return to learning students.

Mrs Cecilia Joseph
Department of Social Work, Bucks New University
February 24, 2016