Academic Writing and Grammar for Students: Student Success

Alex Osmond worked as an Academic Skills Adviser and Project Manager at two UK institutions: Cardiff Metropolitan University and Brunel University. These two roles involved providing guidance to students focusing on the development of their academic writing. A module that Alex helped devise at Cardiff Metropolitan was nominated for a Times Higher Education Award in Outstanding Student Support. Alex has also taught a wide variety of skills sessions across specific degree programmes, and worked to develop online resources aimed at improving writing skills. 

Subsequently, Alex has worked in research and policy roles in the housing and homelessness sectors in Wales; this work has also involved delivering guest lectures on relevant degree courses, as well as providing guidance to, and supervising, students interested in the sector. Alex remains interested in clarity and conciseness in writing, applying the same insight into the reports and policy documentation he produces now.

Chapter 1: Basic Conventions Of Academic Writing
Chapter 2: Basic Grammatical Concepts
Chapter 3: Putting Sentences Together
Chapter 4: Putting Paragraphs Together
Chapter 5: Critical Thinking
Chapter 6: Referencing
Chapter 7: Conciseness And Clarity
Chapter 8: Common Mistakes and How to Deal with Them
Chapter 9: Proofreading Effectively

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.

This is an excellent text for both UK and international students at all levels and in a variety of subject areas. It gives valuable advice on how to put sentences and paragraphs together in a meaningful way. For students who find it difficult to get their ideas down on paper, this book provides some excellent strategies and techniques to overcome this challenge.

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.