Hello. I am currently doing a taught Master's in English Literature and as I am learning, my usual style of writing is not helping me achieve the necessary marks (am doing it in the UK though I am from the USA) to pass onto the dissertation. It's my first semester and I have already received two different essays basically saying my ideas are not being communicated effectively. Does anyone have any tips, advise, suggestions as to how I can better this? Aside from the basic grammatical errors, it seems that I need to learn how to write academically. Any good books that could help? I have a month before the last two essays of this semester are due and I want to improve. I suppose it is time to part with MY reasons for writing and adhere to THEIR reasons and expectations. Thank you.

I had similar problems when I started my BA (English is not my first language and I did not know that Academic English is a particular style of writing). Initially most of my tutors kept complaining about my style - with the exception of one tutor who told me that it isn't so much the style that I should focus on, but rather the clarity, focus, structure and coherence of my ideas and sentences. I got a book 'How To Write Better Essays' that familiarised me with my peers expectations. This, along with practice and reading academic journal articles and academic books, has helped me come closer to understanding what is expected of me and what I should be aiming at. That said, I've heard that there is a book out there called 'Elements of Style' that's very helpful.

Well, I believe english is my first language though having been in ESL when I was in 1st grade might speaks loads. Either way, I figure they accepted me on the program for SOME reason. I provided a writing sample so it's not like I didn't provide how I write, I suppose now I just need to learn how to work within this field especially since, obviously, doing a Masters is different than a Bachelors. I do have the Elements of Style, now I just have to go off and find other guides. I appreciate your help. I will look into the other book and hopefully it can help me. I fear that this style problem I have will be difficult to shake since for me writing has been more of a natural process than breaking it apart. Perhaps also I am just incapable of thinking critically which providing my writing style, should have been clear if that is the issue. Again, am going to try hard but of course, I have my fears. Thank you!

It's possibly worth looking at Bailey's work - some of it's for international students but this one isn't and it's on google books here: http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=6ZlA5rsoxjsC&printsec=frontcover&dq=academic+writing+bailey&source=bl&ots=7cweTtcfWh&sig=mmNv6s3QwLDbLrYQirK4ZjZ0Djg&hl=en&ei=nuHmTJXjB8OChQe9lZCqCQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CEkQ6AEwAw#v=onepage&q&f=false

Academic Writing: a practical guide for students - Stephen Bailey

Hope that might help.

Thank you! :-)

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