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Research Essentials

Writing Your Paper

Academic writing might sound a bit intimidating, but it is really all about being clear in the presentation of your findings and thoughts. Here are some tips:

  • When you’re writing a paper, it is important to be precise with your language—no room for vague statements!
  • Keep a formal tone and avoid slang, abbreviations, and casual phrases.
  • Make sure your spelling and punctuation are correct to uphold the credibility of your work!
  • Maintain proper citations like APA or MLA to acknowledge the works of others.
  • If you use GenAI tools like ChatGPT to help you with your writing, just say it and remember to include it in the citation!

Check out our LibGuide on Thesis and Essay Writing for more tips, or visit below video by EAP Foundation on what elements academic writing should include:

Highlighted Resources

Academic Writing LibGuide
This LibGuide, which is supported by the University of Reading, provides comprehensive information and helpful examples to emphasize important components of academic writing.
 

Custom-Writing.org
Instead of introducing their tools on essay writing, the knowledge base on academic writing offers fundamental information and guidelines for you to work on your research paper and how each part shall be written. Each blog post generally takes 3-5 minutes to read. Start today to equip yourself!
 

HSUHK English Language Centre
Established by the University's English Department, our English Language Centre offers a wide range of workshops and resources, striving to assist you in becoming confident about English writing and presentation. Check out their website for more information. 
 

Oxford Bookes University Guide
Providing some recommendations on academic writing, this webpage by Oxford Brookies University pinpoints essential concepts that are valuable to students.

Purdue Online Writing Lab
Maintained by Purdue University, the Online Writing Lab offers comprehensive writing resources and instructional materials that are free to public. Here, you can find detailed advices on academic writing, citations, plagiarism, etc.
 

UW-Madison Writer's Handbook
Provided by the University of Wisconsin - Madison, the Writer's Handbook is a useful tool offering guidance on how to write your paper. Content includes the composition of a literature review with samples and how to improve your grammar and writing style. Still, please note that each paper is individual and the requirements may vary. Critically evaluate the application of the guidelines provided to determine whether it is suitable or not.