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University of the Witwatersrand

Academic writing for clarity and meaning

University of the Witwatersrand via edX

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Overview

It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that you need to write in a complex style to express complex ideas. In fact, complex writing styles can obscure meaning and tire your readers.

This short course is aimed at students at tertiary institutions, and contributors to academic publications. It will help you to articulate complex ideas with clarity and meaning.

The first week of the course focuses on developing a structured writing process, appropriate for your intended readership. We discuss when to write, the importance of a golden thread, the main principles of drafting a research report, and different abstract patterns.

The second week zooms in on the principles of paragraph and sentence construction. You will learn ways of writing that enhance clarity and engage your readers.

Taught by

Peter Alkema

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Reviews

3.9 rating, based on 7 Class Central reviews

Start your review of Academic writing for clarity and meaning

  • BIJI PAUL
    Academic writing for clarity and meaning was a great course for me. I really enjoyed the course till to the end. It's gave me new tricks, information, new writing strategy etc. Everyone's wants to try this course. I thought that after this course I regained the spirit of expressing my words in front of others.
  • Anonymous
    The resources referred to were more valuable and informative than the actual course unfortunately, however I do appreciate that it is a free course, therefore in-depth unpacking of the course is not offered.
  • Anonymous
    Every one have dreams but if you want to be your dreams really make more effort and potentian

    If you can do this action I sure you will be successful
  • Anonymous
    This course gives a good overview on how to improve your writing. It's especially helpful for students starting to write theses, but has also good tipps/reminders for those closer to the end of their PhD thesis. I participated the free version of this course, which gave sufficient input and projects to deepen your understanding and knowledge. I particularly liked the section about the time management.
  • Anonymous
    Academic writing for clarity and meaning course is good and enjoyable. It is too general. It gives the writer a general path to write academic papers clearly and detailed but easy to read and understand.
  • Anonymous
    The course and content is good and also the activities helps to understand the subject in better way. It will be more helpful for the students who are at the initial stages of their research.
  • Profile image for Maria Belen Rodriguez
    Maria Belen Rodriguez
    The course gives interesting and useful tools for your writing. I would love to have taken this course a year ago, but it will be useful for mi thesis as well.
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