Mastering Formal & Academic Writing

Set the tone, show your expertise.

How credibility and writing are linked.

Formal and academic writing requires a unique skill-set and presents information in a condensed and impersonal manner. This writing style is common in:

  • investor and medical reports

  • research articles

  • essays and academic text

  • proposals

  • official documents and publications

  • reviews

Formal writing conveys information clearly, precisely and concisely.

Who is this course for?

This course has been designed for those who:

  • write reports, proposals or public policy

  • need to write clear explanations and justifications for expenditure, development or policy

  • wish to improve their communication skills

  • require flexibility: you decide how much time you are able to invest each week.

  • would benefit from assessed tasks with comments and examples on how to improve and strengthen writing.

  • prefer to study when it suits them.

If you would like to know if this course is suitable and meets your needs, please contact us.

Course type

Writing

Course delivery

Online | self-study

Duration

approx. 60 hours

Mentor

Yes

Assessed tasks

Yes

Language level

B2 | IELTS 6.0

Content

Core knowledge and course material is provided through this website:

  • explore our online pages which explain and illustrate what is and how to write formal writing

We look at the following:

  • what is formal writing and its defining features

  • what is nominalisation, why we use it and when to avoid it

  • the art of cautious language or hedging

  • efficient writing with participle clauses

  • understanding register and tone

  • clauses for purpose, reason & result

  • tautology & verbosity

  • arranging information to give impact and providing flow

  • understanding and improving writing style

Assessment

We believe practising is essential. Understanding where we are doing well and where we can improve is crucial:

  • when you submit your writing, your mentor appraises it, helping you improve style, vocabulary choice and structure

  • you will receive comments and suggestions from your mentor

  • your mentor is available for any questions or queries you may have

Objective

At the end of this course, you should be able to:

  • state your point confidently, clearly and precisely

  • understand the difference between formal and informal register

  • provide supportive arguments and examples

  • produce a text which presents information clearly

  • illustrate clarity and credibility through well constructed text

  • present yourself professionally

  • improve reader comprehension

FAQ

  • The course is divided in units, each with a presentation.

    Exercises are available where appropriate. Once completed, send to your mentor who will assess.

  • We anticipate about 60 hours which depends how much time you invest in writing, reviewing and rewriting your tasks.

    The course is designed to be flexible. If you have time one week, but less in the following, that’s not a problem.

    The total time will depend how much time you invest.

  • Yes! You have a mentor with whom you can ask questions about your course. They also assess your tasks and provide feedback.

    Your mentor only provides email support. If you have any questions or comments about your assessment, let them know.

    If you would like online support, you can add online coaching sessions to supplement your course.

  • This course is designed for email support and self-study.

    However, you can add coaching sessions and discuss elements of your course with them.

  • Currently, this course is only online.

  • Each writing task has a presentation illustrating what is expected.

    Once you have submitted your writing, it is assessed for grammar, logical, word use and many other parameters. This is designed to identify weaknesses and strengths, helping you improve your message.

  • We all feel a little stuck or need motivation.

    If you are unsure how to progress in your course or writing, ask your mentor.

Coming soon

Complete the form and we will inform you when the Mastering Formal and Academic Writing course becomes available.