Academic Reading

At university, to write only from your own experiences is not sufficient. You are expected to read books and journal articles to broaden your knowledge and understanding and help you write a more in-depth essay. The greater the variety of reading you do, the more you will begin to learn about something and the more you can sound knowledgeable in your essay.

When you read you will often find that the different authors have similar viewpoints. This is a useful observation and something you can comment on in your essay. Often you will find that authors have different opinions and ideas. Again this is a useful observation and something you can comment on in your essay.

Suggested Activities

Test yourself with some timed reading and comprehension quizzes.

Do a keyword search in the library catalogue for more. Try words like: 'academic' and 'reading'. 

Some books on reading you might find useful

Creme, P., 1997, Writing at university: a guide for students, Buckingham, England, Open University Press,  p. 54-77.

Hay, I., 1997, Making the grade: a guide to successful communication and study, 
Melbourne, Oxford University,  p. 15 - 32.