ABSTRACT
Writing in an academic setting can be a fear-provoking activity. In this chapter, the authors aim to reduce such fears but also to reduce the complacency that is often exhibited when students who have after all made the grade to get a place at university first begin a course. During the course of degree researchers will be expected to carry out assignments that require different styles of writing but the authors are beginning with essay writing as this is something with which most students are familiar, although about which they are not necessarily confident. The more skills researchers are able to develop early on in their studies, the easier it will become to complete assignments to the standard required. It's a good idea to leave the proof-reading until the day after researchers have completed the essay because their head will be clearer and they will be more likely to spot their mistakes.
