Academic Writing Fundamentals
The complete essay-writing system — from argument planning to final edit
6 lessons · evidence-based · A Level to undergraduate · no account required
Each lesson covers one component of academic writing. Exercises are designed to apply to work you are currently writing — completing the course should produce a direct improvement in your current essay.
Plan your next essay
The Essay Structure Planner builds a complete argument outline — thesis, PEEL paragraph cards, counterargument, and conclusion — ready to write from. Use it alongside this course for maximum impact.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between descriptive and analytical writing?
Descriptive writing reports what is the case accurately but without evaluation. Analytical writing explains why things are the case, how causes connect, and what evidence means. Most marker feedback asking for "more analysis" means: move from describing what sources say to interpreting what they prove about your argument. Lesson 1 of this course covers this distinction with worked examples.
What is PEEL paragraph structure?
PEEL stands for Point (the sub-claim), Evidence (the supporting source), Explain (the analysis — what the evidence proves about the Point), and Link (connection back to the thesis). The Explain step is the most important and most commonly missing. Lesson 3 covers PEEL with examples and a self-assessment exercise.
Does this course cover referencing?
Yes. Lesson 5 covers why referencing matters, the most common citation styles (Harvard, APA, MLA, Vancouver), the difference between plagiarism and poor referencing, and the specific risk of AI-generated citations. The lesson links to the Citation Reference Formatter tool for instant correctly formatted references.
Can I use AI to help with my academic writing?
Yes, with appropriate care. Using AI as a thinking partner — for brainstorming, argument feedback, or clarity checking — is a legitimate and increasingly expected skill. Using AI to generate text you submit as your own violates most institutions' academic integrity policies and undermines the learning process. The key distinction: AI that helps you think better is a tool; AI that thinks for you is a problem. See the blog post "Using AI for Academic Writing Ethically" for detailed guidance.