Academic Writing in Canadian Universities
Are your academic writing skills good enough for studying in Canada? If you are a Pakistani high school student, the answer is probably no. Maybe you think your writing is adequate because you got a good mark in Grade 12 English. But is it good enough for a Canadian university? Let’s take a closer look at what academic writing is and why you might need to improve your writing skills.
Why is Academic Writing so Important?
Academic writing skills are crucial for students to succeed in their university assignments. Unlike casual or informal writing, or even creative and subjective writing, academic writing requires a structured and logical approach, backed up by credible sources and evidence. Through academic writing, students learn to communicate their ideas effectively, develop critical thinking skills, and showcase their knowledge on a particular subject matter. Moreover, it helps students in organizing their thoughts, analyzing different perspectives, and presenting well-reasoned arguments. Academic writing also enhances students' research abilities, as it necessitates careful consideration of reliable sources and incorporation of relevant citations. By honing their academic writing skills, students can convey their understanding and expertise in a manner that is respected and valued within the academic community.
Do Pakistani Students Do Well with Academic Writing?
Unfortunately, most Pakistani students are not familiar with the calibre of academic writing needed to write a term paper as described above. They don’t have the writing skills required to turn in a well written and cited class assignment at any Canadian university or college. There are several reasons for this, but the main culprit is Pakistan’s secondary school evaluation system which is memory driven. A Pakistani student may not even read the textbook to pass the exam, but they will have read the cheat sheets (aka test guides) that summarize the textbook and give ready-made answers. This disadvantages Pakistani students at international schools and nationally as well. They lack the proper writing and analytical skills needed to write a quality academic paper. When 20 to 40% of a student’s final grade at a Canadian university or college is determined by written assignments, this could mean a failure or a very low grade at best.
How to Improve your Academic Writing Skills?
So how can you hone your academic writing skills before you join your studies at a Canadian university or college? Unfortunately, in Pakistan, there are not too many courses available to the high school students. You will need to be self-taught.
There are 4 ways to improve your writing skills:
Read academic papers. If you love to read, you are well on the way to developing these skills. Go online or to the library and start reading academic journals and see how it is done. Learn to analyze how the paper is written and the quality of content. Note the vocabulary used and learn the meanings.
Learn IELTS vocabulary. Check out IELTS vocabulary builder to increase your repertoire of mature language. Moreover keep a vocabulary journal and take these important 5 steps to improve your academic vocabulary.
Avail writing resources at your Canadian university. Regardless of what you have learned about writing before you move to Canada, you will want to take advantage of the resources offered by your university. For example, the University of Alberta, through their Writing Services offers free support to enhance your academic writing skills. This is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Western University offers 50-minute one-on-one appointments to improve your academic writing skills. Memorial University’s Learning Centre at their Grenfell campus provides academic support in the areas of Math and writing. These are only 3 examples of what Canadian universities offer international students to help them succeed at university, but there will be academic support resources at every university and college in Canada.
Take a free online course in academic writing. Why wait until you get to university to learn how to write? Definitely take advantage of writing resources on campus but your assignments may be due before you have learned how to write. It’s better to take a free online course now. Free online courses in academic writing offer a valuable opportunity for international students to enhance their writing skills and excel in their academic endeavors. These courses provide a comprehensive guide to various aspects of academic writing, including essay structure, research methodology, citation styles, and grammar usage. Participants can learn at their own pace and access high-quality instructional materials and resources. Engaging in these courses allows students to develop their critical thinking abilities, strengthen their argumentation skills, and master the art of persuasive writing. Whether one is a student working on assignments or a professional seeking to enhance their career prospects, free online courses in academic writing offer a convenient and accessible pathway to develop and refine essential written communication skills.
Online Academic Writing Courses - Free
When it comes to enhancing your academic writing skills, there are several commendable free online courses available. The best free online academic writing courses offer comprehensive content and interactive learning experiences that cater to learners of all levels. One highly recommended course is "Academic Writing Made Easy" provided by edX. This course provides valuable insights into structuring essays, developing strong arguments, and referencing sources effectively. Another exceptional option is "Writing in the Sciences" offered by Coursera. Particularly beneficial for scientific writing, this course equips learners with the skills needed to communicate research findings concisely and persuasively. These courses, among others, ensure that individuals can access quality academic writing instruction at no cost, empowering them to excel in their scholarly pursuits.
And don’t forget to contact Helen Khan at Go 2 Canada Education Services. As a graduate from the University of Alberta, she understands the importance of clear communication and the impact it can have on academic and professional success. After all, she has written her share of academic papers as a requirement for graduation. You will find her a resource person who can give you options on how to develop your academic writing skills.
Strive for the top marks, develop your academic writing skills now. You will need them at university or college.
Photo by Suzy Hazelwood