Writing Support Sites

Useful links

Listed below are some links to useful websites that may help you in your academic study.

Skills Opportunities at Reading (SOAR) Site that collates information about skills and support providers at the University of Reading.
Skills4Study Free resource written by Stella Cotterill with lots of practical advice.
Open Learn Study Skills Freely accessible resources from the Open University on various study areas including IT and presentations

The Academic Phrasebank A bank of phrases commonly used in academic writing. If you're having trouble getting started with writing, don't know how to make your work sound academic, or have had comments from markers that your expression is unclear or over-complex, this site can help. From the University of Manchester.
The Internet Grammar of English An online interactive course on English grammar aimed at university undergraduates. Free to access if you are using a computer with an academic domain (e.g. .ac.uk).
The Online Writing Lab (OWL) Handouts and exercises on grammar, punctuation and spelling. From Purdue University.
English Grammar Exercises Self-help tools to improve your understanding of English grammar.
Spellzone Course to improve your spelling. Much of the content is to buy, but click on 'demo' for free materials.
Spelling it Right Free printable worksheets to help you practise your spelling.
Self Access to Independent Language Learning (SACLL) Access to materials to study English for Academic Purposes for University of Reading students.
In-sessional English Support Programme (IESP) English support for international students at the University of Reading.

The Royal Literary Fund Guide to Essay Writing A toolbox of essay and report writing tips and resources. Includes advice on writing literature reviews. Also includes an extensive section on undergraduate dissertations.
Psychology Portal: A Guide to Report Writing Aimed at psychology students and organised by the different sections of reports, this site usefully lists 'Common errors' for each section (Glasgow)
Writing Reports A comprehensive guide to report writing basics in PDF format. Includes information on spidergrams, layout, writing style and what each section should include (Loughborough)
Example Report In PDF format. Descriptions of what each section of a report should include, arranged to illustrate how it should be laid out and presented. Includes in the Appendices a checklist for students writing reports (Loughborough)
UniLearning Very thorough site which links to all aspects of report writing (as well as other aspects of study). Includes different types of report (business, technical, field, scientific) as well as sections on writing style and the use of figures, and exercises. A bit tricky to navigate (Wollongong, Australia).
Guide to Technical Report Writing Very thorough guide in PDF format (Sussex).

Preparing & giving presentations Excellent resource from LearnHigher with sections on all aspects of oral presentations including video clips of students.
Making Group Work work Another really good LearnHigher resource with strategies, video clips and tips to help you manage group work projects.

Online dictionaries and encyclopaedias Free to access reference sources via the University Library.
Engage in Research Interactive research resource for bioscience students - includes sections useful for all undergraduates as well as some specific to science students
Google Scholar Google's search engine for scholarly resources
Google Librarian Centre Tools Tools to help you use Google efficiently
The Internet Detective Interactive quiz to help you evaluate online resources

The Library's basic guide to referencing Understand the basics of referencing.
The Library's advanced guide to referencing More advanced advice including how to reference less usual resources like conference papers.
The Library's guide to using Endnote Endnote is a program that can help you manage your references. Especially useful if you are undertaking a major project like a thesis or dissertation.
LearnHigher's referencing website Research-informed guide to referencing practices, with interfaces for students and staff.
Interactive quiz on avoiding plagiarism from University of Bradford Test your understanding of what plagiarism is - especially the grey areas where it's sometimes difficult to decide.
Referencing guide from Bournemouth University Includes information on how to reference more unusual resources.
The Columbia Guide to Online Style Specific advice on how to reference web resources.
Referencing guide from Palgrave's Skills4Study site
Cardiff Index to Legal Abbreviations Useful site for Law students and anyone else who has to reference legal documents.

Time Management Tips from Students Case studies and tips from students' own experience (Middlesex).
Overcoming Procrastination How procrastination comes about and some suggestions for overcoming it (Buffalo).
Procrastination Quick tips from the Skills Opportunities at Reading website.
Managing Your Time for Postgraduates Postgraduate students may have particular problems with time management due to the nature of their academic commitments. This site includes advice specifically aimed at the issues affecting postgraduate students (School of Advanced Study, London).
Time Management Good basic guide to time management for undergraduate students with lots of activities and opportunities for reflecting on current practice (Surrey).
Time Management A briefer page of tips on time management for research postgraduates (UK Grad).
Getting it Together Interactive site with activities to help you think about how you use your time (James Cook University).
Where Does Time Go? Interactive site which calculates how much time you have (Virginia Tech).