Writing assignments will seem similar to coursework or essays you may have done in the past, but writing academically at university may require skills you have not developed at school. Be prepared to learn some new techniques. If you make the most of the feedback from your tutors, you’ll see improvement in your grades.

Academic writing is not just formal writing

Academic writing is not simply a more formal style that uses more sophisticated words, doesn't use slang and avoids the use of the first person I, me or my.  Academic writing attempts to be clear and precise and instruct the reader.  In fact, successful academic writers form a clear idea of who their the intended readers are to help guide the writing.