Transferable Writing Skills

The writing skills in this section are described as transferable because they apply across a wide range of academic contexts and writing tasks. They are not confined to a single discipline or assignment type, and many are equally valuable in professional settings, from business reports to blogs.

This section introduces eight key skills that support effective academic communication. Some—such as paraphrasing, summarising, and synthesising—are essential when engaging with published sources. Others, including critical writing, argumentation, stance and voice, interpreting findings, and incorporating scholarship, help you develop and present your own position with clarity and authority.

 

 

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Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing

When referring to the writing of another scholar, or scholars, it is sometimes suitable to use direct quotations. Most of the time, however, it is better to paraphrase.

Summarising

Summarising

Students sometimes ask what the difference is between summarising and paraphrasing. It is helpful to see it in terms of ratio. In a paraphrase, the writer does not dramatically condense the length of the original source material.

Synthesising

Synthesising

Learn how to synthesise in academic writing. Combine ideas from multiple sources to create new insights, with examples of synthesis in paragraphs, sections, and thesis–antithesis–synthesis.

Writing Critically

Writing Critically

Academic writers from all disciplines must represent their own thoughts and views in their writing, but these thoughts and views must also be based on published work in your field.

Arguing

Arguing

A simple academic argument usually consists of claims, and support for those claims, which build towards a key point.

Stance and Voice

Stance and Voice

The terms 'stance' and 'voice' are often used by tutors and supervisors when giving feedback, but students are not always clear on their meaning.

Interpreting Empirical Findings

Interpreting Empirical Findings

Learn how to interpret research findings in your writing. Explore patterns for comparing results, explaining causes, and drawing key points, with Oxford student examples and chapter models.

Incorporating Scholarship into your Writing

Incorporating Scholarship into your Writing

Academic writers have several options when incorporating scholarship into their own writing.