Developing Your Topic: What is Academic Writing?

This guide offers instruction and helpful tips on how to develop your topic for an academic paper or class assignment.

Academic Writing

Writing papers in university differs greatly from writing papers in high school. Research expectations at the university level may be different from what you're used to.

The following links will provide excellent explanations, descriptions, and help on making the adjustment to university level scholarly writing.

JumpStart Your Learning
The purpose of this tutorial, is to help you better understand the expectations of you as a contributing member of the academic community. By completing this tutorial, you will become more confident in your understanding of your instructors’ (and the institution’s) expectations. You will also begin to develop the skills needed to communicate effectively within the community so that you can feel more prepared heading into your first term of study.
Transitioning from high school writing to university writing
Link to the University of Toronto writing help.