Academic writing

Are you unsure how to write in an academic style?

This guide will look at:

• getting started with academic writing
• the TIME model
• writing the assignment
• WEED paragraphs

This is aimed at students who may be unfamiliar the basics of academic writing.

Upcoming sessions:

This workshop is aimed at students who may be unfamiliar with the basics of academic writing. The session covers:  

• the characteristics of academic writing   
• common challenges and strategies to overcome them 
• the use of appropriate language 

You do not have to book onto the workshop as attendance is on a first come first served basis.

• Middlesbrough Campus: 8th October 2025, 12:00-13:00, room T1.02
• Online (Microsoft Teams): 4th November 2025, 13:00-14:00 Link to join workshop

If you need further information or any adjustments to fully access our sessions, please contact libraryhelp@tees.ac.uk in advance. 

Previously recorded session:

We are very interested to hear your views about the workshop you attended and would welcome your feedback. Please complete the form below:

Click on the image below to work through the online tutorial for academic writing. There are activities for you to take part in along the way.

At Teesside we recommend Godwin’s (2019) WEED model for constructing paragraphs.

Godwin. J. (2019) Planning your essay. 3rd edn. London: Bloomsbury Publishing.

Here is an example of a WEED paragraph:

A paragraph is a group of sentences that share the same idea. Paragraphs are used to structure writing and make it easier for the reader to follow (Copus, 2009, p.51). Godfrey (2016, p.84) advises that even though paragraphs should have a beginning, middle and end they should be focused on one idea and be organised with a logical flow to signpost the reader through a piece of work. When planning a piece of writing, a decision needs to be made on which ideas to include. Different paragraphs highlight when the writing is changing direction, for example to introduce a new point or to consider a contrasting view in a discussion (Copus, 2009, p.51). Therefore, when used effectively, paragraphs can develop each of the important points in an assignment.

Here is the same paragraph broken down into its WEED elements:

What

A paragraph is a group of sentences that share the same idea.

Evidence/examples 

Godfrey (2016, p.84) advises that even though paragraphs should have a beginning, middle and end they should be focused on one idea and be organised with a logical flow to signpost the reader through a piece of work. When planning a piece of writing, a decision needs to be made on which ideas to include. Different paragraphs highlight when the writing is changing direction, for example to introduce a new point or to consider a contrasting view in a discussion (Copus, 2009, p.51). 

Do

Therefore, when used effectively, paragraphs can develop each of the important points in an assignment.

Click on the image to see additional useful resources

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