Academic writing differs from discipline to discipline. How the writing is structured, and what counts as evidence depends on the discipline or field, such as history, zoology or physics.

Essay Writing Basics

There are some common features of academic essay writing. Essay Writing Basics contains five short videos that explain the core elements of essay writing. They introduce the basics, and give you an idea of the main elements of an essay, including how to respond to an essay question, and how to write a thesis and topic sentence.

Assignment Guides

We've developed the following downloadable guidelines to assist you with your university assignments.

• How to write a Critical Essay (PDF, 133 KB)
• How to write a Reflective Essay (PDF, 80 KB)
• How to write a Critical Review (PDF, 61 KB)
• How to write a Laboratory Report (PDF, 79 KB)
• How to write a Literature Review (PDF, 79 KB)
• How to write a Business Report (PDF, 91 KB)
• How to write a Science Essay (PDF, 74 KB)
• How to write a Scientific Report (PDF, 74 KB)
• How to write an Annotated Bibliography (PDF, 83 KB)

LibGuides

Writing, referencing, Endnote and more: see the JCU Library's comprehensive LibGuides for subject specific and generic tips and tutorials.

Oral Presentations

Many subjects use oral presentations as part of their assessment because they test a range of skills that are useful in future careers.

Follow our guide (PDF, 121 KB) and treat every presentation as an opportunity to sharpen these skills.