English writing excercises

This page contains useful links that help you with topics such as: improving your vocabulary, using reference guides and punctuation. The column on the right indicates what level you need to use the website.

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Vocabulary

Link	Description	Level
Academic Phrasebank	The Academic Phrasebank of The University of Manchester provides a comprehensive selection of phrases to use in your academic writing, such as describing methods, reporting results and writing conclusions.	B2-C2
OWL English	This section of OWL English offers in depth information on writing numbers, necessary for any Academic or Business English user. While giving a general approach, it also categorises number usage and states whether to use them in their written form, figure form or Roman numeral form.	B1-C2
ThoughtCo.	ThoughtCo. lists the top 50 most commonly used English words. These are helpful for beginners and those at an intermediate level to learn in order to understand them when heard/read and to use them themselves.	A1-B1

Punctuation

Link	Description	Level
EF Education First	EF Education First provides general information about punctuation usage and subsequently provides links to each aspect of punctuation (e.g. the comma, the colon and the apostrophe).	A1-C2
OWL English	An explanation of punctuation elements, including links to further expand upon specifics (e.g. when to use quotation marks, the rules of apostrophe use and how to correctly use the comma).	B1-C2

Writing

Link	Description	Level
APA Referencing	This quick guide from Indiana University Bloomington tells you all the necessary information you need when writing with the APA referencing style.	B2-C2
The Elements of Style	This site explores various aspects of style as recommended by Strunk, such as avoiding wordiness, using parallel forms and commonly misused words and expressions. Useful for any writer trying to hone their English skills.	B1-C2
Chicago Referencing	This quick guide from Indiana University Bloomington tells you all the necessary information you need when writing with the Chicago referencing style.	B2-C2
MLA Referencing	This quick guide from Indiana University Bloomington tells you all the necessary information you need when writing with the MLA referencing style.	B2-C2
OWL English	OWL English’s General Writing section offers a range of links to cater to your writing needs. Such examples include academic writing and writing academic applications as well as more basic elements like spelling and sentence structure.	B1-C2
Principles of Composition	This page gives a variety of links with helpful advice on all aspects of writing, such as using unbiased language, overcoming writer’s block and being concise.	B2-C2
The Writing Center	The University of Wisconsin-Madison’s “Writing Center” website provides a handbook detailing clear and useful information on a variety of aspects related to academic and general writing. This includes how to avoid plagiarism, information on a range of referencing systems and even tips on how to write a good CV.	B1-C2
Using English for Academic Purposes	This website is designed with academic writing in mind, laying out the structure of a good essay, explaining how to avoid plagiarism and the importance of good grammar. UEfAP provides a variety of engaging exercises to help you to practise what you have learnt.	B2-C2