An Aberdeen academic who swapped the sub-editor’s desk for Victorian literature has produced a new book to help students sharpen their writing skills
English lecturer Dr Hazel Hutchison trained as a journalist with the Press and Journal in the 1990s before embarking on a PhD in literature at the University of Aberdeen.
Her book, Writing Essays and Dissertations, draws on many of the lessons she learned during her time in the newspaper world and on 10 years of experience teaching at the University.
Published by Hodder Education as part of their Teach Yourself series, it includes material on planning, referencing and grammar skills, as well as exercises to try out, example essays and advice about what markers look for.
The book also covers a range of subjects outside English and should be useful to students whether they are studying Arts, Sciences, Social Sciences, Medicine, Law or Education.
Dr Hutchison said: "I remember making lots of mistakes when I was studying English as an undergraduate, but I really learned how to sharpen up my writing when I went to work as a journalist on the Press and Journal in the 1990s. So, I've tried to fill this book up with the things that I wish somebody had told me when I was a student. I mark a lot of essays in my job and it is always a shame to see bright students losing marks for writing problems that could easily be fixed with the right advice.
"Whether you are confused about apostrophes or want to develop stronger strategies for presenting complex arguments, this book should have something useful to teach you."
Teach Yourself Writing Essays and Dissertations is published by Hodder Education and costs £8.99.