These are the best academic writing books for helping students

These are the best academic writing books for helping students

William Somerset Maugham, an English writer of 20th century fame, recounts how a publisher asked him to make a list naming five most important novels in the globe. Maugham comments on that list:1 "Ofcourse my list wasn't arbitrary. I could have made any of five other novels. They are equally good in their various ways and I give the same reasons for selecting them.

When I tried to rank the top five books, or other resources on academic literature, I thought of those words and found some comfort in that. But the purpose of this article was more practical. Even though others would create a different list I like to think, just as Maugham did. I believe that "in all of the lists most of the people I have selected would find a spot."

The second consideration was to select books that will teach you how you can become a good writer over time. I wanted to highlight some lesser-known resources for academic writers and researchers.However, I've compiled a list with the top five resources available for researchers.

Top five resources available for researchers

1. Stylish Academic Writing by Helen Sword

The author analyzed a lot of articles and chose 11 techniques to create stylish prose. Stylish academic writing includes exercises and examples.

This is not your typical reference book. It can be quite heavy reading at times because of the many examples and data it provides. You won't find this advice in any academic writing textbooks. You will be able to write better if you follow it.

2. Words fail me: What every writer should know about writing by Patricia T. O'Conner

This is a funny book you will love to read. Words fail me has many tips on improving your writing. The book does not teach you how to research papers or other writing skills, but rather how to improve your writing.

3. Wayne C. Booth, Wayne C. Booth, and others

The Craft of Research does not only focus on academic writing but also deals with conducting and reporting research. This book is still my top choice for academic writing because it covers everything that you need to write a great piece of research paper.

This book shows you how to identify reliable sources, formulate your research questions, build arguments that support your claims, and create compelling introductions and conclusion. Booth and his colleagues will help you make it easier to create a research document. They walk you through the entire research writing process from defining your argument, to revising the final draft. The language they use is engaging and not monotonous, which is rare in reference books.

4. Writing with Power by Peter Elbow

Writing With Power will help you put words down on paper if you feel that writing academic English is difficult or a struggle. You will learn techniques such as freewriting to speed up the process of writing. It is an older book but it still offers timeless advice that will guide you when writing your PhD thesis seems impossible.

Writing With Power focuses more on speed and efficiency in writing. Stylish academic writing focuses only on academic writing. Avoid the traps common to beginner writers, such as trying too hard to make it perfect the first time and overrefining. It might be worth checking this book if your paper is too long.

5. Bird-by-Bird by Anne LAMOTT

Anne Lamott is a writer who shares her memoir and the story about how she became the writer she always wanted. There are many writing tips she can offer that will benefit anyone, regardless of subject. Her writing is not only funny but also very helpful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the top five resources for academic writing are Stylish Academic Writing by Helen Sword, Words fail me: What every writer should know about writing by Patricia T. O'Conner, The Craft of Research by Wayne C. Booth, Writing with Power by Peter Elbow, and Bird-by-Bird by Anne LAMOTT. Each of these books offer unique advice and tips on how to become a better academic writer. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned writer, these books will help you become a better writer and create compelling and engaging academic literature.