1. Don’t worry, it's a new skill

   Academic reading and writing are skills, and, as with any skill, you can learn them. No one is born knowing how to do any kind of writing. You learn through reading, repetition and practice. You’ve done this before – you learnt styles of writing for sending a text message or an email; you can learn how to write in an academic style too.  

2. Start reading

   Look at something in the new style for you. Have a look at , for example. It’s a good, accessible starting point rather than diving straight into The Journal of Advanced Nursing. This will help you get a feel for how people write for academic purposes.  

3. Take your time

   Don’t be put off by an extensive reading list. Pick carefully and remember you don’t have to understand everything immediately. Start with an introduction or a chapter that interests you, or something your tutor has recommen