I would like to thank the many staff and students at the Centre for English Language Education (CELE) at the University of Nottingham who have helped develop these materials over a number of years. In particular I should mention Steve Dewhirst, John Hall, Sandra Haywood, Mick Kavanagh, Ann Kavanagh, Richard Lee, John Rabone and Ann Smith, who have helped me unravel some of the finer points of academic language. My wife Rene has again provided me with invaluable support, encouragement and advice on many aspects of academic writing during the development of this project. Final thanks are due to my daughter, Sophie, for helping me keep the whole subject in perspective!