The Academic Language Feedback (ALF) guide

The ability to demonstrate an understanding of discipline content at university is closely linked to English language proficiency and academic literacy. This guide can be used for reviewing and proofreading your assignments.

Discipline Knowledge

English language use

Other elements

Apostrophes Punctuation Spelling Vocabulary

Grammatical
elements

Verb forms Tenses in regard to time markers Parts of speech Articles (a/an/the) Plural/singular word forms

Sentence
structure

Word order Sentence length Fragmented phrases Parallel structures

Academic literacy

Mechanics of
referencing

Consistency of in-text referencing

Accuracy of the list of references

Style and
voice

Appropriate formal style and non-biased tone

Using literature as evidence

Distinction between writer's voice and others' ideas

Organisation and development of ideas

Clear and logical structure

Clear transitions between ideas and sections

Quality paragraphs and topic sentences

Response format aligns with task requirements