Bailey.Academic_Writing

1.1 Background to Writing
Most university and college students are assessed through the
production of written assignments. Some of the terms used to
describe different types of assignments can be confusing. In addition,
students need to be clear about the basic components of written
texts. This unit provides an introduction to these topics.
1. Below are the most common types of written work produced
or used by students.
Complete the table to show the main purpose of each, and their
usual approximate length.
Type Purpose Length
letter
notes
report
for formal and informal
communication
usually fewer than 500
words
project
essay
thesis/dissertation
article/paper
2. Organisation of texts.
a) Explain the following terms in italics:
Shorter texts, e.g. essays, are normally organised:
Introduction > Main Body > Conclusion
Longer texts, e.g. dissertations and articles, may include
(depending on subject area):
Abstract > Contents > Introduction > Main Body > Case Study
> Discussion > Findings > Conclusion > Acknowledgements >
Bibliography/References > Appendices
Books may also contain:
Dedication > Foreword > Preface > Index
b) Match the definitions below to one of the terms in (2a).
i) Short summary (100–200 words) of the writer’s
purpose and findings (......)
ii) Section where various people who assisted
the writer are thanked (......)