This course's aim is to develop the student's written ability and quality of output. It will focus on a range of different organisational and structural skills as well as develop the understanding and usage of vocabulary, styles, and skills to put the writer's point across effectively. By learning more effective ways of writing at word level, sentence level, and text level, the writer can more effectively inform the reader of the main and supporting points in increasingly engaging ways. At word level, areas focused upon are developing effective technical vocabulary as well as developing style-appropriate wording; this includes increasingly using words to direct the reader within one's argument. At sentence level, this includes structuring sentences with effect, to interest and engage the reader, particularly regarding length and content, and using punctuation in a balanced and efficient way. The use of different sentence styles and their effects will be explored. Accurate sentence grammar is intrinsic to good quality writing, making this a particular focus of this area. At text level, structure is very important overall as well as within sections, and planning thoughtfully is important in this. Also, understanding connecting ideas expressed at sentence level in order to present ideas in a balanced and controlled way is developed. Overall, developing the clarity, quality, and effectiveness of academic writing of the student is the focus of this course. Specific skills for focus and development: - Reading for writing development - General and technical vocabularies - Use and overuse of style words - Sentence effectiveness and length - Structuring sentences for use, interest, and effect - Use and overuse of punctuation - Accurate sentence grammar - Varying grammar styles and the effect of this - Sentence styles and purpose - Connecting ideas at the micro-level - in sentences - Planning and controlling the shape of the text - Connecting ideas at the macro-level - in the text - Planning and controlling within sections - Connecting ideas at the meso-level - within sections The outcome of the course is for the student to be able to effectively express his/her understanding in writing. As each student is an individual with specific strengths and needs, the support of students in developing these skills will be initially assessed, planned individually, and applied according to each person.
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