EL1010:03
Effective Writing
Townsville, Cairns
Inadmissable Subject Combination: EL1015
13 lectures, 10 x 1.5 hour tutorials. First and second semesters (Townsville and Cairns campuses); first semester (Mackay campus).
Available to students who wish to improve their general writing skills.
Staff: Professor P Pierce, Dr S Torre, Ms R Dunn.
This subject offers practical training in a key generic skill: the ability to write in a way that will assist both academic study and later professional life. Emphasis is on writing for information transfer, communication and persuasion, rather than on writing for self-expression. Major topics include: basic grammar, syntax and punctuation; analysis and outlining of material; planning, developing and editing work; practical application in essays, reports and persuasive writing.
Learning Objectives:
- a knowledge of fundamental grammar, syntax and punctuation;
- an audience-centred, reader-oriented approach to writing;
- an awareness of the interdependence of analytical skills and clear expression;
- an understanding of the key stages in the writing process (planning, writing, editing);
- an appreciation of effective writing and the ability to apply these techniques to different styles of writing.
Assessment by five written pieces: paragraphs (10%, linked paragraphs (15%), restructuring (15%), report (20%), essay (20%); preparation (10%); grammar test (10%).