IGNOU BEGG-173 - Academic Writing & Composition

SECTION A I. Write short notes of about 100 words each on the following: 1. What are the three essential components of critical thinking? 2. The editing and revising stage is an important stage in the writing process. What are the parameters to be kept in mind while editing? 3. What is an ‘argument’ in academic writing? How is an ‘argument’ generally structured? 4. What is plagiarism? How can you avoid plagiarism in academic writing? 5. Briefly describe the structure of a business proposal. Section B II. Answer the following in around 200 words each: 1. What do you understand by the term ‘academic writing’? Explain how it is different from nonacademic writing? 2. What is ‘copyright’? Who owns ‘copyright’? III. Answer the following question in about 250 words. 1. Explain with suitable examples, how argumentative writing differs from persuasive writing? Section C IV. Write a well structured composition on the topic: ‘Conserving India’s Rivers: Problems and Challenges’. (Your essay should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion). V. The head of your institution has conducted a meeting to review the training needs of various groups of employees. Write a brief report of the meeting. VI. i) What aspects should be considered while writing the review of a film? ii) Write a brief review of a film that you watched recently.

SECTION A I. Write short notes of about 100 words each on the following: 1. What are the components of the ‘pre-writing stage’ of the process approach to writing? 2. What is the function of a ‘topic sentence’ in a paragraph? 3. Why are citations important in academic writing? 4. Explain the features of expository writing. 5. What aspects should be kept in mind while writing a business proposal? Section B II. Answer the following in around 200 words each: 1. What do you understand by the term ‘plagiarism’? How can you avoid plagiarism in your academic writing? 2. Which are the disciplines that come under the stream of natural and applied sciences? Describe the general features of academic writing in these disciplines. III. Answer the following question in about 250 words. 1. Discuss the techniques understood to be the foundational elements of critical thinking skills. Section C IV. Write a well structured composition on the topic: Conservation of national monuments: our role as citizens. (Your essay should have a clear introduction, body and conclusion). V. The Student Council of your college has conducted a meeting to organize a campaign to encourage planting of more trees in the neighbourhood. Write a brief report of the meeting. VI. i) How is persuasive writing different from argumentative writing? ii) Write a promotional paragraph encouraging people to buy a new water filter that your company has just introduced into the market.