IGNOU BEGG-173 - Academic Writing & Composition

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.

SECTION A I Write short notes of about 100 words each on the following: 1. How is academic writing different from non-academic writing? Give suitable examples of both. 2. Write a short note on what you understand by the term ‘critical thinking’. What are the three essential components of critical thinking? 3. What aspects should be considered while writing the introductory paragraph of an academic essay? 4. With suitable examples, explain the significance of ‘signposts’ and ‘transitions’ in narrative. 5. Explain, with examples, how narrative writing differs from expository writing. Section B II. Write short essays of about 200 words each on the following: 1. Discuss the three stages of the process approach to writing. 2. What is ‘copyright law’? Why is it important for a writer of academic essays to be aware of copyright law? III. Answer the following question in about 250 words. 1. What are the defining features of an argumentative essay? With suitable examples, show how argumentative writing differs from persuasive writing. Section C IV. Write a well structured composition on the topic: ‘Online learning and the higher education scenario in India: issues and possibilities.’ (Your essay should have a clear introductory paragraph, body paragraph and concluding paragraph. You can take hints from Unit 7 to write this answer). V. The principal of your college has conducted a meeting to discuss the preparations for the forthcoming College Annual Day. Write a brief report of the meeting. VI. i. While writing a review, what aspects would you consider, in order to make it most effective? ii. Write the review of a research article that you read recently in an academic journal.