Overview

This module provides instruction and practice of academic literacy skills within a research context. Students will practise planning extended pieces of writing on currently relevant topics, using academic publications and other credible sources as support for their ideas. Awareness of academic conventions such as citation format will be raised and practised. Current issues relating to writing will be discussed such as intellectual property, plagiarism and the use of artificial intelligence for writing. Tools for developing accuracy of grammar and lexis will be practised.

• Planning and development of extended pieces of writing • Writing for purpose • Using sources, including citation, referencing, paraphrasing and synthesis • Academic conventions including citation, referencing and presentation • Avoiding plagiarism • Structuring extended writing including theme development, topic paragraphing, cohesion and coherence • Appropriacy of style and register in different academic text types • Accuracy of English language systems including grammar and vocabulary

Assessment Strategy

To achieve a mark of over 60% (merit) the candidate must produce extended written work which displays most of the following:

• The research question is addressed comprehensively • Content is appropriate and insightful • The purpose of the text is clear and focused. • Sources pinpoint relevant background information and robustly support the writer’s claims • Citations and reference lists accurately conform to a convention • The text is skilfully organised, making reading fast and easy for the reader. • Topics are dealt with individually and can be accessed independently where appropriate • Sentences are varied in complexity, providing flow. • Linking devices are expertly used to provide flow. • Expert use of grammar and vocabulary allows complex ideas to be expressed concisely • Style is appropriate and may add authority to the text

Consistent, strong evidence of the above criteria can justify a mark over 70% (distinction)

To achieve a mark of over 50% (pass) the candidate must produce extended written work which displays most of the following:

• Most of the text addresses the research question • Content is relevant to audience • Purpose of the assignment is appropriate and clear • Sources are used to inform and support • Citations and reference lists make clear to the reader where information comes from • The text is logically structured and accessible to the reader • Topics are clearly delineated (perhaps using paragraphs) • Sentences are appropriate in length and complexity • Ideas are cohesively • Grammar and vocabulary are mostly accurate. There may be some errors, but meaning is clear throughout. • The style of language used is mostly appropriate to the text type

Learning Outcomes

• Accurately used English grammar and vocabulary within a given academic field.

• Demonstrated knowledge of appropriate academic discourses through citations and referencing consistent with Bangor University conventions.

• Produced extended pieces of writing which are purposeful and appropriate to an academic audience.

• Produced longer texts which are cohesive and coherent.