Structure and Cohesion

1. Structure and Cohesion

2. Organisation of a piece of academic writing • Types of academic writing – reports, essays, projects, assignments, reviews etc. • Structure – parts of a piece of writing • Cohesion – the way in which the diferent parts are linked together

3. Structure • Basic structure includes: • 1. INTRODUCTION (the subject or topic) • 2. DEVELOPMENT/BODY (main ideas -presentation, analysis and discussion) • 3. CONCLUSION (a summary of the main points; own views/opinions and decisions or recommendations)

4. Language functions • Each part of the writing will consist of language functions: particular uses and structures of the language organised according to specific purposes – describing, defining, classifying, analysing etc. • Each language function consists of sentences and/or paragraphs that are joined together by connectives

5. Cohesion • Feature of a text in which there is a logical flow of ideas • Cohesive elements are connectives (words or phrases that indicate a logical relationship)

6. Connectives • Sentences are linked by means of connectives • Basic connectives are: • A – and • B – or • C - but

7. A – and • Enumeration (first..., furthermore, finally; one, two, three; firstly, secondly, thirdly; next, then...) • Addition (also, again, further, moreover, besides, above all...) • Transition (regarding, now, as to...) • Summation (in conclusion, to sum up briefly, overall, thus...)

8. B - or • Reformulation (to express something in another way – rather, better, in other words, in that case...) • Replacement (to express an alternative to what has preceded – again, alternatively, on the other hand...)

9. C - but • Contrast to what has preceded (instead, then, on the contrary, in comparison...) • Concession indicates the unexpected nature of what is being said in view of what was said before (however, nevertheless, only, still, although, at any rate, all the same, even though...)

10. Paragraphs • Writing must be divided in paragraphs • A paragraph normally contains several sentences that are concerned with the theme contained in the key sentence • Key sentence contains the main idea (topic) • Other sentences support it by adding further information or examples

11. The Stages of Writing an Essay • Think about the topic • Make a reading list • Read with a purpose, make notes, note sources • Decide about the content of the essay • Write first draft in academic style (avoiding colloquial expressions and personal references) • Read critically, check organisation, cohesion and language; revise the draft • Write final version • Compile bibliography in strict alphabetical order

12. Essay assignment • 8-10 pages • Introduction (why?) • Body (what?) • Conclusion – make it your own • Literature • Referencing

13. Suggested topics • The development of education in social work • The changing profession of social work • The role of social workers in today’s society • New challenges of social policy

14. Deadline for submission • April 14 (essay to be sent for correction/comments) • April 24 (printed corrected version to be brought)

15. Thank you for your attention!