Structure and Cohesion

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
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)
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
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)
Connectives
 Sentences are linked by means of connectives
 Basic connectives are:
 A – and
 B – or
 C - but
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...)
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...)
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...)
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
The Stages of Writing an Essay
1. Think about the topic
2. Make a reading list
3. Read with a purpose, make notes, note sources
4. Decide about the content of the essay
5. Write first draft in academic style (avoiding colloquial
expressions and personal references)
6. Read critically, check organisation, cohesion and language;
revise the draft
7. Write final version
8. Compile bibliography in strict alphabetical order
Essay assignment
 8-10 pages
 Introduction (why?)
 Body (what?)
 Conclusion – make it your own
 Literature
 Referencing
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
Deadline for submission
 April 14 (essay to be sent for correction/comments)
 April 24 (printed corrected version to be brought)
Thank you for your attention!