In this chapter, you will learn kinds of written assignments,
characteristics of good written assignments, and tips how to
write good written assignments. In the second part, you will
learn more about essays, many kinds of assignments included
in essays, and the components of an essay.
Part 1
Reading Preparation
Task 1
Pre-Reading Activities
Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Did your lecturers ask you to write a paper or an article?
2. Is writing an article an easy task?
3. How did you write an article?
4. What are the characteristics of good writing?
Part 2
Reading Practice
Task 2
Read the following reading passage enti .
Task 3
Comprehension Questions
Based on the reading passage in Task 2, state whether the statement is true (T) or false (F).
1. T / F Writing an assignment is a very common method of assessment in university.
2. T / F Writing academically is a way of learning.
3. T / F Academic writing is not important in professional life.
4. T / F Your piece of writing shows your understanding of a certain topic.
5. T / F Good academic writing should be long and complete.
6. T / F Grammar is not important in academic writing.
7. T / F There are three approaches in writing academic assignments.
8. T / F Personal language should not be used in a traditional approach.
9. T / F Good academic writing should be supported with evidence.
10. T / F In writing an academic assignment, students do not need to research the topic.
Task 4
Classify the following characteristics of academic writing. Which one is good and which one is poor academic writing.
1. It answers the questions.
2. No references.
3. Give enough evidence to support your opinion.
4. Satisfy the required word limit.
5. It is very long.
6. Many grammar and spelling mistakes.
7. Lack focus.
8. Badly research.
9. Use proper introduction.
10. No conclusion.
Good academic writing Poor academic writing
Part 3
Language Focus
Task 5
Explain the meaning of the following words in Bahasa Indonesia.
(Apa yang harus Anda lakukan jika Anda ditugasi untuk melakukan hal-hal berikut?) 1. review
2. analyze 3. assess 4. compare 5. criticize 6. define 7. describe 8. discuss 9. evaluate 10. explain
11. examine 12. illustrate 13. interpret 14. justify 15. outline 16. relate 17. summarize 18. trace 19. account for 20. differentiate
Part 4
Reading Practice
Task 6
Pre-Reading Comprehension
Answer the following questions briefly.
1. Have you ever read an essay? If you have, what is it about?
2. Have you ever written an essay? If you have, what is it about?
3. Have you ever read a bibliography? If you have, what is it about?
4. Have you ever read a report? If you have, what is it about?
5. Have you ever written a report? If you have, what is it about?
6. Do you know the difference between an essay and a report? Can you explain the difference between them?
Task 7
Read the following reading .
Task 8
Comprehension Questions
A. Based on the reading passage in Task 7, state whether the statement is true (T) or false (F).
1. T / F An essay presents the arguments with supporting evidences.
2. T / F Each paragraph of an essay does not contain a specific and necessary point.
3. T / F An essay uses linking words to provide continuity between the paragraphs.
4. T / F It is not important to provide evidences in an essay.
5. T / F It is important to provide the relevant examples that illustrate the points.
6. T / F The conclusion of an essay gives a reflective overview of the issues discussed.
7. T / F The bibliography serves as comprehensive list of the sources and materials.
8. T / F The bibliography is important to clarify a point or seek further information.
9. T / F Different companies might use a certain format to write a report.
10. T / F All students are advised to check the spelling and grammar of their report.
B. Answer the following questions by choosing the correct answers.
1. What is the reading passage in Task 7 about?
a. Main body of an essay.
b. A kind of texts.
c. Bibliography.
d. Definition of a report.
2. Why is it important to provide the evidence of an essay?
a. To make it look good.
b. To support our findings.
c. To present a few short quotations.
d. To demonstrate the findings.
3. Why is it important to provide a comprehensive list of the sources and materials?
a. To check the information sources.
b. To identify from the context.
c. To enable the reader to locate them.
d. To clarify a point or seek further information.
