Résumé:
Writing is crucial for academic success and beyond as it enables clear communication of
ideas, fosters critical thinking, demonstrates understanding of material, develops research skills,
and prepares the student (you) for future professional endeavors.
As first-year university students of English as a Foreign Language students, mastering the
basics of writing is critical. It provides the foundation for academic success by providing
essential skills necessary for dealing with all subjects in the upcoming years. Understanding
grammar, sentence structure, and paragraph organization not only enhances language proficiency
but also promotes confidence in expressing ideas effectively, which is essential for the rest of
your journey in academia (as well as in life). Moreover, developing a solid grasp of writing
fundamentals early on sets you on the right path towards gradually tackling more complex
writing tasks and improvement throughout your academic journey.
This handout aims to enhance your understanding and mastery of the basic elements of
English composition. The handout covers language mechanics and composition, beginning with
the parts of speech and progressing to the construction of sentences, types of sentences, and
common issues encountered in sentence formation. It then covers writing conventions such as
capitalization and punctuation, which are also crucial for clarity and coherence in written
communication.
Afterwards, the handout addresses strategies for organizing and developing paragraphs,
exploring expository, descriptive, and narrative writing, helping you will gain insight into the
diverse modes of expression and their respective conventions. Lastly, the handout provides a
very brief outline of the foundational structure of essays.
