Written Comprehension and Expression

Abstract

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.