Academic writing for international studies of business / Stephen Bailey

Includes index

Includes bibliographical references and index

Part 1 The writing process.-- 1.1 Background to writing.-- What is academic writing?.-- Common types of academic writing.-- The structure of academic texts.-- The format of academic writing.-- Other common text features.-- Simple and complex sentences.-- Writing in paragraphs.-- 1.2 Critical reading.-- Academic texts.-- Types of text.-- Using reading lists.-- Using library catalogues. Using library websites to search electronic resourcesReading methods.-- Titles, sub-titles and text features.-- Assessing texts critically.-- Critical thinking.-- 1.3 Avoiding plagiarism.-- What is plagiarism?.-- Degrees of plagiarism.-- Summarising and paraphrasing.-- 1.4 From understanding titles to planning.-- The planning process.-- Essay titles.-- Brainstorming.-- Essay length.-- Outlines.-- 1.5 Finding key points and note-making.-- Note-making.-- Note-making methods.-- Relevance.-- Effective note-making.-- 1.6 Paraphrasing.-- The elements of effective paraphrasing.-- Techniques for paraphrasing.-- 1.7 Summarising.-- Summarising. Stages of summarising1.8 References and quotations.-- Referring to sources.-- Reference verbs and systems.-- Using quotations.-- Examples.-- Abbreviations in citations.-- Organising the list of references.-- 1.9 Combining sources.-- Mentioning sources.-- 1.10 Organising paragraphs.-- Do paragraphs have a pattern?.-- Development of ideas.-- Linking paragraphs together.-- 1.11 Introductions and conclusions.-- Introduction contents.-- Introduction structure.-- Opening sentences.-- Conclusions.-- 1.12 Rewriting and proof-reading.-- Rewriting.-- Proof-reading.-- Confusing pairs.-- Part 2 Elements of writing.-- 2.1 Argument and discussion. Discussion vocabularyOrganisation.-- Language of discussion.-- Counter-arguments.-- Providing evidence.-- 2.2 Cause and effect.-- The language of cause and effect.-- 2.3 Cohesion.-- Reference language.-- Avoiding confusion.-- 2.4 Comparisons.-- Comparison structures.-- Forms of comparison.-- Using superlatives.-- 2.5 Definitions.-- Simple definitions.-- Complex definitions.-- 2.6 Examples.-- Using examples.-- Phrases to introduce examples.-- Restatement.-- 2.7 Generalisations.-- Using generalisations.-- Structure.-- Over-generalising.-- Building on generalisations.-- 2.8 Numbers.-- The language of numbers.-- Percentages.-- Simplification. 2.9 Problems and solutionsStructure.-- Alternative structure.-- Vocabulary.-- 2.10 Style.-- A suitable academic style.-- Guidelines.-- Avoiding repetition and redundancy.-- Varying sentence length.-- 2.11 Visual information.-- The language of change.-- Describing visuals.-- Labelling.-- 2.12 Working in groups.-- Group work.-- Making group work successful.-- Dealing with problems.-- Points to remember.-- Part 3 Accuracy in writing.-- 3.1 Abbreviations.-- Types of abbreviation.-- Business abbreviations.-- Punctuation.-- Duplicate abbreviations.-- Abbreviations in writing.-- 3.2 Academic vocabulary.-- Basic academic vocabulary.--Part 4 Writing models.--4.1 Formal letters and emails.--4.2 Writing CVs.--Designing and reporting surveys.--Taking ideas from sources.--Writing longer essays.--Part 5 Answers to exercises.

Academic Writing for International Students of Business is the first book specially designed to assist overseas students studying Business or Economics courses in English. Most courses expect students to complete a variety of writing tasks as part of their assessment, such as essays, reports and projects. For many students these can be a major concern, but this book explains the writing process from start to finish and practises all the key writing skills. Academic Writing for International Students of Business is clearly organised and can be used either with a teacher or for self-study. It is divided into four main parts: the Writing Process, from assessing sources to proof-reading the completed work elements of Writing, practising such skills as giving definitions and examples accuracy in Writing, with 15 units on areas from abbreviations to verb tenses writing models, which illustrate emails, CVs, reports and longer essays. This pattern makes it easy for teachers or students to find the help they need with writing tasks. All the units include extensive practice exercises, and a full answer key is included. All the material has been thoroughly tested and revised. This is an up-to-date course which reflects the interests and issues of contemporary Business studies. Critical reading, avoiding plagiarism and working in groups are dealt with in detail. This practical and easy-to-use guide will help students planning to progress onto a career with international companies or organisations, where proficiency in written English is an important asset.