An Academic Writing
Foundation Course Embracing Practical and Theoretical Training
Bailey (2006) acknowledges the
importance of the use of academic writing when international students embark on
university course of studies. Not only does the book provide the possibility of
learning different styles of writings, but also of using the material with
various levels and groups.
Another interesting characteristic is
that this book can be used either with a teacher or individually on the grounds
that “the structure of
the book has been made as simple as possible” (Bailey, 2006, p.7) .
In
this traditional book, Bailey (2006) divides his work into four parts which are
intrinsically connected with simple and basic characteristics of academic
writing. Part one and two help the students to understand the format, layout and
important skills of academic writing. Then, part three and four deal with grammatical
issues and some limited writing models. Towards the end of the book, there is a
small section devoted to writing tests which are connected with some of the
aspects of the units.
After
working with this book, the students might feel they have acquired useful
academic writing tools- in other words; the learners would be able to recognize
and use the fundamental elements of academic papers. However, Bailey’s (2006)
would have been more appealing if he would have added further writing models
such as book reviews, book critiques and annotated bibliography.
In addition to this, the
book encompasses some flaws related to specific aspects of academic writings.
For instance, it would have been better if Bailey (2006) had added more detailed
information as regards the different types of in text citations and references.
Besides, in no case does Bailey (2006) provides data concerned with the various
academic styles, for instance, APA(American Psychological Association) and MLA
(Modern Language Association) styles.
In
this academic writing book, Bailey (2006) explores the most significant features
of academic writing consequently, it could be claimed that this book is
suitable for elementary levels. Nevertheless, Bailey (2006) fails to delve into
various useful and important academic topics which are of paramount importance
for advanced and proficiency levels.
References
Bailey,
S. (2006). Academic Writing: A handbook
for International Students (2nd ed.).Retrieved
October 2012 , from Taylor &
Francis e-library:http://npu.edu.ua/!e-book/book/djvu/A/iif_kgpm_t27.pdf.
