Academic Writing

5 Practice
䊏
The following sentences form the conclusion to the essay titled ‘Evaluate the
experience of e-learning for students in higher education’, whose introduction was
given above, but they have been mixed-up. Put them into a logical order (1–5).
(a) This finding was clear, despite the agreed convenience of e-learning.
(b) Given the constraints of the small and limited sample, there is clearly room for
further research in this field.
(c) However, our survey of nearly 200 students found a strong preference for
traditional classroom teaching.
(d) But, in general, it would appear that e-learning is unlikely to be acceptable as a
primary teaching method in higher education.
(e) This study found that little relevant research on the HE student experience of
e-learning has been conducted, and the research that has been reported
indicates a mixed reaction to it.
1.11: Introductions and Conclusions
77

---

1 Rewriting
Although it is tempting to think that the first draft of an essay is good enough, it almost certainly
can be improved. After completing your first draft, you should leave it for a day and then
reread it, asking yourself the following questions:
(a) Does this fully answer the question(s) in the title?
(b) Do the different sections of the paper have the right weight (i.e. is it well balanced)?
(c) Does the argument or discussion develop clearly and logically?
(d) Have I forgotten any important points that would support the development?
2 Practice A
As part of a module on Qualitative Research Methods, you have written the first draft of a
1,000-word paper titled: ‘What would be an acceptable number of interviews to carry out for
a Master’s dissertation?’
䊏
Study the introduction to this paper below, and decide how it could be improved,
listing your suggestions in the table.