| Effective Term: | 2026/05 |
| Institute / School : | Institute of Education, Arts & Community |
| Unit Title: | Written communication for university |
| Unit ID: | FASTL1009 |
| Credit Points: | 15.00 |
| Prerequisite(s): | Nil |
| Co-requisite(s): | Nil |
| Exclusion(s): | Nil |
| ASCED: | 091501 |
| Other Change: | |
| Brief description of the Unit |
In this unit, students will be equipped with the academic reading and writing skills to effectively participate in the FAST course. The unit supports the development of academic reading and writing skills through extended practice in text analysis, argument evaluation and construction, independent research and synthesis of academic sources. Students will engage with a range of academic texts, digital tools and platforms to strengthen their ability to read critically and write effectively across disciplines. Enhancing proficiency in academic reading and writing includes particular emphasis on academic vocabulary, grammar and sentence structures, as well as academic tone. The unit scaffolds skills for FAST course units and undergraduate studies through content, skill and knowledge integration. |
| Grade Scheme: | Graded (HD, D, C, P, MF, F, XF) |
| Work Experience Indicator: |
| No work experience |
| Placement Component: | |
| Supplementary Assessment:Yes |
| Where supplementary assessment is available a student must have failed overall in the Unit but gained a final mark of 45 per cent or above, has completed all major assessment tasks (including all sub-components where a task has multiple parts) as specified in the Unit Description and is not eligible for any other form of supplementary assessment |
| Course Level: |
| Level of Unit in Course | AQF Level(s) of Course | | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | | Introductory |  | | | | | | | Intermediate | | | | | | | | Advanced | | | | | | |
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| Learning Outcomes: |
| Knowledge: |
| K1. | Recognise and understand the main ideas, details and related ideas in a linguistically complex text including complex technical information |
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| K2. | Understand strategies, structural and linguistic features of written academic texts |
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| Skills: |
| S1. | Comprehend, identify and infer information and examples in academic texts |
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| S2. | Extract key information and details from research in discipline texts |
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| S3. | Use vocabulary, grammar and academic tone effectively to write effective paragraphs and structured academic texts incorporating evidence such as statistical data, facts, quotations and paraphrases |
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| S4. | Integrate quotations and paraphrases with correct academic conventions in written academic work |
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| Application of knowledge and skills: |
| A1. | Critically evaluate and comprehend academic texts to conduct research |
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| A2. | Effectively navigate and comprehend linguistically complex texts to extract technical information |
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| A3. | Apply vocabulary, grammar, structure and tone appropriately in a written academic text |
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| A4. | Create academic texts effectively incorporating evidence and academic conventions |
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| Unit Content: |
The content covers: 1. Academic Conventions and Expectations - Understanding academic norms of written communication in Australian higher education
- Formality, objectivity, and clarity in academic writing
- Structuring academic texts (e.g., essays, reports, written responses etc.)
2. Grammar and sentence structure for academic writing - Applying grammar and sentence structure for clear and concise academic sentences
- Understanding implications of grammar and sentence structure in reading context
- Effectively using and understanding cohesive and linking devices in academic texts
3. Reading Academic Texts Critically - Strategies for reading dense academic material
- Identifying arguments, evidence, and author stance
- Annotating and synthesising information from multiple texts
4. Academic Writing Genres and Structures - Writing across genres: essays, reports, reflections etc.
- Understanding academic writing conventions
- Developing coherent paragraphs and logical flow
5. Vocabulary and Language for Academic Writing - Building academic vocabulary and register
- Using sentence structure and academic tone appropriately
- Editing for grammar, style, and clarity
6. Discipline-Specific Written communication - Exposure to academic reading and writing across various disciplines (e.g., STEM, humanities)
- Explore written and graphical communication across disciplines
- Preparing and delivering Reading and Writing genres based on research
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| Graduate Attributes: |
| | Learning Outcomes Assessed | Assessment Tasks | Assessment Type | Weighting | | 1. | K1, S1, A1 | Reading comprehension task(s) using academic texts. | Reading comprehension test | 15-30% | | 2. | K2, S3, A3 | Produce a written response to academic text. | Written response: Summary, paragraphs, or academic poster | 15-30% | | 3. | K1, S2, A2 | Analyse academic texts and synthesise information from multiple sources. | Source analysis and synthesis task (e.g., reading log, reading response or synthesis matrix) | 20-30% | | 4. | K2, S4, A4 | Produce a structured academic text using appropriate conventions, referencing, and academic language. | Academic writing task (e.g., annotated bibliography, short essay or report) | 20-30% |
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