Unit 1: Introduction to Written Communication Topics:Types and forms of Written

Unit 1: Introduction to Written Communication
Topics:Types and forms of Written Communication
Elements of Effective Writing
Significance of reliable and credible resources in Written Communication
Learning Objectives:By the end of this Unit, you will be able to:
Apply the essential elements of effective writing to write a clear message or idea.
Evaluate online information and identify reliable and credible resources in written communication.
Tasks:Read the Learning Guide and the Reading Assignment
Complete the Discussion Assignment by posting in the Discussion Forum
Respond to two of your fellow classmates’ posts in the Discussion Forum
Submit the assignment activity
Take and submit the Self-Quiz
Check out the Student Toolbox (on the right-hand side menu) for quick access to essential resources that will support your learning journey.
Introduction
Writing is of utmost importance as it serves as a fundamental means of communication, enabling individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions effectively. Additionally, strong writing skills are essential for academic success, professional advancement, and building strong relationships. The video by Nicoletta Demetriou provides an insight on the concepts of writing. You can also read the transcript for the video.
Writing is a fundamental skill that is essential for success in both personal and professional life. Writing is a skill that one can learn and improve with practice.
This unit will introduce you to a few of the basic components of written communication. Writing varies across every domain, depending upon its types and audience. In this unit, you will explore writing types like reports, letters, emails, and more.
Next, we will focus on the elements of good writing. We’ll learn about clarity, brevity, accuracy, organization, evidence, and style. Mastering these elements will help you create clear and engaging content.
Lastly, we’ll discuss the importance of using reliable resources. You will learn how to evaluate online information and find trustworthy sources for your writing.
As you engage in further reading and practice to enhance your understanding and application of these concepts, you will be able to apply the essential elements of writing to convey your ideas with clarity and evaluate online information for reliability and credibility and use it responsibly.
By the end of this unit, you will have the skills to write effectively and evaluate information.
Reference:TEDxTalks. (2015, January 21). Look deeper — write — the wonders of writing | Nicoletta Demetriou | TEDxUniversityofNicosia [Video]. YouTube.
Introduce Yourself
Hello everyone! We are delighted to have you join us at the University of the People.
Let’s take this opportunity to acquaint ourselves with one another, as fostering a strong community is essential for personal and intellectual growth.
To start off, please take a moment to share some information about yourself by answering the following questions.
You are welcome to add any additional details you’d like to share.
Where are you from? Please mention the country or city you call home.

Share something interesting about your country that you find captivating or unique.

What are some of your hobbies or activities that bring you joy and fulfilment?

By the end of this course, what are your aspirations or goals that you hope to accomplish?

Please feel free to share only what you are comfortable with, but let’s make sure to extend a warm greeting to the group.
NOTE: Visit the Course Forum and Class Introduction throughout the first week to respond to fellow classmates’ posts and respond to the answers to anyone who responds to your post.
Reading Assignment
Please follow these instructions for the reading assignments.Read the provided resources carefully to gain a thorough understanding of the topic.
Watch the relevant videos to supplement your learning and gain additional insights.
Engage with the H5p activity to apply and reinforce your understanding of the concepts discussed (Wherever applicable).
While reading the learning resource and watching the videos, ask yourself the following questions:What is the significance of sources and evidence?
How should we identify and evaluate sources of information?
What are the elements of effective writing?
How to apply the essential elements of writing to write a clear message or idea?
Read:1. University of Minnesota. (2010). Principles of management. Licensed under CC –4.0.
Read Chapter 12.5 Types of Communication
This reading introduces you to the different types of communication, its features and advantages. The section on written Communication in this chapter discusses about types of written communication in brief.
2. University of the People. (2023, June 14). Written communication types and forms.
Types of written communication in business include transactional, persuasive, informational and instructional. Some examples of written communication types and forms are emails, text messages, blogposts, reports and much more. The type or form of written communication is determined by context and audience. We generally use written communication in the following cases:
Convey facts
The message needs to become part of a permanent file
There is little urgency
The ideas are complicated
You do not need immediate feedback
Click on each of the examples of communication types to understand their uses and purposes.
Read:1. University of Minnesota. (2010). Business communication for success. Licensed under CC-4.0.
Read sections 6.1 (Organization), 6.2(Writing style) from Chapter 6 Writing.
Sections 6.1 and 6.2 discuss the two elements of effective writing.
2. Jenkins, P. (2022, May 19). Elements of good writing. Brillianto.
The article discusses the essential components necessary for effective writing.
Read:1. Ashman, M., Cruthers, C., eCampusOntario., Ontario Business Faculty., & University of Minnesota. (2021, September 1). Advanced professional communication. ECampusontario Pressbooks. Licensed under CC-4.0.
Read from these specific sections. Chapter 10.1 Why use sources
Chapter 10.3 Types of Sources
Chapter 10.9 Evaluating Sources
These sections of the chapter give a comprehensive understanding of the significance of sources, and how to identify and evaluate reliable and credible sources of information.
*Discussion Forum
In this assignment, you will acquire the skills to apply the essential elements of effective writing to write a clear message or idea.
“The essential elements of effective writing are clarity, conciseness, coherence, correctness, elaboration, and engagement.”
Pick a paragraph from a book or website and rewrite it in your own words. Discuss how each of these elements of writing can be used to make your writing effective.
Your Discussion should be a minimum of 200 words in length and not more than 300 words. Please include a word count.
Following the APA standard, use references and in-text citations for the textbook and any other sources.
Click here for the APA Style – Common Reference Examples Guide
Your instructor will grade you based on the Discussion Forum Unit 1 Rubric.
NOTE: Your instructor will be assessing your posts/responses for this discussion.
*Assignment Activity
In this assignment, you will acquire the skills to evaluate online information and identify credible resources. This is important because you need to be sure that the information you use is accurate and unbiased.
For this assignment, identify five different types of online sources (books, journals, websites, etc.) that provide information on a topic of your choice. Evaluate each source for its reliability and credibility.
Write a paragraph that summarizes your findings and discusses the importance of evaluating online information.
Assignment submission:
Minimum of 500 words and not more than 750 words.
Use APA citations and have a reference list if you use ideas from the readings or other sources.
Click here for the APA Style – Common Reference Examples Guide
This assignment will be assessed by your instructor using the rubric available on the assignment page located on the course homepage.