Construction

Sentences
Paragraphs
Point form

Academic written work is formed typically around the basic framework of an introduction, a main body and a conclusion.

The introduction points to the content of the main body and often includes information on the scope and purpose of the work.
The main body presents the central argument or ideas. It should be organised appropriately, and the ideas presented within it should flow logically.
The conclusion sums up what has been discussed and refers back to the original problem or topic. The conclusion may also outline the significance of the content.

Depending on the type and length of assignment, the organisation of each of these parts may vary. Details on the typical structure of different types of assignments can be found in the Format and structure section.

Sentences

Academic work should be written in complete sentences, except for those sections presented in point form, or when the work is intended as a creative piece.

A complete sentence is one that can stand alone and make sense.
An incomplete sentence cannot stand alone. It depends on more information to make sense. The words 'because', 'if', 'after', 'when', 'although' and 'while' often begin a part of a sentence that depends on another part to make sense.

Although the study involved a large number of participants. [incomplete sentence]

Although the study involved a large number of participants, its findings were inconclusive. [complete sentence]

Because she needed to leave early. [incomplete sentence]

The student spoke to the lecturer because she needed to leave early. [complete sentence]

Short sentences (less than twenty words) are often more readable than long sentences. Long sentences need careful attention to punctuation so that their meaning remains clear. If you are not confident with punctuation, concentrate on writing short, clear sentences.

Paragraphs

Essays, reports and similar assignments should be presented in logically ordered paragraphs.

A paragraph is a section in a piece of writing that concentrates on a particular aspect of the topic being written about.

Paragraphs are made up of at least one sentence, and they always begin on a new line. (For specific formatting advice relating to paragraphs, see Type size, alignment and spacing.)

As a general rule, a new paragraph should begin when you wish to do any of the following:

Start or end a strand of your argument
Introduce a new idea or point
Contrast information or ideas
Break an overly long paragraph

Point form

Point or bulleted form is acceptable in some cases (such as report formats), and it can be a very effective way of communicating pieces of related information. Note that before using point form, it is important to find out from your tutor or lecturer whether it is appropriate for that particular piece of work.

When composing point or bulleted items, the following general guidelines apply.

Items should always be preceded by an introductory sentence.
Items can be as short as one word, or as long as a paragraph, depending on context.
Items that are short (one sentence, or just a few words) should follow a similar pattern of composition (within each series of points). This creates a 'rhythm' that helps to reinforce that the items are connected in idea. An effective way to do this is to begin each item with the same word, or the same type of word (all nouns, all verbs, and so on), or use the same sentence structure. (For example, the points about paragraphs in the series above all begin with a verb.)
Items of complete sentences should begin with a capital letter and end with a full stop. (For example, the items in this series of points are all complete sentences.)
In formal writing, and in some subject areas, it is traditional for items of single words or groups of words that form part of the introductory sentence to begin with a lower case letter. The items are then separated by a comma or semi-colon (depending on sentence structure), with the second-last item ending with 'and' and the final item ending in a full stop. However, this treatment it is not used universally. It is important to follow your lecturer's preference on this issue, and apply this consistently.
An alternative and less formal approach (and the one taken in this document) is for items of single words or groups of words to begin with a capital letter, even though they are not complete sentences. (For example, the points on paragraphs, above, are not complete sentences, but they have been given a capital letter as a stylistic choice to maintain consistency throughout the document.) This less formal approach also does away with any commas, semi-colons or connecting words (i.e., 'and', 'or', etc.)