3. The sentences below make up a paragraph, but have been mixed up. Use the table to re-write the sentences in the correct order.

1. An algorithm is a fixed set of operations that change data in a way that makes the original document incomprehensible.

2. The key to decrypting it would be "shift one letter to left."

3. A person who wants to send another person a confidential document encrypts the file using the public key as a variable in the algorithm used by the software.

4. A simple example of an algorithm is "shift one letter to the right," so that HAL becomes IBM.

Topic
Detail
Example
Reason

4. You are writing an essay on ‘Algorithms’. Using the notes below, complete the introductory paragraph, following the structure provided.

The term algorithm is universally used in computer science.

Algorithms are the “stuff” of computer science.

There are many ‘fundamental’ algorithms which are important to know and interesting to study.

There are a few algorithms the choice of which is critical.

Essay aims to consider a large number of the most important algorithms used on computers today.

detail	The term algorithm
reason	Algorithms are the “stuff”
detail	There are many ‘fundamental’ algorithms
detail	However, in most cases there are a few algorithms
topic	The essay attempts to cover

5. Introduction

! Introduction is an important part of your work. Unless you can introduce the subject clearly the reader may not wish to continue.

5. What is the purpose of the introduction to an essay? Choose from the items below:

a) to define some of the terms in the title

b) to give your opinion of the subject

c) to show that you have read some research on the subject

d) to show that the subject is worth writing about

e) to explain which areas of the subject you will deal with

f) to get the reader’s attention with a provocative idea

g) to show how you intend to organise your essay

! It may be necessary to clarify some of the words in the title. This is to make it clear that you understand the title. Discuss the most important algorithms in use on computers today.

Algorithm is a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a modern computer.

!In longer assignments it is important to show that you are familiar with current research.

This can be demonstrated using phrases such as:

A number of researchers have examined this issue, notably ...

Various investigations have explored the subject, especially ...

!You must show the importance of the topic. This can be either in the academic word or as a contemporary issue of wider relevance.

As algorithm is increasingly important, it is worth spending enough time on each algorithm to understand its essential characteristics and to respect its subtleties.

! There is no such thing as a standard introduction, and much depends on the nature of the research and the length of the essay. However, for a relatively short essay the following are worth including, in this order.

a) Definitions of any terms in the title that are unclear

b) Some background information

c) Reference to other writers who have discussed this topic

d) Your purpose in writing and the importance of the subject

e) The points you are going to make/areas you are going to cover