Academic Texts: Structure and Tone

Academic Texts

• Academic texts are written works that communicate ideas and concepts related to a particular academic discipline.
• Essays, research papers, reports, articles, theses, and dissertations are examples of academic texts.

Structure of Academic Texts

• Academic texts typically consist of three parts: introduction, body, and conclusion
• This structure helps readers follow the argument and navigate the text.
• A clear structure and logical flow are essential for a cohesive text.

Introduction

• Introduces the topic and provides background information.
• Includes a thesis statement.

Body

• Presents core arguments and analysis.
• Evidence is presented, such as quotes, to support arguments.
• Each paragraph should focus on one main point.
• Each paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that relates back to the thesis.

Conclusion

• Connects the key points that have been made.
• Explains the significance or importance of the argument.

Tone

• Refers to the attitude expressed in writing.
• Arguments should be presented fairly and with an appropriate narrative tone.
• Positions or arguments that differ from provided perspectives need accurate descriptions using unbiased language.

Language

• Unambiguous language is important for clarity.
• Clear topic sentences enable readers to follow the line of reasoning.
• Formal language and the third-person point of view are preferred.
• Technical language appropriate to the subject area can be used, but using complex words just for the sake of it should be avoided.
• APA is the acronym for the American Psychological Association.
• MLA is the acronym for the Modern Language Association.

Features of Academic Texts

• Complex: academic texts use longer words and a more varied vocabulary.
• Language use includes grammatical complexity, with subordinate clauses and passives.
• Formal: colloquial words and expressions should be avoided.
• Precise: facts should be presented accurately and precisely.
• Objective: fewer words are used to emphasize opinions and more to present information and arguments.
• Nouns and adjectives are used more often than verbs and adverbs.
• Explicit: writers ensure the relationships between different parts of the text are clear to the reader.
• Accurate: vocabulary should be used accurately.
• Most topics have words with specific meanings.
• Hedging: decisions about individual stance on a subject and the strength of claims should be considered.
• Responsible: writers provide evidence and justification for any claims they make.
• Organized: academic texts are well-organized, with a logical flow from one section to the next.
• Planned: the texts are well-planned and based on research and are written with a specific purpose.

Summarizing Academic Texts

• Summarizing involves condensing the main points and key details into a shorter version of the original text.
• The process includes extraction of the most important points to avoid unnecessary details, personal opinions, or interpretations.

SWBST Technique for Summarizing Narratives

• A narrative summarization technique that identifies the main character (Somebody), their goal (Wanted), the problem they face (But), the action to resolve it (So), and the outcome (Then).

SAAC Method for Systematic Summarization

• Components of the SAAC method include: stating the text's name/author/source (S), assigning an action to the author/character (A), summarizing the main point/event (A), and describing the outcome/result (C).

First-Then-Finally Technique for Processes/Chronological Events

• This includes explaining the beginning (First), highlighting subsequent events (Then), and concluding with the resolution (Finally).

5 W's and H Questions for Summarization

• Questions include: identifying the main character/subject (Who), stating the main event/action (What), specifying the time/period (When), noting the location/setting (Where), explaining the reason (Why), and describing how it happened (How).

Paraphrasing

• Main ideas of a text are restated using different words, avoiding direct copying while maintaining the original meaning.

Outline Method

• Key points are put into a structured outline using headings and subheadings.
• This method helps to organize information logically.

Graphic Organizers

• Tools like flowcharts, mind maps, tables etc. visualize and organize main ideas of the text.
• They are especially helpful for complex or detailed texts.

Give Me the Gist

• The focus is on main idea and key points.
• Condense the information into a short, clear statement.

Narrative Structure

• In stories, events go in the order of beginning, middle, and end.
• Story maps and plot diagrams are graphic organizers. First, next, then, finally, once upon a time, and eventually, are example transition words
• Key questions include identifying the characters and setting, what are the order of events and what is the conflict and resolution?

Chronological Structure

• Events are organized by in order by time
• Timelines and flowcharts are graphic organizers
• First, next, then, after, later, eventually, and at the same time, are example transition words. Key questions include identifying the specific event and asking what happened first and last?

Process or Sequence Structure

• Steps or stages in a process are explained.
• Step-by-step diagrams and flowcharts are graphic organizers.
• First, next, then, following, after, subsequently, and lastly are example transition words.
• What steps are involved? and What happens first, second, third, etc.? are example questions.

Cause and Effect Struture

• The cause(s) and the resulting effect(s) of an event are explored
• Cause and Effect Diagrams are graphic organizers.
• Because, due to, therefore, and as a result, are example transition words
• Key questions include What caused this? and What is the effect of this event?

Problem and Solution Structure

• Problems are introduced and solutions are offered
• Problem-Solution Charts and Flowcharts are graphic organizers.
• Problem, issue, solution, resolution, challenge, and remedy, are example transition words.
• Key questions include What is the problem? and What are the possible solutions?, What are the results of these solutions?

Compare and Contrast Structure

• Subjects are looked at to identify similarties and differences
• Venn Diagrams and Comparision charts are graph organizers
• Similarly, in contrast, however, both, and on the other hand, are example transtion words.
• Key questions include, What are the similarities?, What are the differences? and How do they compare?

Definition or Description Structure

• The focus is on defining features and characteristics of the subject
• Webs, Spider Diagrams, and Concept Maps are graphic organizers
• For example, such as, characteristics, and features, are example transition words.
• Key questions include What is being described?, What are the characteristics or features? and How can it be explained?

Thesis Statements

• A topic, argument/claim, and evidence are three elements that can be combined to create thesis statements.
• The argument/claim depends on the type of paper whether argumentative, research, or explanatory.

Outlines

• An outline is a design to follow when writing a structure, a discourse, or an article.
• The structure arranges material in a logical way, separating main and supporting ideas and details.
• Main ideas are the main topics of the outline.
• Main topics can be indicated by Roman numerals, subtopics by letters, and supporting details by Arabic numerals.
• The main idea can be a full sentance or topic outline.

Guidelines for Outlines

• The outline must have a title centered above.
• Each outline level should have at least two items.
• Letters and numerals should be followed by periods
• Each new level of the outline should be indented.
• Items should line up with each other.
• The first letter of each item should be capitalized.
• The terms Introduction, Body, and Conclusion shouldn't be included, as they are organizational units.

Review and Reaction Papers

• Reaction/review papers can be a response, prompt, current event, or a kind of media.

Concept Papers

• A concept paper is a brief paper presenting an idea, issue, or project for consideration and is used as a preliminary outline.

• It's commonly used in academic research, business proposals, and project planning.

• Two major kinds of concept papers are retrospective and prospective.

• Retrospective concept papers analyze past events, studies, or projects to evaluate their effectiveness.

• Reviews are done on historical data, previous research findings, or completed projects.

• Prospective concept papers focus on proposing future studies, projects, or initiatives, with the aim to outline new ideas and suggest innovative solutions.

• Both papers are important for business and research. Retrospective helps understand past experiences and refining strategies, and prospective are blueprints for innovation.

Retrospective Concept Paper Structure

1. Introduction – Presents the topic and purpose of the analysis.
2. Background Information – Provides context by summarizing past events or studies.
3. Analysis - Discusses key findings, trends, and lessons learned.
4. Conclusion – Summarizes insights and suggests implications for future work.

Prospective Concept Paper Structure

1. Introduction – Introduces the topic and the need for the proposed study/project.
2. Problem Statement - Identifies the issue that needs to be addressed.
3. Objectives – Outlines the goals of the proposal.
4. Proposed Methods/Approach – Describes how the study or project will be conducted.
5. Expected Outcomes – Discusses the anticipated benefits and impact.

Types of Reports

• Reports are commonly needed for business, scientific, and technical subjects, and they differ in their aims and structures.

• Of the report types, surveys are the most popular because they are one of the easiest ways to gather information, and used by a big number of people.
• Survey questionnaires are use as gathering tools and are utilized in fields like politics, research, and martekting.
• The goal is to gather people's opinion and other information from individuals or a group of people.

Dos and Don'ts of Questionnaires

• Concise and easy questions lead to a successful survey as questionnaires can be effectively gathering of collecting information.
• Construct survey to make respondents could be motivated and understand. Mora 2016

1. The words used must have clear meaning.
2. Address all posible opinions.
3. Focus on one topic or item within a sentence.
4. Provide an out-option.
5. Maintain appropriate time to reference.
6. Maintain structured questions.

Methods of Administering Surveys

• Administering surveys a systematic way of achieving certain goals. Sincero 2012

  1. The personal approach involves the researcher to observe the behavior of the respondents. A. In Face-to-Face Structured Interviews, the peopled involved gather information to asks the questions face-to-face. B. With telephone surveys, phone are used to ask individual about their opinion.

  2. Using a self-administed approach to allow the respondents to accomplish the survey independently. A. A paper-and-pencil survey requires the respondant to be computer literate. B. Online surveys enable to use the internet to respond to questionaires C. With mail surveys questionnaires are mailed to individuals and are given a read over time. However may only be popular

Reports

• A report is major form of communication that transmitts information from ideas or suggesstions.
• The report is written in factual, containing organized information based on the analysis of topic.
• Reports can have different purpose and are written formally.

Types of Reports

• Informal reports function to inform, analyze, and recommend.
• These reports are usually controversial in tone and concern issues addressed inside an organization

Types of Informal Reports

1. Pregress report
2. Sales activity report
3. Personnel evaluation
4. Financial report
5. Feasibility report
6. Literature review
7. Credit report

Types of Formal Reports

• In general are complex in nature, can be characterized as collect the data and used at an official level
• Report are often written about a major project which is made with new analysis and conclusions that also include studies and the over view of development with findings in the field

Type can catergorize by how informative are analytical with recommedations

• Informational: Used to present readers to understand problems of the situation

Example: Manager of The City website might prepare an informative report that councils will use to see those who pay water bill online

Informational Might Be

• State the research over view
• How to fix organization by dividison

Analytical Reports

Reports focus on persenting data and analysis of what happened.

They are written to describe something happened and explain it Are similar to other reports with casual problems such as a study to analyze car crash and show what can it explain is the meaning behind it

Potential reults of a course action and how to suggest it

Recommendation Reports

The reports present results and conclusions and are identical to analytical reports

If they follow reports that use treatment it would suggest to not overuse it or other consideration

What steps can be taken to solve a current problem? What we should do about this problems and do we have the resources/money to do it? Change the method or technoligical we use to do so?

Objectives of a Report

• The purpose of these reports is so written in such a way that is given below and may be useful for:*

• To present the accomplished work made of the "Project Report"

• To discuss the process and experiment to learn from a "Report Laboratory"

• To describe data "New Product Report"

• To track and show the "Timeline Report"

• To record the "Inspection Report"

• To report information to see it and maintain it for future use "Report and Procedures"

• To disseminate information for large audience "Annual Report"

Structure of a Report

Key features reports are arranged in a structure in section and can jump out straight to the info the needed

Compared to essays that write in a single narrative style, each section is made to be able for the reader to get straight to work In order to understand structured one must maintain function

Title

Report must provide in detail, in the readers mind to get a concise state to the topic

Abstract

• It's like a "shop window to get you in the zone" to read and get to know the information or how it presents it in paragraphs and in pages.
• Must be able to ask question as follow:
• Is this why you want to make this?
• Is this a research?
• What's your results?

Litarature Survey

The survye talks books, Journals, websites and conference papers,

• The data should be in direct relevant to your research.

The style should is present the introduction with clear themes, and discussion with trends and conclusion. To present your review, the work will summsrise showing all the relevant to the reach

Methods

Here in the section, if reader wants he or she can replicate any information that is told No Ambiguity should be made for the factual style information, you must explain methods used. The clear state methods like quesitionare, include groups of focus.

Results

A section is job is one to present simply as possible what's your research that you made

Graphs, Diagram show the most simple effectively to get the point across.

Discussion

You made to discuss how "If and Why" and " Show these" along with backs to explanations.

Bloges can use ete is find information about how to reference websites.