You are on page 1of 12

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

TOPIC 5

WRITING ACADEMIC PAPERS

5.0 This topic intends to assist course participants to be aware of how academic papers are written, able to paraphrase ideas given, use the APA citation style (6th edition) correctly and write a good academic paper. 5.1 Learning Outcomes Distinguish facts from opinions and paraphrase them Display and justify findings Cite references correctly using the APA citation style (6th edition) Write effectively an academic paper with the assistance of articles read

5.2 Content WRITING ACADEMIC PAPERS

5.2.2 Referencing System APA 6th Edition 5.2.1 Components of an Academic Paper

Ways of citing and writing references and bibliography

5.2.1 What Is Academic Writing? Writing is one of the four main skills that is pertinent in various areas in life. One type of writing is academic writing which has its own set of rules and practices.

These rules and practices may be organised around a formal order or structure in which to present ideas, in addition to ensuring that ideas are supported by author citations in the literature. In contrast to personal writing contexts, academic writing is different because it deals with the underlying theories and causes governing processes and practices in everyday life, as well as exploring alternative explanations for these events. Academic writing follows a particular tone and adheres to traditional conventions of punctuation, grammar, and spelling.

94

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

i.

Structure

Some kind of structure is required, such as a beginning, middle, and end. This simple structure is typical of an essay format, as well as other assignment writing tasks, which may not have a clearly articulated structure. A. Academic writing structure

Typical university assignments follow a formal structure, which is often more formal than in personal writing. Essays In the case of an essay, the introductory paragraph informs the reader about the nature of the topic, which is discussed and evaluated in the middle of the essay, also referred to as the body. The introduction may also summarise very succinctly, in a sentence or two, your position on the issue, which is then elaborated on at length in the series of paragraphs that make up the essay's body. The final paragraph constitutes a conclusion in which you may summarise the overall points made. The concluding paragraph is also a good point at which to move the essay forward to touch on implications or future advancements surrounding the issues addressed.

Reports ii. Another type of structure, common in university assignments is that of a report, often organised around the identification of problems or difficulties and corresponding solutions. Unlike most essays, a report is divided according to clearly labelled sections, such as Introduction, Discussion, Conclusions, and Recommendations. Further, unlike an essay, reports allow for bulleted points with respect to the conclusions and recommendations sections.

Referencing

A significant difference between academic writing and other writing genres is based on the citation and referencing of published authors. A. Referencing and citation If you make judgments about something in academic writing, there is an expectation that you will support your opinion by linking it to what a published author has previously written about the issue. Citing the work of other authors is central to academic writing because it shows you have read the literature, understood the ideas, and have integrated these issues and varying perspectives into the assignment task. The importance placed on referring to other authors in your work can be reflected in the elaborate referencing conventions that have been created within different disciplines, such as APA (American Psychological Association) referencing,
95

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

which is used in psychology, education, some social sciences, as well as for business. iii. Academic Tone

Like all varieties of writing, academic writing has its own tone, which dictates the choice of words and phrasing. Academic writing typically aims to be: objective (e.g. using inclusive language) concise formal (e.g. avoiding slang, exclamation marks, contractions) The tone of academic writing can also vary significantly depending on the subject-area and the academic discipline you are writing for. The readings, textbook, and study guide of your course show you what tone is expected in the paper, so study their style carefully. A. Writing objectively

Being objective suggests that you are concerned about facts and are not influenced as much by personal feelings or biases. Part of being objective is being fair in your work. Try to show both sides of an argument if you can and avoid making value judgements through your use of words such as wonderful or sarcastically. Being objective also makes your work more professional and believable. Techniques to make your writing more objective : Be explicit in expressing your ideas. For example, ten instead of several; 70% instead of most of the population; three years ago or in 2006 instead of some time ago. Avoid intensifiers which can tend to exaggerate your writing. For example, awfully, very, really. Avoid language that implicitly excludes any group of people. Avoid the personal pronoun I but write more impersonally. For example, It could be argued that instead of I think. Alternatively use citations to express your views, e.g. Satherley (2007) believes that

Note: Despite the fact that you are not encouraged to use the personal pronoun I in academic writing, your viewpoints and opinions will still come through. Although they may not be specifically attributed to you, the fact that the comments you choose to make are a part of your assignment tells the reader that you believe what you are writing. Stating I think or In my opinion weakens the text and the strength of your argument. In addition, adding such personal comments almost seems to emphasise that the writing is just your opinions or interpretations, rather than positions that are supported by logic and the evidence.
96

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

However, some lecturers and some styles of academic writing (e.g. reflective writing) allow or encourage the use of the personal pronoun. See 1st person vs. 3rd person for details. Techniques to make your writing more concise: Make your points straight away The first point relates to, Secondly, Finally Replace phrases with single words The group of science students sat their exams the science students sat their exams Smith (2006) also believed this to be true, but took into consideration the fact that some managers also preferred to have long meetings that took all day Smith(2006) agreed, but considered the fact that some managers preferred to have longer, allday meetings.

Avoid qualifying words which mean the same thing Records instead of past records Separate instead of separate out In retrospect instead of looking back in retrospect Omit unnecessary words lowering the rope instead of lowering the rope down measuring the job instead of measuring up the job because instead of due to the fact that Avoid saying the same thing twice The farmer sheared the sheep and removed all their wool could simply be replaced with The farmer sheared the sheep Be wary of clumsy sentences where extra words have been added that detract from the point being made There are several of the soldiers, each with their guns and ammunition, who gathered at the gates of the camp before dawn. A better way would be to say: Several of the soldiers, each with their own guns and ammunition, gathered at the camp gates before dawn. iv. The audience

It is important to remember who you are writing for. Being conscious of academic tone suggests that you are aware of your audience and respect the formality normally associated with academic writing. When writing academically, you must target a more general audience than just your lecturer and/or marker. You should assume that your readers will be intelligent thinking people, but they may not be specifically informed of your topic. Do not presume that your reader knows all the terms and concepts associated with your work.
97

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

v.

Punctuation and grammar

In academic writing you should always follow rules of punctuation and grammar, especially as the end-user or consumer of your writing, unlike a friend, is likely to be very different from you and will not always know to what you are referring. Hence, it is vital that you are clear. Punctuation and the conventions of grammar are universally known systems (within English speaking cultures) that maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity in expression. vi. Editing and proofreading

In order to produce an assignment that is as professional as possible, you must proofread. Take your time when proofreading. One way to check your assignment is to read it aloud, or even tape record yourself reading it and then play it back. You could also ask a friend or family member to read over the assignment for you.

Tasks 1. 2. Download an academic paper related to your major course. Study the academic paper and discuss its language aspects. Select a section of the article and paraphrase it. More Tasks

Select a topic that interests you. Then read at least three academic papers based on the topic chosen. Next, write an academic paper with the help of the articles you have read.

Bibliography

Academic Writing: A Guide to Tertiary Level Writing. (2007). Bowker, N. ed. Retrieved from http://owll.massey.ac.nz/pdf/Academic-Writing-Guide.pdf What is academic writing ( 1998 - 2010 Massey University). Retrieved from http://owll.massey.ac.nz/academic-writing/what-is-academic-writing.php

98

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

5.2.2. REFERENCING SYSTEM APA 6th EDITION Examples of referencing: Print Book Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year published). Book title. Location: Publisher. Sturrock, P. (1999). The UFO enigma: A new review of the physical evidence. New York: Warner Books. Author - Malay Names (without family names, omit bin / binti) Asmah Omar. (1991). Kemahiran berbahasa. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Penerbitan Pustaka Antara. Author Chinese Names (First name first, followed by author initials)

Chu, C. N. (1995). Simulated counter-current adsorption processes: A comparison of modeling strategies. Chemical Engineering Journal, 56, 59-65. Author Chinese Names with English Names (Family names followed by the initials of the English name and the author initials) e.g. Vincent Foo Hong Kong Foo, V. H. K. (1983). Sarawak: Mini episodes of the past. Selangor, Malaysia: Fajar Bakti. Author-Indian & Sikh Names (without family names, omit s/o, d/o, a/l, a/p) Tamilarasi Palani. (2009) ........ Inherited names (cite as it is) Raja Ahmad Petra. (2010). ..... Conferred titles (Omit title) e.g. Tun Mahathir Mohamad Mahathir Mohamad. (2011). ... Edition other than the first Helfer, M.E., Keme, R.S., & Drugman, R.D. (1997). The battered child (5th ed.). Chicago, NY: University of Chicago Press. Article or chapter in an edited book Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year of publication). Title of chapter. In A. Editor & B. Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pages of chapter). Location: Publisher.
99

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

Rogoff, B., & Mistry, J. (1985). Memory development in cultural context. In M. Pressley & C. J.Brainerd (Eds.), Cognitive learning and memory in children (pp. 117-142). New York, NY: Springer-Verlag. Electronic Book Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year published). Book title. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxx Schiraldi, G. R. (2001). The post-traumatic stress disorder sourcebook: A guide to healing, recovery, and growth [Adobe Digital Editions version]. doi:10.1036/0071393722 An Entry in a Print Reference Book Author, A. A. (Year published). Title of chapter or entry. In Title of book (xx ed., Vol. xx, pp.xxxxxx). Location: Publisher. Michin, D. (2001). Introduction of Exotic Species. In Encyclopedia of ocean sciences (Vol. 2, pp. 877-889). New York: Academic Press. An Entry in an Online Reference Book Author, A. A. (Year published). Title of chapter or entry. In Title of book (xx ed., Vol. xx, pp.xxxxxx). Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx James, D. (2009). Teaching Speaking Skills. In ESL Methodology ( 3rd ed.Vol.2, pp 200-210). . Retrieved from http://www. Language Quarterly.com. Journal Article Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), pages. Sobczak, J. (2009). Struggling to reconnect: Women's perspectives on alcohol dependence, violence, and sexual function. Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association, 14(6), 421-428. Online Journal Article with DOI Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), pages. doi:xx.xxxxxxxxxx Campbell, C. I., Alexander, J. A., & Lemak, C. H. (2009). Organizational determinants of . outpatient substance abuse treatment duration in women. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 37(1), 64-72. doi:10.1016/j.jsat.2008.09.012 Online Journal Article without DOI (when DOI is not available) Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), pages. Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxxx.xxx

100

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

Newspaper Article Author, A. A. (Year, Month day published). Title of article. Newspaper Title, page numbers. Baty, P. (2011, December 11). Key factors in rankings. StarEducate, p.3. Buggs, S. (2001, December 18). Texas lawmaker to introduce bill to protect employee savings. . Houston Chronicle, p.A1. Online Newspaper Article Author, A. A. (Year, Month day published). Title of article. Newspaper title. Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxxxx.xxx Cooper, H. (2009, August 23). U.S. military says its force in Afghanistan is insufficient. New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com Website Author's last name, initials. (Year published). Title of page. Retrieved from http://xxx.xxxxx.xxx University of Houston System. (1999, February 5). Community impact report. Retrieved from http://www.uhsa.uh.edu/community/impact/education.htm Unknown author (dont use anonymous) Merriam-Webster's collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).(1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster.

Exercise 1 Write the correct referencing for each of the documents below: 1. Societies look at changing the face of science & engineering; Ann Thayer; Chemical & Engineering News, Washington; Nov 25, 2002; Vol. 80, Iss. 47; pg. 39 Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism / editors Charles Sampford, Tom Round. Leichhardt, N.S.W. : Federation Press, 2001 xvii, 344 p. ; 25 cm.Includes index. Looked at on 12th February 2003 http://www.who.int/en/ World Health Organisation Home Page No author but date = 2003 Amnesty International Report 2002 Kuwait. Viewed September 15th 2002 at http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open The new look. StarFit4Life. Milton Lum 13 December 2011, p.2 Macmillan Education, London. (2nd ed.). Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. 2007
101

2.

3.

4.

5. 6.

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

7.

From Science Direct database the full text of: Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review and predictions Marine and Freshwater Research Volume: 50, Issue: 8, 1999, pp. 867 878 Wilkinson, Clive R. Wednesday's children : a study of child neglect and abuse / by Leontine Young Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press, Myers, John E. B. Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children and adult survivors. [Chapter] Myers, John E. B. (Ed); Berliner, Lucy (Ed); et al. (2002). The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (2nd ed.). (pp. 403-427). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc. Herbert, Martin. Parenting skills interventions. Reder, Peter (Ed); McClure, Mike (Ed). (2000). Family matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256). New York, NY, US: Routledge. xii, 347pp Hendricks, Cindy S. Children in crisis. [Chapter] Hendricks, James E. (Ed); Byers, Bryan D. (Ed). (2002). Crisis intervention in criminal justice/social service (3rd ed.). (pp. 170225). Springfield, IL, US: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher. xvi, 427pp. Why children's suggestibility remains a serious concern. Amye R. Warren, Dorothy F. Marsil. Law and Contemporary Problems Wntr 2002 v65 1 p127(21) What to do with the angry toddler. Morris Green, Paula D. Sullivan, Carolyn G. Eichberg. Contemporary Pediatrics August 2001 v18 i8 p65 (5573 words)

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Exercise 2 Download this example (Hacker, D. (2004). APA research paper (Shaw). Retrieved from http://www.dianahacker.com/pdfs/hacker-shaw-apa.pdf ) of how the APA citation style is used in a research paper. Study it carefully and use it in your next assignment or research.

Bibliography University of Malaya Library (UML) (2011). APA formatting and style guide (6th ed.). Kuala Lumpur: University Malaya Library. Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (2010). (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.

102

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

KEY to Exercise 1 1. Journal article (this is really a newsletter format accordingly) Societies look at changing the face of science & engineering; Ann Thayer; Chemical & Engineering News, Washington; Nov 25, 2002; Vol. 80, Iss. 47; pg. 39

Answer Thayer, A.. (2002, November). Societies look at changing the face of science engineering. Chemical & Engineering News, 80(47), 39. 2. Book Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism / editors Charles Sampford, Tom Round. Leichhardt, N.S.W. : Federation Press, 2001 xvii, 344 p. ; 25 cm.Includes index.

Answer Sampford, C., & Round, T. (Eds.). (2001). Beyond the republic: meeting the global challenges to constitutionalism. Leichhardt, N.S.W.: Federation Press. 3. Web page Looked at on 12th February 2003 http://www.who.int/en/ World Health Organisation Home Page No author but date = 2003

Answer World Health Organization. (2003). Retrieved February 12, 2003, from http://www.who.int/en/ 4. Web page Amnesty International Report 2002 Kuwait. Viewed September 15th 2002 at http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open

Answer Amnesty International Report 2002. Kuwait. (2002). Retrieved September 15, 2002, from http://web.amnesty.org/web/ar2002.nsf/mde/kuwait!Open 5. Newspaper article The new look. StarFit4Life. Milton Lum 13 December 2011, p.2

Answer Lum, M. (December 13, 2011). The new look. StarFit4Life, p.2. 6. Dictionary Macmillan Education, London. (2nd ed.). Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners. 2007

Answer Macmillan English Dictionary for Advanced Learners (2007). (2nd ed.). London: Macmillan Education.

103

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

7.

Online article from a database From Science Direct database the full text of: Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review and predictions Marine and Freshwater Research Volume: 50, Issue: 8, 1999, pp. 867 878 Wilkinson, Clive R.

Answer Wilkinson, C. R. (1999). Global and local threats to coral reef functioning and existence: review and predictions. Marine and Freshwater Research, 50(8), 867-878. Retrieved June 23, 2002, from Science Direct. 8. Book Wednesday's children : a study of child neglect and abuse / by Leontine Young Westport, Conn. : Greenwood Press,

Answer Young, L. (n.d.). Wednesdays children: a study of child neglect and abuse. Westport, Conn.: Greenwood Press. 9 Other than the first edition Myers, John E. B. Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children and adult survivors. [Chapter] Myers, John E. B. (Ed); Berliner, Lucy (Ed); et al. (2002). The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (2nd ed.). (pp. 403-427). Thousand Oaks, CA, US: Sage Publications, Inc.

Answer Myers, J. E. B. (2002). Risk management for professionals working with maltreated children and adult survivors. In J. E. B. Myers, & L.Berliner et al (Eds.), The APSAC handbook on child maltreatment (2nd ed., pp. 403-427).) Thousand Oaks, CA,: Sage Publication.

10.

Article or chapter in an edited book Herbert, Martin. Parenting skills interventions. Reder, Peter (Ed); McClure, Mike (Ed). (2000). Family matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256). New York, NY, US: Routledge. xii, 347pp

Answer Herbert, M. (2000). Parenting skills interventions. In P. Reder & M. McClure (Eds.), Family matters: Interfaces between child and adult mental health. (pp. 237-256). New York: Routledge 11. Hendricks, Cindy S. Children in crisis. [Chapter] Hendricks, James E. (Ed); Byers, Bryan D. (Ed). (2002). Crisis intervention in criminal justice/social service (3rd ed.). (pp. 170-225). Springfield, IL, US: Charles C. Thomas, Publisher.

Answer Hendricks, C. S. (2002). Children in crisis. In J. E. Hendricks & B. D. Byers. Crisis intervention in criminal justice/social service (3rd ed. pp. 170-225). Springfield, IL,: Charles C. Thomas.

104

WAJ3103 English Language Proficiency II

12.

Why children's suggestibility remains a serious concern. Amye R. Warren, Dorothy F. Marsil. Law and Contemporary Problems Wntr 2002 v65 1 p127(21).

Answer Warren, A. R. & Marsil, D. F. (2002). Why children's suggestibility remains a serious concern. Law and Contemporary Problems 65(1) p127(21). 13. What to do with the angry toddler. Morris Green, Paula D. Sullivan, Carolyn G. Eichberg. Contemporary Pediatrics August 2001 v18 i8 p65.

Answer Green, M., Sullivan, P. D., & Eichberg, C. G. (2001). What to do with the angry toddler. Contemporary Pedicatrics 18(8), 65.

105

You might also like