Here are your Writing Guide Options for the Metacognitive Reading Report

(MRR): (20% OF YOUR MODULE GRADE)

OPTION A: TEMPLATE-BASED/DIRECTIONS-DRIVEN (see/read MRR1 directions, BB Module 1, 2 & 3)

OPTION B: CREATIVE WRITING STYLE

1. Provide a brief description or a critique of the prescribed reading material to create an

impression that you have carefully examined the scholarly article. Place this portion at the start
or end of your discussion. This can also be contained in the conclusion or synthesis portion of
your paper
2. Sound argumentative in your paper, and use phrases like, “I argue that,” “My contention is
that,” “The point is valid, however,” “While it’s true that globalization does good, I believe
otherwise,” etc.
3. Personalize your essay, and provide some space for critical thinking and reflexivity. Use the 1 st
person point of view, and situate yourself in whatever you wish to convey. The experts may be
right, but there is always what we call “inner wisdom” in one’s self. This is the very essence of a
metacognitive report.
4. Go beyond what your rationality dictates. Listen to your heartbeat, and factor in an element of
emotionality – describe how you feel about a phenomenon, an issue, a crisis or what-not. Go
beyond the facts and perceptions, and probe “experiential data” including your stories.
5. Consider integrating in your paper interesting symbols, symbolisms, images or anything that will
represent an idea, a feeling or anything that you want to describe. This is an attention-getting
strategy that blends well in a visual writing culture.
6. Integrate in the body of your paper other sources of information/data (at least two additional
materials/references) to support the views or claims put forwarded by the author of the
prescribe reading material, or it could be otherwise -- to disprove or counter the arguments.
This will make you paper more scholarly, and shall create an impression that you do not just
settle for less. It’s also indicative of your resourcefulness.
7. Refrain from using overly popular, template-based, copy-paste phrases like “I used to think
that,” “The three things that are still unclear to me,” etc. Better yet, go direct to the point, and
challenge your writing style. Technically, this also reduces your SafeAssign similarity percentage
score. Take note that oftentimes, the top source of similarity is institutional. Several Mapuans
including faculty have uploaded in the BB outputs that are basically template-based.
8. You need not follow strictly the directions provided in the BB Modules for an MRR. Think and
write outside the box, explore, and recreate! Do not forget that you have this distinct writing
style. Let not those directions constrain, if not undermine it.
9. You may or may not follow this guide (that’s why it’s only a guide). In a sense, this guide reflects
the writing orientation and expectations of Sir G. But, please take the opportunity to reflect on
how these tips could probably enhance your writing competencies. Getting out of your comfort
zone, sometimes, is a challenge per se. Give it a try!
10. Be sure to give credit where it is due much as you need to properly cite your sources (in-text
citations) and indicate your references. Consider APA (American Psychological Association) style
of documenting your paper.
“COMMON STUDENT QUESTIONS & MY ANSWERS”:

1. Can I just choose Option A? – Of course, you can! But I highly expect academic scholars to
choose Option B.
2. Can I still get a perfect score if I just work the traditional way (Option A)? – yes, as long as you
write it well, and it meets the criteria contained in the MRR Rubric (see Module 1)
3. Which Option do you prefer, Sir? – Option B obviously! Hehe
4. Do I need to follow all the tips in Option B? – No, it’s always your call as the writer, but I would
be glad to see them coming through in your paper.
5. Do students who work on Option B get higher scores? – No, not at all times. But oftentimes, yes!
I read analytical papers and research carefully.
6. Is it the same set of criteria (rubric) for both options? – Yes, of course! But you are already a
step ahead of the rest if you work on Option B since it gives you an edge in terms of
contents/substance and structure.
7. Do you send any feedback in the BB after checking our papers, Sir? – Yes, especially when the
output is unacceptable/plagiarized, if not, with 20% and above SafeAssign results. I oftentimes
give an overall/general “feedforward” (not just a feedback) for everyone to do better in the next
MRR/papers.
8. Do you accuse students of plagiarism, and broadcast it? – No, I do not, and that’s utterly
unethical. I just give the student the benefit of the doubt, and send him/her a private message.
However, I ask students to rewrite and resubmit, whenever necessary. However, if the student
incurs, every now and then, high similarity results, despite my reminders, that’s the time that I
shall refer the student to the Prefect of Discipline, as per Mapua University policy.
9. Do number of pages, font size, spacing, etc. matter? – Not at all. As long as you have made a lot
of sense, then, you are good! From my end, it’s substance over form.
10. Where do I submit revised output? – After seeking approval from me, you need to upload your
Word file via DM to Gil AB Orcena’s fb account. Refrain from submitting via BB Course
Messaging and emails as I seldom open these platforms.

Should you have further questions, comments, or concerns, please send me a DM and expect a reply
@ 8:00pm-9:00pm, daily, except on Sundays and holidays. Thanks, and keep safe and well. – Sir G