Week 11 : Understanding Research Skills

Barrie Olson
- emphasized the importance of citation as a “ disciplinary values”
- According to him, foremost among other writing skills is the knowledge of
citation that students should learn . Citation means choosing better
sources , integrating their work into another’s work and acknowledging the
sources.
Citation
- means choosing better sources , integrating their work into another’s work
and acknowledging the sources.
There are three options in presenting evidence from a source: Paraphrasing,
quoting and summarizing.
Citing Sources Using a Summary
Summary
- is a shortened form of facts from an original piece of writing. It is a third of
the original text depending on the purpose of the writer.
Summarizing
- involves putting the main ideas into your own words, including only the
main points.
- it is necessary to attribute summarized ideas to the original source.
- Summaries are significantly shorter than the original with a complete
overview of the source material.
Ways to summarize
1) List the most important details of the article.
2) Use your list of details to identify the main idea of the Article..
3) Include the 5 Ws
4) Write the summary using your own words and the 5 Ws.
5) Avoid keeping the same idea structure or sentence structure.
6) Do not inject your opinion into the summary.
7) Consult a thesaurus or dictionary in changing some words to avoid altering the
meaning of the idea.
8) Remember to write the sources of the original material.
In summarizing, you give the most important information about a published piece
of writing in 1 or 2 sentences. It should be the main idea of the passage

Quick Tips:
Distinguishing Two Actions In The Past
 - In telling of things that have happened in the past, it is sometimes
necessary to tell of one thing that happened before another
Simple Past Tense
- describes actions or situations that began and ended in the past.

USES EXAMPLES

Past Actions - Danica studied Psychology at

Philippine Normal University.
When she graduated, she
worked at the airline company.
- A Chinese naval fleet visited our
country last week.
- Michael hurt his feet on a
bicycle ride yesterday.
- The program began early this
morning.
- The cat slept in the couch last
night
- Time expressions used: weeks ago, later, in the past, in 1995. Adverbs of
frequency normally come before the verb.
- Past tense is formed by adding -d and –ed to the base form of the action
verb (regular verbs). It is also formed by adding –t, a change or no change
in the spelling for irregular verbs.
Past Perfect Tense
- is used to tell about the earlier of two past happenings.
Examples:

I had caught a fish before Phil baited his hook.

She had already left before I could offer him a ride.
She had worked at the post office before 1999.
I knew that you had not seen a rodeo before.
He described sights we had already seen.
I realized that you had already heard the record.

Use had + past participle form of the verb.

Use time signals: already, since, before
Irregular verbs in past participles are formed by adding –en, -t , vowel alterations
or no change at all.

Examples: -en
Base Form: eat, be/am, see, hide
Past Tense: ate, was/were, saw, hid
Past Participle: eaten, been, seen, hidden

Examples: -t
Base Form: keep, sleep
Past Tense: kept, slept
Past Participle: kept, slept

Examples: no change
Base Form: run, come, read
Past Tense: ran, came, read
Past Participle: run, come, read

Example: vowel alterations

Base Form: teach, catch
Past Tense: taught, caught
Past Participle: taught, caught

Glossary:
Citation - any academic material taken from other sources, incorporating it into
one’s work and commending the author or writer to whom the original work was
adapted.
Summary - a shortened form of an original text.
Past participle - are a nonfinite verb form in English that perform, also referred
to as -en participles, passive participles, and perfect participles.

Week 12: Understanding Research Skills Part 2

Citing Sources Using Direct Quotation
- Direct quotation is using an author’s exact words to support your claim.
Quotations must match the source document word for word and must be
attributed to the original author.
Ways of Using Quotation:
- Direct Quotations should be used sparingly. They should be significant to
your argument. You may quote a whole sentence or just a few words.
Quotation marks are used around the quotation.
Examples:
a. Dr. Tim Sung, chairperson of the engineering department, said that the budget
cuts were a “disaster for the university. Our department will not be able to
compete for the best new faculty.”
b. Psychologists reveal the following reasons why people fall in love: couples
believe that they are created for one another; they believe that they find a perfect
partner to raise babies together; they want to extend their domain and increase
their effectiveness as individuals; they find chemistry in a romantic relationship
and; they are deeply attracted to one another. Simply put, Albert Einstein once
said, “ Gravitation is not responsible for people falling in love.”

2. You may quote a whole sentence or just a few words. Example: Pippa Longstocking,
one critic complained, is not a girl at all “but a boy in disguised.”

3. If it helps you make your point, you may quote an entire passage.
● In quoting more than five lines, start the quote on a new line after double-spacing
and indenting ten spaces.
● Single –space the quotation.
● No quotation marks are used around the quote – its block form identifies it as a
quotation.

Example: When asked what her first job in this country was like, Mrs. Lynch started to
laugh: Oh, it was terrible. I worked for a rich family – in the kitchen, you know. I was the
cook’s assistant. That meant I did all the chopping , all the stirring, and all the clearing
up. I scrubbed that kitchen until my hands bled. I lasted almost a year, but I quit to marry
Joe. That’s when I started my own catering business in my kitchen.

In using direct quotation, you must:

a. Choose quotations that fit smoothly into your writing.
b. Discuss it.
c. Use active verbs to introduce it. (refer to table 1 below)
d. Put it in the most strategic place in the composition.
e. Sometimes, leave out some words to condense the quote.
f. Use parenthetical documentation or in-text citation to avoid plagiarism.

Table 1. Most frequent reporting verbs

Discipline Most frequent verbs

Philosophy say, suggest, argue, claim, propose

Sociology argue, suggest, describe, discuss, note

Applied Linguistics suggest, argue, show, explain, point out

Marketing suggest, argue, demonstrate, propose

Electrical Engineering show, propose, use, report, describe

Mechanical Engineering show, report, describe, discuss

Biology describe, find, report, show, observe

Physics develop, report, study

When to use Direct Quotation

a. When the writer wants to show that an authority supports his idea most especially in
research.
b. When the author wants to present a position or argument to evaluate or comment.
c. When the quote has symbolic language historically.
d. When a quote’s meaning is distorted when summarized or paraphrased.

Quote if you use another person's words. You must not use another person's
words as your own; do not quote if the information is well-known in your subject
area. Please note that some subjects, for example chemistry, hardly ever use
direct quotation.
Aspects of the Future Tense:
The Simple Future Tense; The Future Continuous Tense; and The Future
Perfect Tense
Setting the Context
Read the passage and underline all verbs.
Family Life in the 21st Century
What are photos of a family gathering in 2050 going to look like? Will families in
urban areas across the world grow smaller? Will the very poor in rural areas
continue to have large number of children? Will there be mostly older people in
such a photo? Probably. Why? Because people are living longer and staying
healthier, and people in economically rich societies are having fewer children. For
example, in the United States in 1980, people over 65 made up only 11.3 percent
of the total population. In 2050, people over 65 will make up over 22 percent of
the total population. Furthermore, in the 1950s, the average family had 4.8
children, while in the 1980s, it had 1.3 children. How many children will be in an
American family photograph in the year 2050? Will all the faces smiling at the
digital camera be senior citizens?
- Adapted from Mosaic Grammar 1

The Simple future tense expresses intentions, and it can be used to express
requests, promises, offers, and predictions.
A. Uses of Simple Future Tense
1. Simple future with will is used for :
a. Future predictions : Hannah will be 8 years old next year.
b. Spontaneous decision: I'll phone.
2. Be going to is used for the following:
a. Future predictions ( more informal than will): Hannah is going to be 8 years old
next year.
b. Future intentions ( based on prior decisions): Rudy and Ruby are going to get
married in October.
c. Future certainly based on current condition or present evidence: Pauline is
going to have a baby.

3. Present progressive is used for the following:

a. Future plans that have already been made: I am marching in the parade next
week.

4. Simple present is used for the following: a. Fixed scheduled events: We get
paid next Friday. If the train arrives, we’ll beat rush hour getting home. In using
the simple present or present progressive indicating future aspect, the simple
present is more formal and impersonal and is not very common except with travel
arrangements . Ex. Ann arrives today. With present progressive and be going to
– Present progressive is more common and emphasizes that the arrangement
has already been made. Be going to focus on the speaker’s plans and
intentions. Examples: I’m staying at Solaire. ( arrangement is already made) I’m
going to stay in Solaire. ( plan/ intention)

B- Simple Future Versus Future Progressive

● The future progressive is used for the possibility of change with regard to
some future event.
● Example: Simple Future: We will go to Everglades National Park on our
vacation. (definite plan)
● Future Progressive: We will be going to Everglades National Park on our
vacation. ( less definite in that it allows for a change in plans)
C – Simple Future Versus Future Perfect
● The future perfect marks an event, an activity that is complete before some
other time in the future or some other future event: Example: By the year
2030, nanotechnology will have become accessible to all. Megan will have
moved by the time she completes her studies.
● Simple Future alone suggests that the event/ activity begins with the time
mentioned: Example: Nanotechnology will become accessible to all by the
year 2030. Megan will move when she completes her studies.
Lessons in this module have provided you with the definition of direct quotation
and the ways of using quotation. Also, grammar points highlighting the different
aspects of Future Tense are added to the lessons for language mastery.
Remember the basic forms of the different aspects of the future tense :
● Simple future tense : will + verb (base form) Be going to + verb (base form)
● Future progressive tense : will be + verb (-ing form) Be going to + verb
(-ing form)
● Future perfect tense: will have + verb (base form)

Glossary
Direct Quotation - restatement of the author’s exact words. Uses quotation
marks around the quotation.
Quotation Marks - with the symbol ( “ “ ) , are used to enclose all parts of a
direct quotation, quoted words and phrases within a sentence, titles of short
works of music and poetry, lectures, technical terms in non-technical writing and
well –known expressions.

Week 13: Understanding Research Skills Part 3

Citing Sources Using a Paraphrase
- A paraphrase is a piece of text in an academic paper, borrowed from an
original source and written in your own words. Paraphrasing is common in
all fields, but it is the primary way to report evidence from sources in the
natural sciences and qualitative social sciences.
When to paraphrase:
1. When a source’s ideas or information, but not its language, are important to
your argument (for example, if the result of a study of earthworms supports your
claim, but its exact language doesn’t matter)
2. When you can state the ideas of a source more clearly or concisely than the
original.
3. When a source uses technical terms that are unfamiliar to your readers
4. When you use many passages from sources (so that you can avoid having too
many quotations).

Paraphrase
- A paraphrase is a condensation and interpretation of a source, a distillation
of its most important elements. It is nearly always more concise than a
direct quote.
- Notice the above paraphrase samples uses both quote and paraphrase.
Again, a paraphrase involves more than minor changes in the vocabulary
and word order of a source. The point of paraphrasing is to present ideas
in your own words; if you aren't going to change the wording of the source
significantly, you might as well quote it directly. The advantage of
paraphrase is that it helps you refine your own understanding of the source
and then present that understanding to your audience. You just have to
make sure to set it off with quotation marks.
- Notice that the example of paraphrase above indicates the source - the
title of the article and the year of publication separated in parentheses. It is
necessary to cite your source since the ideas you're summarizing or
paraphrasing came from someone else. This is a way of avoiding
plagiarism.
STEPS IN PARAPHRASING:
1. Read the original text.
2. Substitute words . You may use synonyms by consulting a Thesaurus to know
the precise meaning.
3. Rearrange sentences.
4. Check the meaning of your paraphrase against the original.
5. Don’t forget to identify the source you are paraphrasing.

What are the differences between quoting, paraphrasing, and

summarizing?
Quotations retain the original word from the author or from a source document
but the author must be acknowledged as the original source.

Summarizing uses its own words to shorten other’s ideas. A summary should
include the main points of the author’s ideas. A summary should be about
one-third of the original length. It is important to acknowledge the original source.

Paraphrasing is not a word-for word repetition of what the speaker has said, nor
do you need to summarize the content of each phrase or minor detail (Beebe,
Beebe & Redmond, Interpersonal Communication: Relating to Others).
Paraphrased material must also be attributed to the original source.
Below are examples of words and their substitutes or synonyms:
Instead of… Use

We became aware of We realized

Damaged vision Impaired vision

unpleasant unacceptable

Of vital importance Essential role

skill ability

knowledge awareness

English Words with Foreign Origin

Some English words that we use today originate from foreign words. Here are
the list:

English Words with Foreign Origin Meaning

facade French: front

fiance French: a man engaged to be married

fiancee French: a woman engaged to be

married

cello Italian: a musical instrument like a

violin but larger with a lower tone

buffet French: meal at which guests serve

themselves from food on a table

epitome Greek: a condense account; a

summary; person or thing typical of
something

robot Czech: a machine made in imitation of

a human being

blitzkrieg German: warfare in which the

offensive is extremely rapid, violent
and hard to resist.
gauze French: thin cloth used for bandages

mustache French: hair on upper lip

corps French: a military unit

divorcee French: a divorced woman

lingerie French: women's undergarments and

nightgowns

protocol Greek: rules of etiquette of the

diplomatic corps

idyll Latin: a short poem or prose

describing a scene or event connected
with country life

chic French: smart and stylish

Ad lib Latin: to speak without notes

bonafide Latin: genuine, without fraud

rendezvous French: meeting by appointment at a

fix place or time

soiree French: evening party

colossus Greek: a gigantic statue, anything

huge or important

Coup d’ etat French: sudden overthrow of a

government

Habeas corpus Latin: a writ requiring that a prisoner

be brought before a court to decide
the legality of his detention

verbatim Latin: word for word

Modus operandi Latin: the manner of working

Erratum Latin: error in writing or printing

millennium Latin: a thousand years

Glossary
Paraphrase
- is putting another person’s ideas into one’s own words using one’s own
sentence structure and style of writing. A paraphrase simplifies a selection;
it does not necessarily shorten it. It can be longer than the original source.
Plagiarism
- is the uncredited use, either intentional and unintentional, of somebody
else's words or ideas.
Quotation
- uses the writer's actual words that support your argument. It is enclosed
with quotation marks depending on the number of lines of the quotation.
Summary
- is shorter than the original source but contains the main points of the
author. It is an overview of the source material.

Week 14: Citation and Documentation

Styles of Citations and Documentations
- Documentation provides a list of relevant materials gleaned from other
sources in writing a research paper or other writings done in academic or
professional contexts. The value of a paper is seen in the documentation.
Whether primary or secondary sources, they should be cited to reflect
accuracy of information.
Reasons for Citation:
1. Defense against plagiarism
- Citing sources is a tool any writers or researchers must do to avoid
accusations of plagiarism. However, Olson (2013) suggested citation
should be taken as a “ mechanism” when writing a paper, not just a
“defense against plagiarism accusations”. In doing so, students will
be motivated to choose better sources, incorporating them into their
works and citing them properly.
2. To acknowledge indebtedness
- citation is a sign of respect because it recognizes the work and
achievements of previous scholars. The researcher or writer has to
acknowledge sources of materials whether in a form of paraphrase
and summary, quotation (either directly or indirectly) whether primary
 or secondary source. It is done for ethical concerns that the writer is
indebted to the different ideas and works of others which contribute
to the completion of his or her paper.
3. To establish validity of evidence
- citing the sources gives the reader veracity of information which
supports his or her ideas.
4. To provide cross –references
- readers can trace the origin of ideas for further research.
Furthermore, citations guide the readers into works that have been
done and pointing to the gaps still needed for further study.
5. To establish an “intellectual network”
- According to Feak and Swales (2009), citation informs the reader of
the relevant works of the writers , thus establishing an “intellectual
network”.
6. To establish authority of work
- Citation persuades readers on the ideas contributed to the academic
field.
Styles of Documentation
- Most researchers uses the following styles:
A. Note Citation
- Note citation is the older style of citing authorities. There are two kinds of
notes in documenting source materials: the endnotes and footnotes.
a. Endnotes - refers to notes indicated at the end of the sentence in
parenthetical documentation format.
b. Footnotes - document source materials of a page. This is now seldom used.

Examples of Footnotes:
● For a book:
- ¹ Carter, Michael. “Ways of Knowing, Doing, and Writing in the
Disciplines.” College Composition and Communication 58.3 (2007):
385-418.
● For a magazine article:
- ² Josephine B. Anderson, “ Foods to Avoid when You Have Kidney
Stones”, Training Manual for Health Focus, November 15, 2016, p.2
● For a newspaper article:
- ³ Johnny Manalo, “ – Post Dated Politics,” Manila Standard,
September 20, 2014, p.25
 ● For an encyclopedia:
- William Markowitz, “ Time, Measurement and Determination of,”
Encyclopedia Americana (2005), XXVI, 633a – 33c.
Special forms of footnote references:
- These are the Author –Latin – abbreviation format.
1. Ibid. – stands for ibidem, which means “ in the same place”. This is used to
refer to the same reference material used by the same author to avoid
repetition. Underline ibid to show italics.
Examples:
____________________
¹ Laurentina P. Calmoorin, 1984, Educational Measurement and Evaluation,
(Manila: National Book Store, Inc.,),p.157

² Ibid. (Page cited the same from the first reference)

³ Ibid. page 202.(Page cited different page number but the same source material
from the first reference)

2. Op. cit. – Latin, opere citato, meaning , “the work cited”. It is used when
the same reference material to the same author is cited not consecutively
to different pages to refrain from repetition. The author’s surname must be
repeated to identify the work cited, followed by the abbreviation op.cit. The
pages are abbreviated, followed by a period.
Example: __________________
¹Fred Lindon, Reflection of an Entrepreneur (New York: Harper, 2010,p.5)

²Antonita Rividad, The Banes and Bones of Technology ( California: Milton Inc.,
2004)pp.55- 70

³Avelino, op.cit.,p.283.(references to Avelino are not consecutively, and different

pages in his work are cited.)

3. Loc. cit - Latin, loco citato, meaning “the page cited”. It is used when the
same reference material of the same author is cited not consecutively in
the same page. The only difference between the two is that op.cit. is cited
to different pages while loc. cit. is cited in the same page.
Example:
__________________
¹Dan Melzer, “Writing Assignments Across the Curriculum: A National Study of
College Writing.” College Composition and Communication ( C& E BookStore,
2009), pp. 240- 261.

² MacDonald, Susan Peck. “Data-Driven and ConceptuallyDriven Academic

Discourse.” Written Communication (Thomson Publishing, 1989) , pp. 411-435.

³ Swales, loc.cit. ( This abbreviation is used because the reference is to page 415
also).

4. Infra. – refers to the place “after place cited” and is applied when the same
source material has been discussed or stated after the page. For example,
in page 153 or Chapter 4 of a research paper, Friedman’s two –way
analysis of variance (ANOVA) value is presented. In page 300 and 301
(Appendix), Friedman’s two –way ANOVA is also presented, hence,
footnote is infra, pp. 300 -301.
Example:
_________________
¹³ Infra,pp.300 – 301

5. Supra – means “ before place cited.” This is used when the source has
been cited and discussed before the place. For instance, in page 62 of a
research paper in Chapter 4, the frequency of subject is discussed but this
has been presented in page 30 or Chapter 3 , thus the footnote is supra, p.
30.
Example:
_________________
¹ Supra, p.30

B. Parenthetical Citation
- most commonly used today because of the method of documenting the
resources. It is commonly used in the sciences, Language and literature.
Forms of Parenthetical Citation
1. Author and Work – the format used in the Modern language Association (
MLA) style for Language and literature research.
 2. Author and Date – the style used in the American Psychological
Association (APA), common in science and business researchers.
Two Citation Systems used in Academic Writing.
1. Modern Language Association (MLA) - the author and work format. use in
Humanities, Languages and literature

Guidelines for this format:

a. Write the author’s last name in the text of your paper, followed by the page
number in parentheses. However, in the first reference, indicate the author’s full
name in the beginning while the page number is enclosed in parentheses after
the borrowed material. Subsequent citations will refer simply to the author’s
surname.
Example:
Janet Emig pioneered the technique of the “think aloud” procedure for collecting
information about student writing processes (220- - 221). 2

b. Place in parenthesis the author’s name and the page reference immediately
following the text material.
Example: Comprehensible input is sufficient for language acquisition ( Krashen
39)

c. In citing the entire work and not a specific passage or text material, write only
the author’s name in the text and omit any page number.
Example: Frodesen summarizes current controversies about the role of grammar
in writing.

2. American Psychological Association (APA) –the author and date format ,

use in Social Sciences

Guidelines for this format:

a. Write the surname of the author and the year of publication enclosed in
parentheses.
Examples: Little (1994) states that a high level of correctness is required for
effective communication in formal and written discourse.
Or
In his findings (Little, 1994), a high level of correctness is required for effective
communication in formal and written discourse
Or
In 1994, Little revealed that …
Distinguishing Between MLA and APA Format
- APA has a publication date while MLA has none.
- APA format places emphasis on publication date due to the timeliness of
published articles in the social sciences.
- For instance, a study on cancer cells from 1956 may not be as relevant as
a study on cancer cells from 2012. Thus, whenever evidence in the form of
citation is introduced in an APA-style paper, the date is included to alert the
reader to the timeliness of the piece. In MLA, which is commonly used in
the humanities, timeliness isn’t as important. For example, a literary
interpretation of Hamlet from 1972 is just as relevant and significant as one
from 2011.
- To date, even Language and literature follows an APA format especially in
Research, thesis or dissertation due to the timeliness of the date being
given importance. Citation system depends on the format followed or
recommended by your institution. For a comprehensive guidelines using
APA format, refer to APA manual -6th edition, second printing

Table 1 shows the differences between MLA and APA Format

APA MLA

Sample in-text citations Wilhoit (2009) explains Wilhoit explains that a

that a simple claim is simple claim is when
when “you have a single “you have a single
assertion to report” (p. assertion to report” (59).
59).

Sample works cited and Wilhoit, S. (2009). A brief
reference list citations guide to writing
academic arguments.
New York: Longman.
Wilhoit, Stephen. A Brief
Guide to Writing
Academic Arguments.
New York: Longman,
2009. Print

Table 2 shows the guidelines in the Bibliographical references for the two
formats.
BIBLIOGRAPHY APA MLA

Guidelines - Author’ surname and - The bibliography must

 initials for the first and be written in a separate
middle names. - page. - Type the title
Followed by the year of “Works Cited” one inch
publication enclosed in from the top of the page.
parentheses, then place - Name of authors
a period. - Start your should be arranged
reference list on a new alphabetically, surname
page and type the title “ first. - Leave at least two
References” at the spaces between the title
center of the page. - and the first entry. Use
Entries should be written double space throughout
alphabetically, according and observe hanging
to the author’s surname. indention.
- both in the
parenthetical and
references: write the
abbreviation n.d. means
“no date” for no
publication date. (small
letters n.d.).

Example References Works Cited

Davies, A. (1991). The Wilson, Rob and Ariel
Native Speaker in Foreman. Literature in
Applied Linguistics. Critical Perspective. 3rd
Edinburgh: Edinburgh ed. New York: Simon,
University Press 1980.

Glossary
Bibliography – refers to the list of source materials used by the writer or
researcher in which the surnames of authors are arranged in alphabetical order.

Citation – is an indication (signal) in the text that this (material) is not ours; we
have “borrowed” it (as a direct quote, paraphrase or summary) from someone or
somewhere else.

Documentation – is the stylized process of indicating sources in the text

(citation) and giving full details (references) to enable another reader to locate
the sources.
Endnotes – refers to notes indicated at the end of a sentence in parenthetical
documentation.

Footnotes – refers to a kind of note in documenting sources placed at the foot or

bottom of a page with a superscript.

Ibid. – refers to “in the same place”. It is applied to consecutive footnotes with
similar reference material to the same author in order to avoid repetition.

Infra . – refers to “ after the place cited”. It is applied when the same source
material has been discussed or stated after the page.

Literature cited - refers to the list of source materials cited in the text of a
research paper, thesis or dissertation which is applicable for publication purposes
and the surnames of authors are alphabetically arranged.

Loc. cit . - refers to the “place cited '' It is used when the footnote of the same
reference materials to the same author is cited not consecutively in the same
page to avoid repetition.

Op. cit. – refers to “in the work cited” . It is employed when the footnote of the
same reference material to the same author is cited not consecutively to different
page numbers to refrain from repetition.

Reference – gives full details of the source cited in the work; the parts or
elements of the reference should be noted in a consistent order.

Research – may be defined as a scientific investigation of phenomena which

includes collection, presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that links
man’s speculation with reality.

Style guide – is a published manual that gives guidance on citation and

references to help ensure that documentation is expressed consistently, including
all the elements needed for sources to be identified. Commonly used styles are
APA and MLA.
Supra. – This means “ before place cited. It is a footnote employed when the
source material has been cited and discussed before the page.

Week 15: Developing Skills in Writing a Research Paper and Critique Paper
The Research Paper
- is similar to a term paper and that it presents a broader topic and requires
more sources.
- usually consists of no less than 5 pages to a maximum of 15 pages.
- The writer presents his/ her views about a chosen topic.
- requires library research and readings to collect information to justify the
writer’s views.
- generally follow IMRaD format: Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion

Steps in Writing Research Paper

1. Choose a topic
What is the paper about?
a. Consider the following guidelines:
➢ Field of specialization
➢ Interest
➢ Availability of references
➢ Prevalence of the topic
➢ Time constraint
b. Identify the problem you want to discuss in your paper.
Ex. Decline in reading interests among high school students

2. Narrow the topic

Narrow down to a small topic
Consider the diagram below:

Reasons why Filipino high school students lack interest in reading.

 3. Research the topic. Gather information from different sources.
a. Take down notes
b. Prepare a bibliography
Bibliography
- is a list of sources on the research topic
4. Develop the final outline
a. Think of how you could begin your paper with one of the following
opening ploys:
● a personal anecdote
● an anecdote drawn from your research
● a challenging question
Remember an attention grabbing-hook must match the content and purpose of
your article/paper.
b. Create a Research Space (CARS)
● Establishing your research area has some significance.
● Selectively summarize the previous research.
● Show the reported research is not complete.
● Turn the gap into the research space of the present paper.
c. Observe correct citation.
● Use quotation, paraphrase and summary.

Writing a Critique
- is a systematic, yet personal response and evaluation of what you read or
watch.
- Examples: a novel, a film, poetry, or a painting, research articles and
media items, such as news articles or features.
- It emphasized on the effectiveness and usefulness of the work in general
and not merely an argumentative analysis about the creative works.
Moreover, it is a careful analysis of an argument to determine:
● What is said
● How well the points are made
● What assumptions underlie the argument
● What issues are overlooked, and
● What implications are drawn from such observations

Before you write a critique consider the following questions:

● What is the nature of the piece?
 ● Who wrote it, why, and what are his/her qualifications?
● What is the significance of the piece?
● What are its objectives? How well are they achieved?
● What is the design or method for the piece?
● Does the design help the piece achieve its objectives?
● What is the particular appeal or lack of appeal?
● What assumptions underlie the piece?
● Are they offensive? Obvious?
● How do the assumptions and biases affect the validity of the piece?
Organization of a Critique paper
1. Introduce the subject of your critique – the reading under analysis.
2. Review the background facts or issues that must be understood before the
point of the reading can be appreciated: significance, design, appeal, and
so on.
3. Review the assumptions in the reading that must be understood before
you take a position.
4. Make your position statement clear: what is your evaluation? On what
basis are you making it, given what you have stated in #2 and #3?
5. Review the author’s ideas in light of the position you identified and
elaborate on each point that relates to your central position.
6. State your conclusions, reminding the reader of the points you have made
and your reasons for making them.

Additional critique tips:

Subtitle the sections of the paper into
1. summary and
2. critique
Alternatively, you could organize your critique by “strengths” and “weaknesses.”

The aim of a critique is not merely to criticize, but to point out what the creator or
author has done well and what s/he has not.

Glossary
Critique - is a careful analysis of a piece of writing, work of art or product in
which you give your opinion about the negative or positive, the strength or the
weakness points.
Introduction - located at the first part of the paper. It orients the reader to the
content of the paper by including the problem, background and scope of the
investigation.
Method - a systematic procedure or plan that deals with principles and
techniques of scientific inquiry.
Research paper - a substantial piece of academic writing, usually done as a
requirement for a class, in which the author does independent study or
investigation and presents interpretation or evaluation or argument based on
facts derived from data and results.
Summary - a condensed form of an article.