Structure of
an
Academic
Academic texts can be articles,
conference papers, reviews and
theses/dissertations. How are
academic texts typically formed? In
general, academic texts are organized
with the following characteristics: (1)
has clearly structured introduction-
body-conclusion, (2) is formal, (3)
includes information from credible
sources which are properly cited, and
The common parts of a text
pertain to the I-B-C
(Introduction, Body and
Conclusion) structure. Each
part consists of sub-
components that could help
readers identify the main
five common patterns
of organization
(1)Description
(2)Order/Sequence
(3)Comparison/
Contrast
(4)Cause and Effect
(5)Problem and
•Order/ Sequence: Texts that follow this structure tell
the order in which steps in a process or series of events
occur.
Transition next, first, last, second, another, then,
s additionally,
next, finally, before, preceding and
others
Example First, read the manual of the device. Second,
turn on
the device. Then, set the location, time and
date.
•Comparison/Contrast: Texts that follow this structure
tell about the differences and similarities of two or more
objects, places, events or ideas by grouping their traits for
comparison.
Transition However, unlike, like, by contrast, yet, in
comparison, although, whereas, similar
to, different
from, as opposed to, instead of, as well
as.
Example Unlike quantitative research, qualitative
research uses
descriptive data.
• Description/List: This structure resembles an outline.
Each section opens with its main idea, then elaborates
on it, sometimes dividing the elaboration into
subsections.
For example, for instance, specifically, in
particular, in addition, to illustrate, such
as, most important,
Transition another.
Filipinos are very appreciative of arts such as
plays,
Example paintings, music, and literature.
Cause and Effect: In texts that follow this structure,
Cause
the readerand
is told Effect: In antexts
the result of that
event or follow this
occurrence
and the reasons
structure, it happened.
the reader is told the result of an event or
occurrence and the reasons it happened.
Consequently, therefore, as a result, thereby,
Transitio
ns leads to, because of, in order to, for these
reasons, thus, if-then, may
be due to.
Example Everyone followed health protocols. As a
result, the
pandemic was gradually eradicated.
Problem-Solution: This presents a problem and several
possible solutions. The author may also describe the
Problem-Solution: This presents a problem and
pros and cons of each solution.
several possible solutions. The author may also
describe the pros and cons of each solution.
Transitions The problem is, the difficulty is, it
is possible to, if-then,
one challenge is, therefore.
Example The problem that we are facing is the
lack of self-discipline
of the society.
