STRUCTURE OF ACADEMIC
TEXT
FORMAL ESSAY
In composition studies, a formal essay is a short,
relatively impersonal composition in prose. Also known
as an impersonal essay or a Baconian essay (after the
writings of England's first major essayist, Francis Bacon).
In contrast to the familiar or personal essay, the formal
essay is typically used for the discussion of ideas.
Its rhetorical purpose is generally to inform or persuade.
PARTS OF FORMAL ESSAY
I-Introduction
A. Attention-getter
You can start with;
a quotation
with a relevant stat or fun fact
start with a fascinating story
or ask your readers an intriguing question.
B. Background of the topic
C. Thesis Statement
II- Body (Main Point 1)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
PARTS OF FORMAL ESSAY
III-Body (Main Point 2)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
IV- Body (Main Point 3)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
PARTS OF FORMAL ESSAY
V-Conclusion
A. Restate your main point
B. Summarize your points
C. Include remarkable statements
PRÉCIS
A précis is a brief summary of a
book, article, speech, or other text. Plural: précis.
The basic characteristics of an effective
précis are conciseness, clarity,
completeness, unity, and coherence. "The most
important task," says Barun K. Mitra, "is to ensure
that the original sequence of events and the flow
of ideas remain unchanged" (Effective Technical
Communication: A Guide for Scientists and
Engineers, 2006).
The Rhetorical Précis Format
a) In a single coherent sentence give the following:
-name of the author, title of the work, date in parenthesis;
-a rhetorically accurate verb (such as "assert," "argue,"
"deny," "refute," "prove," disprove," "explain," etc.);
-a that clause containing the major claim (thesis
statement) of the work.
b) In a single coherent sentence give an explanation of how
the author develops and supports the major claim (thesis
statement).
c) In a single coherent sentence give a statement of the
author's purpose, followed by an "in order" phrase.
d) In a single coherent sentence give a description of the
intended audience and/or the relationship the author
establishes with the audience.
ABSTRACT
An abstract is a concise summary of a research
paper or entire thesis. It is an original work, not an
excerpted passage. An abstract must be fully self-
contained and make sense by itself, without
further reference to outside sources or to the
actual paper. It highlights key content areas, your
research purpose, the relevance or importance of
your work, and the main outcomes.
What to include in an abstract?
The format of your abstract will depend on the discipline in which you are
working. However, all abstracts generally cover the following five sections:
1. Reason for writing: What is the importance of the research? Why would a reader
be interested in the larger work?
2. Problem: What problem does this work attempt to solve? What is the scope of
the project? What is the main argument, thesis or claim?
3. Methodology: An abstract of a scientific work may include specific models or
approaches used in the larger study. Other abstracts may describe the types of
evidence used in the research.
4. Results: An abstract of a scientific work may include specific data that indicates
the results of the project. Other abstracts may discuss the findings in a more
general way.
5. Implications: How does this work add to the body of knowledge on the topic?
Are there any practical or theoretical applications from your findings or implications
for future research
MOVIE REVIEW
HEADLINE: Include the title of the movie
PARAGRAPH #2: Summarize the plot (story). Where and when did it take
place? Who are the main characters? What is the story about? Remember,
do NOT include spoilers and do not tell how the story ends!
PARAGRAPH #3: Talk about the actors/actresses and discuss who did a good
job and who didn’t. (In “A Christmas Carol” it would be voice overs and
cartooning.
PARAGRAPH #4: Talk about what you liked about the movie and what you
didn’t like. Be sure to include specific details and scenes.(cinematography,
acting, setting, soundtrack, etc.)
PARAGRAPH #5: What lessons did you learn from this story
(theme/moral)? What do you think others will learn from it?
PARAGRAPH #6: What group of people would like this
movie? Who would you recommend it to? Who would you
not recommend it to? What’s the MPAA rating of the
movie (G, PG, PG-13, R, etc…)? What is your final word on
the film: Is it good or bad?
RATING SYSTEM: Give the movie a score. You can do
grades (A,B,C,D,F+ or -), stars (*** out of *****), numbers (3
out of 5) or something totally original… just don’t use
“thumbs up” or “thumbs down.”
SHORT BIOGRAPHY AND CONCLUSION: Explain who you
are, what grade you’re in, sports you play and interesting
things you like to do. Talk about yourself in the “3rd
person,” that is, pretend someone else is writing the bio
about you. Add a conclusion
REACTION PAPER
Each semester, you will probably be asked by
at least one instructor to read a book or an article
(or watch a TV show or a film) and to write a
paper recording your response or reaction to the
material. In these reports—often referred to as
response or reaction papers—your instructor will
most likely expect you to do two things: summarize
the material and detail your reaction to it. The
following pages explain both parts of a report.
SUGGESTED FORMAT
I-Introduction
A. Attention-getter
B. Background of the topic
C. Thesis Statement
II- Body (Main Point 1)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
SUGGESTED FORMAT
III-Body (Main Point 2)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
IV- Body (Main Point 3)
A. Statement of Main Point
B. Evidence 1
C. Evidence 2
SUGGESTED FORMAT
V-Conclusion
A. Restate your main point
B. Summarize your points
C. Include remarkable statements
POSITION PAPER
What are the objectives of writing a position paper?
Formally inform others of your position or viewpoint in an issue
as a foundation to build resolution to difficult problems.
Present a unique, though biased, solution
or a unique approach to solving a problem
Frame the discussion in order to define the "playing field."
This can put you in an advantageous position with those who may not be so
well prepared as regards the issues behind their positions
Establish credibility
Here you are demonstrating that you have a command of the issues and the
research behind them, and can present them clearly
Let your passion be demonstrated in the force of your argument
rather than in the use of emotional terms
Consistency is a key here
SUGGESTED FORMAT
I. Introduction
___A. Introduce the topic
___B. Provide background on the topic
___C. Assert the thesis (your view of the issue)
II. Counter Argument
___A. Summarize the counterclaims
___B. Provide supporting information for counterclaims
___C. Refute the counterclaims
___D. Give evidence for argument
III. Your Argument
___A. Assert point #1 of your claims
_____1. Give your opinion
_____2. Provide support
___B. Assert point #2 of your claims
_____1. Give your opinion
_____2. Provide support
___C. Assert point #3 of your claims
_____1. Give your opinion
_____2. Provide support
IV. Conclusion
___A. Restate your argument
___B. Provide a plan of action
CONCEPT PAPER
Concept Paper lays the foundation for the applied
dissertation process, providing an introductory form of
communication between the doctoral student and
the doctoral committee. Essentially, the Concept
Paper acts as a proposal; it allows the doctoral
student the opportunity to define a research focus
and obtain early feedback on the research idea. A
well-planned Concept Paper will capture the interest
of the dissertation committee and establish a clear
plan for the student’s dissertation.
WHAT TO INCLUDE IN A CONCEPT
PAPER?
1.Title Page
2. Statement of the problem
3. Preliminary Literature Review
4. Goal Statement
5. Research questions
6. Abridged Methodology
7. Timeline
8. References
QUESTION TO PONDER:
1. What do you think is the importance of studying these STRUCTURES
OF ACADEMIC TEXT/WRITING?
2. How could you be able to apply these in your daily lives?
QUIZ
1. It is also known as an impersonal essay or a Baconian essay.
a) Precis b. Research Paper c. Formal Essay
2. It is a brief summary of a book, article, speech, or other text.
a. Reaction paper b. Precis c. Summary
3. It is a concise summary of a research paper or entire thesis.
a. Abstract b. Precis c. Concept paper
4. Why do you think it is important to know these Structures of Academic text/
a. It will make you feel satisfied with your writing.
b. It will make your writings more visible.
c. It will make your writings more appropriate.
5. How important is it to identify the different Structures of an Academic text/Writing?
a. To improve writing skills
b. To focus on one’s writing skill
c. To develop oneness of ideas within a paragraph.
Reflective Journal Entry #2:
1. Choose two pairs of academic texts to be
compared and contrasted. Utilize a graphic
organizer to carry out such an activity. Include five
(5) differences and five (5) similarities.
2. Choose one academic text that you find
beneficial and significant in your life as a student.
Employ at least 5 sentences for explanation.
5 points will be deducted for late submission.
