In Section 2, we looked at some common features that might lead us to recognize a text as “academic”. Another important aspect of academic writing is the use of a clear and fairly predictable structure.
Although writers vary in their level of formality, we do expect academic texts to have certain predictable structures. In many academic texts, it is easy to see the organizational structure because it is marked by headings and subheading.
Short essays (including exam answers) generally have this pattern:
Introduction ____________________________________
Main body _____________________________________
Conclusion_____________________________________
Longer essays, dissertations or journal articles may include:
(Some sections are optional and the order of sections may vary.) _____________________________________________
Title page ____________________________________________________
Abstract _____________________________________________________
Acknowledgements _____________________________________________
List of abbreviations ____________________________________________
List of tables, figures or illustrations________________________________
Contents ______________________________________________________
Introduction___________________________________________________
Body (This section can be further divided.)
e.g. Literature review
Methods
Results
Discussion
_____________________________________________________________
Conclusion_____________________________________________________________________
References ___________________________________________________
Appendices _____________________________________________________
Reports should generally include the following sections:
(Some sections are optional and the order of sections may vary.) ___________________
Letter of transmittal ____________________________________________
Title page ____________________________________________________
Abstract /Executive summary/ Synopsis ____________________________
Acknowledgements ____________________________________________
List of abbreviations ____________________________________________
List of tables, figures or illustrations _______________________________
Contents _____________________________________________________
Introduction __________________________________________________
Body (This section can be further divided.)
e.g. Literature
Methods
Results
Discussion_____________________________________________________________
Conclusion ___________________________________________________
Recommendations _____________________________________________
References ___________________________________________________
Appendices ___________________________________________________
Activity 3-1: Knowing the essential parts of academic writing
Find the words in the lists above that match the following definitions.
1. A short summary of 100~300 words, which explains the purpose and main findings.
____________________________________________________________________
2. A list of all the sources the writer has mentioned in the text.
____________________________________________________________________
3. A short section where people who have helped the writer are thanked.
____________________________________________________________________
4. Part of the main body in which the writer discusses relevant research.
____________________________________________________________________
5. A separate document attached to the front of the report. It is a covering letter, memo or email to the person who requested it.
____________________________________________________________________
6. A section, at the end, where additional information is included.
____________________________________________________________________
Activity 3-2: Identifying the structure
Skim over the academic article titled A Study of the Effects of Content-Based Instruction for English Majors in the Chinese Context (See Appendix 1). Study its structure and list its parts in the box below.