Get going:
Tools for structure and the writing
process
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 1
Today:
How to structure an assignment ?
- your argumentation
- your outline; give and get feedback
Break
Finding relevant material
“Tips and tricks” for the writing process
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 2
Argumentation and structure
The purpose of academic activities is to
produce valid knowledge.
You argue for the validity of this knowledge
in the academic texts.
Therefore the argumentation is important
for structuring the text.
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 3
Argumentation
What is the claim that the authors want to
make?
On what basis do they make this claim?
• What kind of investigation did they do?
• What theories do they draw on?
• What do they use the theories for?
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 4
An argument
Claim
Data
Information to support the
claim
A statement sender makes
to an audience
Empirical data from:
Creative writing
techniques empower
students
• Workshops
• Interviews
• Case study
Warrant
Assumptions that sender and the audience agree on
Psychoanalysis, literary theories, academic
literacies – and methods used for conducting
and analyzing workshops, interviews, case
study
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 5
The argument in the paper
Data
Claim
-from authorities in
the field
-from studies by
others
-from your own
study, e.g. textual
evidence,
- empirical data
- usually presented in
Conclusion.
Warrant
The writer has used a field
dependent general method of
getting from Data to Claim
The legitimacy of the method
is acknowledged by the
intended audicence
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 6
Your outline
Explain the basic idea in your outline:
•
What is the connection between chapters?
Where in your outline will the reader find:
•
•
•
Your claim/ research question/ problem statement?
The data that support your claim/statement?
The warrant (theories and methods) that makes it
possible to get from data to claim?
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 7
Standard five part format:
Introduction: What is the purpose of the investigation? Claim
Methods: How did you do your investigation? Warrant and
backup for warrant
-
Research design
Materials
Procedures followed
Results/Findings: What are the empirical results? Data
Discussion: of your results/findings Rebuttal
- did your investigation accomplish your purpose?
- link your findings to the problems raised in the introduction
Conclusions (and maybe recommendations): Qualifier
- maybe a summery and recommendations for further research
Bean, 2001
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 8
The argument in your paper
Data
Claim
- usually presented in Conclusion.
-from authorities in the field
-from studies by others
-from your own study, e.g.
textual evidence,
- empirical data
Warrant
The writer has used a field dependent general
method of getting from Data to Claim
The legitimacy of the method is acknowledged by
the intended audicence
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 9
Standard five part format:
Introduction: What is the purpose of the investigation? Claim
Methods:
-
How did you do your investigation? Warrant and backup for warrant
Research design
Materials
Procedures followed
Results/Findings: What are the empirical results? Data
Discussion: of your results/findings Rebuttal
- did your investigation accomplish your purpose?
- link your findings to the problems raised in the introduction
Conclusions (and maybe recommendations): Qualifier
- maybe a summery and recommendations for further research
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 10
Your outline – give and get feedback
Explain the basic idea in your outline:
•
What is the connection between chapters?
Where in your outline will the reader find:
•
•
•
Your claim/ research question/ problem statement?
The data that support your claim/statement?
The warrant (theories and methods) that makes it
possible to get from data to claim?
Academic Writing in a Global Perspective
Dias 11