• To research is to explore an idea, probe an issue, solve a problem, or make an argument that compels us to turn to outside help – It's finding answers to tough questions and solutions to nagging problems. – It's discovering new knowledge and interpretations in your field of special interest. – It's the ultimate exciting, challenging, handson learning experience.
Creative
• Original • Skeptical
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Is the essay academic?
An essay describing what life is like in a small village which suffers from shortage of water and absence of electricity or phone services by an student from that village.
• • • • • • Critical reading and critical thinking Thoughtful revision Directed toward an audience: Example 1-2 A clear purpose: Example1-3 Expresses ideas clearly Pulses with creativity
Elements of a research paper
• The Preliminaries (Front Matter) • The Text • Reference Materials (Back Matter, or End Matter)
The Preliminaries (Front Matter)
What is a research paper?
• A research paper is a combination of knowledge and practice. • To write a research paper is to research.
What is a research paper?
Coherence
• All parts or elements well connected to show clear logical (causal, contrastive, hierarchical, parallel, etc.) relations
Emphasis
• Special and significant stress given to important ideas by means of position, repetition, or other indication
Chapter 1
Introduction
Main Points
• • • • • • What is a research paper? Why should we do research? What is Academic/scholarly? Characteristics of a good academic writing Elements of a research paper Stages of writing a research paper
• • • • • • • Title Page Abstract and key words Copyright Page Preface Table of Contents Lists of Tables and Figures Acknowledgements
The Text
• Organization of Chapters: introduction, body and conclusion (sets of three) • Chapter Titles and Headings
What is a research paper?
• A research paper may be a – term paper for a university course – a published article in a journal – and a thesis or a dissertation as a partial requirement for a university degree
Development
• Adequate elaboration and sufficient expansion
Clarity
• Precise, concise, and lucid in style
Further requirements for a good, effective academic writing
Revision, editing The first draft The overall plan Materials The topic
Preliminaries
Stage 1: Doing preliminary work
• Choose a general topic direction • Start preliminary research • Write a rough proposal
Why should we do research?
• Because it activates input and output of knowledge. • Because it gives you a valuable "heads-up" for graduate-level study. • Because it looks great on your resume. • Because it helps build up your career and get promotion. • Because it helps you know our business better and do a better job, and enhance the quality of service.
Why should we do research?
• We strongly encourage –applied types of research: we use what we have learned in class to resolve what has bothered us in our work with the expectation that a better job can be done.
What is a research paper?
It is usually a lengthy documented report that focuses upon an academic topic and it is intended to inform the audience in the relevant field about the research topic, purpose, methods, results (findings), conclusions and recommendations.
Why an undergraduate pursue research projects?
• It helps you make decisions about your future education and career. • It helps you learn more about your chosen field and its opportunities. • It teaches you critical thinking skills valuable in any job. • It cultivates your awareness of scientific research and spirit of innovation. • It practices your ability to use language. • It trains your ability to think and organize.
An essay is academic if the author is -• Summarizing or synthesizing information and ideas gathered from research. • Explaining, comparing and contrasting, evaluating, or analyzing concepts, events, and phenomenon. • Arguing for or against a position in an ongoing debates.
Basic Characteristics of a good academic writing
• • • • • Unity Coherence Emphasis Development Clarity
Unity
• All parts or elements of the writing constitute an organic and harmonious whole
What is academic?
• Scientific