❖ Always Be Accurate

- Word accuracy and precision is a

Academic Writing necessary feats.

Academic texts - formal in structure which ❖ Remain Objective

require focus and critical thinking upon - Opinions and feelings should also be
reading. put into objectivity.
- They contain language that is
“appropriate and formal but not too Style Guides and Discipline
pretentious” (Saqueton & Uychoco, - When writing for the disciplines, you
2016) since it involves words which need to know the language that the
are not too profound for the readers discipline uses.
to understand as it aims to attend to ● The Chicago Manual of Style
its purpose which is to inform, (business, history and fine arts)
explain, persuade or argue.
● MLA Handbook for Writers of
GENERAL PURPOSES FOR READING Research Papers (humanities)
AN ACADEMIC TEXT (BARROT &
SIPACIO, 2016 ● Publication Manual of the American
- to better understand an existing idea Psychological Association
- to get ideas that can support a (education, social sciences, and
particular writing assignment sciences)
- to gain more information
- to identify gaps in existing studies
- to connect new ideas to existing Major Type of Academic Paper
ones
❖ REACTION PAPER
Language Appropriateness - objectively and subjectively reacting
and evaluating concepts or
❖ Use Complex Sentences and phenomena.
Complex Structures.
- Strategies for combining sentences
like the use of word connectors and ❖ CONCEPT PAPER
coordinating conjunctions for - extensively detailing the meaning
combining sentences. and aspects of a specific topic.

❖ Maintain Formality ❖ POSITION PAPER

- Passive voice is generally preferred, - advocating for a stand regarding an
contractions are avoided, and often-divisive issue.
colloquial words and expressions
are avoided. ❖ REPORT
- narrating technically observed
phenomena.
Basic Structure of Academic Paper TOPIC SENTENCE
- describes the point of the paragraph;
INTRODUCTION it is the main idea of a paragraph. It
- main goal or objective of the text can be located at the beginning,
- contains the thesis statement or the middle, or last part of a paragraph.
claim
- thorough background of the topic HOW TO LOCATE THE TOPIC
- significance of the work SENTENCE
- for research, provides the readers - Read the first sentence of the
with a literature review and paragraph very carefully because
theoretical and conceptual most authors state their topic
frameworks. sentence in the beginning of the
paragraph
BODY - Browse the sentences in the
- “meat” of your paper paragraph to identify what they
- discusses and develops the writer’s describe. The sentence that best
main ideas and arguments. describes the topic of the paragraph
is the topic sentence.
CONCLUSION - Find the concept or idea being
- Summarizes the main ideas. tackled, which in colloquial term is
- Reemphasizes the central idea. the “big word” in the paragraph. The
- Should not include new information. sentence that defines the big word is
usually the topic sentence.
THESIS STATEMENT - Identify the purpose of the
- Written in a declarative sentence, paragraph. The sentence that
highlights the main idea of a presents or describes the purpose is
particular text. the topic sentence.
- ​Observe the writing style of the
author. Focus specifically on where
HOW TO LOCATE THE THESIS he/she usually places his/her topic
STATEMENT sentence.
- Read the title of the text and make
inferences about its purpose.
- If the text has no abstract or DISCOURSE FORMS
executive summary, read the first
few paragraphs as the thesis ❖ EXPOSITION
statement is usually located there. - To explain or inform; it appeals to the
- You may also check the conclusion intellect.
where the authors sum up and Example: A research paper on the causes
review their main points. and effects of global warming; an article on
child labor and child abuse
 ❖ DESCRIPTION
- A form of discourse that serves to 1. Topic Outline
describe or state the qualities or - No sentences, only keywords
characteristics of something/ - Do not add periods at the
someone; it appeals to the senses end
(visual; tactile; auditory; olfactory; 2. Sentence Outline
gustatory; kinestetic; and thermal - Opposite of topic outline
Example: A student's description of his ideal - Use full and complete
teacher; a writer's description of a locale he sentences
has recently visited; a descriptive article on
a festive celebration of a town's patron saint ❖ PRECIS WRITING
- a more adept and concise way of
❖ NARRATION transforming a longer text to ideally
- A form of discourse to narrate or tell one-fourth or one-third of its original
a story; it appeals to emotions. length.
Example: A narrative account of a student's
near-death experience; a fictive story about ❖ PARAPHRASING
an encounter with a supernatural being - restating the full meaning of a piece
of discourse. In short, you will have
❖ ARGUMENTATION to translate the meaning of the
- to argue (cite reasons for or against sentence or text into your own
a proposition) or to persuade (to let wording as means to clarify or to
the audience change his mind, simplify it.
convince, or take action)
Example: an essay expounding on the
retention or cancellation/cessation of the
Visiting Forces Agreement; a commercial
advertisement (print ad) endorsing a
student's "manufactured" products

SUMMARIZING TECHNIQUES

❖ OUTLINING
- provides a rapid grasp of the
fundamental aspects or parts of an
entire expository piece. It shows,
through its standard format, how
these parts relate to each other as
sections of equal importance or units
of subordinate rank which merely
support, clarify, or illustrate the main
headings under which they are
classified.
Reaction Papers ❖ For Human Situations
- A brief description of the situation
— academic texts, should be expressing - People involved, their roles, and
reactions that reflect critical thinking through contributions
logical reasoning and assertions. - Other driving forces, in the open or
hidden and unsuspected
According to Saqueton and Uychoco - Implications and consequences
(2016), a reaction paper, “is an informed - Assessment
and insightful perspective on art, popular - Some offered solutions
culture, and the world.
❖ For Cultural Affairs/Performance
The subject being evaluated and reacted - The central purpose of the event
upon, the content and response should - The means, devices, and strategies
remain reasonable and insightful which can employed to achieve the purpose
either be intelligent, humorous, or wise. - An evaluation of the achievement:
success or failure
Purpose of Reaction Paper - The significance beyond
- Reacting to or commenting on a entertainment
particular event.
- Reviewing a cultural event. TIPS
- Reviewing a book or other scholarly ● For opinions and preferences, make
publication. sure to always support them with
- Critiquing a literary piece. conventions and facts.
● It is also important that as we base
Forms and support our assertions to some
● Reflection, Appeal, Protest, documents and researches, citations
Tribute or Denunciationan, like using the American
Speculation Psychological Association (APA) or
the Modern Language Association
Reaction Paper (MLA) formats are necessary to
- also called a response paper avoid plagiarism.
- an avenue for a writer to share their ● The introduction contains an
feelings on a topic, to express assertion that can serve as your
agreement or disagreement, and to topic sentence.
evaluate the topic. ● Provide evidences to prove your
point and to justify your assertions
Reflection paper like statement of facts and
- is an avenue for a writer to focus on conventions.
their learnings rather than their ● Assertions should be explained by
feelings. providing context or the necessary
background for your readers to have
FORMATS an understanding of your purpose in
writing the reaction paper. You can
also use theories to help explain,
 predict and understand certain - Assumes agreement among people
phenomena. of “right” perception or indicates that
no agreement is expected and that
ASSERTIONS the statements are really about the
conditions of the speaker rather than
❖ CONVENTION about the content.
- depends on the truth of the Example: The government’s focus on drug
following: rules, tradition, dictionary, war must shift towards a war against
and contracts. poverty because poverty is the root of drug
Example: This certifies that the bearer is dependence and drug trade.
beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang
Pilipino Program of DSWD, and as such is
entitled to Php 800.00 subsidy per month.

❖ FACT
- Statements whose truth or falsity
can readily and finally be determined
by reference to experience.
Example: The National Anti-Poverty
Commission of the Philippines says that
poverty needs redefinition in order to find
solution at the grassroots level.

❖ OPINION
- Reflect the writer’s uncertainty about
the possibility of producing
satisfactory proof of soundness and
his recognition that disagreement is
more likely than not.
Example:
The uncertainty stems from any of the
following:
1. difficulty of the procedures
necessary for testing validity
2. ambiguity of terms
3. connotative effect of the terms in the
statements
❖ PREFERENCE
- Highly subjective because it is a
question of ‘taste’
- Statement of taste (“I like it”
statements)
- Statement of obligation (“You should
do it” statements)
POSITION PAPER 4. The sense and significance of the
- This is an academic paper which issue
presents the ideas, views, and
standpoints of a writer about an In line with the selected issue for your
issue. By writing down and outlining position paper, you must also consider
your arguments along with the building your arguments. These are
course of action you subject your necessary for you to defend your stand or
points with, you are sharing much of position in order to make your readers
your ideas and you get involved in a assent their position, change their minds,
larger debate about the issue. and take a course of action (Dadufalza,
2008 as cited in Marcial, Cruz,
Writing a Position Paper (Dapat, 2016) Malata-Silva, 2018).

● Show your knowledge and concern PARTS OF A POSITION PAPER

about the issue
● Inform the readers of your position ❖ Introduction
and conviction - presents the issue while grabbing
● Formally organize your perspective the attention of the readers.
of the issue as a basis to build - define the issue and discuss its
resolution to difficult problems background.
● Suggest unique and well-thought of - provide a general statement of your
approach deal with the issue or to position via your thesis statement.
solve problem
● Outline your discussion to define the ❖ Body
framework of the scheme - main arguments
● Establish your credibility - provide sufficient evidence such as
● Demonstrate your passion through statistical data, interviews with
the force of the argument rather than experts, and testimonies
the force of emotion - provide counterarguments against
the possible weaknesses.
As you write your position paper, the central
force for it to be considered as such is to ❖ Conclusion
have a chosen issue to discuss and - restate your position and main
formulation of arguments to address or arguments
respond to the issue selected. - suggest a course of action
- state what makes your position
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING AN ISSUE OR superior and more acceptable
PROBLEM - end with a powerful statement such
1. The prevalence and pervasiveness as a quotation, a challenge, or a
of the issue question.
2. The arguability of the issue
3. The urgency of advocating one side
of the issue
Deductive PATHOS
- If the audience is not too familiar - Evokes pity and compassion from
with the issue, this format is readers by tapping the sadness of life in
suggested since the argument is laid general.
down immediately for presenting the
principles to applications, and from BACKING UP WITH SUPPORTING DETAILS
concepts to illustrations.
● Factual knowledge which is valid and
Inductive verifiable
- Contrastingly, if the audience has a ● Statistical inferences or conclusions
knowledge of the issue but is limited, drawn from data gathered
this format is suggested as this ● Informed opinion which are based on
provides evidence, data statistics, knowledge of facts and carefully
general reason to generalizations or considered principle
hypothesis which is inferred. ● Personal testimony which is your
first-hand experience or from a
INFERENCES IN CAUSE AND EFFECT knowledgeable party
- As this format presents connections
based on the conditions for ANALOGY
occurrence of an effect, it - Capitalizes on the familiar and
necessitates the people to think of comparing instances to which readers
how the issue moves them to can generally relate to.
reconsider their positions for an
acceptable cause. GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION
PAPER
Wit, Humor, or Pathos in
Persuasive/Emotive Appeal 1.Choose an issue. When choosing one, keep
- It is best utilized if the audience is the following guidelines in mind.
highly focused on logical reason, a. The issue should be debatable – you
appeals to their humanity which can won’t be able to take a stand if the topic
strengthen the effect of persuasion. is not debatable.
- However, it requires great eloquence b. The issue should be current and
or language use for the writer. Some relevant.
of the strategies that you can use in c. The issue should be answerable by yes
this format are as follows: or no.
d. The issue should be narrow and
SATIRE manageable.
- This includes sarcasm as it intends to
arouse moral indignation with humor or 2. Begin the writing process by conducting an
anger by ridiculing folly and viciousness, in-depth research on the issue.
suggesting the opposite of what is
literally stated. 3. Make sure to define unfamiliar terms when
you first mention them.
4. Be aware of the various positions about the
issue and explain and analyze them objectively.

5. Reflect on your position and identify its

weaknesses.

6. Cite valid and reliable sources to establish

the credibility of your arguments.

7. View the issue in a different perspective so

you can present a unique approach.

8. Limit your position paper to two pages.

9. Analyze your target readers and align your

arguments to their beliefs, needs interests, and
motivations

10. Summarize the other side’s

counterarguments and use various evidences
and data to refute motivations.

11. Summarize the other side’s

counterarguments and use various evidence
and data to refute them.

12. Arrange your evidence logically using the

approaches or formats mentioned earlier.

13. Check your argument for fallacies and

eliminate them. Fallacies, or errors in
reasoning, weaken your argument.

14. Use ethical, logical, and emotional appeal.

An ethical appeal relates to your credibility and
competence as a writer; a logical appeal refers
to a rational approach in developing an
argument; while an emotional appeal uses
arguments in a way that evokes feelings.
CONCEPT PAPER analysis, functions, etymology, and
- an academic or research paper that is semantic origin
written with the primary purpose of
identifying and explaining an idea. CLARIFICATION
- this may also be written to provide an - the analysis of the concept by looking at
overview of a project by summarizing the examples
what it's about, its importance, and how
you intend to carry it out PATTERNS OF DEVELOPMENT
- useful for students and entrepreneurs
alike DEFINING: meaning of the concept

PURPOSE OF A CONCEPT PAPER DESCRIBING: providing its characteristics

● serves as a foundation of the full
proposal COMPARING: equating with other concepts
● helps determine whether a certain to ascertain similarities between concepts
project is feasible or not
● used to pique the interest of the CONTRASTING: pairing or linking with
potential funding agencies another concept with the purpose of
● used to obtain informal feedback on the identifying the differences between
ideas prior to preparing the full proposal concepts

WAY OF EXPLAINING A CONCEPT MAKING AN ANALOGY: similar to

comparing but also includes any deduction
DEFINITION: a method identifying a term and about of what has been compared
making its meaning clearer.
CLASSIFYING: arranging concepts into
FORMAL groups, based on the ways they are alike.
- Most common way, by giving its genus
and differentia. ILLUSTRATING: giving proof or evidence
so the reader could understand the concept
INFORMAL
- Provides operational definition or how NARRATING: talking about the concept
the term is used when applied in a elaborately in a narrative manner
specific context
EXPLAINING: explaining the different
EXTENDED aspects of the process
- To define profound and abstract
concepts by using analogy, and LISTING: enumerating, trying to take a
metaphors. rundown about the kinds of concepts there
are
EXPLICATION
- used to define profound and abstract
concepts by using analogy, metaphors,
comparison and contrast, descriptions,
ANALYZING CAUSE AND EFFECT: giving V. CONTACT INFORMATION
a critical explanation about the causes and
effects of the idea or concept Contains the following:
- One personal contact (name and
ELEMENTS OF A CONCEPT PAPER position)
- One personal email.
I. INTRODUCTION - Phone number and extension to
personal contact.
Provides a general statement as to what - Organization's physical address.
you are trying to accomplish. (This - Organization's website.
statement is distinct from the more specific
research or project objective, included later.) GUIDELINES IN WRITING A CONCEPT
PAPER
II. PURPOSE, NEED, OR RATIONALE - cost and methodology should be
reasonable
You should first write a background on what - budget, methodology, and timeline
all research has been done on your study should be clearly mentioned
topic. Follow this with 'what is missing' or - use statistics and figures when
'what are the open questions of the study'. discussing the rationale for the
Identify the gaps in the literature and project
emphasize why it is important to address - limit to only 5 pages or less
those gaps (excluding the title page)
- do not overwhelm the readers with
III. PROJECT DESCRIPTION unnecessary details
- never request funding for planning
Provide the following details to the the proposal
applicants: the problem the project will - refrain from using jargon when your
address, a set of goals for the project, the targeted readers are not
overall objectives for the project, as well as professionals or experts
a project plan that describes the activities - include the overview of the budget if
the members will undertake. it is required or you may simply
include the type of support your
IV. SUPPORT OR BUDGET require or need
- be sure that the basic format details
Contains either (1) an outline of the main are incorporated, such as page
budget categories for the requested project numbers
support or (2) a single bottom-line amount - cite your references
of the request and a brief discussion of how
that amount will be used. Some concept
papers may not even include an amount
requested.
Definition Essay Analogy - comparing the term to another
object/concept/idea that shares the same
— defines a word, term, or concept in depth characteristic as the term is defined.
by providing a personal commentary on Example: She is as light as a feather.
what the specific subject means.
— provides a personal, extended definition Comparison and Contrast - stating the
of such terms by linking or comparing the similarities and differences of a term
term to a previous definition and by Example: Suzy likes to go running before
illustrating how that term would be applied. everyone wakes up. Similarly, Fred sprints
through the streets before the sun begins to
Extended Definition – define abstract rise.
concepts using analogy, metaphors,
comparison, and contrast, description, Negation - defining something by
analysis, functions, etymology, and explaining what is not
semantic origin. Example: She will never accept my
proposal.
Abstract Terms – abstract terms such as
love, pain, or patriotism, have different SETTING UP THE D.E
meanings for different individuals since such - Be sure to select a subject carefully.
term plays on people's feelings more than Since such essays are personal in
their physical senses. nature, select your subject based on
your own need to clarify the term.
TYPES OF E.D.S - For example, if you feel that the
word marriage should be defined in
Etymology - defining something by a limited manner, that term would
providing an account of a word’s history. make a good subject for a definition
Example: Avocado comes from Spanish essay or perhaps as a student, you
aguacate, which in turn comes from the want to define what the term
Nahuatl ahuacatl means testicle. discipline means from your point of
view.
Contrast - defined by the use of opposites;
antonyms SELECTING A TERM
Example: Michael is rich. However, Alexis is - Select a term or subject that you
poor. know well enough so that you can
provide specific examples to
Synonym - substitution of a word by having illustrate your definition.
similar meaning for the word being defined - For example, if you aren't familiar
Example: The stars were shiny and the with the term platonic love, don't
palace was bright. attempt to define it in a extended
essay. The subject of the essay
Function - stating what the term is for must be familiar enough to you that
Example: I bought a car to save time going you can readily supply specific
to work. examples.
 - Once you have selected a subject, TITLE
outline your paper carefully before - should provide keywords of not less
writing. than ten words for indexing and
should reflect the factual content of
OUTLINING the paper.
- This will help you determine the
specific points you want to cover in ABSTRACT
the definition and point out where - let the reader decide whether to read
you need examples. the entire report or not.
-
INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION
- Use an attention grabber or hook. - Provides the context in which the
- Be sure to clearly state your claim. experiment takes place, and
This becomes your thesis statement establishes the purpose for doing
and should be the last sentence of the experiments.
your introduction. Include the
traditional or dictionary definition RESULTS
here to provide a basis for you - the general trends and differences
personal definition. and not on trivial details providing
- Possible idea: You may want to information.
open with a contradictory image to
what would be your image to DISCUSSION
illustrate that definition. - gives the interpretation of the data
from the results section.
BODY: EVIDENCE
1. The first part of your definition of the LITERATURE CITED
term. - alphabetically presents lists all
2. Example to illustrate that point. articles or books cited in your report.
3. Analysis of how the example
illustrates the point. TALLY AND FREQUENCY COLUMN

CONCLUSION: WARRANT The tally column is filled in as the survey is

A. Review of your definition's main points being carried out
B. Closing attention getter
1. Sometimes a reference back to the The frequency column is completed by
opening attention-getter is a good way of counting up the tally marks at the end of the
unifying the entire essay. survey.

2. You may want to close with an GROUPED FREQUENCY TABLE

explanation of how your definition has - This is intended for data that has a
affected you. big range
- The groups are chosen so that there
are no data items to appear in two
groups
BAR-LINE GRAPH HOW TO WRITE A SUMMARY
- Instead of bars, lines are drawn to - To write a good summary it is
represent the frequencies. The important to thoroughly understand
height of each line indicates the the material you are working with.
frequency. Here are some preliminary steps in
writing a summary.
PIE CHART
- Each frequency is represented by a 1. Skim the text, noting in your mind the
fraction of a circle subheadings. If there are no subheadings,
- ​The pie chart is divided into slices, try to divide the text into sections. Consider
which are fractions of the circle. The why you have been assigned the text. Try to
size of each slice represents the determine what type of text you are reading
frequency, as a fraction of the total with. This can help you identify important
number of students. information.

FREQUENCY DIAGRAM/BAR GRAPH 2. Read the text, highlighting important

- this is the most common way of information and taking notes.
displaying data using bars
- Frequency diagrams can also be 3. In your own words, write down the main
used to display grouped data, such points of each section.
as the ages of the residents in the
care home. 4. Write down the key support points for the
main topic, but do not include minor detail.
PICTOGRAM
- uses pictures to represent the 5. Go through the process again, making
frequency. changes as appropriate.
- sometimes one symbol represents
more than one item. WRITING THE SUMMARY

SUMMARY 1. The summary should cover the original

- A component of summary of the as a whole.
findings is to provide a discussion for 2. The material should be presented in a
each of the findings, using anchor neutral fashion.
verbiage that justifies rather than 3. The summary should be condensed
distorts the intent of the findings. version of the material, presented in your
Findings are important or relevant words.
based on the aim and scope of your
study. - also do not include anything that does not
A summary — is a composite of the key appear in the original. (Do not include your
ideas of a piece of writing, restated in your own comments or evaluation.)
own words – i.e., paraphrased. - be sure to identify your source
WRITING A SURVEY REPORT - generally, a non-disguised approach
(STEPS, TIPS, AND GUIDELINES) is used
- the respondents are asked
SURVEY questions on their demographic
- Is a method of collecting information interest or opinion
or data in which people self-report
their own opinion/behaviors in GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE
response to the questions. SURVEY REPORT
- The purpose(s) of writing a survey
report is to study a research topic Value Communicated
thoroughly, and to summarize the - Objective, accurate and honest
existing studies in an organized presentation of facts and results
manner. It is an important step in
any research project. Basic Content
- May consist of eyewitness accounts
STEPS IN WRITING A SURVEY REPORT of first – hand information.
- May contain facts, data, figures or
Step 1 statistics on or from people, events,
phenomena, structures,
Break the report into separate sections with experiments, questionnaires,
heading. Survey reports usually use interviews, and library research.
headings for each section. - May include materials and
procedures or methods.
Step 2
Modes of Ordering:
Write 1–2-page executive summary ● Chronological or time order.
paraphrasing the report. ● Geographical or space / spatial
order
Step 3 ● Logical – Inductive and Deductive
● Problem – Solution
State the objectives of the summary in the ● Cause and Effect
background section. ● Formal
● Abstract – Introduction –
Step 4 Background – Statement of the
problem
Provide background information by ● Materials – Method or Procedure –
explaining research and studies. Results – Discussion – Summary
● Conclusion and Recommendation
​SURVEY METHOD
— is the technique of gathering data by Basic Qualities of a Good Report
asking questions to people who are thought ● Objective, not subjective point of
to have desired information view.
- a formal questionnaire is prepared ● Accurate, not sloppy presentation of
facts, numbers, statistics and data
 ● Honest, nor false or incomplete e.g. 25% of the people questioned,
details and results 68% of those who filled in the
● Brief and direct questionnaire, etc. Less exact
expressions such as: the majority of
HOW TO WRITE A SURVEY REPORT those questioned, a large proportion
I. STRUCTURE of, a significant number of, etc. can
also be used.
Introduction
- State the purpose/aim of the report, III. USEFUL LANGUAGE FOR REPORTS
when and how the information was
gathered. To Introduce:
- The purpose/aim of this report, As
Body requested, This survey was carried
- All the information collected and out/ conducted by means of…, the
analyzed is presented clearly and in questionnaire consisted of etc.
detail (break down the respondents
into groups according to sex, age To Generalize:
and place of residence, state the - In general, generally, on the whole,
main differences between groups). etc.
Subheadings, numbers or letters can
be used to separate each piece of To Refer a Fact:
information. - The fact is that…, In fact, In practice,
etc.
Conclusion
- Sum up the points mentioned above. To Conclude or Summarize:
If necessary a recommendation can - In conclusion, all things considered,
be included as well (one way of To sum up, All in all, It is not easy to
summing up is making some general reach any definite conclusions, if any
comments). conclusions may be drawn from the
data, It is clear that, The survey
II. USEFUL HINTS AND PHRASES shows/indicates/demonstrates, etc.

A. Present Tenses, Reported Speech

and an impersonal style should be
used in survey reports. Use a variety
of reporting verbs such as claim,
state, report, agree, complain,
suggest, etc.
B. When reporting the results of a
survey, the figures gathered should
be given in the form of percentages
and proportions. Expressions such
as “one in four” or “six out of ten”
can be used, or exact percentages