PURPOSEFUL WRITING IN THE DISCIPLINES AND FOR PROFESSION

FEATURES OF TEXTS ACROSS DISCIPLINES

  • Types of texts:

    • Book Review or Article Critique

    • Literature Review

    • Research Report

    • Project Proposal

    • Position Paper

BOOK REVIEW OR ARTICLE CRITIQUE

  • Definition: A book/article review is an analysis that examines the quality, meaning, and significance of a work of literature. It involves the following aspects:

    • Reacts to the material focusing on purpose, content, and authority.

    • Identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the work analyzed.

    • Evaluates what the author tried to do and how well they succeeded, providing evidence for this evaluation.

  • Length: Varies from a single paragraph to a complete essay.

  • Three Steps in Preparing a Book Review:

    1. Describe the content of the work.

    2. Analyze the arguments presented.

    3. Evaluate the work, providing personal opinions backed by evidence.

  • Reading Process:

    • Step 1: Read the book/article thoroughly, allowing adequate time for evaluation.

    • Step 2: Engage with the text actively:

    • Highlight and underline significant passages.

    • Write notes in the margins.

    • Make predictions and test them as you read.

    • Ask and answer questions related to the text.

  • Typical Structure of a Book/Article Review:

    • Summary: Brief synopsis restating the author's main points.

    • Analysis: Detailed evaluation discussing strengths, weaknesses, and author’s effectiveness.

    • Sometimes includes bibliographical information, personal opinion, and potential applications in career/ministry.

  • Sample Outline for a Book/Article Review:
    I. Introduction
    II. Summary
    III. Analysis
    A. Strengths
    B. Weaknesses
    IV. Conclusion

LITERATURE REVIEW

  • Definition: A literature review is a critical analysis and summary of published research related to a specific research topic or question.

  • Purpose:

    • Provides comprehensive overview of existing research.

    • Identifies gaps and inconsistencies in the literature.

    • Informs development of a research proposal or project.

  • Process:

    • Step 1: Conduct a systematic search for relevant sources.

    • Step 2: Carefully read and evaluate each source’s content and methodology.

    • Step 3: Synthesize findings and assess quality and credibility of the research.

  • Parts of a Literature Review:

    • Introduction:

    • Explains the working topic and thesis.

    • Forecasts key topics or texts to be discussed.

    • Body:

    • Summarize and synthesize main points.

    • Analyze and interpret findings critically.

    • Evaluate strengths and weaknesses of sources.

    • Use structured paragraphs for coherence.

    • Connect back to the primary research question.

  • Example Topic: The effects of social media on mental health in adolescents.

    • Findings: Social media is linked to negative mental health effects, such as anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.

    • Discussion: Highlights the need for further research and interventions to mitigate negative impacts.

RESEARCH REPORT

  • Definition: A research report discusses a chosen topic of interest, assembles sources, synthesizes data, and presents conclusions and recommendations.

  • Components of a Research Report:

    1. Title: Reflects content and is concise, containing key terms.

    2. Abstract: A 200-300 word overview summarizing key elements of the study.

    3. Introduction: States the research question, significance, and hypothesis.

    4. Methodology: Describes methods used for research including evaluation aspects.

    5. Results: Presents data without interpretation; discussion section handles analysis.

    6. Discussion: Interprets results, identifies anomalies, and connects to broader context.

    7. References: Lists all cited works and materials.

  • Formatting: Requires a suitable format based on the context and objectives.

PROJECT PROPOSAL

  • Definition: A project proposal describes a plan to solve a problem, provide services, or initiate events. It seeks to persuade the reader to accept the proposed ideas.

  • Key Components:

    1. Introduction:

    • Rationale: Identifies the problem to address.

    • Objectives: Defines what the project aims to achieve, using SMART criteria (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Results-oriented, and Time-bound).

    • Benefits: Outlines the advantages for the audience or stakeholders.

    1. Project Description:

    • Methodology: Details activities, manpower, and resources involved.

    • Schedule: Outlines task durations and timelines.

    • Budget: Itemized or total cost analysis.

POSITION PAPER

  • Definition: A position paper articulates an individual or organization’s stance on an issue, aiming to persuade the audience to support that stance with evidence-based arguments.

  • Uses: Common in advocacy, policy-making, or academia for debates and assignments.

  • Structure of a Position Paper:
    I. Introduction:

    • Introduces the issue and author’s position.

    • Background information leading to the thesis statement.
      II. Body:

    • Central argument presented with counterarguments.

    • Rebuttal of counterarguments emphasizing the main position’s validity.
      III. Conclusion:

    • Restates key points and suggests resolutions or plans of action.