CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
This chapter introduces the underlying principles towards this study including background, two research questions, purpose of the study, scope of the study, significance of the study, definition of related terms, and the organization of the study.
1.1 Background of the Study
Research based reports have been one of the primary concerns in higher education. They become the important tasks that were usually given to the university students (Moore & Morton, 1999 in Bruce, 2008). The university students are encouraged to write research based reports which are based on the acceptable form of the university. In order to be able to write research based reports into an acceptable form, academic writing skill is required. Academic writing involves learning a new set of academic rules and learning how to play by these rules (Dong, 1997). Often these rules change from discipline to discipline, and the audience and the
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skill, students will be familiar with the conventions and expectations of academic writing in English medium universities and are able to sustain arguments and synthesize the words, ideas, and opinions of others in …show more content…
However, academic writing has been the most challenging skill to master (Alwasilah, 2007; Emilia, 2008). Students commonly understand what they should write, but they do not know how to write it clearly and cohesively in order to enable the readers to accept their ideas and arguments easily (Emilia, 2012). Especially in EFL contexts, students do not only experience problems in terms of understanding some procedures of writing, its schematic structures and content, but they also experience problems regarding the use of grammatical structures, particular expressions, and particular dictions (Brown, 2006; Paltridge & Starfield, 2007cited in Emilia,
“They’ll turn us into writing robots”, a student contends against the use templates influencing the structure of their essays. (10) In the book “They Say/ I Say”: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein insist that the use of their relevant templates provide tools that will enhance the readers writing skills. These templates provide an exemplary format that one can use when writing an essay. Graff and Birkenstein suggests that, “Instead of focusing solely on abstract principles of writing, then, this book offers model templates that help you put those principles directly into practice.”
John Duffy makes a pivotal point. Us students should take advantage of the vital writing courses offered at the universities to further our education as well as our life skills. Learning to make a valid argument is a necessary tool in college to achieve a valid viewpoint from both sides of the given
The audience is not as diverse so this type of writing can take on a more formal style using specific terminology, more details, and longer explanations. The purpose of academic writing is also different from that of professional writing. Academic writing in Human Services can take on the form of research papers, peer reviewed journal articles, and educational materials. The purpose of academic writing in this field is often to present new ideas, re-evaluate past ideas, or to
According to Derek Bok, incoming freshmen enter college “deficient in their ability to communicate” (Bok, 2006, 67). While it seems as though they should have been learning and practicing this during primary and secondary schooling, the burden of strengthening these abilities falls on universities. To teach students how to compellingly speak and write requires additional time and effort from faculty, as well as financial resources. Though not an easy goal to accomplish, communication skills are vital in the workforce. In Simon and Banchero’s article “Putting a Price on Professors,” 30% of employers did not think their new college graduates had sufficient writing abilities (Simon & Banchero, 2010, 3).
In They Say/ I say, Gerald Graff and Cathy Birkenstein informs the audience of the basic moves in academic writing through text, illustrations, and templates. Their main model in this book is they say/I say template, in which it helps writers to develop their arguments by paying attention to what others are saying, and engaging with a response. The authors goal is to demystify academic writing, and return it to its social and conversational roots. The authors want the writers to engage in the ideas of others. These concepts from this book, will help make a stronger, supportive argument.
1. Students are expected to score an 85% or better on their Unit 4 assessment scheduled for 10/28. 2. Teachers are utilizing various strategies to ensure students comprehend the writing process and the traits of writing as it pertains to writing an argument. 3.
Over the course of English 1302 at Texas Tech, I feel that my skills as a writer improved significantly. When beginning the class, I knew little about writing a literature review or researched argument. With the help of my instructor’s lectures and the University Writing Center, I was able to effectively get my point across effectively while forming a well developed and well spoken manner. The advice given to me about argumentative essays and integrating sources helped significantly over the course of this class, and the skills learned in English 1302 helped me in other classes this semester when writing as well. One of the things I have learned that influenced me the most was my professor’s advice about an argument.
Article Analysis: The Importance of Writing Badly Bruce Ballenger’s article titled “The Importance of Writing Badly” takes a rather peculiar approach to addressing the issue of effective writing. The author eccentrically argues for the importance of ‘bad writing’ by describing different reasons to support his arguments. He argues that it is normal to apportion blames without understanding the root causes of poor writing skills. The author quotes different people who have expressed concerns about poor writing among students including his doctor. He proceeds by explaining why he would encourage his students not to concentrate on their poor writing experiences.
Writing process is difficult to realize since it requires a lot of skills and knowledge. Definitely, not many of us can start writhing right away without having any problems such as grammar, vocabulary or organization. However, a person can become a better writer if he or she will practice writing every day and will pay attention to his writing problems. To become a good writer, I have to improve my grammar, follow specific steps in writing process, and avoid using similar transitional words. Grammar is the number one problem in the writing process and causes me a lot of issues.
Every student has their own writing process. Writing process ways is the student's way to have the best writing assignments and make who ever read it understand their main idea. In this essay I am going to explain my own writing process for various type. In chapter 4 by Keith Hjortshoj “How Good Writing Gets Written” which talks about how should develops their writing skills and gives them some tips that they should use in their writing process.
Writing has always been an issue but yet interesting subject of mine. As hard as I try and write essays, and papers I just can’t get the hang of writing. But after taking this class, I did learn different writing technique and improved my writing proficiency, material body of formatting, and how to uncovering and properly use sources. Through class exams, essays, and a research paper, I was able to learn new writing skills. Although I have learned a variety of things, my writing still needs improvement.
My Writing Struggles After taking AP English III, I became better at organizing my papers, but realizing I need to improve my grammar skills and staying focused on my supporting points. All throughout my writing career, I was always thought to be an outstanding writer, especially using vocabulary above my grade range. Naturally, I would see myself as an excellent writer as well until I took Mrs. Bingham’s AP English II course. Mrs. Bingham always gave pointers, tips, and work to improve my class’s writing skills as a whole.
Why is writing important? Writing is an important skill to learn and enhance. Writing allows a person to be able to express their thoughts and ideas on to a piece of paper. Writing allowed me, even from a young age, to be able to express myself. Writing allowed me to add my thoughts and feelings on to a piece of paper.
Research is in fact the scientific method of writing and the way to make a certain topic clear with the support of citation. I started this class with the goal to further develop abilities in the essentials of university-level academic writing.
Academic English is important to college and university in academic writing course (Jet Writers Essay Writing Contest 2015). It is required students to reading, speaking and listening, while employing evaluating and sharpen their research and writing skills for college and university environment. At the college and university level is the ever-increasing need for students to focus on language and more specifically, the specialized language found both in substance areas and the Academic Language used in teaching that content. Academic Language as the name implies is importance the kind of writing that we are required to do in college and university. It differs from other kinds of writing such as annotated bibliographies, literature reviews,