Communication for

Academic Purposes
Chapter 8
Learning Outcomes
At the end of this chapter, students
are expected to:
• Write and present academic papers using
appropriate tone, style, conventions, and reference
styles;
• Develop keen sense of awareness of audience and
context in presenting ideas; and
• Convey ideas through oral, audio-visual, and/or
web-based presentations for different target
audiences in local and global settings by using
appropriate registers and should embed with
values of honesty, industry, humility,
conscientiousness, among others.
Academic Writing

Start by asking yourself a

question or series of questions,
conceptualizing the problem,
finding the solution to the
problem, evaluating the solution to
the problem, clarifying your
solution to the problem, finding
the solution/s and making or even
arguing your own stand.
Academic Writing is:

Considered umbrella term that

Prominently different from
may include case study analysis,
professional writing (format &
financial analysis, reports, and
structure)
essays and others.

Not a social commentary, an

opinion or a “blog” . It is based Present reader with an
on EVIDENCE – not on personal informed argument.
opinion.
Types:

FEASIBILITY CRITICAL LITERATURE BOOK REPORT POSITION

STUDY ANALYSIS REVIEW PAPER
 •It determines the commercial
viability of any project, which
Type I. components include plan, cost,
FEASIBILITY source funding,
STUDY manpower/personal
requirements market and
profitability. (Portillo, R. et al,
2003)
 Determine purpose and scope of the study

Steps on how Establish source of data

to write
feasibility Gather and verify information

study
Undertake data analysis

Formulate conclusions and recommendations

 It is a careful examination
and evaluation of a text,
image, or other work of
performance.
Type II.
CRITICAL The following can be
striking subjects:
ANALYSIS •artifacts
•music,
•dance
•and other forms of
humanities and arts
Suggested steps 1. Prepare by reading the materials
thoroughly. Understand what you have to
on how to write a analyze is crucial. As you read, make
notes of the ff:

critical analysis a. Identify what

arguing/against?
the author is

(Teaching and b. Identify the context of his argument. Why

is he arguing this?
Learning of c. Does he offer a solution to the problem/s
he raises? Does it seem plausible?
Center of d. Note any supporting evidence and all of
the main ideas. How does the author
support his argument?
University of e. What kind of appeal does the author
make in order to persuade the readers?
Washington, f. Note your responses to the reading. Do
any questions arise? How effective does
TACOMA) the article appear?
Suggested steps 2. Write your analysis.

on how to write a a. Introduce what are you analyzing.

b. It can be helpful to insert a clear and
critical analysis explicit statements of the author’s
argument. ( i.e., The author argues)
(Teaching and c. In introduction, hit all the main points.
Then, describe each of the author’s
main points/evidences and evaluate
Learning of them.
d. Support your evaluation with detailed
Center of evidences.
e. Keep in mind: CA is different from a
University of summary. You are providing an
informed critique of the material.
Washington, f. Remember the purpose which is to
evaluate. Is this text trustworthy
USEFUL? IMPORTANT? VALID or
TACOMA) TRUTHFUL?
Suggested steps
on how to write a 3. Other questions you may consider
critical analysis a. Does the subject matter have
(Teaching and contemporary relevance?
b. Is there a controversy surrounding
Learning of the text?
Center of c. What are the strengths and
weaknesses of the choice of the
University of topic,
evidence,
and methodology,
and the
the
author’s
Washington, conclusion?

TACOMA)
Type III. LITERATURE
REVIEW

It is one part of a research paper; the main aim is It is part and parcel of a research paper
to build a foundation and support for a new as it summarizes and synthesizes the
insights that a research paper writer contributes. arguments and ideas of others without
adding new contributions.
Functions:
1. They provide a handy guide to a particular subject.
2. They give an overview of the topic.
3. They serve as stepping stone for researchers who
have limited time in conducting a research.
4. They supply useful reports that keep professionals
updated with what is current in their field.
5. For scholars, the depth and breadth of the
literature review emphasizes the credibility of the
writer in their field.
6. They furnish a solid background for a research
paper’s investigation.
Strategies.
• Find a focus. ( i.e., look into link
between topic and sources –
organized around ideas)
• Convey your literature review to
your readers ( i.e., telling the
readers what to expect from it.
• Consider Organization. ( i.e.,
determine the most effective way of
presenting information.
 • It is a written composition or oral
presentation that describe, summarizes,
evaluates a work of fiction and non-fiction.

Type IV. • Differentiated from a book review, or

critical essay, it is merely present some
BOOK interesting elements (theme, conflict,
REPORT climax in the case of stories), without
undertaking to compare it with other
books to pass judgement on its value.

• It is summary of contents, plot, or thesis

of a particular book preceded by a full
bibliographical citation.
 In chronological order:
• Title of the book and its year of
publication
• Name of the Author
• Genre of the book like biography,
Format: autobiography, fiction, etc.
• The main subject, plot or theme of the
book
• Brief summary of the key points or
ideas
• Reader’s response to the book, identify
strengths and weaknesses
• Brief quotations from the book to
support general observations
 Goal: To convince the reader or
audience on the validity/worth of the
V. POSITION presenter’s opinion.

PAPER
• It is presenting an arguable
opinion about an issue.
 Identify your possible topics and
Identify some controversial questions you
might try to answer.

Give a brief narration explaining what

Give you already know about the topic and
reason/s for your interest in it.

Suggested Identify
Identify your article or articles and
explain how you think they might
steps: help you.

Speculate about some unusual

Speculate
about directions your research might
take.

Decide
Decide which axes you’re going to
grind and which ones you aren’t.
 Activity 8 Critical Analysis
Paper
• Write a critical analysis paper on
any of the topics given by your
respective Instructor.

Scoring Criteria:
Paragraph Development-30
Organization-20
Style (Sentence Flow,
Variety, Diction) - 30
Mechanics – 20
Total---100
Suggested Topics
● The pros and cons of using social media for political activism and social justice movements.
● The ethics of using virtual reality technology in medical training and treatment.
● Writing a critical analysis of the role of satire in modern political discourse.
● An interesting critical analysis of the effects of mindfulness meditation on mental health.
● Critique essay topics exploring the impact of globalization on local cultures and economies.
● The effects of violent video games on aggression and empathy in young adults.
● The role of social media in perpetuating stereotypes and biases in society.
● An interesting critical analysis of the effects of music on memory and cognitive function.
● The impact of gender and sexuality on mental health treatment and stigma.
● Critique essay topics exploring the role of art and literature in promoting empathy and social
awareness.
Good luck!