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C) Rewrite this paragraph, using words to make it sound more academic.

The study was initially thought up in order to validate a new method of enquiry by which genetic information could be used to predict disease. Our work goes against the findings of Hill (2001); indeed it would appear to showthe opposite of what he claimed. We seeour work as presenting a rather different view of the genetic factors which cause disease. Despite this, our work does not wipe out Hill’s, as his studies served the very important purpose of devising symbols to stand for certain tendencies, in this way facilitating further research. We hope that Hill will similarlyfind our work to be valid and that when international researchers meet next April, they will concur that much of value lies in both our and Hill’s studies. Our results are added at the end.

 

II. Analysis

Look at the beginning of the reports from different fields. Indicate if each of the generic noun phrases underlined is countable (plural or singular) or uncountable. Examine the ways to construct these generic nouns.

a) from a report in the field of psychology:

Happiness is one of the six human emotions said to be universally present and understood. A smile, one of to the expressions of emotion that appears to be universally exhibited and understood, is thought to be sensitive to social context and to be shaped by social factors.

b) from a report in the field of education:

During the past 40 years, the United States has experienced the integration of the computer into society. Progress has been made to thepoint that small, inexpensive computers are available for innumerable uses. Many schools are purchasing microcomputers for infusion into their directed learning programs.

c) from a report in the field of sociology:

Most people in Western societies consider family living to be the most important aspect of their lives. But the family is changing and the rate and the direction of change is very different in different nations. This means that we need to question some of the ‘obvious’ assertions which are now made about family change and problems of the family today.

d) from a report in the field of information and communication:

Historians traditionally assume that journalism was invented when the first journals appeared in Europe during the 17th century. One of the most fervent proponents of this thesis is Mitchell Stephens, who argued that journalism was invented in the weekly Venetian gazettes of the second half of the 16th century (Stephens, 1988: 156—7). Contrary to this opinion, I have argued elsewhere that journalism is an invention of the 19th century.

III. Writing up your own research

1. Write down the following recommendations, which might help you to begin writing your report:

Stage I

Start with obvious, generally accepted statements about the area in which you are working.

Then, move the reader closer to your specific topic - identify one sub area.

Indicate your topic.

To lead readers smoothly through the ideas link sentences by making use of old and new information.



As you start with general statements it is conventional to use nouns that refer to objects or concepts at the highest possible level of generality.

 

Before you start writing, think about how you can best orient your readers to your specific topic. Remember, the setting should give them a frame of reference that will allow them to see how your topic fits into the wider area. Restrict your setting to one or two paragraphs. Follow the recommendations given for achieving academic writing style.

UNIT 3


Date: 2016-01-14; view: 1163


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