1.
CATEGORIES IN ACADEMIC WRITING
A. WRITING IN THE HUMANITIES
DEFINITION:
Writing typically involves the expression of ideas, analyses, interpretations, and arguments
concerning human culture, history, literature, philosophy, religion, art, and other related subjects.
It often prioritizes critical thinking, research, and reflection, aiming to communicate complex
concepts clearly and persuasively through various forms such as essays, research papers, articles,
and literary critiques. Additionally, writing in the humanities often encourages creativity,
empathy, and a deep understanding of human experience and perspectives.
EXAMPLES:
Exploring the Symbolism of Light and Dark in Joseph Conrad's 'Heart of
Darkness'"
In Joseph Conrad's novella "Heart of Darkness," the contrast between light and dark serves
as a powerful metaphor for the ambiguity of human nature and the complexities of colonialism.
Throughout the narrative, the motif of light symbolizes enlightenment, truth, and civilization,
while darkness represents ignorance, deception, and moral decay.
One of the most striking examples of this symbolism is the imagery of the Thames River as
a beacon of light, symbolizing European civilization and enlightenment. As the narrator
describes the tranquil scene aboard the Nellie, with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the
river, it becomes clear that this imagery serves to contrast the darkness that awaits Marlow in the
heart of Africa
The Congo River is depicted as a realm of darkness and mystery, where the oppressive
forces of colonialism have unleashed the darkest aspects of human nature. As Marlow journeys
deeper into the heart of the African continent, the landscape becomes increasingly shrouded in
darkness, both literally and metaphorically, mirroring the moral ambiguity and existential despair
that he encounters.
Furthermore, the character of Kurtz embodies the dualistic nature of light and dark. Initially
revered as a beacon of enlightenment and progress, Kurtz's descent into madness and barbarism
reveals the darkness that lurks within even the most civilized individuals. His final words, "The
horror! The horror!", echo the existential dread and moral ambiguity that pervades the entire
narrative.
Joseph Conrad's use of light and dark imagery in "Heart of Darkness" underscores the
complex interplay between civilization and savagery, enlightenment and ignorance, that defines
the human experience. By exploring these themes through the lens of colonialism, Conrad
challenges readers to confront the darker aspects of humanity and to question the true meaning of
progress and civilization.
2. TEXT STRUCTURE
A. PROBLEM AND SOLUTION STRUCTURE
DEFINITION:Follows a number of different forms; at one extreme, the problem and solution
are labelled as such; at the other extreme; the pattern is a series of questions and answers that
may or may not lead to a resolution of the problem or issue.
GADGETS ADDICTION
In today's world, more and more people are finding it hard to put down their gadgets.
Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become like close companions, but this dependency is
turning into a problem for many. They find themselves glued to screens, unable to tear away.
This addiction-like behavior is causing distress and affecting lives.
The effects of this gadget addiction are significant and wide-reaching. Firstly, productivity
takes a hit. With attention constantly divided between tasks and notifications, getting things done
becomes a challenge. Social interactions suffer too. Instead of engaging with those around us,
we're lost in virtual worlds, leading to strained relationships. Health problems also arise, from
strained eyes and sore necks to sleep troubles and mental health issues like anxiety and
depression. Moreover, excessive spending on gadgets adds financial strain, exacerbating the
problem. Accessibility plays a big role. Gadgets are everywhere, making it hard to escape their
grasp. Peer pressure and societal norms also contribute, pushing us to stay connected at all times.
Plus, the quick satisfaction gadgets provide triggers our brain's reward system, reinforcing the
urge to use them. For some, gadgets become an escape from life's stresses, offering a temporary
reprieve from reality.
There are simple ways to combat gadget addiction and improve our well-being. Firstly,
increasing awareness through workshops and campaigns helps us understand the risks and
benefits of gadget use. Setting clear boundaries, such as screen-free times and areas, can help
control our usage, especially for families. Behavioral therapy aids in identifying triggers and
developing healthier coping mechanisms. Engaging in alternative activities like outdoor pursuits
and mindfulness practices reduces reliance on gadgets. Support groups provide valuable
connections and assistance from professionals. These steps empower individuals to break free
from gadget addiction and lead healthier lives.
By addressing gadget addiction through a multi-faceted approach encompassing
awareness, behavioral intervention, support, and policy changes, individuals can reclaim control
over their usage habits and foster a healthier relationship with technology.
C. COMPARE AND CONTRAST STRUCTURE
DEFINITION:
is a method of analyzing similarities and differences between two or more subjects, actions,
ideas, or processes. In this structure, similarities and differences are typically presented in
separate paragraphs, with headings and subheadings providing organizational cues to readers.
There are two main types of compare and contrast structures: chunking, where similarities and
differences are presented separately, and sequencing, where points are presented in sequence or
point-by-point fashion. Chunking allows for a focused examination of each aspect before moving
on to the next, while sequencing facilitates a more detailed comparison by juxtaposing
corresponding points directly.
EXAMPLE:
Rain, a natural phenomenon essential for life on Earth, exhibits both similarities and
differences in its various processes. By employing a sequencing approach, we can explore into
the complex details of how rain forms, falls, and affects the environment.
Rain originates from the condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere. Warm air rises,
cools, and condenses into water droplets, forming clouds through a process known as
condensation. Both types of precipitation, rain and snow, share this common formation process.
However, their distinction lies in the temperature at which condensation occurs, determining
whether water droplets freeze into snowflakes or remain in liquid form as raindrops.
Once clouds become saturated with moisture, precipitation occurs. Rainfall, characterized by
liquid water droplets, falls from the clouds due to gravity. In contrast, snowfall consists of ice
crystals that descend from the atmosphere. While both forms of precipitation contribute to the
replenishment of water sources, they have varying impacts on ecosystems and human activities.
For example, heavy rainfall can lead to flooding, whereas heavy snowfall may cause
transportation disruptions.
The impact of rain extends beyond its immediate occurrence. Rainwater plays a crucial role
in nourishing plant life, replenishing groundwater reserves, and sustaining ecosystems. However,
excessive rainfall can result in soil erosion, water pollution, and habitat destruction. Conversely,
snowfall serves as a natural insulator, protecting plant roots and small organisms from extreme
cold temperatures. Yet, rapid snowmelt in spring can lead to sudden floods and pose challenges
for agriculture and infrastructure.
In comparing and contrasting the processes of rain, we uncover both shared characteristics
and distinctive features. Through sequencing, we trace the journey of water from its vapor state
to its manifestation as rain or snow, highlighting the interconnectedness of natural phenomena
and their impacts on the environment. Understanding the complexities of rain not only enhances
our appreciation for its significance but also informs strategies for mitigating its potential
hazards and maximizing its benefits.
3. THESIS STATEMENT
"GADGETS ADDICTION"
In today's world, more and more people are finding it hard to put down their gadgets.
Smartphones, tablets, and laptops have become like close companions, but this dependency is
turning into a problem for many. They find themselves glued to screens, unable to tear away.
This addiction-like behavior is causing distress and affecting lives.
The effects of this gadget addiction are significant and wide-reaching. Firstly, productivity
takes a hit. With attention constantly divided between tasks and notifications, getting things done
becomes a challenge. Social interactions suffer too. Instead of engaging with those around us,
we're lost in virtual worlds, leading to strained relationships. Health problems also arise, from
strained eyes and sore necks to sleep troubles and mental health issues like anxiety and
depression. Moreover, excessive spending on gadgets adds financial strain, exacerbating the
problem. Accessibility plays a big role. Gadgets are everywhere, making it hard to escape their
grasp. Peer pressure and societal norms also contribute, pushing us to stay connected at all times.
Plus, the quick satisfaction gadgets provide triggers our brain's reward system, reinforcing the
urge to use them. For some, gadgets become an escape from life's stresses, offering a temporary
reprieve from reality.
There are simple ways to combat gadget addiction and improve our well-being. Firstly,
increasing awareness through workshops and campaigns helps us understand the risks and
benefits of gadget use. Setting clear boundaries, such as screen-free times and areas, can help
control our usage, especially for families. Behavioral therapy aids in identifying triggers and
developing healthier coping mechanisms. Engaging in alternative activities like outdoor pursuits
and mindfulness practices reduces reliance on gadgets. Support groups provide valuable
connections and assistance from professionals. These steps empower individuals to break free
from gadget addiction and lead healthier lives.
By addressing gadget addiction through a multi-faceted approach encompassing awareness,
behavioral intervention, support, and policy changes, individuals can reclaim control over their
usage habits and foster a healthier relationship with technology.
4. PARAPHRASING
FROM THE AUTOPSY SURGEON'S REPORT
Death occurred from the effects of asphyxia, cerebral anemia, and shock. The victim's hair was
used for the constriction ligature. Local marks of the ligature were readily discernible: there were
some abrasion and a slight ecchymosis in the skin. But I found no obvious lesion in the blood
vessels of the neck.
Cyanosis of the head was very slight and there were no pronounced hemorrhages in the glea of
the scalp. I should judge that a very great compression was effected almost immediately, with
compression of the arteries as well as the vein, and that the superior laryngeal nerve was
traumatized in the effect of throwing the victim into profound shock...
The lungs revealed cyanosis, congestion, over aeration, and sub pleural petechial haemorrhages...
FROM THE AUTOPSY SURGEON'S REPORT
The cause of death was asphyxia, cerebral anemia, and shock. The victim's hair was used as
the ligature, leaving visible marks on the skin. There were no obvious injuries to the blood
vessels in the neck. Cyanosis and hemorrhages on the scalp were minimal. The compression on
the arteries and veins was severe, causing trauma to the superior laryngeal nerve and resulting in
shock. The lungs showed signs of cyanosis, congestion, over aeration, and sub pleural petechial
hemorrhages.
5. SUMMARIZING
LOCAL GIRL FOUND SLAIN BY REJECTED LOVER (NEWSPAPER ACCOUNT
Ms. Porphyria Blank, 21, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. J. Blank, of Barton Park, was found
strangled this morning in the cottage owned by John Doe. 25, who was apprehended on the scene
of the crime by officers Bailey and Hodge. Doe was found holding the body in his arms, and
appeared to be in stupor, his only reply to repeated questioning being. "I killed her because I
loved her."
According to the members of the Blank family. Doe had paid attention to Miss Blank for
the last several months, though it was strenuously denied that his regards for Miss Blank was
returned. Miss Blank's engagement with Mr. Roger Weston was announced last month. Mr.
Weston could not be reached for a statement. Mrs. Blank was prostrated by the news of her
daughter's death.The slain girl vanished last evening at approximately eleven o'clock from a
dinner party given at her parent's home in honour of the approaching wedding.
The family became alarmed when it was discovered that she was not in her room, and
instituted a search for her about midnight. The police. who were promptly notified, in the course
of their search knocked at Mr. Doe's cottage, a building some quarter of a mile from the Blank
estate, at five in the morning. Receiving no answer, they forced the door and discovered Doe
sitting with the dead girl in his lap. She had apparently been strangled. Dr. A. P. Reynolds.
Autopsy Surgeon for the county. state that, from the condition of the body, death must have
occurred at about midnight.
"SUMMARIZE"
Ms. Porphyria Blank, 21, was found murdered in John Doe's cottage, where he was
apprehended holding her body, claiming he killed her because he loved her. Blank's family
denies any reciprocal feelings. Blank was engaged to Roger Weston, who couldn't be reached for
comment. Blank vanished from a dinner party at her parents' home, prompting a search leading
to the discovery of her body in Doe's cottage. Autopsy suggests she was strangled around
midnight.
Ms. Porphyria Blank, 21, was found murdered in John Doe's cottage, where he was apprehended
holding her body, claiming he killed her because he loved her. Blank's family denies any
reciprocal feelings. Blank was engaged to Roger Weston, who couldn't be reached for comment.
Blank vanished from a dinner party at her parents' home, prompting a search leading to the
discovery of her body in Doe's cottage. Autopsy suggests she was strangled around midnight.
B. CAUSE -EFFECT STRUCTURE
DEFINITION:
This structure carries the implication that the effect is produced by a specific cause or that the
consequences follow from the specified antecedents: this might be found in a discussion of
science investigation results or historical articles linking multiple cause and effects.
EXAMPLE:
Crisis of Mother Earth
Mother Earth, our beloved planet, faces a Mother Earth, our cherished home, is facing an
array of challenges in the modern era, each stemming from a multitude of causes. These causes,
in their own right, generate significant consequences that reverberate throughout our
environment and impact all living beings that call this planet home.
Human activity, like building cities and factories, is a big reason why our planet is having
so many problems. Cutting down trees for space and letting out dirty stuff into the air and water
make things worse. This pollution hurts not just nature but also the animals and people living in
it.
Another big problem is climate change, which happens when we use a lot of fossil fuels
like oil and gas. These fuels make the air dirty with gases like carbon dioxide. This makes the
Earth get hotter, causing bad things like weird weather, melting ice, and sick oceans. It's
important to stop these things from happening so that our planet can stay healthy for everyone.
The profound effects of environmental degradation, including loss of biodiversity, climate
extremes, resource depletion, and health impacts, have far-reaching consequences for both the
environment and human well-being. Habitat destruction and overexploitation lead to the loss of
countless species, disrupting ecosystems and endangering the balance of nature. Climate change
exacerbates these challenges, causing more frequent and severe weather events, resulting in
widespread destruction and loss of life. Moreover, the depletion of natural resources threatens
future generations with scarcity and insecurity, while pollution contributes to respiratory diseases
and waterborne illnesses, highlighting the interconnectedness of environmental and human
health. Collective action and sustainable practices are essential to safeguarding our planet for the
future.
The current state of Mother Earth is a result of human actions and their consequences.
Addressing these causes and mitigating their effects is crucial to ensuring a sustainable future for
all living beings on our planet. It is imperative that we act swiftly and decisively to preserve the
integrity of our home, for the well-being of present and future generations.
C. WRITING IN THE SCIENCES
DEFINITION:
Writing in the sciences refers to the process of effectively communicating scientific concepts,
research findings, and analysis through written documents such as research papers, articles,
reports, and proposals. It involves clarity, precision, and adherence to specific conventions and
formats to ensure the dissemination of accurate scientific information to peers and the broader
community.
EXAMPLE:
"The Impact of Climate Change on Coral Reef Ecosystems: A Meta-Analysis"
This meta-analysis examines the collective effects of climate change on coral reef
ecosystems worldwide. Through a comprehensive review of existing literature, we synthesized
data on coral bleaching events, ocean acidification, and rising sea temperatures to assess the
magnitude and geographic distribution of these impacts. Our findings highlight significant
declines in coral health and biodiversity across multiple regions, underscoring the urgent need
for enhanced conservation efforts and mitigation strategies to preserve these vulnerable
ecosystems.
B. WRITING IN THE BUSINESS
DEFINITION:
The business definition outlines the core purpose, objectives, and scope of a company's
operations, providing clarity and direction for stakeholders. It succinctly describes what the
organization does, who it serves, and how it creates value in the marketplace. This definition
often serves as a foundation for strategic planning, decision-making, and communicating the
essence of the business to internal and external audiences.
EXAMPLE:
Monthly Sales Report - March 2024
Executive Summary:
In March 2024, our sales team demonstrated remarkable performance, exceeding our targets and
achieving a 15% increase in sales revenue compared to the previous month. This success can be
attributed to our strategic marketing campaigns, improved customer engagement initiatives, and
effective sales strategies.
Key Highlights:
Total Sales Revenue: March witnessed a total sales revenue of $500,000, marking a significant
increase from February's $435,000.
Product Performance: Our flagship product, XYZ Widget, continued to lead sales, contributing
60% of total revenue. Additionally, the newly launched ABC Solution exceeded expectations,
contributing 20% to the overall revenue.
Regional Breakdown: The Eastern region emerged as the top performer, achieving a 25%
increase in sales, followed by the Western region with a 20% increase.
Customer Acquisition: Our efforts in customer acquisition yielded positive results, with a 10%
increase in new customer accounts compared to the previous month.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Supply Chain Disruptions: Despite our sales success, we encountered challenges due to supply
chain disruptions, resulting in occasional stock shortages. Addressing this issue will be crucial to
sustaining our momentum.
Competitive Landscape: Competition remains fierce in the market, emphasizing the need for
continuous innovation and differentiation to maintain our competitive edge.
Action Plan:
Supply Chain Optimization: Work closely with suppliers to mitigate supply chain disruptions
and explore alternative sourcing options to ensure adequate inventory levels.
Customer Retention: Implement loyalty programs and personalized marketing initiatives to
strengthen customer relationships and encourage repeat purchases.
Market Expansion: Explore opportunities for market expansion through targeted marketing
campaigns and partnerships with complementary businesses.
Conclusion:
March 2024 was a highly successful month for our sales team, marked by significant revenue
growth and positive performance across key metrics. By addressing challenges proactively and
capitalizing on opportunities, we are well-positioned for continued success in the coming
months.
7. CRITIQUE PAPER
Write a critique paper utilizing one of the presented critical approaches. (Formalist Approach,
Biographical Approach, Reader-response Approach)
INVICTUS
By
William Ernest Henley
Out of the night that covers me, Black as the pit from pole to pole, I thank whatever gods may
be For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance I have not winced nor cried aloud. Under the bludgeonings
of chance My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears Looms but the Horror of the shade, And yet the menace
of the years Finds and shall find me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate, How charged with punishments the scroll, I am the master of
my fate, I am the captain of my soul.
A FORMALIST CRITIQUE:
"William Ernest Henley's "Invictus"
William Ernest Henley's poem "Invictus" stands as a testament to resilience and the
indomitable human spirit. Through a formalist lens, one can analyze the poem's structure,
language, and imagery to uncover deeper meanings and implications.
Firstly, the poem's form consists of four stanzas, each comprising four lines with a
consistent AABB rhyme scheme. This structured form mirrors the steadfast resolve and
unwavering determination conveyed in the poem's content. The regularity of the rhyme scheme
and stanzaic structure emphasizes the speaker's assertion of control and mastery over their
destiny.
Moreover, the language Henley employs is stark and powerful, contributing to the poem's
impact. The use of vivid imagery, such as "Black as the pit from pole to pole" and "Under the
bludgeonings of chance," creates a sense of darkness and adversity that the speaker must
confront. These images evoke a visceral response from the reader, reinforcing the theme of
resilience in the face of hardship.
Additionally, the repetition of the pronoun "I" throughout the poem underscores the
individualistic perspective of the speaker. This emphasis on the self highlights the theme of
personal agency and autonomy, as the speaker asserts their autonomy in the face of external
challenges.
Furthermore, the title "Invictus," meaning "unconquered" or "undefeated" in Latin, sets the
tone for the entire poem. It serves as a declaration of defiance against adversity and a
proclamation of inner strength. This title, coupled with the poem's content, encapsulates the
overarching message of resilience and fortitude.
In conclusion, William Ernest Henley's "Invictus" is a masterful exploration of human
resilience and determination. Through its formal structure, powerful language, and thematic
depth, the poem resonates with readers and serves as a timeless reminder of the strength of the
human spirit.
