Unit 1: The Nature of Academic Texts

Lesson 1: Structure of Academic Texts

Contents

Engage 1
Introduction 1
Objectives 2

Explore 2

Explain and Elaborate 3

Structures of Academic Texts: Structuring Paragraphs 3
Structuring the Three-Part Essay 6
Structuring IMRaD 11

Extend 16
Activity 1 16
Activity 2 17

Evaluate 18

Wrap Up 21

Bibliography 22
Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Engage

Introduction

Fig. 1. The toy blocks are the foundation for all the buildings and other structures in the
mini-city.

When you first open a box of building blocks, you can’t immediately see the result of what
you’re supposed to build. There are only limited plastic building blocks, but each piece is
vital to the entire figure. Each part will make up the whole. That same idea can be used in
writing paragraphs, essays, and even research papers. These written outputs are composed
of parts, and these parts are the structures essential to the text.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Objectives
In this lesson, you should be able to do the following:
● Identify the structures of paragraphs, essays, and research papers.
● Construct short paragraphs and essays.

DepEd Competencies
● Determine the structure of the specific academic text. (CS_EN11/12A-EAPP-Ia-c-1)
● Analyze the structure of an academic text. (additional lesson for enrichment)

Explore

15 minutes

In groups of three, create a scenario for the

given picture. The first student should write
the beginning or introduction, the second
should write the middle, and the last one
should complete the written output with an
ending. Have one student read the written
output aloud to the class.

Guide Questions
1. How did each individual member contribute to the activity?

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

2. How was the output limited by the given instructions?

3. How did you all come up with the written output for the photo?

4. Would it have been easier for you to have done the activity alone? Why or why not?

Explain and Elaborate

Structures of Academic Texts: Structuring Paragraphs

One of the essential features of academic writing is text structure. In academic writing, if
you know how to identify the structure of the text, you can better understand and follow the
flow of ideas.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

The first kind of structure used in academic texts is the paragraph. A paragraph is a
collection of sentences that deals with one topic or idea. A new paragraph usually signals
the start of a new concept in a text.

How does knowing the parts of the paragraph

ensure cohesion or the continuity of ideas?

Parts of the Paragraph

The parts of the paragraph are the following:
● topic sentence,
● supporting sentences, and
● concluding and/or transitional sentence.

The paragraph should begin with the topic sentence, whose function is to present the main
idea of the paragraph's theme. On the other hand, the supporting sentences develop the
main idea in the topic sentence. The concluding sentence closes out the main idea by
summing up the entire concept and ensuring that the paragraph ends with a complete idea.
In some cases, a transitional sentence is used to close out the paragraph and pave the way
for the introduction of the next concept in the succeeding paragraph.

Review
The different kinds of patterns of development found in paragraphs are
● illustration,
● definition,
● classification,
● comparison and contrast, and
● process.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Example 1
Everyone knows that a decade is equivalent to ten years. However, when does a decade
truly end and start? Many like to believe that it ends with the year that ends with a nine (9),
not the year that ends with zero (0). Many people were confused about the ending of the
decade in 2019 because social media and the news reported that the decade would end in
2020. The Gregorian calendar, the calendar used in most parts of the world, starts at 1 AD,
which supports the claim that a decade ends with years ending in zeros. Popular culture in
most societies, however, names a decade by the zero year, so the 90s pertain to the years
1990–1999. This will entail that a decade ends with the years ending in nine. Despite all
arguments, people celebrate the new year and the passage of time all the way, no matter
what year it is.

How could knowing the pattern of development be

useful in understanding a paragraph?

Example 2
When conducting a new research topic, it is imperative to start with the conceptualization of
your main idea. Doing so involves several steps: conceptualization, definition, indicator
selection, operationalization, and observation. First, conceptualization focuses on what the
research study will encompass, including its variables and limitations. Next, the researcher
should define the concepts to be studied by reading related literature. Indicator selection
entails that the researcher sets how the variables shall be measured throughout the
research project based on their definitions. Operationalization then allows the researcher to
specify the measurement of the variables. Lastly, observation allows the researcher to see if
the said variables can be measured through testing. It may seem like an easy process, but to
be exact, research conceptualization allows the precise selection of a research topic.

Tip
Remember to use transitional devices to go from one thought to
another in a paragraph.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Example 3
It is well-known that playing sports has many benefits. Doing sports can help improve
concentration, increase creativity, and boost one's self-confidence. Research suggests that
athletes have better focus due to their exceptional ability to tune out background noise.
Their energy is also regularly boosted, resulting in a higher concentration-time both in the
classroom and on the field. Unstructured periods of play has also led to more creativity in
athletes as they have to think for themselves while focusing on a specific goal. Playing sports
also helps with one's self-confidence, as athletes find out their competence and self-worth
through play and practice. These benefits, researchers noted, hopefully, can entice more
kids and adults to get more exercise and do sports.

Explanation
All three examples have a different way of presenting information through a paragraph. In
the first paragraph about the decade, it started with the definition of a decade and how it
differs from other time periods. The thesis statement is actually the question, “When does a
decade start and end?” The second example shows a process paragraph, in which the thesis
statement enumerates the five steps of conceptualizing a topic. The third paragraph
illustrates the benefits of sports. Each paragraph has supporting details: the first one lists
definitions, the second one describes each step, and the third illustrates three concrete
examples to back up its claim. Each paragraph also ends with a concluding sentence,
wrapping up each idea neatly, in case the writer decides to write more about the topic.

How could knowing the pattern of development be

useful in understanding an essay?

Structuring the Three-Part Essay

A three-part essay is one of the ways of writing an essay. This structure is composed of
three basic parts: introduction, body, and conclusion. One prominent feature of the
three-part essay is that the body is generally longer than both the introduction and
conclusion. Short essays usually have one to three paragraphs for the body, while longer
essays may use more than three paragraphs and may reach several pages long.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Parts of the Essay

The introduction should do the following:
● Introduce the topic.
● Place the topic into context.
● Provide background information.
● Point out the aim of the text.
● Describe how the aim will be fulfilled.
● Provide a thesis statement for the text.
● Suggest what the findings are.
● Explain why the topic could be considered as interesting.
● Catch the readers’ interest.

The introduction starts off the essay with ideas that will be discussed in the body. The thesis
statement is usually found at the end of the introduction, and it can act as a transitional
sentence for the body.

Why must the introduction set the tone of the

essay?

The body is the main section of the essay, usually divided into subsections. The body is the
most substantial part of the entire essay. It should do the following:
● Present research data.
● Analyze data.
● Discuss data thoroughly.

In sum, the body should present evidence to support your thesis statement.

Lastly, the conclusion restates the thesis statement and wraps the entire essay. It should
shed more light on how the evidence and data presented in the body support the thesis.
There is also an opportunity to evaluate the issue or topic at hand for further topics in the

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future. No new material should be presented in the conclusion. Lastly, writers can suggest
further studies or exploration of the topic at hand in the conclusion.

Remember
The conclusion should not have the same thesis statement as the
introduction. Rewrite and reword the thesis statement for the
conclusion.

Example 1
Filipino Food in the International Setting

The Philippines is known for its rich array of food, and shows like Fear Factor and No
Reservations brought Filipino food to the forefront of globalization. In 2019, almost
overnight, ube or sweet purple yam became a culinary favorite. Food is a genuine part of our
culture, which we are willing to share with the world.

In 2013, Fear Factor featured balut or fertilized chicken eggs, becoming one of the challenges
on the show. Most people were thoroughly disgusted by the thought of eating a day-old
chicken, yet some contestants found it quite yummy. Strange as it may be, the Filipino
people enjoy it immensely, as it is juicy and apparently, nutritious. Fear Factor may have
tried to scare people with the Philippine delicacy, but it made people immensely proud. Ube
also became quite famous in other parts of the world, especially in the United States.
Several restaurants in the Los Angeles area, as well as numerous viral videos, feature ube as
an ingredient in a lot of desserts like ice cream, cheesecake, cake, buns, and bread. Though
common here in the Philippines, the fact that ube has hit the international scene makes
Filipinos quite proud of the sweet dessert dish.

As featured in the other parts of the world, Filipino food can be considered special enough
to share with others. Jollibee is already a beloved international fast-food chain, and many
non-Filipinos are in love with its sweet spaghetti and crispy, juicy chicken. Hopefully, the

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

food of the Philippines will be featured continuously and shared with many, as the Filipino
people love to do.

How can the body show the essential details for

an essay?

Example 2
The Wi-Fi Repeater

Is a Wi-Fi repeater actually worth your money? Many people have bought Wi-Fi repeaters to
try to boost the wireless internet connection in their own homes. The invention may help
boost the range of wireless connections, but it may not be the best way to boost the speed.

The function of a Wi-Fi repeater is to take an existing signal from a wireless router and
rebroadcast it as a second network. It essentially repeats the signal, especially in places that
are larger than the range of the router can reach. It aims to improve signal range and
strength. However, many people have found out that there is a loss of signal when Wi-Fi
repeaters are present, and the connection gets slightly slower than the intended speed.
Although it is supposedly the solution for people who need to use the internet somewhere
out of range of the router, the speed is not as fast, as it reprocesses the signal from the
main router. However, is it always repeater's fault? In the Philippine setting, it may be due to
the slow internet speeds, as well. Though many people have already bought and tried to use
repeaters in their own homes and offices, the feedback about the gadget is not as positive
as the product advertised itself to be.

Though the invention of the repeater is mostly a win, it may really depend on the internet
speed of the service provider and location of the main router. Though it could be an
excellent investment, improvements must be made to maximize the utilization of the Wi-Fi
repeater.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Tip
You can present information in a top to bottom manner, or vice
versa. Focus on making the presentation of the ideas fit the context
of the topic.

Example 3
Audio-streaming Platforms

One can argue audio-streaming platforms absolutely changed how the world enjoys music.
Music streaming has become the preferred way of listening to music nowadays. In today's
world of fast-paced connectivity and immediate gratification, how did audio streaming take
the top spot over other traditional music services as well?

Let's start with the basics. Most audio-streaming services provide access to around 50
million tracks. The apps may be free or paid, but the common model is for the app itself to
be free, but for an ad-free experience, you can subscribe to a paid plan. This “freemium”
model proved to be popular, as even users without the paid plans can stream their music
and listen to songs seamlessly, only hearing some advertisements after every few songs,
just like with traditional radio. Unlike radio, the user can choose the songs they like.
Audio-streaming apps have also made it easier for the user to find the music they like, as
they usually have the ability to match artists, songs, and playlists according to the user's
earlier selections. How about the artists? No worries, as all legitimate audio-streaming apps
pay the artists' royalties based on the number of streams their music receives.

Audio streaming has dominated the music industry by catering to their users' and artists'
needs and interests. Their endless features are cool and individualized for both free-using
and paying users alike. They continue to take the lead in sharing music throughout the
world.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Remember
There is no need to present new information in the conclusion. All
supporting details should be discussed in the body.

Explanation
All three essays follow the three-part essay structure: introduction, body, and conclusion.
These essays all have three paragraphs, with the middle paragraph as the body. Each
introduction has a thesis statement, which is the focus of the entire essay. The first one talks
about Philippine food that has reached the international setting, the second one describes
the weaknesses of the Wi-Fi repeater, and the third essay talks about the impact of audio
streaming on the music industry. Each body paragraph has details that support each of the
thesis statements. They utilize examples that are relatable to the readers and help the
reader understand the topic more. Lastly, each paragraph ends with a conclusion. The first
sentences in the conclusions reiterate the thesis statement. The conclusions also emphasize
the details mentioned in the body, and there are also implications for future research for
each of the topics.

What is the best way to identify the main idea in a

three-part essay?

Structuring IMRaD
IMRaD stands for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, with a Conclusion. This
kind of structure is usually used for academic texts, mostly research papers. IMRaD aims to
discuss the research topic at hand, with the intention of explaining the topic and its
intended purpose.

Why is the IMRaD structure essential to knowing

how to present research?

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Introduction
The introduction usually contains the context of the study and addresses what the study
will entail. It starts with a much more general topic than the indicated research questions. It
is necessary to introduce the topic by connecting it to something relatable to the readers in
a context that they understand, then gradually zoom into the topic backed up with research.

You may opt to write a background of the study instead of an introduction. An introduction
aims to raise readers’ interests on the topic and gives insight into the field of study, while a
background provides more extensive knowledge about the topic.

Methods (and Materials)

The methods part of this particular structure describes how the research was conducted. In
short, it explains how the aim and research questions were fulfilled and answered. In this
part, focus on the significant parts and facts of the methods used to collect data and forgo
the small details. Mention the study design used in the research and connect it to the way
the data was collected. This is imperative for the readers to understand how the study
progressed from idea to application.

Tip
In the IMRaD structure, be precise and concise with the words and
language used to present information. Being straightforward is a
characteristic of academic writing.

Results
The results section objectively presents the results and how they were collected in the
methods part of the research. If multiple research questions were presented, their
corresponding results should be reported in the same order. It is recommended to use
graphs and charts to present data for a better understanding. The kind of data presented in
figures should be significant to the study’s topic statement and show readers what needs to
be observed. The data in the graphs or figures should not be repeated in the text. Captions

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are also essential in presenting figures because the readers may not read their entire
commentary.

How should the results be organized to maximize

the interest of the reader?

Discussion
The discussion section is where the writer presents the analysis of the results. The writer
should
● remind readers of the aim of the study, and
● analyze and discuss the results, especially if they were significant in nature.

To facilitate the discussion, the following guide questions can be used:

● What do the results mean?
● How do they relate or relay to prior research?
● What are the relative similarities or differences of the previous research to the
current research?
● How did your chosen method(s) affect the results?
● What are the strengths and weaknesses of the study?
● How are the results important to future developments?
● What kind of future research is needed in the field?

Conclusion
End the text with a conclusion, which fulfills the aim of the entire study. The conclusion
helps connect all the sections of the research coherently and helps find its primary focus.
Instead of reiterating the results, the conclusion can give implications for the study itself and
future research.

Why should the conclusion be included in the

IMRaD structure?

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Example 1
Abstract on Community Malls and Public Markets in Parañaque

This research aims to study the effects of community malls on the businesses that are part
of the public market of Parañaque. In particular, this study identifies the community malls
and public markets, and notes their differences and similarities.

This research is qualitative in nature, which means that the researchers will use a
descriptive method of research. Information is gathered through personal interviews with
the proprietors at the public market and public administrators of Parañaque. Document
analysis is also utilized, focusing on financial statements and market reports. The
researchers hypothesized that the findings of the study will express that there was a
significant effect on the public market when the community malls were established in
Parañaque. Prior qualitative studies in other places and countries that utilized the same
manner of research support the hypothesis. The study only focuses on businesses such as
groceries, apparel, and footwear. However, this study will dig deeper on the effects of
community malls on the businesses at public markets to come up with scientific basis for
legislative measures.

It is concluded that the existence of community malls continues to affect local businesses at
the public market. It is recommended that further research is conducted on customers’
market preferences in buying goods while looking into the business strategies of local
proprietors in combating community malls.

Why should abstracts also utilize the IMRaD

format?

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Example 2
Abstract on a Transgender Study

Transgender people, generally referring to individuals whose biological sex does not align
with their sexual identity, continue to experience discrimination in society despite the
presence of anti-discrimination laws. Transgender people regularly face the dilemma of
being oppressed even with the promotion of equality in democratic countries such as the
Philippines. This qualitative research aims to tackle how the rights of transgender people
are not respected. Effects of discrimination on transgender people’s quality of life are also
discussed in the study, while scrutinizing their experiences with social discrimination on
three key aspects: family, friends, and workplace. The thorough process of examining and
comparing similar situations experienced by different individuals brought findings of
discrimination on transgender people through dismissal of job opportunities despite having
good credentials and lack of acceptance and disownment by their family and friends.
Mockery of their physical attributes and behavior is also an everyday occurrence for them.
The following results lead the study to the conclusion that discrimination is evident in the
daily interactions of transgender people, as the overarching societal structure is based on
gender stereotypes or the common and accepted attributes that define either a man or a
woman. The constant social discrimination pushes transgender people into hiding their
identity and silently enduring the mental conflict. In accordance with this, the researcher
recommends the enactment of concrete laws upholding strict implementation of
anti-discrimination acts in the society, specifically in the Philippines.

Example 3
Abstract on Factors for Students in Choosing an Eatery

This study aims to determine the factors that affect student decisions in choosing among
overcrowded eateries. This research will help incoming businesses determine the factors
why some businesses gain more profit and why others earn less. This quantitative research
used a stratified sampling technique to gather data from 50 senior high school students
from a school in Manila. This study reveals that the demographic characteristics, food
characteristics, menu frequency, and canteen management have a significant influence on
the food preferences of the buyer. Five attributes were identified as necessary for successful

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

operation. These areas were restaurant manager experience, food quality and safety, menu
diversity, high employee retention, and customer service. Given the findings of this study,
the study recommends that businesses should regard the aforementioned characteristics
that a student considers for these businesses to gain more profit.

Explanation
All three abstracts follow the IMRaD format, complete with the introduction, methods,
results, and discussion. They also include conclusions for each of the studies. In the
introductions, the aim of the study is included and stated, in addition to how it will help out
multiple beneficiaries, especially in their respective fields. The methods of each study are
also indicated, with the research design as the highlight of the abstract. The different forms
of data used are also mentioned, which give light to how the data was collected. Results are
also presented, as well as a short discussion and recommendations of said results. The
abstracts show, even in short summaries, how the studies were conducted, and the
different implications for the different studies.

Extend

Activity 1
Organize a three-part essay that aims to discuss senior high school academics.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Guide
The best way to organize an essay would be to outline the introduction, body, and
conclusion. Then, include the details which you want to focus on.

Activity 2
Use the abstract to identify the IMRaD.

This quantitative study aimed to prove or disprove that branded clothing is better in quality than
unbranded clothing. This study also validated different prejudices for and against branded and
unbranded clothing and aided consumers’ perceptions in buying clothing. The data was gathered
from the surveys conducted on Grade 12 students from a school in Manila and different research
articles related to the topic. Using this method, vital information on the factors that the students
consider when buying clothes and their perceptions toward branded and unbranded clothes were
collated. The preferences of buying clothing vary in each consumers’ shopping behavior. While
most of the female teenagers are affected by the trends, male teenagers are conscious of the
brands. Branded items are usually innovative and comfortable, as they usually guarantee great
quality. On the other hand, unbranded items are typically cheap, but the quality is questionable.
Most of the respondents prefer branded clothing because of its familiarity through their famous
endorsers and advertisements. Branded clothes are also considered trendy. Because of that, it is
mostly teenagers that responded that brands are a must when buying clothing. However, brands
are not deemed as necessary in terms of household materials. In the future, it would be helpful to
identify the most sensitive denomination when it comes to brands and the most commonly
bought clothing brands within an area.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

Guide
Take each part of the IMRaD and identify it in the given abstract. The introduction
should talk about the aim of the study, the methods should mention the procedures
of the research, results should be the actual results found in the study, and the
discussion should mention the implications and significance of the research itself.

Evaluate

A. Answer the following questions as accurately and

precisely as you can.

1. What are the parts of the three-part essay?

2. What does IMRaD stand for?

3. What should the thesis statement do in a three-part essay?

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

4. Why should IMRaD include the research design in the Methods section?

5. Why should the three-part essay be organized in such a way?

B. Carefully think before writing a complete answer for each

question.

1. How does knowing the structure help in writing essays and research?

2. Why would a researcher need to know the IMRaD structure in publishing his work?

3. Create a short paragraph about your favorite subject.

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Unit 1.1: Structure of Academic Texts

4. Create a short paragraph about a potential research topic you would want to pursue in
SHS.

5. Create an extensive paragraph about one invention that has helped society in modern
times.

Wrap Up
___________________________________________________________________________________________

● Knowing the structure of an essay can help a reader comprehend the text.
● Paragraph development and the three-part essay are broken into the following
parts: introduction, body, and conclusion.
● The IMRaD structure is broken into the following parts: Introduction, Methods,
Results, Discussion, and Conclusion.

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___________________________________________________________________________________________

Bibliography

“The IMRaD Format.” Search Write, December 19, 2017.

https://sokogskriv.no/en/writing/structure-and-argumentation/the-imrad-format/.

“The Structure of Academic Texts.” Lnu.se. Accessed February 25, 2020.

https://lnu.se/en/library/Writing-and-referencing/the-structure-of-academic-texts/.

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“The Structure of Academic Texts.” Karolinska Institutet Universitetsbiblioteket. Accessed

February 25, 2020.
https://kib.ki.se/en/write-cite/academic-writing/structure-academic-texts.

“Traditional Academic Essays in Three Parts.” Penn State Abington. Accessed February 25,
2020. https://abington.psu.edu/traditional-academic-essays-three-parts.

“Writing a Scientific Research Report (IMRaD).” The Writing Center. Accessed February 25,
2020. https://writingcenter.gmu.edu/guides/writing-an-imrad-report.

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