COMPOSING ACADEMIC WRITING

A. Book Review
A book review describes and evaluates a work of fiction or nonfiction and offers the book’s overall
purpose, structure, and style of narration to the unknown readers. It tells not only what a book is about, but
also how successful it is at what it is trying to do. It is a sneak peek at a book, not a summary.

As a reviewer, you bring together the two strands of accurate, analytical reading and strong,
personal response when you indicate what the book is about and what it meant to readers.

Hence, in writing a book review, you combine your skills of describing the content of the pages,
analyzing how the book achieved its purpose, and expressing your most personal comments, reactions,
and suggestions.

But before you start writing a book review, you have to read the book first and ask yourself
these questions: What are the author’s viewpoint and purpose? What are the author’s main points? What kind
of evidence does the author use to prove his or her points? How does this book relate to other books on the
same topic? Does the author have the necessary expertise to write the book? What are the most appropriate
criteria by which to judge the book? How successful do you think the author was in carrying out the overall
purposes of the book?

If it is a short review, you may not be able to fulfill your purpose. If it is too long, it may stray too much of
the plot or of the content, you may lose the interest of your readers. Take this general guideline: the length of
the review depends upon the length of the book itself, and a review should not be less than 100 words. Longer
books usually ask for more than 500 words.

A book review title should be based on your total impression of a book. Like creating passwords, strong
titles might be “Drew girl power to new height”, “A night owl that seldom sleeps even during daytime,” “Beautiful
illustrations with a story to match,” “Perfect for a weekend getaway” while weak titles are: “State of the art
book,” “Five stars,” “A breath of fresh air,” “Fast and furious.”

How do you START writing a book review?

1. Identify the book by author, title, and sometimes publishing information.
2. Specify the type of book (for example: fiction, nonfiction, biography, and
autobiography). Help your readers to review with perspective.
3. Mention the book’s theme.
4. Include background, if necessary, to enable reader/s to place the book into a specific context.
5. You may also use an interesting quote, an interesting fact, or an explanation of a concept or term.

What do you DO with the content?

1. For nonfiction books like biography, history, and the like: pay primary attention to the major points (the
argument) the author is putting forth and to the sources the author has drawn upon to back up his/her
point of view.
2. For fictional works such as novels, chick lit, graphic novels, manga: Pay attention primarily to the
novel or book’s setting, plot, style, characters, theme/s, use of language and voice. Caution: Do not
give away the story for no one appreciates a spoiler!
3. Provide your reactions to the book.
4. Describe the book.
5. Respond to the author’s opinions and analyze it.
6. Explore issues the book raises.

How do you CONCLUDE?

1. Relate your argument to other books or authors.
2. Relate the book to larger issues.
3. Tie together issues raised in the review.
4. Briefly restate your main points and your thesis statement.
5. Indicate how well the book has achieved its goal, what possibilities are suggested by the book, what
the book has left out, how the book compares to others on the subject, what specific points are not
convincing, and what personal experiences you’ve had related to the subject.

How do you REVISE the draft?

1. Allow time to elapse, at least a day, before starting your revision.
2. Correct grammatical mistakes and punctuation as you find them.
3. Read your paper through again looking for unity, organization, and logical development.
4. If necessary, do not hesitate to make major revisions in your draft.
5. Verify quotations for accuracy and check the format and content of references.
B. Literature Review
A literature review (LR) is a type of academic essay that examines what has already been written about a
topic. As a collection of published research about your topic by recognized scholars and researchers, it is a way
for you to examine also what has already been done regarding your research question or problem. Likewise, it
summarizes and synthesizes the conducted research driven by guiding principles. Although it is not a research
paper, it provides background for your problem and a rationale for your research (Abadiano 2016, 51-52).

Literature reviews consist of the following components and purposes:

• Introduction
- defines the topic and the scope being considered
- notes intentional exclusions
- states the general findings of the review and the availability of the sources
• Main Body
- Organizes the evaluation of the sources whether chronologically or thematically
- showcases the critical summary and evaluation of the research premise, methodology, and conclusion
- uses grammatical connectors, relational words or phrases, and transitional devices
• Conclusion
- summarizes the key findings of the review
- offers the reviewer’s justification of the conducted research
• References
- reflects the in-text citations
- contains complete and correct citations

Here are four literature review strategies:

C. Research Report
Research Report is a long, formal essay, usually five to fifteen pages in length, which presents the
writer’s views and findings on a chosen subject. However, it is not just a long composition which follows the
principles of good writing. It is a scholarly work and not just a collection of notes lifted from many different
sources and strung together, one after the other.

The components of a research report are as follows:

Title
It reflects the content and emphasis of the project described in the report. Similarly, it should be as
short as possible, including essential key words.

Abstract
It is an overview of the research study and is typically two to four paragraphs in length containing 200-
300 words. Think of it as an executive and technical summary that gathers the key elements of the remaining
sections into a few sentences.

Introduction
It provides the key question that the researcher is attempting to answer and a review of any literature
that is relevant. In addition, the researcher will provide a rationale of why the research is important and will
present a hypothesis that attempts to answer the key question. Lastly, it should contain a summary of the key
question following the completion of the research.

Methodology
This is arguably the most important section for two reasons: (1) it allows readers to evaluate the quality
of the research, and (2) it provides the details by which another researcher may replicate and validate the
findings. Typically, the information in the methodology section is arranged in chronological order with the most
important information on top of each section.

Results
In longer research papers, the results section contains the data and perhaps a short introduction.
Ideally, the interpretation of the data and the analysis is reserved for the discussion section.
Discussion
This section is where the results of the study are interpreted and evaluated against the existing body or
literature. In addition, should there be any anomalies found in the results, this is where the authors point them
out. Finally, it is an attempt to connect the results to the bigger picture and show how the results might be
applied.

References
This section provides a list of each author and paper cited in the research report. Any fact, idea, or
direct quotation used in the report should be cited and referenced.

D. Project Proposal
A project proposal is a document that is written for problem solving, service provision, event planning,
or equipment selling. Generally, proposals are used to convince the reader to do what the proposal suggests,
such as buying goods or services, funding a project, or implementing a program. Proposals in the professional
world are used for internal (within an organization) and external (from one organization to another) purposes.
They are ways of generating income for companies or seeking funding for projects. This is provided to the
sponsor of the project for approval.

A proposal stands out depending on its ability to clearly answer questions about what is being
proposed, how the plan will be carried out, when it will be implemented, and how much money will be needed or
spent. In other words, they are persuasive documents that need to do the following: highlight reader benefits,
prove your credibility in carrying out the project, and allow the reader to respond easily.

As a student, you have been familiarized with writing proposals - maybe even without you knowing it.
Whenever you envision, plan, and complete a project for your science class or your club outreach, you are
thinking about fulfilling a need for something. This process may involve writing a paper or doing a presentation
in front of an audience to get their approval. While proposal writing may seem like an intimidating task, they
can be made easier by following the guidelines in writing and familiarizing yourself with the parts of a project
proposal. (Projectmanager 2018)

Formatting the Project Proposal

Proposals are primarily categorized according to their length. An informal proposal is about 2-4 pages
long. Meanwhile, a formal proposal has 5 or more pages. Regardless of their purpose and audience, they have
standard parts such as the following:

1. Introduction. This part provides the background necessary for understanding the project, which is done by
telling your reader the following:
 Rationale - this identifies the problem to be addressed and shows the need to solve it.
 Objectives - these reveal what the project intends to achieve in terms of results. It also gives the reader
an idea of the intended solution. Good objectives are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable,
Results-oriented, and bound within a realistic Time frame).
 Benefits - these show what the reader or the target audience can gain from the proposal, which may be
improvements in processes or systems, an increase in revenue, or a change in behavior of the
beneficiaries of the proposal.

2. Project Description. This section gives specific information about the project itself. It indicates how the
project will address the identified problem through the following parts:
 Methodology – this entails the different activities; the project will take on, including the manpower (i.e.,
the people involved and their duties), resources to be utilized and the expanded output.
 Schedule - this discusses the task duration and expected start and end dates of each activity in the
project.
 Budget - this presents an analysis of all the costs anticipated in the project, which can be itemized or
shown as a whole, depending on the needs of the project.
Note: Organizations usually provide interested parties with a required format for project proposals, so make
sure that you follow the prescribed format. (Brighthubpm 2009)

E. Position Paper
The position paper is a composition that highlights an opinion of an author or specified entity about an
issue. As a debate, it presents one side of an arguable opinion and persuades the readers or audience that the
author has a well-founded knowledge about the issue.

In writing the Position Paper, your goal as a writer is not only to state and defend your
position on the issue but also to show how your stance relates to other position. Do remember that arguments
should be supported with reasons and evidence?
 Writing Center of the University of Hawaii, stated that in choosing the issue or problem to be discussed,
you may ask yourself the following questions as issue criteria to ensure that you will be able to present a
strong argument:
1. Is it the actual and real issue?
2. Can you clearly identify two positions?
3. Are you an advocate of one of these positions?
4.Is the issue narrow enough to be manageable?

After choosing the argument to take, you must present relevant supporting evidence like:
1. Factual knowledge, which are valid and verifiable information
2. Statistical inferences, which are conclusions drawn from data gathered
3. Informed opinions, which are based on knowledge of the facts and carefully
considered principle, and rely on evidence instead of limited personal experience
4. Personal testimony, which are personal or first-hand experience of the writer or knowledgeable party
(Rutgers 1998)

Now, here are the components of a position paper.

I. The Introduction – identifies the issue that will be discussed and states the author’s position that issue.
A. Introduce your topic with background information
B. Build up your thesis statement which asserts your position
• Fast food restaurants are bad for our health.
• Fast food packages should contain warning labels.

II. The Body – contains the central argument and can be further broken up into sections:
A. Possible objections to your position (counter argument)
• Whose job is it to determine which restaurants are bad?
• Such labels would affect the profits of major corporations.
B. A discussion of both sides of the issue, which addresses and refutes arguments that contradict the
author’s
position (your argument)
• It would be difficult and expensive for any entity to determine which restaurants should adhere to the
policy.
• Nobody wants to see the government overstepping its boundaries.
C. Explain that your position is still the best one, despite the strength of counterarguments. This is where
you
can work to discredit some of the counterarguments and support your own.
• Restaurants might improve the standards of food if warning labels were put into place.
• The role of the government is to keep citizens safe.

III. Conclusion – restating the key points and when applicable, suggest resolution to the issue (Thoughtco
2020).
A. restate your position
B. provide Plan of Action
 ASSESSMENT

Multiple Choices Test: Read each items carefully. Write the letter of your answer on the space provided
before each number.

_____1. Which of the following does not describe the nature and purpose of a literature review?
A. It is a type of an academic essay.
B. It synthesizes and evaluates the relevant scholarly paper on a topic.
C. It contains some of the major concerns and debates within a discipline.
D. It attempts to develop a new argument.

_____2. Why should students write a literature review?

A. to show knowledge of the topic
B. to keep current or abreast with the times
C. to serve as steppingstone for further research
D. all of the above

_____3. This system provides a means of identification for managing information on digital networks.
A. DOI B. DTI C. STI D. FTI

_____4. Which of the following does not describe the literature review accurately?
A. It is a summary of existing literature
B. It is a synthesis of the arguments of others
C. It is a critical or analytical account of a finished research
D. It is an account of a selection of writing relevant to your work

_____5. This part of a literature review defines the topic and the scope being considered.
A. Introduction B. Main Body C. Conclusion D. References

_____6. It offers the reviewer’s justification of the conducted research.

A. Introduction B. Main Body C. Conclusion D. References

_____7. Which part is the organization of the evaluation of sources arranged chronologically?
A. Introduction B. Main Body C. Conclusion D. References

_____8. Which of the following parts of a review provides the author’s name, book article’s name, source, and
their statement?
A. introduction B. conclusion C. body D. synthesis

_____9. What is your best basis in creating titles for a book review?
A. background of the author C. book’s impression
B. book illustrations D. book’s sales and popularity

_____10. In reviewing fiction books, what elements should be paid with most attention by the reviewer?
A. setting and plot only C. language and audience
B. setting, plot and characters D. language and genre

_____11. Which of the following cannot be classified as nonfiction?

A. Fantasy B. history C. Documentary D. Autobiography

_____12. Which of the following shows a weak book review title?

A. Quite Tough C. She is a Rose Among Thorns
B. nerve-wracking Thriller to Date D. Pinoy Frontliners Honored Insanely

_____13. The following are the focus of reviewing a book, EXCEPT:

A. purpose of the author C. title of the book or novel
B. relevance of the issues D. content of the book or novel

_____14. The following are categorized as fiction, EXCEPT:

A. poetry B. biography C. novel D. sci-fi

_____15. How long should a book review be?

A. 50 words B. 500 words or more C. strictly 500 words D. strictly 100 words
_____16. It contains the interpretation of data and a short introduction.
A. Abstract B. Discussion C. Methodology D. Results

_____17. This is where the outcome of the study is interpreted and evaluated against the existing body of
research literature.
A. Abstract B. Discussion C. Methodology D. Results

_____18. Which of the following is a long formal essay with the length of five to fifteen pages presenting the
writer’s views and findings?
A. Book Report B. Research Report C. Formal Report D. Informal Report

_____19. The abstract is limited to number of words.

A. 50 B. 100 C. 150 D. 200-300

_____20. Who should evaluate the research report best?

A. parent B. principal C. researcher D. teacher

_____21. Which of the following is not found in a research report?

A. Abstract B. Recommendations C. Results D. Discussion

_____22. Which of the following is not a physical format of a research report?

A. margins B. length C. vlog D. width

_____23. In stating the proposal’s objective, you should clearly state the issue, the target group, time, and
place of the program.
A. specific B. measurable C. achievable D. results-oriented

_____24. Which details the different activities the project will take on that includes the manpower?
A. budget B. schedule C. methodology D. objectives

_____25. In doing a project proposal, when do you use an outline to structure your discussion more
effectively?
A. gathering the data C. organizing the data
B. writing the proposal D. revising the proposal

_____26. Which shows what the reader target audience can gain from the proposal, like improvements on
systems or a change in behavior of the beneficiaries?
A. Introduction B. Rationale C. Benefits D. Objectives

_____27. What part of the proposal reveals what the project intends to achieve in terms of results?
A. Rationale B. Objectives C. Benefits D. Introduction

_____28. Which section gives specific information about the project itself?
A. Project Introduction C. Project Description
B. Project Methodology D. Project Revision

_____29. Which guidelines in writing the proposal do you collect data from primary and secondary sources?
A. gathering the data C. organizing the data
B. writing the proposal D. revising the proposal

_____30. Which part of the project description discusses the task duration and expected start and end dates of
each activity in the project?
A. budget B. schedule C. methodology D. objectives

_____31. Which of the following is not included in the introduction of the position paper?
A. counter-argument C. background of the topic
B. relevance of the topic D. position statement

_____32. Which of the following statements is false?

A. A position statement can be based upon your opinion
B. You will need to choose a side when writing a position statement
C. You don’t need to offer any options when writing a position statement
D. You should always write a conclusion that sums up your position

_____33. Why is a topic like “The pandemic Covid-19 shakes the world” not a good idea for a position
statement?
A. It’s too controversial. C. It’s a long, complicated topic.
B. There is nothing to debate about. D. It’s a good topic for a position statement.
_____34. What is an idea that disagrees or contradicts with your given position?
A. argument B. counter-argument C. first claim D. support

_____35. Which part of the paper defines the issue and discusses its background?
A. Introduction B. Body C. Conclusion D. Summary