IMRD: Introductions and Literature Reviews

Today we will finish our discussion of the format of an IMRD paper by talking about literature reviews. These are complex and difficult to write but the process can be made easier by discussing a few different kinds of patterns and highlighting important and/or useful terms. An outline for today's class can be found below...

IMRD Structure: Writing Literature Reviews

Objectives: Students will be able to...

1. Discuss how literatures can differ in structure and organization
2. Analyze example literature reviews for variation in structure and organization
3. Understand and comment on the different linguistic conventions common in literature reviews

I. Warm-Up 

How are you? How are things going? How are your other classes going? Did you do anything fun over the weekend? Do you have any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz

I hope you studied! 

III. Returning Past Assignments

I have a variety of assignments from the past few weeks of class that I have review, graded and will return to you in class today. 

IV. Brief Review of IMRD Structure

We'll briefly review what's already been discussed of the structure using this presentation. To finish our examination of the "Discussion" section, we will do this short information sequencing example. 

V. Literature Reviews

Today we will spending the majority of our time talking about literature reviews (which are often part of the introduction section of an IMRD paper). I've included a few sample literature reviews below: 

1. Review Article (here)
2. Section of a Journal Article (here)
3. Integrated into a Journal Article (here)

These examples go to show that, once again, there is no "one size fits all" solution when writing a literature review.

NOTE: As with any academic writing, you have to be aware of the conventions of your field and the requirements of your department and/or the publication you are trying to get your work into! 

To begin, consider these questions with a partner: 

1. Why do we need to review the literature?
2. What is the difference between a “narrative” literature review and a “focused” literature review? In which types of papers might you use each one?
3. How might you organize the sources in a literature review? Think of at least two ways.
4. True or False: Your literature review should focus on very recent publications because they are likely the most relevant. Why?
5. True or False: Your literature review should be as long as possible in order to persuade your reader that you have read very widely. Why?
6. What process do you employ (or do you think you should employ) when approaching the task of writing a literature review?

VI. Steps to Writing a Literature Review

This handout goes over the steps for writing a literature review. This handout contains the same information with examples. 

Thesis Statement (main claim/argument)

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V

Introduction (background info, make the claim, overview of paper organization)

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V

Body (organization of source summaries (indicating importance)

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V

Conclusion (summary of main findings, provide closure, so what?)

VII. Review

Finally, we'll end our discussion with a short review activity. 

Homework

1. Prepare for a short vocabulary quiz on these words
2. Start working on the IMRD paper. Instructions can be found here. It is a critical analysis of your IMRD article. You will have two weeks to submit the paper. It will be between 1200 and 1600 words. Please review the instructions carefully. If you have questions, ask me SOONER rather than LATER :) This paper constitutes a major part of your grade, so it needs to be complete and you need to submit it on time. Also, in order to help you write your paper, you may want to consult the following resources: 

• IMRD Overview Presentation
• Strategies for Organizing the Literature Review
• MRD Information

Please let me know if you have any questions! 

IMRD: The "Results" and "Discussion" Sections and Summary Skills

Today we will continue our discussion of the IMRD format for research articles with an overview of the "Results" section. An outline can be found below. 

The "Results" Section and Summary Skills 

I. Warm-Up

How are you? How are things? What's new? How are your other classes? Do you have any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz

Any questions? No? "Speak now... or forever hold your peace!" 

III. IMRD: Review of "Methods" and Intro to "Results" 

Let's take a look at this presentation. It reviews the information we discussed last week and advances our dialogic analysis of the IMRD structure. The presentation covers: 

1. An overview of IMRD structure
2. An brief explanation of the purpose of each component of the IMRD article structure
3. An introduction and overview of the "Methods" section
4. An introduction and overview of the "Results" section

After our discussion, we will practice the following activities designed to increase your awareness about the features of and language used within the "Results" section: 

1. Finding Information within the "Results" Section
2. Understanding the Role of Comments Within the "Results" Section

IV. Summary Skills

Finally, let's take a look at a formula for summarizing an IMRD article. The formula can be found here. 

Once you've accessed the plan/formula, take a few minutes to read through the material. We will be using this strategy to try and summarize an academic article of your choosing for homework. 

Homework for Next Tuesday (11/25/2014)

1). Bring your IMRD article to class (you won't be given credit for attending class without the article)

2). Summarize your article before class using the strategy found in Part IV above. Send me your summary for feedback by Sunday (11/23/2014) at 11:55pm. Title your work: "IMRDSummary_YourName"

3). Prepare for the next vocabulary quiz on these words. 

An Introduction to IMRD Research Paper Format

Today we are going to begin a four-week long discussion of the IMRD format for scientific articles. We will be discussing this format because it is considered the most prominent format for the publication of original research. We will be adhering to the following schedule: 

1. Day One (11/11): Overview and Methods
2. Day Two (11/18): Results & Discussion
3. Day Three (11/25): Introductions
4. Day Four (12/3): Literature Review

An outline for today's class can be found below:

Introduction to IMRD Format: Overview & Methods

Objectives: Students will be able to....

1. Identify and define the primary components of the general, IMRD format
2. Identify and explain ways in which IMRD format varies between disciplines 
3. Demonstrate understanding of how different tenses are used within an IMRD research paper
4. Identify and define the characteristics of the "Methods" section of a general, IMRD research paper
5. Analyze a sample IMRD article

I. Icebreaker

How was your weekend? How was the holiday break? How are your other classes? Any questions about this class? 

II. Vocabulary Quiz

Time to "face the music". I hope you studied!

III. An Introduction to IMRD Format

Let's begin with what you know. With a partner, answer the following questions: 

• What are the basic parts/sections of a journal article? 
• What purpose does each part/section serve? 
• Is there variation between different scientific fields? How do you know? Can you give an example? 

After the discussion, we will look at this overview of the format. It is a general overview, intended for use with many different fields of study. To find out the requirements you will need within your field, we will have to do some genre analysis. 

For more information about this format, click here

IV. Identifying the Sections
There are usually hints that tell you which section of an IMRD you are in. These hints include things like: verb tense, the presence of author commentary and/or the (extensive) use of citation. Let's practice getting acquainted with these tenses using this activity.

1. Present Tense: This study is part of our research on....
2. Past Tense: We conducted this study as part of our research on....
3. Passive Voice (subject + finite form of to be + 3rd person past participle): The study was conducted....

V. The Methods Section

Now, let's look at the characteristics of the 'Methods' section. To do this, first read this article and answer the comprehension questions. Once you have finished, compare your answers with a class mate. 

After we discuss the answers as a class, we will do this activity to practice identifying the information that should be included in the 'Methods' section. 

Homework for Next Tuesday (11/18/2014)

1. Prepare for another vocabulary quiz on new words
2. Work through this brief overview of articles in English
3. Find an scientific article from your field of study written in English. The article should match the following criteria:

• Be between five and 10 pages long
• Pertain to your field (materials science, engineering, etc.)
• Contain each of the four components of the IMRD structure (it can contain more than that, too)

Once you have your article, email it to me (as a link or an attachment) so I can check it. Once I have told you it is 'ok', then print out the article. Bring this article with you for every class until we finish the unit! 

Finally, write a 300-500 word summary of the articles main points. 

Holiday Break Update

I hope you are all enjoying your holiday break in honor of the National Day of Unity. In addition to the email I just sent out to each of you, I wanted to update the course website with the homework for our next class (Tuesday, November 11th, 2014).

The homework assignments for next Tuesday include:

1). Reading this chapter on thesis statements for thesis/dissertations and being ready for a short quiz on the differences between general thesis statements (what we have been talking about in class) and dissertation thesis statements

2). Write a short reflection essay on your first PIE essay that answers these questions in ~250-300 words

-What did you do you well?
-What is one area I told you you could improve on? How will you do so?
-What is one area you think you can improve on? How will you do so?

Please title your work, "PIEReflection_YourName" by next Sunday (11/9) at 11:55pm.

3). Review these EAP vocabulary words and prepare for a short quiz on them during our next class.

As always, if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to send me an email. Have a nice week!