LESSON 1: STRUCTURES OF DIFFERENT ACADEMIC TEXTS

The following are typical structures for each of the academic texts: Reaction Paper,
Concept Paper, Position Paper, and Research Report.

1. Reaction Paper: A reaction paper is a piece of writing that involves your personal
response to a particular topic, event, reading, or experience. It often includes your
thoughts, feelings, and reflections. The structure of a reaction paper can vary, but it
generally follows these elements:

 Introduction:
 Introduce the topic or reading that you are reacting to.
 Provide some context and background information.
 Summary:
 Summarize the main points or ideas presented in the topic or reading.
 Personal Reaction:
 Share your thoughts, feelings, and opinions about the topic.
 Explain why you agree or disagree with certain points.
 Provide examples to support your reactions.
 Analysis:
 Analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the topic or reading.
 Discuss how the topic relates to other concepts or ideas you've
encountered.
 Conclusion:
 Summarize your overall reaction.
 Consider the broader implications of the topic or reading.

2. Concept Paper: A concept paper outlines a research idea or proposal. It's usually a
precursor to a full research project and aims to present the basic concepts and
objectives of the intended research. The structure generally includes:

 Introduction:
 Introduce the research topic and its significance.
 Provide a brief overview of the research problem.
 Background and Context:
 Discuss the context in which the research idea has emerged.
 Provide relevant literature or theories that support the research concept.
 Research Objectives:
  Clearly state the objectives or goals of the proposed research.
 Conceptual Framework:
 Present the theoretical framework that will guide the research.
 Explain the key concepts, variables, and relationships.
 Methodology:
 Briefly describe the research methods that will be employed.
 Explain how data will be collected and analyzed.
 Expected Outcomes:
 Discuss the potential outcomes or contributions of the research.
 Conclusion:
 Sum up the main points and emphasize the importance of the research
concept.

3. Position Paper: A position paper presents an argument or stance on a particular

issue or topic. It aims to persuade readers to agree with the author's viewpoint. The
structure typically includes:

 Introduction:
 Introduce the topic and the specific issue being addressed.
 State your position or thesis statement clearly.
 Background and Context:
 Provide necessary background information on the issue.
 Arguments and Evidence:
 Present your main arguments and provide supporting evidence for each.
 Address potential counterarguments and refute them.
 Analysis:
 Analyze the implications of your position.
 Discuss the broader context and consequences of the issue.
 Conclusion:
 Summarize your position and restate your main arguments.
 End with a strong closing statement that reinforces your position.

4. Research Report: A research report is a comprehensive document that presents the

findings, methodology, analysis, and conclusions of a research study. The structure
typically includes:

 Title Page:
 Title of the report, author's name, date, etc.
 Abstract:
  A concise summary of the research objectives, methodology, findings, and
conclusions.
 Introduction:
 Introduce the research problem and its significance.
 State the research questions or hypotheses.
 Literature Review:
 Summarize relevant literature and theories related to the research topic.
 Methodology:
 Detail the research design, methods, and data collection techniques used.
 Results:
 Present the findings of the research study.
 Use tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate the data.
 Discussion:
 Interpret the results and relate them to the research questions.
 Discuss the implications of the findings and their relevance.
 Conclusion:
 Summarize the main findings and their implications.
 Suggest areas for further research.
 References:
 List all the sources cited in the report.

Examples

1. Reaction Paper: Example Topic: Reaction to a Short Story

Introduction: In the short story "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, the author explores the
dark aspects of human nature and societal conformity. The story's unexpected twist
raises thought-provoking questions about tradition and the cruelty that can lurk
beneath seemingly normal practices.

Summary: "The Lottery" presents a small town's annual ritual of selecting a sacrificial
victim through a lottery. The story follows Tessie Hutchinson as she becomes the chosen
victim, highlighting the chilling acceptance of violence by the community.

Personal Reaction: I was deeply disturbed by the story's portrayal of blind conformity
and the ease with which a community can turn on one of its own. The shocking ending
left me questioning the role of tradition in maintaining harmful practices.
Analysis: Jackson's use of symbolism, such as the black box and the stones, underscores
the story's themes of tradition and ritual. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the
dangers of thoughtlessly following established norms.

Conclusion: "The Lottery" serves as a powerful reminder that societal norms and
traditions can sometimes mask underlying brutality. The story's impact continues to
resonate, prompting us to critically examine the practices we accept without question.

2. Concept Paper: Example Topic: Concept for a Health Promotion Campaign

Introduction: This concept paper proposes a health promotion campaign focused on

increasing physical activity among children and adolescents in schools. The campaign
aims to address the rising rates of sedentary lifestyles and obesity in this age group.

Background and Context: Childhood obesity rates have reached alarming levels globally,
leading to increased health risks in adulthood. Schools play a crucial role in shaping
children's behaviors, making them an ideal setting for promoting healthy habits.

Research Objectives: The objectives of this campaign are to raise awareness about the
benefits of physical activity, encourage schools to implement activity-friendly policies,
and provide resources for teachers and parents to support active lifestyles.

Conceptual Framework: The campaign will be guided by the Health Belief Model,
emphasizing perceived susceptibility to health risks, perceived benefits of physical
activity, and self-efficacy in adopting active behaviors.

Methodology: The campaign will involve a combination of educational workshops,

interactive activities, and informational materials for students, teachers, and parents.
Pre- and post-campaign assessments will measure changes in attitudes and behaviors.

Expected Outcomes: We anticipate increased awareness of the importance of physical

activity, improved attitudes toward active lifestyles, and a higher adoption rate of
physical activity among children and adolescents.

Conclusion: This concept paper lays the foundation for a comprehensive health
promotion campaign that addresses the pressing issue of childhood obesity. By
targeting schools and involving multiple stakeholders, we aim to create a lasting impact
on the health and well-being of the younger generation.

(Note: This is a fictional example.)

3. Position Paper: Example Topic: Position on Renewable Energy Policies

Introduction: The transition to renewable energy sources is imperative for mitigating

climate change and securing a sustainable future. This position paper advocates for the
implementation of comprehensive renewable energy policies on a national scale.

Background and Context: Fossil fuels continue to contribute to environmental

degradation and global warming. The urgency of addressing these issues necessitates a
rapid shift to renewable energy technologies.

Arguments and Evidence:

1. Environmental Impact: Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power,
produce minimal greenhouse gas emissions, reducing air pollution and
combating climate change.
2. Economic Opportunities: Investing in renewables can create jobs, stimulate local
economies, and position our nation as a leader in emerging industries.
3. Energy Security: Diversifying our energy sources decreases dependence on
foreign fossil fuels and enhances our national energy security.

Analysis: While critics argue that renewable energy technologies are expensive to
implement, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial costs. Furthermore,
advancements in technology are driving down prices and increasing the efficiency of
renewable systems.

Conclusion: The adoption of renewable energy policies is not only an environmental

imperative but also an economic and strategic opportunity. By committing to a clean
energy future, we can address the challenges of climate change, promote economic
growth, and secure the well-being of future generations.

(Note: This is a fictional example.)

4. Research Report: Example Topic: Research Report on Effects of Social Media on

Mental Health

Abstract: This research report investigates the relationship between social media usage
and mental health outcomes among adolescents. The study utilizes a mixed-methods
approach to explore the potential impacts of excessive social media engagement on
psychological well-being.
Introduction: The ubiquity of social media platforms raises concerns about their effects
on mental health. This research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the
complex interplay between social media use and mental health outcomes.

Literature Review: Previous research highlights both positive and negative effects of
social media on mental health. While social connection and support can be fostered,
excessive use has been linked to increased feelings of loneliness, anxiety, and
depression.

Methodology: A combination of quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews was

employed to gather data from a diverse sample of adolescents. The survey assessed
social media habits, self-reported mental health, and perceived social support.
Interviews provided deeper insights into individual experiences.

Results: Quantitative analysis revealed a significant correlation between excessive social

media use and higher levels of depressive symptoms. Qualitative data illuminated the
role of social comparison, cyberbullying, and sleep disruption in exacerbating mental
health issues.

Discussion: The findings underscore the need for a nuanced understanding of social
media's impact on mental health. While it can provide a platform for social connection,
its potential negative effects necessitate proactive strategies for healthy online behavior.

Conclusion: This research contributes to the growing body of literature on the

relationship between social media and mental health. The results emphasize the
importance of raising awareness, promoting digital literacy, and fostering a balanced
approach to social media engagement among adolescents.

(Note: This is a fictional example.)

**Multiple Choice Test: Structures of Different Academic Texts**

1. What is the primary purpose of a reaction paper?

a) To present research findings
b) To outline a research proposal
c) To share personal thoughts and reflections
d) To argue a specific position

2. Which section of a concept paper discusses the research objectives?

a) Introduction
b) Methodology
c) Expected Outcomes
d) Background and Context

3. What is the main goal of a position paper?

a) To entertain readers with a fictional story
b) To summarize research findings
c) To present an argument and persuade readers
d) To provide a detailed literature review

4. In a research report, where are the findings of the study typically presented?
a) Methodology
b) Introduction
c) Abstract
d) Results

5. What is the primary purpose of the "Methodology" section in a research report?

a) To present the findings of the study
b) To summarize key background information
c) To detail the research design and methods used
d) To provide a concise summary of the report

6. Which part of a concept paper explains the theoretical framework guiding the
research?
a) Background and Context
b) Introduction
c) Methodology
d) Conceptual Framework

7. What is the key element of a position paper's "Background and Context" section?
 a) Providing supporting evidence for arguments
b) Analyzing the implications of the position
c) Presenting the research objectives
d) Offering necessary background information on the issue

8. In a reaction paper, what section involves sharing personal thoughts and opinions?
a) Introduction
b) Summary
c) Analysis
d) Personal Reaction

9. Which section of a research report discusses the broader implications of the findings?
a) Results
b) Methodology
c) Introduction
d) Discussion

10. What is the primary purpose of the "Expected Outcomes" section in a concept
paper?
a) To list all references used in the paper
b) To outline the methods used in the research
c) To discuss the potential consequences of the research
d) To present the main arguments and evidence

**Answer Key:**
1. c
2. c
3. c
4. d
5. c
6. d
7. d
8. d
9. d
10. c