WRITING RESOURCES
Literature Reviews
A Literature Review is basically a summary discussion of research that has been published related to a specific academic subject or field of study.
Literature reviews look like academic essays, and follow the same format rules regarding font size and style, line spacing, page margins, referencing and citations, etc. Literature reviews are often organized into sections, each with their own headings and sub-headings. Literature reviews are often written as a part of a longer research paper, but they may also be required as a stand-alone (i.e. separate) course assignment.
The purpose of literature reviews can be summarized as follows:
Literature reviews look like academic essays, and follow the same format rules regarding font size and style, line spacing, page margins, referencing and citations, etc. Literature reviews are often organized into sections, each with their own headings and sub-headings. Literature reviews are often written as a part of a longer research paper, but they may also be required as a stand-alone (i.e. separate) course assignment.
The purpose of literature reviews can be summarized as follows:
- To highlight scholarly literature related to a topic;
- To highlight the focal point of the writer’s own research;
- To show how the writer’s research is related to other, past research;
- To demonstrate the writer’s ability to critically evaluate relevant sources and incorporate them into new, original academic work.
Links & Resources
See Also
- The videos "Writing A Literature Review" Parts 1 and 2, created by Jim Swider
Abstracts
An Abstract is basically a summary which outlines key information and content areas of a longer work such as an academic article, scientific research paper, research (and conference) proposals, and graduate-level theses and dissertations.
Abstracts are typically formatted as a single paragraph that appears at the beginning of a research paper. Longer abstracts may be organized into short paragraphs focusing on specific components and information.
Although they appear at the beginning of the paper, abstracts are generally written last, when all the research has been completed, the results analyzed, and the paper written.
The crucial requirement for all abstracts is that they use clear, concise language to efficiently summarize the essential components, ideas, and information in the paper.
Abstracts are typically formatted as a single paragraph that appears at the beginning of a research paper. Longer abstracts may be organized into short paragraphs focusing on specific components and information.
Although they appear at the beginning of the paper, abstracts are generally written last, when all the research has been completed, the results analyzed, and the paper written.
The crucial requirement for all abstracts is that they use clear, concise language to efficiently summarize the essential components, ideas, and information in the paper.
Links & Resources
Thesis Statements
The thesis statement (sometimes referred to as simply the thesis) of your research paper is the statement around which the rest of the composition is built. Some refer to it as the umbrella under which the main points of the essay (argumentative, analytical, descriptive, or expository) are presented. The style and substance of the thesis statement may vary, depending on the type of essay or research paper you are writing, but typically academic thesis statements share certain core characteristics.
Generally speaking, a thesis statement
Generally speaking, a thesis statement
- appears at the beginning of the essay, often in the first paragraph, but not always
- clearly presents the main idea of the essay
- is written as just that, i.e. a “statement,” not a question
- is not a commonly known fact or something that cannot be argued (or defended)
- makes an assertion (esp. in argumentative writing) regarding the author’s position or intent
- indicates to the reader what to expect in the rest of the essay
Links & Resources
IMRAD Reports
IMRaD is an acronym for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion, which denotes the key sections of the report. IMRaD reports are a commonly used format in sciences and social sciences for various types of research projects, including term papers and Bachelor’s degree capstone projects.
In most situations, the IMRaD report is used to discover and report new information. It often involves finding “a gap of knowledge” in a particular discipline or subject area and filling the gap by doing your own primary research.
In most situations, the IMRaD report is used to discover and report new information. It often involves finding “a gap of knowledge” in a particular discipline or subject area and filling the gap by doing your own primary research.
Links & Resources
See Also
- Deconstructing the IMRAD, by Nathan Hulsey. This online presentation looks at using rhetorical analysis to deconstruct successful academic writing from journals with the aim improving your own academic writing.
Conference Posters
Conference Posters are the centerpieces of academic conference poster sessions at which researchers present their work. A conference poster is essentially a transfer of a longer work such as an IMRaD research report into a more visual/graphic form to interest viewers, provide them with the crucial aspects of the research, and help them understand challenging concepts in a concise and accessible way.
At an academic conference, your poster often appears alongside many other posters, and as such it should be designed in a way that grabs the attention of viewers and provides key information clearly and efficiently.
At an academic conference, your poster often appears alongside many other posters, and as such it should be designed in a way that grabs the attention of viewers and provides key information clearly and efficiently.
Links & Resources
See Also
- The video "Designing a Conference Poster" created by Thomas Duke.
Email Correspondence
Email is a primary means of correspondence in academic and professional settings. When it comes to emailing, most people are confident that they know everything they need to know to be effective communicators. Unfortunately, writers sometimes overlook the “rules” of email etiquette and audience expectations.
When used for academic/professional communication, emails should always be
When used for academic/professional communication, emails should always be
- Clear: unambiguous in terms of the purpose and message
- Focused: addressing one or two topics or issues without straying into non-related subject areas
- Concise: direct, to-the-point, without unnecessary details, words, or additional information that clutter the text potentially obscuring the message.
- Appropriate: using tone and language that is suitable for the rhetorical situation.
- Well organized: structured in a way that makes it easy for the reader to understand the message and respond in the desired manner
- Error free: containing no spelling, grammar, or punctuation errors that might reflect poorly on you, the writer.
Links & Resources
Professional Résumés
A Résumé is basically a list of information related to a person’s education, work experience, skills, and accomplishments provided as part of a job (or university program) application package, along with an application letter, letters of reference, and other pertinent documents.
The best résumé designs establish a clear “visual pattern” that allows the reader/viewer to quickly locate and understand important information and details. The important thing is to be consistent and maintain the pattern once you have established it.
There are numerous sites that provide free examples and templates that can help you design a résumé or CV. Do some online research to find a visual design that appeals to you.
The best résumé designs establish a clear “visual pattern” that allows the reader/viewer to quickly locate and understand important information and details. The important thing is to be consistent and maintain the pattern once you have established it.
There are numerous sites that provide free examples and templates that can help you design a résumé or CV. Do some online research to find a visual design that appeals to you.
Links & Resources
Job Application Letters
Job Application Letters (commonly referred to as “Cover Letters”) are an important component of most employment application packages, along with resumes, reference letters, and other pertinent documents. The function of the letter is basically to explain to a prospective employer why you feel you are suitable for the job/position for which you are applying, and how you believe you can contribute to the company or organization.
Job application letters are usually formatted as business letters and are typically not long (sometimes just comprising ½ of a single-spaced page), but the length my vary depending on your needs or application specifications.
In any case, the letter should always be clear, concise, and focused, enabling the reader to skim through the document quickly to find important details.
Job application letters are usually formatted as business letters and are typically not long (sometimes just comprising ½ of a single-spaced page), but the length my vary depending on your needs or application specifications.
In any case, the letter should always be clear, concise, and focused, enabling the reader to skim through the document quickly to find important details.
Links & Resources
Internship Application Letters
Internship Application Letters share many similarities with job application cover letters; and many sources do not differentiate between them. There are, however, several differences in terms of format options and content information.
The function of the letter is basically to explain your suitability for the internship position, how you believe you can contribute to the company or program, and how you will benefit from the experience.
As with all application letters, the letter should be clear, concise, and focused, enabling the reader to skim through the document quickly to find important details.
The function of the letter is basically to explain your suitability for the internship position, how you believe you can contribute to the company or program, and how you will benefit from the experience.
As with all application letters, the letter should be clear, concise, and focused, enabling the reader to skim through the document quickly to find important details.
Links & Resources
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Internship: Samples and Tips (Edarabia.com)
Writing an Internship Cover Letter (With Examples) (Indeed.com)
Cover Letter for an Internship: Samples and Writing Tips (The Balance.com)
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter for an Internship (Plus, an Example) (The Muse.com)
Motivation Letters/Statements of Purpose
Motivation Letters (MLs) and Statements of Purpose (SOPs) are letters or essays written as part of an application to a university/college program (International Program, Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s or PhD).
The names "SOP" and "Motivation Letter" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing, though, technically, they are different. Both are generally formatted as essays and may vary in length and content depending on the requirements of the institution, program, or department to which you are applying.
Generally, these letters/essays will provide the admissions committee with information regarding:
The names "SOP" and "Motivation Letter" are often used interchangeably to refer to the same thing, though, technically, they are different. Both are generally formatted as essays and may vary in length and content depending on the requirements of the institution, program, or department to which you are applying.
Generally, these letters/essays will provide the admissions committee with information regarding:
- Your motivation: What you want to study at graduate school, why you are interested in that field, and your reason for applying to that particular program.
- Your preparedness: Your academic background and qualifications; work-related experience; overall knowledge of your chosen field of study.
- Your future objectives: What you plan to do with your degree once you have it; your career aspirations.
Links & Resources
Statement of Purpose, Motivation Letter, Personal Statement...What's the difference?
Résumés and CVs (The Purdue University OWL)
Writing the Statement of Purpose (Berkeley University Graduate Division)
9 Steps to Write a Great Statement of Purpose for Grad School (Prep Scholar)
Write a Successful Motivation Letter for your Master's (Master's Portal)
See Also
- The video "Basics of Personal Statements, Motivation Letters, and Statements of Purpose" by Brandon Brock
Help With DAAD Motivation Letters
If you are applying for a DAAD Scholarship to study in Germany, check out our DAAD Motivation Letter resources; or visit the links below.
Contact a DAAD Representative
Email:
Drop-in Hours: Fridays 12:00- 13:30
(Email for other time options)
Room: 8.422B
For more information on DAAD scholarships and applications, contact the NU DAAD representative, Florian Kuechler.
Florian Kuechler is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Lecturer at the Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Literature at NU's School of Sciences and Humanities. He teaches German from A1 to B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in order to prepare NU students to study or work in Germany or otherwise communicate with native speakers.
Florian has a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education Research from King's College London and various German teaching certificates from the Goethe Institute and the the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. As DAAD lecturer, Florian is also the first point of contact for DAAD scholarships as well as any exchange, study or research plans in Germany. He has a long experience in representing German universities in Germany and abroad.
Florian Kuechler is the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) Lecturer at the Department of Languages, Linguistics, and Literature at NU's School of Sciences and Humanities. He teaches German from A1 to B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) in order to prepare NU students to study or work in Germany or otherwise communicate with native speakers.
Florian has a Masters degree in International Relations from the University of Cambridge, a Postgraduate Certificate in Education Research from King's College London and various German teaching certificates from the Goethe Institute and the the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. As DAAD lecturer, Florian is also the first point of contact for DAAD scholarships as well as any exchange, study or research plans in Germany. He has a long experience in representing German universities in Germany and abroad.
Florian Kuechler
Avoiding Plagiarism
What is Plagiarism?
As stated in the Nazarbayev University Student Code of Conduct, Plagiarism is intentionally or carelessly presenting the work of another as one’s own. It includes submitting an assignment purporting to be the student’s original work which has wholly or in part been created by another person. It also includes the presentation of the work, ideas, representations, or words of another person without customary and proper acknowledgement of sources.
Plagiarism occurs when a person:
Plagiarism occurs when a person:
- Directly copies one or more sentences of another person’s written work without proper citation. If another writer’s words are used, you must place quotation marks around the quoted material and include a footnote or other indication of the source of the quotation. This includes cut and paste from the Internet or other electronic sources;
- Changes words but copies the sentence structure of a source without giving credit to the original source, or closely paraphrases one or more paragraphs without acknowledgement of the source of the ideas, or uses graphs, figures, drawings, charts or other visual/audio materials without acknowledging the source or the permission of the author;
- Submits false or altered information in any academic exercise. This may include making up data for an experiment, altering data, citing nonexistent articles, contriving sources, etc.;
- Turns in all or part of assignment done by another student and claims it as their own;
- Uses a paper writing service, has another student write a paper, or uses a foreign language translation and submits it as their own original work.
What is Assisted Plagiarism?
Students may inadvertently facilitate plagiarism: Giving and receiving feedback on written work is a normal part of the writing process. However, making your work available to students outside that context, especially when you have already submitted a final version for assessment, puts you at risk of being penalized for assisting in plagiarism.
The Nazarbayev University Student Code of Conduct makes this recommendation:
“Unless permitted by the instructor, do not work with others on graded coursework, including in-class and take-home tests, papers, or homework assignments. When an instructor specifically informs you that you may collaborate on work required for a course, the extent of the collaboration must not exceed the limits set by the instructor.”
You must take reasonable precautions to ensure that other students will not submit your written work for university credit as if it were their own. Failure to take such precautions may itself be considered misconduct. Neither carelessness nor ignorance of another student’s intentions will be considered a valid excuse.
The Nazarbayev University Student Code of Conduct makes this recommendation:
“Unless permitted by the instructor, do not work with others on graded coursework, including in-class and take-home tests, papers, or homework assignments. When an instructor specifically informs you that you may collaborate on work required for a course, the extent of the collaboration must not exceed the limits set by the instructor.”
You must take reasonable precautions to ensure that other students will not submit your written work for university credit as if it were their own. Failure to take such precautions may itself be considered misconduct. Neither carelessness nor ignorance of another student’s intentions will be considered a valid excuse.
What are the Penalties for Plagiarism?
Plagiarism is considered to be a very serious offence. Committing or assisting in plagiarism may result in your incurring a permanent record of misconduct, the loss of your stipend, and other, more severe penalties.
Please consult the Nazarbayev University Student Code of Conduct for more information on penalties for academic misconduct.
Please consult the Nazarbayev University Student Code of Conduct for more information on penalties for academic misconduct.
How can I Avoid Plagiarism?
The first step in avoiding plagiarism is understanding what it is. Students have been known to commit "accidental" plagiarism, because they did not fully understand the rules regarding acceptable and unacceptable academic writing practices.
Generally speaking, plagiarism is easily avoided by using proper writing techniques such as paraphrasing, quoting, and referencing and citation to indicate whichever information and ideas used in a writing project are taken from outside sources.
For more information on plagiarism and how to avoid it, see these recommended resources:
Generally speaking, plagiarism is easily avoided by using proper writing techniques such as paraphrasing, quoting, and referencing and citation to indicate whichever information and ideas used in a writing project are taken from outside sources.
For more information on plagiarism and how to avoid it, see these recommended resources:
Links & Resources
If you have questions or concerns regarding your own use of sources, consult with a WCP writing tutor.
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