LESSON 8

WHAT IS A BOOK REVIEW OR ARTICLE CRITIQUE?

            Writing academic papers is a common school requirement. Specifically, your
teacher will probably ask you to read, reflect on, and react to a book or an article.
Teachers usually assign book reviews so that students can practice analyzing complex
texts. (USCLibraries, n.d.) It is also a good exercise in synthesizing information so that
you, the student, can develop an informed perspective on how a particular book
treated a specific topic. (USCLibraries, n.d.) 

            Contrary to what we are used to in elementary, a book review not only

summarizes or describes the characters, setting, or plot (Barrot, 2016). It also provides
a critical analysis or evaluation of the quality, meaning, and significance of a book.
(USCLibraries, n.d.).

            Book reviews are typically brief, ranging between 500 to 2,000 words
( (USCLibraries, n.d.) Book reviews may be different in tone, subject, and style, but they
share the following features: (TheWritingCenter)

 First, they provide a concise summary of the content – this includes a

relevant description of the topic, overall perspective, argument, or purpose.
 Second and more importantly, they present a critical assessment of the
content- this includes your reactions to the work: what you find noteworthy,
whether you find the argument effective or persuasive, and how the book
enhanced your understanding of the issues at hand.
 Finally, aside from analyzing the work, a review suggests whether the
audience would appreciate the work.

STRUCTURE OF A BOOK REVIEW OR ARTICLE CRITIQUE

            According to Gabelo et al. (2016), one cannot review a book or an article without
reading it first, so consider the following book preliminaries:

 Title
 Preface. It gives the author's purpose in writing the book and also the book's
success.
 Table of Contents. It gives information on the book's organization, the topics
and sub-topics, and other important book information.
Barrot (2016) enumerated the contents of a book or literature review:

1. INTRODUCTION (around 5% of the paper) This part includes the title of the
book or the article, the author's name and the author's thesis statement. In
our previous lesson, the thesis statement refers to the main points in the
book or article.

2. SUMMARY (around 10% of the paper) This part entails the writer's
objective or purpose, methods, and major findings or claims. As the
reviewer, you need to assume that your readers have not read that
particular article or book you are reviewing, so it is important to share the
plot with your readers. This part should be brief as the review should be
the priority.

3. REVIEW OR CRITIQUE (around 75% of the paper) This part discusses the
appropriateness of methodology to support the arguments, theoretical
soundness, the sufficiency of explanation, and other perspectives
explaining the concepts and ideas and the coherence of ideas. When
reviewing, the reviewer focuses on the organization and structure of the
book or article, the style and approach when the ideas are presented, and
sufficiency of supporting details. This part also has suggestions on how the
author could improve and develop his book or article.

4. CONCLUSION (around 10% of the paper). The reviewer will write his/her
overall impression of the work, scholarly value of the reviewed
article/book, its benefits to the intended audience and suggestions for
future directions.

            Consider the following book reviews written for a history course on medieval
Europe by two different students. Whose book review is more effective?

Student A's Book Review

               "Judith Bennett's Ale, Beer, and Brewsters in England: Women's Work in a Changing
World, 1300-1600, investigates how women used to brew and sell the majority of ale drunk
in England. Historically, ale and beer (not milk, wine, or water) were important elements of
the English diet. Ale brewing was low-skill and low-status labor that was complementary to
women's domestic responsibilities. In the early fifteenth century, brewers began to make ale
with hops, and they called this new drink "beer." This technique allowed brewers to produce
their beverages at a lower cost and to sell it more easily, although women generally stopped
brewing once the business became more profitable."
Student B's Book Review
              "One of feminism's paradoxes—one that challenges many of its optimistic histories
—is how patriarchy remains persistent over time. While Judith Bennett's Ale, Beer, and
Brewsters in England: Women's Work in a Changing World, 1300-1600, recognize medieval
women as historical actors through their ale brewing, it also shows that female agency had
its limits with the advent of beer. I had assumed that those limits were religious and
political, but Bennett shows how a "patriarchal equilibrium" shut women out of economic
life as well. Her analysis of women's wages in ale and beer production proves that a change
in women's work does not equate to a change in working women's status. Contemporary
feminists and historians alike should read Bennett's book and think twice when they crack
open their next brewsky."

            The first student provided the subject and a summary of the book but did not
provide the key information expected from a book review: the author's argument, the
student's appraisal of the author's argument, and whether or not the student would
recommend the book.

            The second student wrote an excellent example of a book review. The following
elements are included: the author's argument, the student's critical assessment of
what the author demonstrated, and a recommendation to readers.

            Some guide questions might help you when writing your book or article review:
(Procter)

1. What is the topic of the book or article? What overall purpose does it seem
to have? For what kind of audience is it written?
2. Does the writer explicitly state his/her thesis statement? What theoretical
assumptions (e.g. scientific/logical explanation without evidence) are
mentioned in the book or article? Are they explicitly discussed?
3. What are the contributions of the book or article to the field (e.g. language,
psychology) it is situated in?
4. What problems and issues are discussed?
5. What kinds of information are presented in the book or the article? How
are they used to support the arguments?
6. Are there other ways supporting the arguments aside from the
information used in the book or article?
7. What are your overall reaction and opinions regarding the work?
LESSON 9

Writing a research paper is not new to the students. Obviously, this is one task students
find difficult to accomplish. Research, by nature, is a meticulous activity since it needs
long-time preparation and hours of working. Hence, it is very important to equip
yourself with skills and knowledge to process information correctly and avoid
information overload.

          This lesson tells about what is a literature review, its importance and its basic
features.

WHAT IS A LITERATURE REVIEW?

          A literature review is a comprehensive compilation of previous research on a
certain topic. Primary sources could be from academic books, databases, conference,
proceedings, dissertation/theses, empirical studies, government reports, historical
records, journal articles, monographs, statistical handbooks a lot more (Barrot, 2016).
Say, for example, you will research your favorite topic. Of course, as an academic
writer, you have to present research from the past until the recent time to support
your chosen research topic.

          Moreover, a literature review is a summary of the various sources in an organized

pattern. Literature reviews help you study the old and new interpretation and identify
which is more relevant and related. (Gabelo et al. 2016) It needs to be organized so that
you will include topics that are directly related to your study.

          Doing your literature review may take you 2-3 days to create a well-written
review. It tests your ability to identify scholarly articles and your ability to analyze and
compare prior research studies, theoretical articles, etc.

So what should you do before writing a literature review?

Gabelo et al. (2016) enumerated tips before writing a literature review:

1. CLARIFY. Seek help from your professor, subject teacher, research adviser or
research specialist if you find your topic/assignment difficult. Ask about the following
concerns:

I. How many sources should I include?

II. What type of sources are to be included?
III. Should I summarize, synthesize or critique the sources by discussing a common
theme?
IV. Should I evaluate sources?
V. Should I provide subheadings and other background information, such as the
definition or history of it?

2. FIND MODELS. Find available literature reviews similar to the topic that you are
working on. Read them thoroughly and identify the particular theme you’ll include in
your review. Sources are all around you, you might use the Internet to look for related
scholarly articles, or you might check the reference or bibliography of the book you’re
currently using for your review. However, make sure that you choose references
published by top journals or publishers.

3.  NARROW YOUR TOPIC. Since you will experience information overload, it is best to
key in specific words in your search engine. This helps you to save time and make the
job easier. For example, suppose your topic is about the Effects of online-based
learning on SHS students' social communication skills. In that case, your possible
keywords are online-based learning, online learning and social communication skill.

4. SOURCE IS CURRENT. Topics are updated from time to time. Take a look at the
indicated year/years articles are published. Through this, it will help you to identify
topics from oldest to newest.

STRUCTURE OF A LITERATURE REVIEW

Barrot (2016) identified the basic parts of a literature review:

A. Introduction

 The purpose for writing the literature review and the importance of the topic
being reviewed.
 Scope of review
 Criteria used for selecting the literature
 The organizational pattern of the review

B. Body

 Historical background
 Relevant theories
 Relationship between and among studies
 Strengths and weaknesses of each paper
 Various viewpoints of the topic

C. Conclusion
  Restatement of the main argument or thesis
 Main agreements and disagreements in the literature
 If stand-alone paper: conclusions, implications and direction for future studies
 If part of a thesis or research paper: linking if the literature review to the research
questions
 Overall perspective on the topic.

(Functions Justifies a research question method or .... , n.d.)

LESSON 11

 Last time, we discussed the literature review. As you all know, a literature review is an
essential content of a research report. The research report is inevitable when you are
in academes. It is a significant requirement many students avoid.

WHAT IS A RESEARCH REPORT?

        According to Barrot (2016), a research report is a paper that presents

interpretations and analyses of a phenomenon based on experiments and previous
information. It is done through tedious work through formal investigation and scientific
inquiry (Barrot, 2016).

Research involves a laborious and intricate process because it must be accurate,

objective, and systematic. It needs rigorous planning and studying.

As a scientific interpretation of facts and all data are gathered, research seeks to
establish the truth about the study conducted. (Conception, Nebria, Girado, Mina, &
Pescayo, 2016)

Research helps in knowing things that are unknown following a careful process. It
provides answers to questions we are curious about by conducting a study following all
necessary procedures.

Tiburcio et al. (2009), as cited by Gabelo et al. (2016), research has six characteristics:

1. It is a gathered knowledge from primary and secondary sources. It is not

fabricated nor a restatement.
2. It is a systematic and accurate investigation following the needed
procedure.
3. Careful planning must be observed from the collection of data as to the
recording and analysis.
4. It is logical and objective. The researcher has to eliminate personal feelings
and preferences.
5. It is patiently done. The researcher exerts effort to come up with logical
information and sound conclusion.
6. It is carefully done. It follows necessary procedures, offers conclusions and
recommendations, and makes proper documentation.
(Conception, Nebria, Girado, Mina, & Pescayo, 2016)

Moreover, a research report should thoughtfully and carefully be done, for it signifies
credibility and trustworthiness to one’s author.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF RESEARCH?

Bhasin (2019) enumerated types of research as follows:

1. Basic Research. It is sometimes called pure research. Its purpose is to

increase or gain knowledge rather than to create or invent something.

2. Applied Research. It is the opposite of Basic Research. Its purpose is to

solve a problem rather than merely gaining knowledge. The focus of this
research is on the analysis in solving real-life or social life problems.

3. Quantitative Research. It is used to investigate measurable qualities and

compare them from records. It uses mathematical models, theories, or
data quantified or compared on a numeric scale.

4. Qualitative Research. In contrast to quantitative research, this type

describes qualities or characteristics. It focuses on understanding a
research query as a humanistic or idealistic approach. Since this is non-
numeric data, it is commonly used to understand people's beliefs,
experiences, attitudes, behavior, and interactions.
(Bhasin, 2019)

        To simplify, Basic Research seeks explanations about fundamental truths and
principles, while Applied Research seeks answers to solve a problem. Quantitative
Research deals with numbers and statistics, while Qualitative Research is about words
and meanings.

PARTS OF A RESEARCH.

Barrot (2016) enumerated the essential parts of research as follows:

1. Title Page. It contains an informative title and describes the paper's

content, the name of the author/s, addresses and affiliations, and date of
submission.

2. Abstract. It contains a summary of the research findings and conclusions.

Commonly, it is two to four paragraphs in length.

3. Introduction. An introduction has three distinct parts, starting with (1) a

general presentation of the research problem, (2) a layout of exactly what
 you are trying to achieve with this particular research project, and (3) a
statement of your position (Shuttleworth, n.d.).

4. Literature Review. It contains a summary of all sources directly related to

your study.

5. Methodology. It describes how the experiments or tests in the research

were conducted. It presents the participants, the instruments used, the
data gathering procedure, and data analysis.

6. Results. - This is where you indicate what you found in your research. You
give the results of your research but do not interpret them. (University of
Adelaide, 2014)

7. Discussion. This is where you discuss your results' relevance and how your
findings fit with other research in the area. It will relate to your literature
review and your introductory thesis statement. (University of Adelaide,
2014)

8. Conclusion. It is the restatement of the significant findings, limitations of

the study, recommendations, and implications.

9. References. It includes all the different sources you used in your study. It
might be academic books, published journals, and other online sources.

STEPS IN WRITING A RESEARCH REPORT.

1. Select and narrow down the topic.

2. Conduct preliminary research by gathering the initial references.
3. Create your thesis statement and research questions.
4. Make an outline. It best helps you to organize and systematized the
content of your study.
5. Prepare your instruments. It might be a questionnaire, interview, survey,
and many more.
6. Implement the instrument to your chosen participants and gather the
data.
7. Analyze and interpret.
8. Write the methodology and the results of your study.
LESSON 12

What is a project proposal?

           A project proposal is a persuasive report aiming to conduct a particular action
or project to solve a specific problem. As its name suggests, it proposes a solution
through a project as the course of action.

           In business, a project proposal is a detailed action plan on accomplishing the

desired goals and objectives and getting sponsorship from business entities and
organizations.

Why are project proposals important?

Project proposals explain your project in detail and convince stakeholders why your
project should be executed and supported. Project proposals can be used for these
purposes:

 To secure funding
 To win new clients
 To get existing clients to sign a extend their contracts
 To convince manager or employer to allocate resources to a new initiative

What are the main types of project proposals?

According to Barrot (2016), there are four project proposal types. Each project
proposal type varies according to the problem's context and the receiver and sender of
the proposal.

1. Solicited Internal is used when a particular organization has identified a

problem and the decision has been made to solve it. Thus, it addresses the
said request. The target reader is within the organization.
2. Unsolicited Internal is used when the organization has not yet identified
an existing problem and, therefore, no decision to solve the problem has
been made yet. The target reader is within the organization. This is also
known as a self-initiated proposal.
3. Solicited External is almost similar to solicited internal. The only
difference is that the target reader is not within the organization.
4. Unsolicited External is almost similar to unsolicited internal. The only
difference is that the target reader is not within the organization.
Parts of a Project Proposal (Rajan, 2016)

1. Title. It must be short and meaningful so you can catch your potential
clients’ or sponsors’ attention.
2. Executive Summary. This section aims to catch your recipient's attention
and encourage them to read on. It should include details about your
project's problem, how your project solves the problem, and your project's
intended impact on the client and the people. Its primary components
include the problem statement, project objectives, estimated total project
cost, and key project activities.
3. Introduction of the Organization. It includes interesting details about the
uniqueness of your organization, among others. You must also include
your name, geographical area, strengths, staff, successful projects and
achievements, and other activities.
4. Background of the Project. It states the identified problem and the need
for intervention or solution. It includes a brief description of the people
where the project is situated and their problems.
5. Project Description. It includes the specific goals and objectives of the
project. It also states the target group, duration of the project, expected
outcomes, specific and systematic activities, and personnel and staff
needed.
6. Budget. It states the expected income and expenses of the said project.
7. Sustainability of the Project. It states the continuity of the project's
mission or holistic outcome even in the future.
8. Monitoring and Evaluation. It states how the project will be monitored
and the assigned personnel.
9. Reporting. It states the schedule or frequency of reporting and the
project's progress.

For concrete examples of project proposals, Figure 1 shows a sample

formal proposal, while Figure 2 shows an informal proposal, and Figure 3
shows a short proposal with attachment adapted from Wilson (2013). For a
more detailed project proposal, refer to Figure 4 taken from Wilson and
Wauson (2010).
 Figure 1. Sample formal proposal

Source: Wilson, J. (2013, August 16). Example Guru Project Proposals. Guru.
https://www.guru.com/blog/example-guru-job-quote/.

Figure 2. Sample of an informal proposal

Source: Wilson, J. (2013, August 16). Example Guru Project Proposals. Guru.
https://www.guru.com/blog/example-guru-job-quote/.

Figure 3. Sample of a short proposal with attachment

Source: Wilson, J. (2013, August 16). Example Guru Project Proposals. Guru.
https://www.guru.com/blog/example-guru-job-quote/.

Figure 4. Sample Proposal for Video Production Services

Source: Wilson, K., & Wauson, J. (2010). Sample Business Documents: Proposals. In The
AMA handbook of business writing: the ultimate guide to style, grammar, punctuation,
usage, construction and formatting (pp. 541–550). AMACOM. 
LESSON 13

WHAT IS A POSITION PAPER?

             A position paper is an argumentative written work that presents a writer’s
stand or viewpoint on a particular issue (Barrot, 2016). It is commonly a formal and
detailed article to defend one’s position or show the relation of one’s stance to other
positions (“Position Paper”, n.d.).

Why write a position paper? (Gabelo et al., 2016)

1. It helps organize one’s viewpoint/s on an issue.  It helps you arrange too
many ideas and viewpoints about a particular issue by putting them into
writing through a particular format.
2. It expresses one’s position and proposes to create solutions to challenging
issues. Identifying a particular issue and presenting viewpoints is the
primary role of a position paper. However, some authors present solutions
that are commonly included in the conclusion part.
3. It requires a demonstration of credibility. Ideas, valid opinions, and refuted
arguments must always have reliable sources and references to show
authority and credibility.
4. It demands consistency in maintaining position in negotiation . Position
paper enables you to read more about the particular issue you are
defending; thus, it helps you be firmer with your beliefs and position.

             A good position paper should have valid supporting evidence based on what
you have read. As the author of a position paper, always remember to use basic and
comprehensible words to avoid confusion to your reader/s. Hence, define words that
seem to be technical or unfamiliar. Lastly, it would be best if you always addressed
counterclaims.

A position paper follows the usual IBC format (Barrot, 2016)

1. Introduction

 uses a lead or hook to catch readers’ attention.

 introduces the issue and provide a thorough background
 provides a general statement of your position through a thesis
statement

2. Body

 states the main arguments and supplies enough valid proof and pieces
of evidence for each argument,
  provides counterarguments against possible weaknesses of your
arguments,
 refutes the counterclaims,
 provides reliable evidence

3. Conclusion

 restates position and main arguments

 suggests a course of action
 explains why your position is better than other position
 ends with a powerful closing statement. It might be a quotation or
question to challenge the readers.

             When choosing an issue, choose debatable topics. Of course, common

knowledge like the sky is blue is not arguable. However, it should also be specific,
timely, and relevant.

GUIDELINES IN WRITING A POSITION PAPER (Barrot, 2016; Gabelo et al., 2016)

1. Make sure to read many sources, commonly factual information, to create

a good position paper.
2. Always explain and analyze objectively.
3. Cite reliable sources to establish authority and credibility
4. Consider your readers’ beliefs, needs, and interests, as these will be helpful
in easily persuading them.
5. Include counterclaims and refute them with valid pieces of evidence.
Define technical terms.. Always use the active voice in constructing
your statements.
6. Always stick to logical arguments and ensure no fallacies in your paper.