UNIT 3:

Introduction
to Writing
Across
Discipline
 AGENDA
1. Writing in the Sciences
2. Writing in Business
3. Writing in the Humanities
4. The American Psychological Association
(APA) and the Modern Language Association
(MLA) Citation Guides
 Learning Objectives:
1. Identify various writings of three
disciplines (sciences, business, and
humanities);
2. Describe the features of the typical
writings of each disciplines; and
3.Write a review of a song with proper
citations.
Writing in
the Sciences
 OJHR
Objective Jargon Hypothesis Research
Objectivity
Any written scientific content must focus on facts and must
NOT be influenced by personal views or opinions.

Writing in the sciences uses the third-person point of view to

maintain an objective tone.

Keep in mind that scientific texts must not include any first- or
second-person pronouns. Avoid using the pronouns I, me, my,
mine, we, us, our, ours, and you.
Jargon
“the technical terminology or
characteristic idiom of a special
activity or group”
- Merriam-Webster
Jargon
Writing scientific texts will lead you to use jargon; thus,
scientific papers will require you to define terms in the text.

You may define all the jargon you use in a section called
“definition of terms.” This ensures that your audience will be
able to fully understand the terms used in your scientific paper.
Hypothesis
• an idea or a theory that is not yet proven.
The hypothesis is supported by concrete evidence or
experiments to test its viability and efficiency.

Scientific texts aim to prove or disprove a hypothesis by using

concrete and/or experimental data.
Research
Painstaking research is essential in writing scientific papers.
You must collect quantitative information. Once you feel you
have gathered enough data, you can proceed to analyzing
and interpreting these data to come to a conclusion.

Recognizing the work of others can be done through citation.

Citation is critical to scientific writing.
Common
Types of
Scientific
Text
 01 CASE STUDY
This is a careful and intensive study of a specific
subject or variable in which scientists or researchers
identify what leads to its success or failure.

The subject can be an epidemic, phenomenon, a

group of persons, or any event that changes over
time.
 01 CASE STUDY
Scientists or researchers observe the behavior of a
certain group of people. Through observation, they
make conclusions about how the members of the
group behave and what motivates them to behave in
a certain manner. All observations and conclusions
about the group are then documented in a case
study. When gathering data, they often observe or
examine a single subject.
 02 LABORATORY REPORT
This is a formal documentation of an
experiment, which includes the objectives,
methods, and results.

Laboratory reports document a scientist’s

progress in applying a scientific method.
 02 LABORATORY REPORT
A lab report is a staple in the applied and
natural sciences. In these disciplines,
experiments or tests are conducted to prove or
disprove hypotheses. It may also be used to
identify problems relating to a subject. They
follow a chronological pattern as events or
progress is recorded step by step.
 03 FIELD REPORT
This writing is commonly done in the social
sciences. It aims to analyze behavior patterns
manifested by the subject based on specific
theories. It is descriptive in nature as it provides a
detailed account of what the researcher has
observed among the subjects (e.g., people, events,
places, etc.) and his or her analysis of the
situation.
Writing in
the Business
Characteristics of
Good Writing
1. Free of errors in grammar and
punctuation.
2. Conveys the purpose for writing
clearly.
3. Develops thoughts and arguments
clearly.
4. Conforms to writing conventions of its
discipline.
5. At par with the level of formality
required by the text
 Purposes of
Business Writing
To incite action To elicit a response
In business texts, the Business writing may also
writer shares information gather responses that
so that the readers will may be needed to
act or not act in a certain improve the operations
way. of a business.
 Characteristics of
Business Writing
• It has a strict format
Professionalism is highly important in business. By
being knowledgeable of the appropriate format to
use, you can demonstrate your professionalism.
Following the correct format also aids in achieving
the purpose of the business text.
 Characteristics of
Business Writing
• It is objective
Remember that business writing is objective.
However, it may not be as objective as scientific
writing, which only uses the third-person point of
view. In business writing, you may use any point of
view—first, second, or third—when appropriate.
 Characteristics of
Business Writing
• It is formal
Business texts must be clear and concise. It uses
formal language. The writer explicitly states his or
her purpose and avoids using figurative speech or
idiomatic expressions.
Common
Writing in
Business
 01 MEMORANDUM
This is commonly referred to as memo. It is a form of
written communication in a corporate setting. Its main
purpose is to inform or convey messages to concerned
people or departments.

Memos serve their purpose by informing its readers of vital

information, such as price changes or policy changes. It
may also persuade its readers to take action, such as
attend meetings or change a current procedure.
 02 RESUME
A résumé is a type of business text that is crucial in
getting the job that you want. This is a short
document that shows a person’s educational and
professional background. It gives brief but detailed
information about an applicant’s employment or work
history. Also, an applicant may include a list of
references or people who can tell about the
applicant’s character and abilities.
 03 LETTER OF REQUEST
This letter is persuasive in nature. It
aims to convince a person in
authority or in charge to grant
permission for an action to be
done or accomplished.
Writing in
the
Humanities
Humanities
is a collective term for the
arts, languages, and
philosophies. It also involves
literature, music, film, and
history.
 Purposes of the
Humanities
• To mediate objects of human culture for
its audience
This means that when you wish to write on any
humanities-related content, your goal is to
enable your audience to better understand your
topic and find greater interest or enrichment
through this understanding.
 Purposes of the
Humanities
• To convince or persuade
The writings in those disciplines are persuasive
and argumentative in nature. It aims to
convince the readers or critics to agree with the
claims made.
 Characteristics of a
Humanities-related Text
1. It contains topics or claims that are
debatable
Unlike scientific claims, which are based on objective data,
claims in the humanities may be debatable.

2. It may cause counterarguments.

Readers and critics alike may either agree or disagree with a

humanities text. It may even cause readers and critics to
propose counterarguments.
 Characteristics of a
Humanities-related Text
3. It uses abstract nouns and less
specific word choice.
Writing in the humanities allows for more wordplay as it could
include the use of abstract nouns and less specific word choice.

4. It may have both denotations and

connotations.
The humanities often attempts at analyzing or interpreting
content with unstable meanings. Thus, humanities texts may
have both denotations and connotations.
 Characteristics of a
Humanities-related Text

5. It uses first-person and/or third-

person pronouns.
Although the humanities may have a convincing or
argumentative nature, the use of “you” must be used sparingly
in order to avoid pressuring its audience. The use of the first
person and/or third person is often observed in humanities
texts.
 Common
Writing
in the
Humanities
 01 CRITIQUE
This contains a writer’s opinion of the quality of any
piece of writing or work of art. Critiques contain an
in-depth analysis of a work or theory. They are often
written by subject-matter experts also known as
critics of the relevant field. The writer is usually
knowledgeable of certain theories or approaches
which serve as a basis of his or her review.
 02 REVIEW
While one might think that critiques and reviews
are interchangeable terms, they are not.
Critiques are written by experts, while reviews
are written by reviewers who are not
considered experts. Reviews may assess a
particular work, such as a movie, book, or
music.
 02 REVIEW
A review may simply convey a reviewer’s
opinion on the subject, which means reviews
are not considered as reliable as critiques. They
do not entail as much analysis as a critique.
Reviews contain general information, overall
impressions, or personal opinions of the
reviewer.
The American
Psychological
Association (APA)
and the Modern
Language
Association (MLA)
Citation Guides
 Citation
Citation is quoting a
passage, book, or author as
evidence for or justification
of an argument or
statement. By providing
citations, you attribute other
authors’ or scholars’ work
and fortify the validity of
your own ideas or content.
American Psychological Assosication
(APA) is commonly used in social
sciences, while the Modern Language
Association (MLA) is commonly used
in humanities.
In-Text Citations
These are also known as parenthetical citations.
When a writer uses a phrase or paragraph from
another source, he or she encloses the
verbatim piece in quotation marks or
paraphrases it and cites the source by placing
the information inside the parentheses.
• Short Quotations
These are usually fewer than 40 words. They are either
paraphrased or enclosed in quotation marks.
APA format: Begin with the author’s last name followed by the
year of publication of the work. Then present the quoted or
paraphrased material and include the page where it can be
found.
According to Reyes (2012), the romance mode “creates a world that is
not fully equivalent to our own because it goes beyond the parameters
by which life is normally bounded” (p. 101).
MLA format: This format follows an author-page structure. The
author’s last name is presented first, and then it is followed by
the page number(s). (In the APA style, the word page is
abbreviated to “p.” while pages is abbreviated to “pp.” The “ps”
do not appear in the MLA in-text citation style.) The author-
page structure works in two ways.

According to Reyes, the romance mode “creates a world that is not fully
equivalent to our own because it goes beyond the parameters by which
life is normally bounded” (101).
• Long Quotations
Quoted sentences containing at least 40 words are
considered long quotations. This is called a block
quotation and is set apart from the main text.
APA format: Introduce the author’s last name first and then
indicate the year of publication enclosed in parentheses.
Present the passage without quotation marks. Place the page
number(s) enclosed in parentheses after the period. Indent the
block quotation a half-inch from the left margin.
Reyes (2012) particularly noted in her study that:
As a central mode in Philippine criticism, realism has given rise to a number
of critical views. In general, realist criticism favors serious, socially
committed and actively engaged works. Within this conceptual framework,
writings that do not hew to the radical tradition assume less significance
than those which follow the tradition of Rizal and the “New Propagandists.”
What originally emerged in the late eighteenth century as a movement,and
later as an analytical tool, has become normative. (p. 102)
MLA format: Set the quote in a block quotation if it is more than four
lines long for prose, three lines long for poetry, or two paragraphs
long. The writer may add introductory sentences that include the
author’s last name or, after the period, include the author’s last name
and page number. Enclose them in parentheses.

In the book, Mr. Bennet was described as such:

Mr. Bennet was so odd a mixture of quick parts, sarcastic humour,
reserve, and caprice, that the experience of three-and-twenty years had
been insufficient to make his wife understand his character. Her mind was
less difficult to develop. She was a woman of mean understanding, little
information, and uncertain temper. When she was discontented, she
fancied herself nervous. The business of her life was to get her daughters
married; its solace was visiting and news. (Austen 4)
Reference List
• Books
A book with one author

APA format: Indicate the author’s last name first

and then the initial of his or her first name. Place
the year of publication and enclose it in
parentheses. Set the work’s title in italics. Then,
include its publisher.

Austen, J. (2009). Pride and Prejudice. Penguin

Random House.
Reference List
• Books
A book with one author

MLA format: Introduce the author’s last name and

first name. Set the title of the work in italics.
Indicate the publisher and the year the work was
published.
Austen, Jane. Pride and Prejudice. Penguin Random
House, 2009.
Reference List
• Books
A book with two authors

APA format: Indicate the authors’ last names first and then
the initial of their first names. Arrange them in alphabetical
order. Place the year of publication and enclose it in
parentheses. Set the title of the work in italics. Then, include
its publisher. For each reference, make use of the hanging
indent, which means that every additional line should be
indented half an inch to the right of the left margin.
Cohn, R. & Levithan, D. (2008). Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
Ember-Penguin Random House.
Reference List
• Books
A book with two authors

MLA format: Introduce the first author’s last name and first
name and then the second author’s first and last names.
List them in the same order that their names appeared on
the book’s title page. Set the title of the work in italics.
Indicate the publisher and the year the work was published.
Like the APA, MLA uses the hanging indent as well.

Cohn, Rachel, and David Levithan. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist.
Ember-Penguin Random House, 2008.
Reference List
• Periodicals
These commonly refer to magazines, news
articles, and scholarly journals. In citing
periodicals, the following elements are always
included: author’s name, title of the article, and the
name of the periodical.
Reference List
• Periodicals
Journals
This type of periodical caters to a specific audience.

APA format: Indicate the author’s last name and the initial
of the first name. Enclose the issue date in parentheses by
stating the year first followed by the month and the day.
Specify the title of the article in sentence case, followed by
the title of the periodical. Set the title of the periodical in
italics and include the volume, issue (in parenthesis), and
page range.

Scruton, R. (1996). The eclipse of listening. The New Criterion, 15(3), 5–13.
Reference List
• Periodicals
Journals
This type of periodical caters to a specific audience.

MLA format: State the name of the author and the article’s
title as you normally would. Then, italicize the title of the
journal. Cite the volume number (“vol.”) and issue number
(“no.”) when possible, separated by commas. Finally, add
the year and page numbers.

Herrera, Christine. “The discovery of a new element.” The Scientist,

vol. 25, no. 2, 2010, pp. 7–8.
Reference List
• Periodicals
This type of periodical caters to a general audience.

APA format: Indicate the author’s last name and the initial of
the first name. Enclose the issue date in parentheses by stating
the year first followed by the month and the day. Specify the
title of the article in sentence case, followed by the title of the
periodical. Set the title of the periodical in italics and include the
volume, issue number, and page range. Certain magazines
may not have all the elements. In such cases, just include the
ones that are available in the reference.

Fantauzzo, L. (2016, July). Fear and loathing in Orlando. Rogue, 72.

Reference List
• Periodicals
This type of periodical caters to a general audience.

MLA format: Cite the article’s author. Enclose the title of the
article in quotation marks, then italicize the title of the magazine.
Then, state the date of publication. Remember to abbreviate the
month.
Fantauzzo, Laurel. “Fear and Loathing in Orlando.” Rogue, Jul. 2016, p. 72.
Reference List
• Electronic Sources
Books

APA format: Indicate the author’s last name and initials of the
first and middle names. Provide the year of publication. Set the
title of the work in italics. Also, provide the URL or DOI address
or the download host.

Hawkins, P. (2015). The girl on the train. Riverhead Books.

https://books.google.com.ph/books?id=Udv-
AwAAQBAJ
Reference List
• Electronic Sources
Books

MLA format: E-book citations are similar to those for physical

books. Just cite that the book is an e-book by putting the
term “E-book” after the title of the book. Then, indicate the
publisher and the year the book was published.

Hawkins, Paula. The Girl on the Train. E-book, Riverhead Books, 2015.
Reference List
• Electronic Sources
Periodicals

APA format: Provide the author’s last name and initials of first
and middle names. Enclose the issue date in parentheses, using
the format “year, month day.” Specify the title of the article and
then set the title of the periodical in italics. Then, state the URL.

Arong, J. (2016, June 23). Lost horizons: How to navigate the

Tibetan countryside. Rogue.
http://rogue.ph/lost-horizons-navigate-
tibetan-countryside/.
Reference List
• Electronic Sources
Periodicals

MLA format: Provide the author’s last and first names. Enclose the
title of the article in quotation marks. Set the title of the periodical
in italics and then indicate the issue date by following this format:
day, abbreviated name of the month, year. Then indicate the URL
address. In providing the date of access, include the term
“Accessed” and then the date: day, abbreviated month, year.
Arong, Joanna. “Lost Horizons: How to Navigate the Tibetan
Countryside.” Rogue, 23 June 2016,
http://rogue.ph/lost-horizons-navigate-tibetan-
countryside/. Accessed 25 Aug. 2016.
REVIEW FOR
QUIZ 3
 ACTIVITY 2:
Choose a song about hard work or
about social issues. Then, write a
review of the song in 250 words. Your
work will be graded using the rubric
below.

DEADLINE: January 17, 2025 at 11:59 pm