Sunday, July 27, 2008

Research paper Reference style

Research paper reference style is one of the basic questions that vex a scholar or student. Analysis of a topic depends on extensive reading in the concerned field. The material taken from this is used to uphold or refute certain views and to this the source needs to be referred to. It is here that the researcher finds himself in need of a method of citation and reference writing that is compatible with the work that is presented.

In general, the mode of presenting reference depends on the type of presentation. There are a few standard methods that are well known and most frequently utilized in the academic world. The most commonly used are the MLA and the APA methods of citation. Besides these two there are also the Turabian and Chicago methods too but these are restricted in their use.

We will take up the first two for detailed discussion. The MLA research paper citation method follows the pattern of name of author, title of book, place of publication, name of publisher, and year of publication. In case of articles in periodicals and magazines the name of article is followed by the name of periodical or magazine where it appears, its volume and page number. The references are arranged alphabetically and the lines are double spaced. The second line of the reference is indented five spaces. This method of citing sources is most popular in literature and humanities fields.

The APA style research paper method is suited to different fields. Investigation in the areas of social sciences, including psychology and education use this methodology. It begins with the author but instead of title, the date of publication is given priority. The title comes next and is followed by place of publication and name of publisher. For articles the volume and page number are placed after the title.

Yet another format is the AMA one. This is used in medicine and the biological and natural sciences. It has the author, title, place and name of publication and date in that order. Items are listed numerically as they appear in the text. The title is either written in italics or underlined.

Research paper reference style is of importance to highlight certain aspects of the source.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Book report analysis

Book report analysis takes up a prescribed or set text for evaluation and criticism in order to form an opinion on its content, style, and performance. It is an exercise in understanding a text and at the same time sharpens the critical and analytical acumen of the reader. In this way it is a great help in developing taste and discernment.

This assignment writing is similar to the writing of a review. At first the text is read from end to end. Attentive reading brings out the meaning of the text, as well as the themes and motifs that the writer wants to highlight through the writing. A text is a form of communication wherein the language and words used carry many shades of meaning and various messages. Indeed some of these analysis be so deeply embedded in the text that they come to the surface only with a very careful and exhaustive reading. In fact, the writer himself may remain unaware of some of the implications of what he writes till a critical reading brings it to the fore.

The reviewer, of course, looks at a text through the prism of his individual perceptions and world view. While this gives a unique flavor to his work, it also suffers from the drawback of being in part subjective. The aim is to be as impartial as possible while retaining individuality and uniqueness.

The review consists of a summary of the work written according to the understanding of the reviewer. It also contains relevant comments about its impact as a text and its acceptability among readers. In addition to this, it also talks abut the type of reader who is likely to enjoy the book review essay .

Book analysis report is of value to both readers and writers. For the first, it provides a basis of evaluation and stimulates interest while for the second it render to a method of finding acceptance among readers.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Essay Writing

Essay writing is an exercise that has a number of objectives and advantages. It is a form of formal exposition on a topic with an aim to explore its many sided nuances. Compositions are more or less subjective in nature and content. Yet it also has an objective parameter that gives it authenticity and authority. This form of submission gives ample scope for creativity.

Essay introduction forms an integral portion. Compositions are divided into proper paragraphs that have specific duties to perform. It is the basis of more elaborate work done at a scholarly level. The format that is followed is simple and aimed at creating a rounded effect. The first paragraph introduces the topic and provides an insight into the writer’s inclinations and opinions on it. The second section is the main body of the composition and sets forth the arguments or information on which the opinion postulated in the introduction is based and formulated. This section is presented as different paragraphs that deal with the various elements in the body. The final rounding up is done in the conclusion that ties up all the ideas presented throughout the composition.

This type of assignment is very popular at the school and graduate level. The question is what is the utility of the project? In the first place, the student learns to read up and research on a given topic with a view to formulating opinions and individual views. Secondly, the framework of the composition prompts students to arrange thoughts in a logical and systematic format. This develops clarity of thought and brevity of expression. Finally, students have the satisfaction of being creative and original.

Essay writing forms an integral part of the development of a student’s thought process and power of expression. The ability to choose the material relevant to a view adds value to the exercise.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

Literature review section of research paper

Literature review section of research paper appears in the first part of a dissertation or thesis. It follows the introduction to the topic of writing and has the vital task of anchoring the findings of the new reworking with the collective work done in the past on the same or similar subject.


Any systematic investigation of an academic nature is rooted to work done in the field earlier. In reality, each new work springs from all work that has gone before and develops new avenues of thought and investigation. This body of text brings together the body of all the insights that are available prior to going on to make a new evaluation on a different line or an extension of one of the lines followed earlier.


The purpose of undertaking such a task is to bring the reader abreast with past opinions and simultaneously to give a concrete basis on which to build a new view. The task is best accomplished when there is a logic flow of the ideas that are presented and the references are properly given for further consultation and authentication. In addition to these qualities the view that is presented in this section needs to be unbiased. Basically this means that the body of references must be presented in orderly fashion with as little adverse or supportive comment as possible.


Literature review section of research paper , since it recounts the published thoughts on a topic, enlarges a researcher’s knowledge. Along with this it has the added advantage of enhancing information seeking and critical appraisal skills. To be successful, it must be directly related to he topic under consideration; make a summary of what is known and the areas that remain unexplored in the field; identify the areas that are controversial; and help in formulating questions that require to be addressed.