Academic Writing

Mustwrite1.weebly.com Academic Writing Lesson 8 May 25, 2013 Lynn Mallory

Learning Targets • To analyze the methods section of a research paper and give advice to the author. • To use passive voice properly in English sentences. • To distinguish between the past tenses in English when putting events in chronological order.

abstract introduction method results discussion conclusion Adapted from Writing Up Research by Robert Weissberg & Suzanne Buker (2008)

Methods Review 1. 2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

What parts can you find? Cryosurgical treatment for cancer is performed with mini cryogun or cryojet (model lnc-196) liquid nitrogen storage devices adapted to different types of cryoprobes used in the cryosurgery till ice ball is formed. Gold (AU) solution is loaded for administrating the cryonanosurgery that is nanoparticles are mixed with functional solution and injected into the target tissue. Depends on the type of tumor. Addition of nanoparticle into a wet biological environment will increase the tissue conductivity, good biological compatibility and thus significant freezing effects and more efficient ice formation. Cryonanosurgery can be tested with mice and human trails will also be held.

Evaluating methods Read the following methods section of the article. Identify the 7 parts. Are any missing? Where is this article strong? Where is it weak? What advice would you give the author?

Depersonalizing writing • What is the difference between these two sentences? • The boy hit the ball. • The ball was hit by the boy. • Passive is used when the author/speaker wants to distract attention from the subject (cause) of the sentence. Harmful substances were emitted into the atmosphere.

Partner WorkChange this to passive voice We started construction of the reinforced concrete structure in July, 1976, and completed it by May, 1977. We built standard sections of forms for the casting of he concrete. We used concrete of the B225 type, in accordance with government regulations. At the two ends of the structure we constructed wingwalls, and we installed three side openings on the downhill side to provide enough daylight to render the use of electric lights unnecessary.

Break Time

Putting Things in Time Order I played soccer last week. During the summer, I was playing soccer every day. I was dirty when you came, because I had played soccer. During the summer

Simple past • Occurred one time in the past • Completely finished before now Ex. We measured the lead levels in multiple dust samples. active = 1 verb Ex. The subjects were selected from among 99 Mexican-American children. passive = was or were + past participle (ed or en form of the main verb)

Past Continuous • Occurred over time in the past • Completely finished before now Ex. The river was receding rapidly throughout the summer. active = was or were + ing form of the main verb Ex. The samples were being monitored during the winter of 2012. passive = was or were + being + past participle of the main verb

Past Perfect • Occurred in the past. • Occurred BEFORE another event in the past. • Must have dependent clause usually starting with before, when, because Ex. We had already tested the samples before we destroyed them. active = had + past participle of the main verb Ex. The coal ash had been added before the samples were heated. passive = had + been + past participle of the main verb

Past Tense Practice http://www.englishmedialab.com/Quizzes/intermediate/past%20simple%20or%20past%20continuous.htm http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/past-perfect-exercise-1.html

Writing Time

Academic Writing