Summary and analysis of journal article
Subject description
This subject is designed to develop students’ academic English and academic literacies. The subject assists students
in the task of reading and analysing relevant academic texts and supports students to develop the genres and
grammar of academic writing. The subject additionally develops competence in spoken communication in
English-speaking settings.
Subject learning objectives (SLOs)
a. Read critically and identify relevant information in academic texts
b. Locate and evaluate relevant texts to support an academic argument
c. Recognise the generic stages and features of academic texts written in English
d. Produce written texts appropriate to the register and genres of academic writing
e. Reflect critically on the application of academic literacies in educational and professional contexts

Assessment Task 1: Summary and analysis of journal article
Task Description:
Write a summary and analysis of a set journal article. The class lecturer will advise the title of the journal article set for this class.

1) Analyse the generic structure of the paper, identifying the generic stages and features of the text.
(this section: approximately 200 words)

2) Summarise the main ideas of the text, paraphrasing appropriately and citing relevant sources effectively. Direct quotations should be limited to a maximum of 50 words in total. The summary should:
– start with a brief statement of the topic/issue and the gap in current knowledge
– follow with a brief statement of the authors’ research aim/purpose
– focus mainly on the authors’ own research (what did they do? what did they find? what were their conclusions?)
You do not need to summarise the literature review section of the article, except to the extent that it helps in writing your summary of what the authors’ own research focuses on.
(this section: approximately 600 words)

3) Apply any interesting ideas from this paper to theories, concepts or principles in the fields of Applied Linguistics or TESOL. This section should extend and reflect on ideas within the article, and relate these ideas to knowledge gained from other sources. These sources may include:
a. Readings from other subjects
b. Further readings you have found on a similar topic
c. Knowledge you have gained as a learner of English
d. Knowledge you have gained from your professional practice
You should cite at least 3 separate academic sources in this section.
(this section: approximately 400 words)

Assessment criteria:
– Identification of generic stages and features of the text
– Effectiveness of summary and paraphrasing
– Relevance of links to academic and professional experience
– Appropriateness of written academic style
– Accuracy of in-text citations and reference list