1st Edition
Doing a Research Project in English Studies A guide for students
Doing a Research Project in English Studies is the essential guide to undertaking research and developing academic English literacy skills for students new to research. With a particular focus on the needs of students in contexts where English is used as a foreign or an additional language, this accessible textbook takes the reader through the research process in five main sections:
- getting started (arriving at a topic, interacting with a supervisor);
- finding bibliographic resources;
- collecting data;
- developing academic writing skills;
- preparing for the oral defence.
Each chapter contains exercises; the answer key facilitates independent study throughout. Extracts from published research articles provide invaluable illustration of the features of academic writing. This is a must-have resource for advanced undergraduate and postgraduate students embarking on a research project in English studies.
Preface
1. Introduction
2. The preliminaries: Getting started
3. Working with your supervisor
4. Finding literature
5. Reading
6. Collecting Data
7. Your Project chapter by chapter
8. Features of Academic Writing
9. Research logistics: Time management and revisions
Appendix 1: Introductions
Appendix 2: Conclusions
Appendix 3: Creating Transitions in your Writing
Appendix 4: Reporting Verbs
Appendix 5: Citing your Sources
Biography
Louisa Buckingham is a Lecturer in Applied Language Studies and Linguistics at the University of Auckland. She has published on topics including academic writing, sociolinguistics, and English as a lingua franca.
‘An accessible introductory book containing helpful examples and discussion tasks. Focusing on pertinent issues associated with research projects, this volume will help raise students’ awareness of academic norms and expectations across disciplines and departments.’ Nigel Harwood, University of Sheffield, UK
'Doing an independent research project for the first time involves a steep learning curve. This book gives a practical, step-by-step description of the process. It provides sound guidance in a readable, engaging form, and is essential reading for anyone in English studies whose degree involves a research project.' Diane Pecorari, Linnaeus University, Sweden
'Students new to doing a research project in English studies will find plenty of practical advice in this book, on issues ranging from choosing an initial topic to writing the final report. Written in an accessible style, with a variety of engaging exercises, the book is a helpful guide for self-study and a useful resource for classroom activities.' Bojana Petrić, Birkbeck, University of London, UK
