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Macrostructures and rhetorical moves in research articles in nanotechnology
1School of Foreign Languages, Jiangsu University of Technology, Changzhou, China.
Frontiers in Psychology
|February 6, 2025
Summary
This study analyzed research article (RA) structures in Nanotechnology, finding scientists use a merged R&D structure and emphasize research methods over promotion. This informs academic writing instruction for emerging fields.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology research articles (RAs).
Background:
- Limited research exists on macrostructures and rhetorical moves in RAs within emerging scientific disciplines.
- Understanding disciplinary conventions is crucial for effective academic writing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the macrostructures and rhetorical moves in RAs in the field of Nanotechnology.
- To identify specific writing patterns and conventions unique to Nanotechnology research.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of a corpus of 50 research articles from top Nanotechnology journals.
- Examination of macrostructures and rhetorical moves within these articles.
Main Results:
- Nanotechnology scientists often use a merged Research and Development (R&D) structure to present new findings.
- While largely adhering to the IMRD structure, Nanotechnology RAs show variations, with more emphasis on research niche establishment and methods, and less on promotional strategies.
Conclusions:
- Findings provide empirical data for English for Academic Purposes (EAP) instructors.
- Informed EAP instruction can guide novice writers in adhering to Nanotechnology's disciplinary conventions, preventing overgeneralization.
