Significance
“A great number of studies of science have focused on discourse – conversations and lab notes as well as conference activity and the best way to study the scientific enterprise” (Haas 44).
By using words “focused” and “best” Haas puts significance onto her subject (discourse). Using “focused” she is putting a spotlight on it or putting it on a pedestal and by using “best” she simply further elevates its importance.
“The value of the paper depends on what is contained in this (results) section, and it must be presented in an absolutely clear manner in just the right number of words, neither more nor less” (Nair 20).
In this sentence, Nair uses words and phrases like “depends on”, “absolutely clear”, and “just the right number” exemplifying the significance of this portion of the writing. It repeatedly states how perfect this part must be because of how important it is to the overarching paper.
Practices (activities)
“A good title will attract readers who might not otherwise read the paper and may help future researchers find important information” (Nair 14).
Here, a title is a pretty basic idea, but they talk specifically enough about it to turn it into a practice. Nair explains or lectures someone what an acceptable title in the field of scientific writing looks like, an activity that all belonging to that Discourse practice.
Identities
“The purpose of this sections (methods and materials) is to present in a simple and direct manner what has been done, how, and when, and how the data were analyzed and presented” (Nair 18).
In this sentence, Nair explains the several roles an author of a scientific writing piece must take on. This includes of course the writer, as well as the experimenter, as well as the analyst, and how you must use these Discourses in conjunction with each other to form a good section.
Relationships
“…In discussions of her reading, Eliza showed a level of awareness of the activity and agents of discourse that was seldom obvious in the texts she wrote” (Haas 47).
Haas shows the relationship between the two ideas of Eliza’s reading and her writing in this passage. She explains how the reading was much better (the relationship) than her writing in the level of discourse use and awareness, relating each to one another and analyzing them.
Politics
Connections
“The educational task of helping students recognize the human nature of scientific activity and rhetorical nature of scientific texts may be part of a larger problem in academic literacy for students: a “myth of autonomous texts that seems to operate in academic setting at entry level’” (Haas 45).
By using the phrase “may be part of” as well as the very use of a colon (:) illustrates the connection between these two ideas. She explains one idea (rhetorical nature of scientific texts and activity) and then relates it to another entire issue (myth of autonomous texts) comparing and contrasting their connection to one another.
Sign Systems & Knowledge
ENG110I
