Module 1: Structure > Unit 4: Writing persuasively> Example: Analytical writing

Now read the following short excerpt from a sample text written in response to the question. Look at the boxed and highlighted words in the paragraphs. What do you notice?

Example

Explanation

The two most common methods of data collection in the social sciences

are questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Whereas the sample

size in face-to-face interviews is normally limited, questionnaires can be

sent out to large numbers of people over a wide geographical area. Costs, both in labour and money, are high with face-to-face interviews, while questionnaires can be distributed quickly at a relatively low cost involving stationery and postage only.

The possibility of interviewer bias is also clearly higher with interviews  whereas questionnaires ensure both greater uniformity of response  and less interference from the researcher. However, in terms of quality  of information, interviews are often superior to questionnaires as the researcher has greater opportunities to clarify what the questions mean where necessary, and to seek additional information or to pursue interesting points with the respondent. This is not possible with questionnaires.

Adapted from Burgess, R. G. 1984. The Research Process in Educational Settings: Ten Case Studies. London: The Falmer Press.

The first sentence  signals immediately that two data collection methods are going to be discussed.

A greater use of contrastive conjunctions establishes relationships between the two data collection methods.

The information has been grouped around these four main points or concepts.

There is more use of conjunctions that signal the addition of more Information.

Comparativ e forms have been  used to establish comparisons and contrasts between the two data collection methods. However, there is no judgment about the relative value of the two methods overall.