Academic Writer
academic writer: organization: conclusions: opinions
Giving your opinion
If you are going to include your opinion, this is probably
the place to do it. Note however that opinions should be firmly based on evidence that you have provided in the paper.
Also bear in mind that good academic writing style indicates a slightly
distanced point of view where the writer is not constantly emphasizing his or her
point of view.
EXAMPLE 1 Giving your opinion from a slightly distanced point of view. Style note: Notice
the clever way in which the writer mannges successfully to background his
own opinions. He first describes (his opinion of) what other people ('fundamentalists')
say. He then disguises his own opinion in an objective-sounding statement: 'It is important to recognize their rhetorical techniques for what they are'. This
sounds very much more respectable than: 'In my opinion these are just a bunch of
rhetorical techniques..."(!) There is a lot to learn from this example.
| When Fundamentalist writers talk about "family" and "family values" they are referring only to their own definitions of these terms. These narrow definitions are derived from a literal interpretation of Biblical statements regarding family and leave no room for alternate family structures. Therefore they regard other forms of family as not being families at all, giving them more fuel for their claim that "the family" in America is falling apart. It is important to recognize their rhetorical techniques for what they are. |
EXAMPLE 2 Giving your opinion without using 'In my opinion...' Style note: Notice the sentence 'However, women will never be free until the day...' This is just an opinion. It sounds more convincing without mentioning the fact that it is just opinion (The text might equally have read: However, in my opinion women will never be free until the day..)
| The female child has as many goals as the male child, but statistically she is unable to realize these goals because of the obstacles that society sets in front of her. Society and media attempt to create an illusion that women have every right that men enjoy. However, women will never be free until the day female scientists, intellectuals, professionals, military leaders, and politicians are just as accepted and encouraged to participate in all of society's arenas as males. |
EXAMPLE 3 Giving your opinion without using 'In my opinion...'
| Campbell (1994) makes reference to Thomas Kuhn as he
argues that the existing paradigm (the theories, methods, procedures) of psychotherapy may
no longer be viable. When this happens in other professions, a crisis prevails and the
profession must undertake a paradigm shift. It may be time for that paradigm shift and for an exploration of new techniques. At the very least, therapists should not let sexual trauma overshadow all other important events in a patient's life (Campbell 1994). Perhaps there are other explanations for the patient's current symptoms and problems. Good therapists remain open to alternative hypotheses. |
Find about other types of Conclusions
Academic Writer 2000