Lesson 6.4: Tense, Voice and Reporting Sources

Introduction

In academic writing, accuracy and formality are paramount. The way we convey information about research and ideas depends heavily on our use of tense, voice, and how we report sources. This lesson—Lesson 6.4: Tense, Voice and Reporting Sources—aims to provide clear guidelines for conveying information with precision. By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply conventional tense use in academic writing.
• Recognize the significance of tense when reporting research and citing sources.
• Utilize appropriate reporting structures and verbs to accurately introduce sources.
• Apply modals and conditionals for articulating possibility, necessity, and recommendations.
• Maintain tense consistency throughout a piece of writing.

Conventional Tense Use

Present vs. Past Tense

In academic writing, the correct tense usage is essential for clarity and precision. There are two conventional tenses used regularly: the present tense and the past tense.

• Present Tense: This is typically used to discuss established knowledge, theories, and general truths. For example:
• "Newton's laws describe the motion of objects."

• Past Tense: This is used to refer to specific studies or matters that have already taken place. For instance:
• "Smith (2020) conducted a study revealing significant findings."

Worked Example

Suppose students is writing a review of several studies related to a psychological phenomenon. The opening sentences could be:

1. Present Tense: "Cognitive dissonance is a psychological theory that explains how individuals strive for internal consistency."
2. Past Tense: "In a 2015 study, Doe found that participants struggled to reconcile conflicting information."

Here, the present tense introduces a general idea, while the past tense refers to a specific research study.

Common Misconceptions

Students often confuse the two tenses or switch between them without notice. It is essential to stay consistent within each section of writing. Always link present discussions of established knowledge to past studies and ensure that citations match the tense used.

Tense Choices When Reporting Research

When reporting research, it's critical to choose the correct tense based on the context. Different situations may dictate a switch from one tense to another.

Primary Tense Choices:

1. Present Simple: Used when summarizing results, theories, or findings that are still relevant. E.g., "The data suggest a direct correlation between sleep and cognitive performance."
2. Past Simple: Used when discussing the findings of a completed study. E.g., "The researchers demonstrated that sleep deprivation affects memory recall."
3. Present Perfect: Sometimes used to indicate a connection between past research and the present. E.g., "Researchers have established links between sleep and mental health."

Worked Example

Consider a student writing a report on the effects of climate change:

• Present Simple: "Climate change affects weather patterns globally."
• Past Simple: "In their 2019 study, Johnson et al. reported that average temperatures have risen significantly."
• Present Perfect: "Scientists have observed an increase in extreme weather events over the past decade."

Consistency in Tenses

Maintaining tense consistency ensures clarity in academic writing. Be mindful to select one tense and stick to it throughout the discussion of a particular piece of research.

Reporting Structures and Introduction Verbs

Types of Reporting Verbs

When reporting research, the choice of verb can convey a specific tone and level of certainty. Some common reporting verbs include:

• Indicates
• Suggests
• Demonstrates
• Argues

Each verb has a slightly different connotation:

• Suggests implies a less definitive claim than demonstrates.

Examples of Reporting Structures

1. "Smith (2020) argues that climate change is the most pressing environmental issue."
2. "Johnson et al. (2019) indicate a possible correlation between air quality and respiratory illness."

Using Reporting Verbs Accurately

It's crucial to choose appropriate reporting verbs that reflect the author's degree of confidence and findings. Misuse can mislead readers regarding the strength of claims made in the original sources.

Modals and Conditionals for Possibility and Necessity

Understanding Modals

Modals are auxiliary verbs used to express modality—possibility, necessity, ability, or permission. Common modals include:

• Can
• Could
• May
• Might
• Must

Usage of Modals

1. Possibility: "Research may suggest a link between diet and health."
2. Necessity: "Further studies must be conducted to confirm these findings."
3. Recommendation: "Researchers should consider alternative approaches for future studies."

Conditionals

Conditionals express hypothetical situations and their outcomes:

• Zero Conditional: General truths (if + present, present). E.g., "If water reaches 100 degrees Celsius, it boils."
• First Conditional: Realistic future possibilities (if + present, will + verb). E.g., "If researchers increase funding, they will explore new methodologies."
• Second Conditional: Unrealistic present situations (if + past, would + verb). E.g., "If researchers had more time, they would conduct longitudinal studies."

Worked Example

When discussing the implications of a study:

• "If climate policies succeed, emissions may decrease significantly."
• "If the current trends continue, we could face severe ecological consequences."

Maintaining Tense Consistency

Tense consistency is fundamental for clear communication in academic writing.

Tips for Maintaining Consistency:

1. Plan Your Structure: Outline your writing before you begin to establish which tenses you will use in different sections.
2. Regularly Check Your Tenses: Go back through your work to ensure you haven’t inadvertently switched tenses without reason.
3. Use Tense Mapping: If necessary, map out the tenses used for each reference or evidence in an outline or spreadsheet.

Conclusion

In this lesson, students learned about the importance of tense, voice, and reporting sources in academic writing. Proper use of tense helps in presenting clear and accurate information, while appropriate reporting structures ensure that information is conveyed correctly. By mastering these elements, students will enhance the clarity and credibility of their academic essays. Tense consistency and the use of modals provide an additional layer of precision and professionalism to academic writing.

Study Notes

• Conventional tense use in academic writing: Present for established knowledge, past for specific studies.
• Choose tense based on context when reporting research.
• Use accurate reporting verbs to reflect the strength of claims.
• Employ modals for indicating possibility and necessity.
• Maintain tense consistency throughout your writing.