Analyzing the rhetorical structure of linguistics dissertation abstracts written by Iraqi EFL graduates

Abstract EN

An abstract is a research tool that serves a "gate-keeping function" in helping readers decide if they want to invest more time in the rest of a paper or a dissertation (Bhatia, 1993:78).

Due to its significance as an unavoidable genre required for most published works in the academic circle, the present study investigates the generic structure of MA and PhD dissertation abstracts written in English by Iraqi EFL graduates within the linguistics domain.

More specifically, it investigates the rhetorical organization or the move structure, and the linguistic resources employed in the realization of these moves in linguistics dissertation abstracts.

The rhetorical micro-analysis has identified eleven component moves by means of which the schematic structures of Iraqi EFL graduates' dissertation abstracts are built around.

Four of these moves are obligatory including the moves of announcing present research or stating study aims, stating hypotheses, summarizing results, and describing methodology.

On the other hand, the rhetorical macro-analysis has identified five moves around which these DAs are built.

Three of which are obligatory, viz., the moves of purpose, methodology, and result.

Moreover, results show the prevalence of the use of simple sentences type, present tense, and passive voice in the articulation of the abstract texts analyzed.

On the basis of these findings, a number of pedagogical implications are suggested.