English for postgraduate students. Учебное пособие

Unit 1. Introduction to scientific research

3. Describe your research according to the following plan. Work in pairs.

1.Natural science / Social science.

2.Type of a discipline.

3.The aims and tasks of your science.

4.The aim of your research (what scientific problem you are going to

solve).

5.Basic science /Applied science.

6.Apractical application of your research.

Reading 2

1. You are going to read the text about the most important features of scientific research. Read it quickly and match the titles to the correct paragraph.

a)Rational

b)Original

c)Systematics

d)Empirical

e)Reproducible

f)Objective

g)Controlled

h)Ordered

i)Consider everyday problems

j)Provisional

Ten most salient features of scientific research

1 ________________________

Scientific research is not a random observation, but is the result of a well-structured plan, with specific objectives. The plan that must guide a scientific investigation and consider all the aspects and moments of this research: from the objects of study and the variables to be taken into account, to the rhythm of work that must be followed in order to arrive at conclusions in time expected.

2 ________________________

Scientific research must avoid chance, and the process must be supported by control mechanisms that allow it to obtain truthful results.

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English for postgraduate students

Chance has no place in scientific research: all actions and observations are controlled, according to the researcher's criteria and according to the object investigated, through well-defined methods and rules.

3 ________________________

The results of a scientific investigation must deal with the aspects of realityrelatedtothesubjectunderinvestigation.Theaspectsthatcharacterize a particular research must be observable in the real world. Scientific research refers to issues that can be measured and identified as facts.

4 ________________________

Science in general is characterized by being logical. Its empirical characteristic makes it necessary to be based on real and verifiable facts, and demands from the researcher a critical attitude and a dispossession of his personal conceptions or judgments of value.

5 ________________________

The findings obtained through scientific research should be able to be reproduced under the same conditions established in the study. The fact of havingcontrolledthevariablesthatwerepartoftheprocess,allowstobeable to reproduce the results achieved.

6 ________________________

In a scientific investigation, the hypotheses constitute the nucleus of the study, and must be generated of problems and situations of the daily life, that affect the people of habitual form. It is hoped that scientific research will solve a problem that ideally affects several groups of people.

7 ________________________

Thegoaloftheinvestigatorisnottojustifyownpostures,buttoexpose the facts in the purest way possible. The explanation arising from scientific research must be legitimate for people with different points of view. The results of scientific research must be universal.

8 ________________________

Science is constantly expanding. The debate is a fundamental part of the scientific field. Therefore, a scientific investigation must be able to be questioned and, if there is some subsequent research proving contrary hypotheses, it must be able to rectify.

9 ________________________

There is no sense in focusing scientific research on proven facts. A scientific investigation must treat new or little studied aspects, so that the

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Unit 1. Introduction to scientific research

resultofthestudyimpliesatruecontributiontothescienceandthehumanity. In any case, it is essential that scientific research brings something new and useful for people.

10 _______________________

Scientific research needs planning so that it can yield true results. This planning must have a specific order, which responds to the interests of the study.

(https://www.lifepersona.com/10-characteristics-of-scientific-research-to-be-highlighted)

2. Read the text again carefully.Are the statements true, false, not given?

1.Planning of the research shouldn’t include any deadlines.

2.Chance plays a great role in a scientific investigation.

3.Scientific research should be based on what is experienced or seen rather than on theory.

4.Scientific research shouldn’t be replicable.

5.Conclusions should be justified by data.

6.Scientific research touches upon the most urgent issues of daily life.

7.The aim of the researcher is to support his personal beliefs and opinions.

8.The researcher should give attention to unproven facts.

Language Focus: Grammar

1. Fill in the gaps with the correct past tense form of the verbs given.

James Watson

James Dewey Watson is an American molecular biologist, geneticist and zoologist. He is credited for co-discovering the molecular structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). His discovery (1) ___________ (describe) by other biologists and Nobel laureates as the most important scientific discovery of the 20th century. He (2) ___________ (bear) in Illinois. Growing up, James Dewey Watson (3) ___________ (spend) hours birdwatching and (4) ___________ (decide) to major in ornithology but Erwin Schrodinger’s book titled ‘What is Life’ (5) ___________ (have) such a profound impact on him that he (6) ___________ (choose) genetics in the

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English for postgraduate students

end. He (7) ___________ (receive) his B.S. degree from the University of Chicago, and his PhD from Indiana University. He was strongly opposed to the belief that genes (8) ___________ (be) proteins that could replicate and DNA (9) ___________ (be) a simple tetranucleotide that (10) ___________

(support) the genes. He finally (11) ___________ (find) success with Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins, when the trio (12) ___________ (discover) the doublehelixstructureoftheDNAmolecule.ForthisdiscoveryJamesDewey Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins (13) ___________ (earn) the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1962.

2. Give a short talk (2 minutes) on a famous scientist in your field of research. Use the past tenses.

Reading 3

1.In small groups, discuss the following questions.

1.Can anyone be a good researcher?

2.Whatdoyouthinkmakesagoodresearcher?Thinkofthreequalities or characteristics.

2.Read the text quickly. Are any of the points similar to your answer to Exercise 1?

Who is a Researcher, What Does He Do?

Doresearcherspossessspecificqualitiesthatmakethemsucceedinthe fieldofscientificinquiry?Findoutinthearticlebelowifindeedyouhaveany of the qualities a good researcher must have. If not, then you train and build yourself up on those qualities that you find yourself wanting.

While everyone in university will be given the opportunity to do research, not everyone can do it unless they possess the qualities required of a good researcher. Just like leaders, scientists can also be made, not just born. But there are innate qualities that researchers must possess to succeed in this challenging task that requires a lot of imagination and perseverance. What then are the qualities of a good researcher? Here are five notable attributes of people who tread the path towards discovery:

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Unit 1. Introduction to scientific research

1. A good researcher manifests thirst for new information.

A good researcher shows an open mind about things. He does not just take things by themselves but explores new grounds. He adopts the philosophy of “thinking beyond the box”, leaving out the conventional for something innovative.

Piecesofevidenceofthisthirstfornewinformationmanifestinpeople who do not stop learning. Those persons who maintain an open mind for new possibilities to happen, even when everything appears to have been discovered or studied.

Two hundred years ago, has anyone ever thought that man could go to the moon, or explore the depths of the sea? Or tap on the keys of the cell phone to communicate with another person so far away?

2. A good researcher has a keen sense of things around him.

Keenness is a quality developed through an observant attitude.Agood researcher sees something more out of a common occurrence around him. And he sees this quickly.

3.A good researcher likes to reflect or think about the things he encounters.

Researchers who pause and reflect on the knowledge that they gained, either formally in school or through their experience, gain insights. Insights are creative thoughts that make one nod his head and say, “Aha, this is something I have been looking for!”An original idea was born.

4.A good researcher must be intelligent enough to express his ideas.

How can you express your thoughts if you cannot write? The point

hereisthatagoodresearchermustbeadept inthewrittenlanguage.Howcan people understand your point when you are the only one who can understand what you have written?

Intelligence toexpressideasisaqualitythatappearstoresideingifted individuals.

5. A good researcher applies a systematic approach in assessing situations.

Research requires systematic and objective thinking to arrive at something. Logical reasoning, therefore, is applied by a good researcher. He can analyze things, meaning, he can break down a complex situation into manageable bits that he can focus his attention into.

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English for postgraduate students

Doyouhavethesequalities?Ifnot,thenit’stimeforyoutodevelopthe hidden talents in you through training and continuous learning.

(https://simplyeducate.me/2012/10/24/5-qualities-of-a-good-researcher/)

2 a. Which qualities of a good researcher mentioned in the text are you good at? Which areas do you need to develop?

2 b. Look at the highlighted words in the text and match them with the synonyms in the box.

2 c. Summarize the text by completing the following sentences.

1.The text deals with …

2.Agood researcher requires …

3.Aresearcher maintains an open mind for …

4.Aresearcher develops a keen sense of …

5.Aresearcher reflects on …

6.Insights are …

7.Capability to express ideas …

8.Asystematic approach is …

Speaking

1. Give a two – minute talk on your work with a supervisor.

Use the following phrases: to be experienced (in); to offer advice and guidance; to formulate one’s research proposal; to define a programme of research/study; expert in the chosen area of research; to design work on the thesis; create a stimulating research environment; to provide training in research; to monitor progress; to provide feedback; to remain aware of the student's situation and needs.

2. Work in pairs. Discuss your scientific activity with your partner. Use the questions below as a guide to your talk.

1.What research is being carried out by you now?

2.What’s the purpose of your present study?

3.Do you sometimes try new methods?

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Unit 1. Introduction to scientific research

4.Is your problem studied anywhere else?

5.Could you give a review of current literature on your subject?

6.Whose works are best known in your field of research?

7.Whose ideas had a profound influence on the development of your

field?

8.What contribution will you make by your research to that particular branch of science?

9.How many sections will your thesis have?

10.What preliminary conclusions can be drawn from your work?

11.How long might it take you to complete the work?

12.When do you expect conclusive results?

13.What should be done to encourage further research in your field?

14.What would you suggest for upgrading research in your area?

15.Have you written any scientific papers?

16.Have you ever attended international conferences?

17.Is collaboration important in research and how is it realized?

Writing

You have been invited to write an article for a university newspaper about your scientific research. The article should explain:

•why you have decided to become a researcher;

•what qualities of a researcher you possess;

•topic, purpose and novelty of your paper;

•expected results and practical application of your scientific work. Write your article in 220–250 words.

Writing hints.

1.This task gives you the chance to practise using words and phrases from Topical Vocabulary: Speaking about a scientific activity (given at the beginning of Unit 1).

2.Follow a universal article format (title of your article, introducing paragraph, body, conclusion paragraph).

3.Do not write the whole article in one paragraph; use at least 3 paragraphs for heading, body, conclusion.

4.Do not include unnecessary things in your article; it can make your article messy and create difficulties to readers.

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UNIT 2. ATTENDING A CONFERENCE

Topical vocabulary: participating in a conference

conference – конференция

annual conference – ежегодная конференция regular conference – очередная конференция forthcoming conference – предстоящая конференция

to take part (participate) in conference – принимать участие в кон-

ференции

participant – участник

to run under auspices – проходить под эгидой (при содействии) organizing committee – организационный комитет preliminary announcement – информационное письмо paper(s) – научная работа(ы), доклад(ы)

poster papers – стендовые доклады review papers – обзорные доклады abstract (s) of the papers – тезисы доклада agenda – повестка дня

letter/notification of acceptance or rejection – уведомление о приня-

тии (доклада) или отказа

registration – регистрация участников конференции registration fee – взнос участника

location and hours of registration – время и место регистрации deadline – крайний срок

conference proceedings – сборник трудов конференции opening/welcoming address – вступительное слово working language – рабочий язык

to deliver/present a report – выступить с докладом simultaneous to take the floor – выступить, взять слово

plenary session – пленарное заседание

workshops – секционные заседания / мастерская / семинар discussion – обсуждение

panel discussions – обсуждение докладов специалистами round-table discussion – обсуждение за «круглым столом»

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Unit 2. Attending a conference

issue/problem under discussion – обсуждаемая проблема to exchange opinions (on) – обменяться мнениями topical – актуальный

to talk shop – говорить на профессиональные темы reasoning – ход мыслей суждения

social program(me) – культурная программа

to close a conference – закрыть работу конференции closing speech – заключительное слово

1. Pronunciation. Consult a dictionary and practise the pronunciation of the following words.

Agenda, announcement, scholar, colleagues, participant, address, attendee,committee,undertheauspices,council,plenarysession,experienced, submitted, requirements, diagrams, drawings, characteristic, schemes.

2 a. Match the words and their meanings.

1) agenda

2) committee

3) deadline

4) fee

5) participant

6) preliminary

7) registration

8) round-table

9) take the floor

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English for postgraduate students

2 b. Complete the text with the words given below.

Review papers, reasoning, reports, topical, diagrams, workshop, discussions.

I was particularly interested in the workshop on architecture, since it is my specific field. There were more than twenty scientific contributions to our 1) …, all of them being on 2) … problems of architecture and applied sciences. According to the workshop schedule I was the last to speak. All the 3) … were followed by 4) …, mine wasn’t an exception. I was asked several questions and did my best to answer all of them. I spoke without even looking into my notes and tried to make my 5) … very clear. I also attendedapostersessionandfounditofparticularinterestbecauseImanaged tostudynumerous textsofthepaperssuppliedwith6) …, drawings,schemes and photographs. The final session with 7) … was truly rewarding for it summarized all that had been going on not only at the conference but also in the field of architecture for the past twelve months.

Reading

1. In small groups, discuss the following questions.

1.Have you ever participated in a scientific conference?

2.What was the type of the conference (all-Russian, international, etc)?

3.Whatisatypicalprocedureofparticipatinginascientificconference?

4.How did participation contribute to your research?

2 a. Read the text quickly. Are any of the points similar to your answer to Exercise 1?

Attending a conference

Attending a conference is a professionally rewarding experience. In addition to socializing with colleagues from other institutions and a trip to a possibly exotic locale, the two main reasons to attend a conference are to hear presentations and to converse with other researchers. An organizing committeeusuallysendstheso-called“PreliminaryAnnouncement”toallthe establishments concerned with the view of supplying potential participants with general information about the conference. From the announcement you will learnt such important things as the main programme of the conference,

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