Features of Academic Writing

Structure
- sense of direction
- 3 main parts; intro, body, conclusion
- group similar points together
- each paragraph should have a main point which is discussed at the beginning
- link to a subsequent paragraph

Idea Development
- central idea
- implicit to suggest something / ask questions
- identify points to support your idea, make sure its a smooth progression
- may not be a definite

Analytic writing

• analyse concepts and arguments
• synthesise ideas and evidence drawn from different sources
• construct consistent and well-supported arguments
• discuss an issue in a balanced way
• evaluate the ideas and arguments of others
• make judgements and express informed opinion

Important:
- take a stand
- look at various viewpoints; unbiased
- investigate and challenge existing assumptions
- explore future possibilities
- support with credible evidence
- suggest improvements to the issue at hand
- come to a conclusion and reiterate your stand

Use of Sources
- qualifications regarding the subject you're doing on
- is the author biased?
- date of the article

Explicitness
- make your work explicit; clear and ambiguous
- clear stand
- every claim mentioned should be mentioned + evidence

Language
- in academic writing, the language is more objective, non-emotional, based on logic
- fair, unbiased, avoids exaggeration
- balanced, respect the views of others
- don't use definite words if you're not sure
- formal; don't use slangs
- fair, accurate and measured
- hedging "will", "probably", "would", may"
- precise and stable to that you can express your ideas properly

"In this study, the aim is to..." - formal

Reader Response (Draft 2)

In Kraidy's (2002) article, "Globalisation of Culture through the Media", he discusses about the debate between the contribution of mass media on the globalisation of culture and the idea of cultural imperialism. While some believe that the free flow of information across borders is beneficial, others argue that Western culture has overpowered other cultures. Kraidy then introduces the idea of cultural hybridisation, whereby new cultures are created by adapting foreign cultures into existing ones. According to him, this is pre-existing and through mass media, there is an analytical shift from cultural imperialism to globalisation.

When Kraidy wrote about the role of transnational mass media in impacting cultures all around the world, he made a point of emphasising that this role is a substantial one, and that hybridity already exists among cultures. I find myself agreeing with his point as indeed, the advancements in technology in the modern era has aided the exchange of information without the restriction of geographical boundaries. 

Examples of hybridity among cultures are aplenty. McDonald's, the biggest fast food chain in the world, serves different foods in different countries according to their tastes and preferences. To gain a foothold in the respective local markets, vegetarian burgers are sold in India's franchises, and betel nuts are a common side dish in Taiwan's McDonald's outlets (Furze, Savy, Brym and Lie, 2008). This is a brilliant form of adaptation which has enabled McDonald's to successfully expand its brand worldwide while preserving its brand simultaneously.

In my opinion, the infiltration of American culture into that of other countries does not equate to cultural imperialism. It is important to note that while external cultures are being embraced, local cultures are usually being retained at the same time. Therefore, it is an inherent fallacy to claim that the mere spread of foreign ideas into a local culture is considered an act of "taking over" it.

In conclusion, cultural hybridisation is taking the world by storm. While it is important to preserve one's culture, I believe there is no harm embracing external cultures as well. Moreover, with the absence of geographical barriers between almost every country in the world, it is an inexorable truth that the spreading of ideas is never going to stop. Instead of shunning away from globalisation, why not embrace it?

References:
Furze, B., Savy, P., Brym, R. J., & Lie, J. (2008). Globalisation and development. Sociology in today's world (p. 465). South Melbourne, Vic.: Cengage Learning Australia.

(378 words)

Reader Response (Draft 1)

In Kraidy's article, "Globalisation of Culture through the Media", he discusses about the debate between the contribution of mass media on the globalisation of culture and the idea of cultural imperialism. While some believe that the free flow of information across borders is beneficial, others argue that Western culture has overpowered other cultures. Kraidy then introduces the idea of cultural hybridisation, whereby new cultures are created by adapting foreign cultures into existing ones. According to him, this is pre-existing and through mass media, there is an analytical shift from cultural imperialism to globalisation.

When Kraidy wrote about the role of transnational mass media in impacting cultures all around the world, he made a point of emphasising that this role is a substantial one, and that hybridity already exists among cultures. I find myself agreeing with his point as indeed, the advancements in technology in the modern era has aided the exchange of information without the restriction of geographical boundaries. 

Examples of hybridity among cultures are aplenty. McDonald's, the biggest fast food chain in the world, has successfully established itself by adapting its menus to suit the taste and preferences of the locals. To gain a foothold in India where Hindus do not consume beef and Muslims, pork, McDonalds has introduced a mutton-based Maharaja Mac and Vegetable McNuggets to its menu. Its advertising campaign "I'm Lovin' It" has also been advertised internationally but adapted according to the cultures involved.

Globalisation of Culture through the Media (Summary)

Summary
In Kraidy's article, "Globalisation of Culture through the Media", he discusses about the debate between the contribution of mass media on the globalisation of culture and the idea of cultural imperialism. While some believe that the free flow of information across borders is beneficial, others argue that Western culture has overpowered other cultures. Kraidy then introduces the idea of cultural hybridisation, whereby new cultures are created by adapting foreign cultures into existing ones. According to him, this is pre-existing and through mass media, there is an analytical shift from cultural imperialism to globalisation.

An Event That Has Shaped My Life

Photo credits: http://ispsquash.com/default/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/sq10.jpg

Squash - not the drink you make out of concentrated food syrup, but the high-speed racket sport you play in a four-walled court.

I first heard of this sport 3 years ago, having just entered junior college. I decided to join this CCA as I wanted to try something new and at the same time, build up my stamina.