Page 183 - English for Writing Research Papers
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A similar approach is to make the data (or method, model, discussion, hypothesis
etc.) the subject of the sentence, with no possessive adjective (i.e. no our or my ), as
highlighted in these examples:
These data indicate that…
The evidence favors the conclusion that…
The model predicted that…
From this discussion , it would appear that…
The hypothesis seems plausible because…
The existence of such phenomena may give confirmation of…
Here the technique is to distance yourself from your data (findings etc.) by taking a
neutral stance. It seems as if the data themselves are drawing conclusions, rather
than you drawing conclusions. You give the idea that you are not the only person
involved in the discussion, the reader is implicitly somehow involved too. This tech-
nique is often used when you are concerned that your claims are not suffi ciently
important or robust.
Useful verbs in such contexts are imply, indicate, suggest, point toward, hint at etc.
9.12 Don't end your paper by talking about your limitations
Don’t end your Discussion (or Conclusions) by talking about your limitations. End
with something positive – this will be the reader’s final impression. Possible end-
ings are:
• talking about other applications for your fi ndings
• suggesting other avenues of research for the future
• re-highlighting the benefits of your findings
See Chapter 19 Conclusions.
