Identifying Thematic and Rhetorical Patterns in Research Project Abstracts of Thai EFL Engineering Undergraduates

Abstract

The aim of this study is to identify cohesion in the research project abstracts of Thai EFL engineering undergraduate students and to determine the writing patterns of their abstracts. Thirty-nine abstracts (200-300 words in length) from the faculty of Engineering in three different disciplines of the International Program were compiled and analyzed to identify manifested writing patterns by using Paltridge’s (2006) Thematic Progression classification. The findings show that Linear and Constant Thematic Progression patterns tend to be predominantly utilized. The Rhetorical Structure (as in IMRD) of these abstracts was considered in relation to Thematic Progression patterns. Analyzing the within moves and across moves of IMRD for each abstract shows that Constant and Linear Progression patterns were common. Another common feature was the omission of the Discussion section in the IMRD Rhetorical Structure. This may be in consequence of the different Rhetorical Structures employed among English and Thai writers. It is expected that Thematic Progression patterns and Rhetorical Structures could benefit teachers and students alike in abstract writing pedagogy in order to make abstract writing less difficult and more cohesive which espouses overall coherence in turn.