MOVE ANALYSIS OF HIGHLY CITED SCOPUS ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING JOURNAL ARTICLES
Main Article Content
Abstract
Producing quality research articles requires researchers to have a comprehensive understanding of move analysis, a structural approach that uses moves and steps to effectively present arguments and findings. Despite extensive research on move analysis structures, there remains a gap in frameworks addressing the move-step structures across all sections of highly cited research articles, particularly in the field of English Language Teaching (ELT). This study seeks to fill this gap by analyzing the structural patterns of move-step sequences in ELT research articles, providing a practical framework for novice researchers. Employing a multi-framework approach, Hyland's (2000) model was used for Abstracts, Swales' (2004) for Introductions, Cotos' (2017) for Methods, and Moreno and Swales' (2018) for Results and Discussion sections. A corpus of 30 highly cited ELT research articles indexed in Scopus was analyzed. The findings reveal that specific moves, such as presenting background, reporting the research method and results are consistent across Abstracts, and topic generalization, indicating a gap, and announcing present research across Introductions. Similarly, the Method sections exhibit two dominant moves: contextualizing study methods and describing the study, while the Results and Discussion sections highlight four key moves, including reporting background information, presenting and highlighting results, and interpreting and explaining results. This research underscores the importance of recognizing conventional and optional moves in crafting high-quality articles. The proposed framework is expected to serve as a comprehensive guide for novice researchers in producing impactful and well-structured ELT research articles, contributing to the field's scholarly discourse.Keywords: ELT research article; move analysis; research framework
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References
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Amnuai, W. (2019). Analyses of rhetorical moves and linguistic realizations in accounting research article abstracts published in international and Thai-based journals. SAGE Open, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018822384
Arsyad, S., & Syafryadin, S. (2024). The Rhetorical Structure of Method Section of Research Articles in Reputable International Journal of ELT Published in Indonesia. Linguists: Journal of Linguistics and Language Teaching, 10(1), 77-93. DOI:10.29300/ling.v10i1.4263
Asari, S., Fauziyah, N., & Uchtiawati, S. (2018). Improving teacher pedagogic competences in remote areas through lesson study activity. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(2), 53. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.6n.2p.53
Bornmann, L., & Marx, W. (2013). How good is research really? Measuring the citation impact of publications with percentiles increases correct assessments and fair comparisons. EMBO Reports, 14(3), 226-230. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2013.9
Briones, R. R. Y. (2012). Move analysis of philosophy research article introductions published in the University of Santo Tomas. Philippine ESL Journal, 9, 56-75. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.5.12
Cotos, E., Huffman, S., & Link, S. (2017). A move/step model for methods sections: Demonstrating rigour and credibility. English for Specific Purposes, 46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2017.01.001
Darabad, A. M. (2016). Move analysis of research article abstracts: A cross-disciplinary study. International Journal of Linguistics, 8(2), 125-140. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v8i2.9379
Davis, R. H. (2020). Moves and steps in the IMRD sections of medical research articles. Taiwan International ESP Journal, 11(1), 23-39. DOI: 10.6706/TIESPJ.202008_11(1).0002
Fryer, D. L. (2012). Analysis of the generic discourse features of the English-language medical research article: A systemic-functional approach. Functions of language, 19(1), 5-37. DOI:10.1075/fol.19.1.01fry
Hashemi, M. R., & Gohari Moghaddam, I. (2019). A mixed methods genre analysis of the discussion section of MMR articles in applied linguistics. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 13(2), 242-260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689816674626
Huang, (2014). Genre analysis of moves in medical research articles. Stylus, 5(1), 7-17.
Hyland, K. (2000). Disciplinary discourses: Social interactions in academic writing. London, UK: Longman.
Hyland, K. (2004). Genre and second language writing. University of Michigan Press.
Ibna Seraj, P. M., Klimova, B., & Khan, R. (2024). Visualizing research trends in english language teaching (ELT) from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis. SAGE Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241251998
Kanoksilapatham, B. (2005). Rhetorical structure of biochemistry research articles. English for specific purposes, 24(3), 269-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2004.08.003
Kanoksilapatham, B. (2015). Distinguishing textual features characterizing structural variation in research articles across three engineering sub-discipline corpora. English for Specific Purposes, 37, 74-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2014.06.008
Kaya, F., & Yağız, O. (2020). Move analysis of research article abstracts in the field of ELT: A comparative study. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 16(1), 390-404. https://doi.org/10.17263/jlls.712854
Kholili, A., & Lubis, A. H. (2022). How does an online writing for publication group promote reflective practice? Voices from two EFL lecturers. ELT Forum: Journal of English Language Teaching, 11(3), 191-200. DOI:10.15294/elt.v11i3.57590
Koutsantoni, D. (2006). Rhetorical strategies in engineering research articles and research theses: Advanced academic literacy and relations of power. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 5(1), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2005.11.002
Kurniawan, E., Lubis, A. H., Suherdi, D., & Danuwijaya, A. A. (2019). Rhetorical organization of applied linguistics abstracts: Does Scopus journal quartile matter? GEMA Online, 19(4), 184-202. https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2019-1904-10
Leila, A. (2022). Rhetorical structure of applied linguistics research article discussions: A comparative cross-cultural analysis. Journal of Language and Education, 8(3 (31)), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2022.12750
Li, L. J., & Ge, G. C. (2009). Genre analysis: Structural and linguistic evolution of the English-medium medical research article (1985–2004). English for Specific Purposes, 28(2), 93-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2008.12.004
Loan, N. T. T., & Pramoolsook, I. (2015). Move analysis of results-discussion chapters in TESOL master's theses written by Vietnamese students. 3L: Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies, 21(2). DOI:10.17576/3L-2015-2102-01
Massoum, Y. H., & Yazdanmehr, E. (2019). A genre-analysis of the discussion section of Iranian and English ELT theses: A comparative study. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(12), 1611-1623. DOI:10.17507/tpls.0912.19
Maswana, S., Kanamaru, T., & Tajino, A. (2015). Move analysis of research articles across five engineering fields: What they share and what they do not. Ampersand, 2, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2014.12.002
Moreno, A. I., & Swales, J. M. (2018). Strengthening move analysis methodology towards bridging the function-form gap. English for Specific Purposes, 50, 40-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2017.11.006
Moyetta, D. (2016). The discussion section of English and Spanish research articles in psychology: A contrastive study. ESP Today, 4(1), 87-106.
Musa, N. F., Khamis, N., & Zanariah, J. (2015). The structure of method section in Engineering research articles. Asian Social Science, 11(17), 74. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n17p74
Nadoushan, M. (2012). A structural move analysis of discussion sub-genre in applied linguistics. Dacoromania, 17(2), 199-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7514774
Nasirizadeh, Z., Paramasivam, S., Nimehchisalem, V., & Omar, N. (2022). Rhetorical structures and cyclical patterns in forestry research articles. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies, 22(2), 288–311. https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2022-2202-15
Pho, P. D. (2008). Research article abstracts in applied linguistics and educational technology: A study of linguistic realizations of rhetorical structure and authorial stance. Discourse studies, 10(2), 231-250. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461445607087010
Qurratuâ, S. F., Kurniawan, E., & Lubis, A. H. (2022). Rhetorical move analysis of science and engineering abstracts rejected in a scopus-indexed journal. RETORIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, 8(1), 38-47. http://dx.doi.org/10.55637/jr.8.1.4846.38-47
Rochma, A. F., Triastuti, A., & Ashadi, A. (2020). Rhetorical styles of introduction in English language teaching (ELT) research articles. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 10(2), 304-314. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v10i2.28593
Shi, H., & Wannaruk, A. (2014). Rhetorical structure of research articles in agricultural science. English Language Teaching, 7(8), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v7n8p1
Sirijanchuen, N., & Gampper, C. (2018). Academic citations within rhetorical move structures in ELT research article introductions written by Thai and international scholars. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 11(2), 1-20.
Swales, J. M. (1981). Aspects of article introductions. Birmingham, UK: The University of Aston, Language Studies Unit.
Swales, J. M. (1990). Genre analysis: English in academic and research settings. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Swales, J. M. (2004). Research genres: Exploration and applications. In Research Genres (Issue January).
Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills (Vol. 1). Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
Wannaruk, A., & Amnuai, W. (2016). A comparison of rhetorical move structure of applied linguistics research articles published in international and national Thai journals. RELC Journal, 47(2), 193-211. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688215609230
Wuttisrisiriporn, N., & Tangkiensirisin, S. (2020). Characterizing the rhetorical structure of MA thesis discussion chapters in ELT composed by Thai and native English students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 1, 1.
Yang, M. (2022). Connecting the functions of lexical bundles and moves in published research articles: The case of developmental and educational psychology. Nordic journal of English studies, 21(1), 141-189.
Yang, R., & Allison, D. (2003). Research articles in applied linguistics: Moving from results to conclusions. English for Specific Purposes, 22,365-385. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0889-4906(02)00026-1
Ye, Y. (2019). Macrostructures and rhetorical moves in energy engineering research articles written by Chinese expert writers. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 38, 48-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2019.01.007
Zekrati, S. (2015). A move analysis of discussion section of medical articles. Taiwan International ESP Journal, 7(1), 38-50. https://doi.org/10.6706/TIESPJ.2015.7.1.2
Zulfa, A. Z. Q., & Kurniawan, E. (2020, December). Move analysis of English language teaching research article abstracts in national journal. In 4th International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and Education (ICOLLITE 2020) (pp. 103-109). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201215.016
Amnuai, W. (2019). Analyses of rhetorical moves and linguistic realizations in accounting research article abstracts published in international and Thai-based journals. SAGE Open, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1177/2158244018822384
Arsyad, S., & Syafryadin, S. (2024). The Rhetorical Structure of Method Section of Research Articles in Reputable International Journal of ELT Published in Indonesia. Linguists: Journal of Linguistics and Language Teaching, 10(1), 77-93. DOI:10.29300/ling.v10i1.4263
Asari, S., Fauziyah, N., & Uchtiawati, S. (2018). Improving teacher pedagogic competences in remote areas through lesson study activity. International Journal of Education and Literacy Studies, 6(2), 53. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijels.v.6n.2p.53
Bornmann, L., & Marx, W. (2013). How good is research really? Measuring the citation impact of publications with percentiles increases correct assessments and fair comparisons. EMBO Reports, 14(3), 226-230. https://doi.org/10.1038/embor.2013.9
Briones, R. R. Y. (2012). Move analysis of philosophy research article introductions published in the University of Santo Tomas. Philippine ESL Journal, 9, 56-75. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.23.5.12
Cotos, E., Huffman, S., & Link, S. (2017). A move/step model for methods sections: Demonstrating rigour and credibility. English for Specific Purposes, 46. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2017.01.001
Darabad, A. M. (2016). Move analysis of research article abstracts: A cross-disciplinary study. International Journal of Linguistics, 8(2), 125-140. https://doi.org/10.5296/ijl.v8i2.9379
Davis, R. H. (2020). Moves and steps in the IMRD sections of medical research articles. Taiwan International ESP Journal, 11(1), 23-39. DOI: 10.6706/TIESPJ.202008_11(1).0002
Fryer, D. L. (2012). Analysis of the generic discourse features of the English-language medical research article: A systemic-functional approach. Functions of language, 19(1), 5-37. DOI:10.1075/fol.19.1.01fry
Hashemi, M. R., & Gohari Moghaddam, I. (2019). A mixed methods genre analysis of the discussion section of MMR articles in applied linguistics. Journal of Mixed Methods Research, 13(2), 242-260. https://doi.org/10.1177/1558689816674626
Huang, (2014). Genre analysis of moves in medical research articles. Stylus, 5(1), 7-17.
Hyland, K. (2000). Disciplinary discourses: Social interactions in academic writing. London, UK: Longman.
Hyland, K. (2004). Genre and second language writing. University of Michigan Press.
Ibna Seraj, P. M., Klimova, B., & Khan, R. (2024). Visualizing research trends in english language teaching (ELT) from 2013 to 2022: A bibliometric analysis. SAGE Open, 14(2). https://doi.org/10.1177/21582440241251998
Kanoksilapatham, B. (2005). Rhetorical structure of biochemistry research articles. English for specific purposes, 24(3), 269-292. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2004.08.003
Kanoksilapatham, B. (2015). Distinguishing textual features characterizing structural variation in research articles across three engineering sub-discipline corpora. English for Specific Purposes, 37, 74-86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2014.06.008
Kaya, F., & Yağız, O. (2020). Move analysis of research article abstracts in the field of ELT: A comparative study. Journal of Language and Linguistic Studies, 16(1), 390-404. https://doi.org/10.17263/jlls.712854
Kholili, A., & Lubis, A. H. (2022). How does an online writing for publication group promote reflective practice? Voices from two EFL lecturers. ELT Forum: Journal of English Language Teaching, 11(3), 191-200. DOI:10.15294/elt.v11i3.57590
Koutsantoni, D. (2006). Rhetorical strategies in engineering research articles and research theses: Advanced academic literacy and relations of power. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 5(1), 19-36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2005.11.002
Kurniawan, E., Lubis, A. H., Suherdi, D., & Danuwijaya, A. A. (2019). Rhetorical organization of applied linguistics abstracts: Does Scopus journal quartile matter? GEMA Online, 19(4), 184-202. https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2019-1904-10
Leila, A. (2022). Rhetorical structure of applied linguistics research article discussions: A comparative cross-cultural analysis. Journal of Language and Education, 8(3 (31)), 11-22. https://doi.org/10.17323/jle.2022.12750
Li, L. J., & Ge, G. C. (2009). Genre analysis: Structural and linguistic evolution of the English-medium medical research article (1985–2004). English for Specific Purposes, 28(2), 93-104. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2008.12.004
Loan, N. T. T., & Pramoolsook, I. (2015). Move analysis of results-discussion chapters in TESOL master's theses written by Vietnamese students. 3L: Southeast Asian Journal of English Language Studies, 21(2). DOI:10.17576/3L-2015-2102-01
Massoum, Y. H., & Yazdanmehr, E. (2019). A genre-analysis of the discussion section of Iranian and English ELT theses: A comparative study. Theory and Practice in Language Studies, 9(12), 1611-1623. DOI:10.17507/tpls.0912.19
Maswana, S., Kanamaru, T., & Tajino, A. (2015). Move analysis of research articles across five engineering fields: What they share and what they do not. Ampersand, 2, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amper.2014.12.002
Moreno, A. I., & Swales, J. M. (2018). Strengthening move analysis methodology towards bridging the function-form gap. English for Specific Purposes, 50, 40-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esp.2017.11.006
Moyetta, D. (2016). The discussion section of English and Spanish research articles in psychology: A contrastive study. ESP Today, 4(1), 87-106.
Musa, N. F., Khamis, N., & Zanariah, J. (2015). The structure of method section in Engineering research articles. Asian Social Science, 11(17), 74. http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/ass.v11n17p74
Nadoushan, M. (2012). A structural move analysis of discussion sub-genre in applied linguistics. Dacoromania, 17(2), 199-212. http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7514774
Nasirizadeh, Z., Paramasivam, S., Nimehchisalem, V., & Omar, N. (2022). Rhetorical structures and cyclical patterns in forestry research articles. GEMA Online Journal of Language Studies, 22(2), 288–311. https://doi.org/10.17576/gema-2022-2202-15
Pho, P. D. (2008). Research article abstracts in applied linguistics and educational technology: A study of linguistic realizations of rhetorical structure and authorial stance. Discourse studies, 10(2), 231-250. https://doi.org/10.1177/1461445607087010
Qurratuâ, S. F., Kurniawan, E., & Lubis, A. H. (2022). Rhetorical move analysis of science and engineering abstracts rejected in a scopus-indexed journal. RETORIKA: Jurnal Ilmu Bahasa, 8(1), 38-47. http://dx.doi.org/10.55637/jr.8.1.4846.38-47
Rochma, A. F., Triastuti, A., & Ashadi, A. (2020). Rhetorical styles of introduction in English language teaching (ELT) research articles. Indonesian Journal of Applied Linguistics, 10(2), 304-314. https://doi.org/10.17509/ijal.v10i2.28593
Shi, H., & Wannaruk, A. (2014). Rhetorical structure of research articles in agricultural science. English Language Teaching, 7(8), 1-13. https://doi.org/10.5539/elt.v7n8p1
Sirijanchuen, N., & Gampper, C. (2018). Academic citations within rhetorical move structures in ELT research article introductions written by Thai and international scholars. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 11(2), 1-20.
Swales, J. M. (1981). Aspects of article introductions. Birmingham, UK: The University of Aston, Language Studies Unit.
Swales, J. M. (1990). Genre analysis: English in academic and research settings. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Swales, J. M. (2004). Research genres: Exploration and applications. In Research Genres (Issue January).
Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2004). Academic writing for graduate students: Essential tasks and skills (Vol. 1). Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press.
Wannaruk, A., & Amnuai, W. (2016). A comparison of rhetorical move structure of applied linguistics research articles published in international and national Thai journals. RELC Journal, 47(2), 193-211. https://doi.org/10.1177/0033688215609230
Wuttisrisiriporn, N., & Tangkiensirisin, S. (2020). Characterizing the rhetorical structure of MA thesis discussion chapters in ELT composed by Thai and native English students. LEARN Journal: Language Education and Acquisition Research Network, 1, 1.
Yang, M. (2022). Connecting the functions of lexical bundles and moves in published research articles: The case of developmental and educational psychology. Nordic journal of English studies, 21(1), 141-189.
Yang, R., & Allison, D. (2003). Research articles in applied linguistics: Moving from results to conclusions. English for Specific Purposes, 22,365-385. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0889-4906(02)00026-1
Ye, Y. (2019). Macrostructures and rhetorical moves in energy engineering research articles written by Chinese expert writers. Journal of English for Academic Purposes, 38, 48-61. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jeap.2019.01.007
Zekrati, S. (2015). A move analysis of discussion section of medical articles. Taiwan International ESP Journal, 7(1), 38-50. https://doi.org/10.6706/TIESPJ.2015.7.1.2
Zulfa, A. Z. Q., & Kurniawan, E. (2020, December). Move analysis of English language teaching research article abstracts in national journal. In 4th International Conference on Language, Literature, Culture, and Education (ICOLLITE 2020) (pp. 103-109). Atlantis Press. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201215.016