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Faharol Zubir
Preferred name
Faharol Zubir
Official Name
Faharol, Zubir
Alternative Name
Zubir, Faharol
Zubir, F.
Main Affiliation
Scopus Author ID
57200992988
Researcher ID
AAV-6941-2020
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PublicationRhetorical structures of the introduction chapters of the engineering discipline PhD theses in Malaysian universities (closed until 9/27)Writing a thesis is a complex yet crucial aspect of postgraduate studies, demanding high conformity to academic conventions. This is particularly true for PhD theses in the Engineering discipline, which present a unique set of challenges. This study aims to uncover the rhetorical structure of the Introduction chapters in 25 high-ranking Engineering PhD theses from Malaysia, applying Move Analysis based on the Bunton Model. The focus lies on the Introduction section, a part of the thesis often cited as the most difficult to compose. The findings reveal several novel insights: the identification of move-independent steps such as highlighting background information, reviewing prior research, and term definitions; a prevalent focus on claiming centrality and identifying gaps in existing research; the use of discipline-specific linguistic techniques; and the influence of institutional culture on chapter structuring. A distinct rhetorical model for the Engineering discipline in PhD thesis introduction from Malaysia was also discovered. These insights have both theoretical and practical implications, offering actionable guidelines for thesis writers, supervisors, academic writing instructors, and curriculum developers. The study thus fills a gap in existing research, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of the academic writing process in the Engineering discipline in Malaysia.
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