Page 26 - Modul Academic Writing

Beside the tenses, it is also crucial to highlight the writer’s stance when citing sources
from previous studies or researches. Thus, appropriate use of reporting verbs will show
the attitude the writer wants to stand for.

Verbs to add critical voice

claim to indicate that your source has stated something as fact (and you may
disagree)
contend to indicate that you disagree with your source’s position
assume to indicate that the source has treated something as a fact but you
believe it is not
reveal to indicate that the information was previously hidden or not widely
known
allege to indicate a source makes a claim without proof
imply to indicate that the source says something indirectly
exaggerate to indicate that the source places too much emphasis on something

Taken from: www.academic-englishuk.com/reporting-verbs

… Practice …
Read the excerpts below and decide the proper reporting verbs as referring to the
writer’s stance put in the bracket. Mind your use of tenses (simple present
tense/present perfect tense/simple past tense)

1. Schmidt (2010) _______________ (to examine the key points) that the process of language
acquisition is important in childhood.

2. Davidson (2006) ____________________ (to highlight an important point) that previous research

in the field is important in understanding the concept.
3. NASA (1987) __________________ (to give reason for particular view) that governments should
continue to fund space projects.

4. Through his study conducted in 2012, Morton _____________________ (to give clear details
about something) some changes in society triggered by information technology advances.

5. Kim (2005) and Young (2010) ___________________ (to say just briefly) how Bach’s music
draws considerably on earlier composer’s work.

6. Uvarov (2001) __________________ (to say something is true directly, firmly, often used when others
disagree) that the causes of the revolution can be tracked back to the 18 century.
th

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