30. Read the text “Thesis and Final Defence”.

Thesis and final defence

 In Russia, the work on a thesis (dissertation) is commonly carried out during a postgraduate study period called aspirantura. It is performed either within an educational institution (such as a university) or a scientifi c research institution (such as an institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences network). It can also be carried out without a direct connection to the academy. In exceptional cases, the Candidate of Sciences degree may be awarded on the basis of published scholarly works without writing the thesis. In experimental sciences the dissertation is based on an independent research project conducted under the supervision of a professor, the results of which must be published in at least three papers in peer-review journals.

A necessary prerequisite is taking courses in philosophy and a foreign language, and passing qualifying examinations called candidate minimum. In the Soviet Union, the candidate minimum included exams in the specialty field of the postgraduate student, in a foreign language of his/her choice and in Scientifi c Communism. In post-Soviet Russia and other post-Soviet states, the examination in Scientifi c Communism was replaced by that in Philosophy, and in Russia recently in History and Philosophy of Science.

The thesis is presented and defended at the accredited educational or scientific institutions before a committee called the Academic Council. The Council consists of about 20 members, who are the leading specialists in the fi eld of the thesis and who have been selected and approved to serve on the Council. The summary (the author’s abstract) of the thesis must be published before the public defence in 100 copies, and distributed to major research organisations and libraries. The degree seeker must have an offi cial scientifi c supervisor. The thesis must be delivered together with offi cial references of several reviewers, called opponents. In a procedure called the defence of the thesis the thesis is summarised before the Council, followed by the opponents’ speeches or the reading of their references, and replies to the opponents’ comments and the Council members’ questions by the postgraduate student. If the defence is successful, it is recommended and later must be approved by the central statewide board called the Higher Attestation Commission.

 31. Say which of these statements are true and which are false.

1. The Candidate of Sciences degree may be awarded on the basis of published works.

2. The results of the research project must be published in two papers in peer-review journals.

3. In the Soviet Union, postgraduate students had to pass the qualifying examinations in the specialty field, a foreign language and history of Russia.

4. The summary of the thesis must be sent to major research organisations and libraries.

5. A Candidate of Sciences degree seeker can write a thesis without having a scientific supervisor.

32. As you read the text, fi ll in the chart according to the following headings.

33. Check your answers with your groupmates. Look up the words you do not know in the dictionary.

34. Retell the text about the defence procedure of a Candidate of Sciences degree thesis.

35. Tell your groupmates about your preparations for the defence of your thesis.

Section 7. WRITING

A reference letter is usually written to testify to a person’s skills, character and/or achievements. Sometimes a reference letter is known as a recommendation letter. It is a formal document, and should be typed and written in a serious and business-like style. Reference letters are used in a wide variety of situations. Reference letters from teachers are a crucial part of the college application packet. Each letter must be unique and describe the student’s work ethic, grades, activities and awards. It is also helpful if the letter starts or ends with a quote that relates to the career the student will pursue. Crafting a strong reference letter is a task that will help the student immensely.

36. Read the information about some speci fi c features of reference letters. The exact structure of a reference letter will differ slightly depending on the type of reference it is, but this is a good basic outline:

1. Start using the business letter format: put the recipient’s name and address, if known, and address them as “Dear [name]”. If the recipient is currently unknown (this would be likely on an academic application, for instance), then use “Dear Sir/Madam” or “To whom it may concern”.

2. It is often helpful to introduce yourself in the fi rst couple of lines of your letter. The recipient will not need your life history: just give a brief sentence or two explaining your position and your relationship to the candidate.

3. Your next paragraph should confi rm any facts which you know the candidate will be supplying along with your letter. For example, if you are writing a reference for a job applicant, some or all of these details may be appropriate: — the person’s job title, and role within the company; — the person’s leaving salary when he/she was last employed by you (or your organisation). — the dates which the person was employed from and until. If you are writing a reference letter for an academic course, you will need to confi rm the person’s academic grades.

4. In your third paragraph, you should provide your judgement upon the candidate’s skills and qualities. It is often appropriate to state that you would gladly re-employ them, or that their contributions to your college class were highly valued. Single out any exceptional qualities that the candidate has — perhaps their drive and enthusiasm, their attention to detail, or their ability to lead.

5. Close your letter on a positive note, and if you are willing to receive further correspondence about the candidate’s application, make this clear. Include your contact details too.

6. As with any business letter, you should end appropriately: “Yours sincerely” when you are writing to a named recipient, and “Yours faithfully” when you do not know who will be receiving the letter.

37. Read and translate these sample reference letters.

Sample reference letters

 A. 15th October, 2011

Dear Dr. Smith,

I am writing to you in support of Edward Miller and his desire to take a postgraduate course at the University of Leeds. Though many students ask me to make this request on their behalf, I only recommend students whom I feel are well-suited for the programme of their choice. Edward Miller is one of those students and therefore, I highly recommend that he be given the opportunity to attend your university.

As professor of the Civil Engineering Department at London University, I work with many students who have substantial knowledge of civil engineering. Edward Miller has consistently shown such a strong desire to learn civil engineering that I simply could not turn down his request for a recommendation.

 I first met Edward in my Introduction to Civil Engineering course during the autumn 2008 term. Compared to the class average of 70, Edward Miller earned a 96 in the class. Mr. Student was evaluated on the basis of marks in tests and exams, in which he performed exceptionally well.

 Edward is an outstanding individual with a strong character. He has the ability to produce impressive results in a wide variety of areas. Edward is a very organized and motivated person. I have seen astonishing results on complex projects that offered great attention to detail where quality was never compromised. Additionally, he has a very positive attitude and truly embraces learning all there is to know about civil engineering.

 Though Edward Miller has consistently exceeded in all areas of his coursework, the best example of his intelligence shone through some papers and projects on theories of civil engineering.

The work clearly showed his ability to deliver a clear, concise, and wellthought presentation with a new perspective. In addition to his coursework, Edward also dedicated some of his time taking part in the Society of Young Researchers. The skills acquired through participation in the Society will be beneficial to all of Edward’s future endeavors. Edward has the ability to manage and organise his time and schedule around different activities without having them interfere with his study.

I think Edward Miller is destined to be a leader in civil engineering, and therefore is an excellent candidate for your postgraduate course. I highly recommend that you consider his application, as he will be a great asset to your programme. I am sure you will fi nd him to be a student whose talents will only grow. If you would like further information, please feel free to contact me.

Yours sincerely, John White,

Ph.D. Professor of Civil Engineering

London University

B.

20th November, 2011

To Whom It May Concern:

It is my pleasure to write on behalf of Jane Green, who is applying to the PhD programme in Research Psychology at the University of Bath. I have interacted with Jane in several contexts: as a student, and as a teaching assistant.

I first met Jane in 2008, when she enrolled in my Introductory Psychology class. Jane immediately stood out from the crowd, even as a first-year student. Just a few months out of comprehensive school, Jane demonstrated characteristics commonly held by the best college students. She was attentive in class, prepared, submitted well-written and thoughtful assignments, and participated in meaningful ways, such as by debating other students. Throughout, Jane modelled critical thinking skills. Needless to say, Jane earned one of five A’s awarded in that class of 75 students. Since her first term in college Jane has enrolled in six of my classes. She demonstrated similar competencies, and her skills grew with each term. Most striking is her ability to tackle challenging material with enthusiasm and endurance. She was prepared for classes, and completed all assignments. When placed in group work sessions, Jane easily adopted a leadership role, helping her peers learn how to solve problems on their own. It was these competencies that led me to offer Jane a position as teaching assistant for my statistics class.

 As a teaching assistant, Jane strengthened many of the skills I have articulated. In this position Jane held review sessions and offered out-of-class assistance to students. She also lectured in class several times during the term. Leadership, humility, the ability to see areas in need of improvement, and the willingness to do the work needed to improve — these are all characteristics we value in academia.

Most important to a career in academics is research competence. As I have explained, Jane has an excellent grasp of statistics and other skills critical to a successful career in research, such as tenacity and excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.

 As a supervisor of her senior thesis, I witnessed Jane in her first independent research efforts. Similar to other students, Jane struggled with finding an appropriate topic. Unlike other students, she conducted mini literature reviews on potential topics and discussed her ideas with a sophistication that is unusual for undergraduates. After methodical study, she chose a topic that fits her academic goals. Her project earned a department award, university award, and was presented as a paper at a regional psychology association.

 In closing, I believe that Jane Green has the capacity in a career as a research psychologist. She is one of a small handful of students that I have encountered in my 16 years’ teaching undergraduates that has this ability. Please do not hesitate to contact me with further questions.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Samuel Higgings

Professor of Psychology

 University of London

C.

29th March, 2011

To Whom It May Concern:

It gives me immense pleasure to write in recommendation of John Smith for admission to your graduate programme in Applied Mathematical Marketing. I have known John for three years, and have instructed him in four separate courses. I have also served as John’s academic adviser for the last two years.

John has routinely ranked in the top 10% of his class, and is consistently one of the top students in each of his individual courses. He is hardworking, energetic and curious. I have no doubt that he will succeed in his future academic endeavours.

 Last semester, John presented his mathematical model for determining sales patterns amongst video game magazines. Not only did this project earn him top honours, the ABC Company took notice and has now hired John on for a summer internship. This project was carried out during the course of one semester, demonstrating John’s strong work ethic.

 I have no doubt that John will make a tremendous impact on the world at large. I am positive he will make outstanding contributions to your programme. Yours faithfully,

Dr. Thomas Cook

Professor

University of Manchester

38. Imagine that you have been asked to write a reference letter for one of your groupmates applying for a postgraduate programme. Using the above information, write a reference letter. You have a high opinion of a candidate and con fi dently recommend him/her. Supply your own details.

Unit 4. RESEARCH METHODS