The Argument Style in Research Article Discussions to Support Research Findings in Language Studies

The argument quality in the discussion section of research articles determines the quality of the article but authors often find it very difficult to write especially when writing it in a foreign language. This study is aimed at investigating how Indonesian authors in multi-disciplines as non-native speakers of English discuss their research results in their English RAs. Fifty English RAs written by Indonesian authors in multi-disciplines published in Indonesian-based journals were analysed on the ways the authors discuss their research results and justify their new knowledge claims. The results show that, like international authors, Indonesian authors in multi-disciplines consider statement of results (Move-2), reference to previous research (Move-4), explanation (Move-5), and exemplification (Move-6) conventional or obligatory. They also consider explanation of the findings (Strategy-2), illustrating or exemplifying the findings (Strategy-4), and relating the findings with those in previous studies obligatory or conventional. The implication of these findings is for teaching Indonesian young faculty members and postgraduate students in writing convincingly argumentative discussion sections when writing RAs in English for international journal publication by including necessary moves and strategies.