Last edited September 2023

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4. STYLE AND FORMAT

4.1. Language

Graduation papers must be presented in English, either British English or American

English. Any accompanying materials (e.g. appendices) written in languages other than
English must be translated into English.

4.2. Word length

The length of the paper should be at a minimum of 10,000–12,000 words (30–35

pages), not including the References and Appendices.

4.3. Page size

The recommended page size is A4.

4.4. Margins

The binding margin of at least 1.50 inches (or 3.5 cm) is required on the left side for
the spine and at least one inch (or 2.5 cm) is required on the three remaining sides (top,
bottom and right).

4.5. Type face

The recommended font styles for main text are 13 point Times New Roman in black
(consistent type face should be applied). Footnotes may be of a smaller font size. The cover
page and the title page should adopt Times New Roman in black, different font styles (bold
and capital for most of the text) and sizes. See Appendices 1 & 2 for illustration.

4.6. Alignment

Use either left or justified text alignment. Text alignment must be consistent
throughout the paper (except for the cover and title pages).

4.7. Paragraphing and line spacing

Indent the first line of each paragraph 0.5 inch from the left margin. Use 1.5 lines
spacing throughout the paper, except for long quotations.

4.8. Quotations

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 In-text quotations of fewer than 40 words should be enclosed in double quotation
marks and should be incorporated into the formal structure of the sentence. However,
quotations of 40 or more words should appear as separate paragraphs, indented 0.5 inch from
the left-hand margin throughout the passage with quote-marks omitted. Also, change spacing
from 1.5 lines to single-space. See Section 7.2 for more details .

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4.9. Footnotes

Arabic numerals are used consecutively throughout a chapter and should normally
appear at the bottom of the relevant page, keyed to the same number following the word or
phrase in the text to which it refers. If a footnote is too long for the relevant page, it may be
continued on the following page preceding the footnotes for that page. If the number of
footnotes is very large, numbers may be restarted with each chapter. The first reference to a
work in a footnote should be given in full, but subsequent references may be abbreviated
using ‘ibid’, ‘op.cit.’, etc.

4.10. Page order and pagination

Page numbers should be located in a consistent position throughout the paper (bottom
centre is recommended). The recommended order of material in a paper is as follows:

Elements of the paper Pagination

Cover page Not counted and not numbered
Title page
Acceptance page
Acknowledgements Numbered in Roman numerals (i, ii, iii…)
Abstract
Table of contents
List of tables, figures, and
abbreviations
Main text Numbered in Arabic numerals starting at 1 (1, 2,
References 3…)
Appendices (optional)
Glossary (optional)
Index (optional)

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5. STRUCTURE AND ELEMENTS

The elements of a graduation paper and their recommended sequence are as follows.
The structure of the main text should reflect the nature of the research project. If you are
writing a social sciences paper, follow the format below. There is no common format for
humanities-oriented research. The main text of a humanities paper is to be structured
according to how you want to communicate your ideas, but the Introduction chapter should
include the recommended elements.

Preliminary pages
Cover page
Title page
Acceptance page
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of contents
List of tables, figures, and abbreviations, etc.
Main text
Chapter 1: Introduction
Background of the study (Rationale for the study)
Statement of research problem and objectives/questions
Scope of the study
Theoretical perspective and modes of inquiry (recommended for humanities oriented
research only)
Significance of the study
Organization
Chapter 2: Literature review
Chapter 3: Methodology
Sampling
Data collection
Data analysis
Chapter 4: Findings and discussion
Chapter 5: Conclusion
Findings
Implications
Limitations and suggestions for further research
Supplementary pages
References
Appendices (optional)
Glossary (optional)
Index (optional)

5.1. Cover page & Title page

Specific requirements for the thesis cover page and title page are subject to change.
Unless there is further notice, the templates for the cover page and title page included in this
guide are official. These templates could be found in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2 (with

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specifications about the font type and size strictly followed, but not typewritten on these
pages). Both pages should contain the elements specified there, using centered text
alignment.
The paper title should describe, as briefly as possible, the specific nature of the study.
A paper title should not be more than fifteen words. Such phrases as “a comparison of,” “a
study of,” “an investigation into” are usually superfluous. However, to go to the other
extreme by providing a title that is too brief or too vague to convey the nature of the study is
a much more serious mistake. Emotion-laden titles, such as “We Must Expand the English
Programme” or “Don’t Let Errors Discourage Your Language Students,” should be avoided
at all costs.

5.3. Acceptance page

I hereby state that I: (Student’s name, class), being a candidate for the degree of Bachelor of
Arts (programme) accept the requirements of the College relating to the retention and use of
Bachelor’s Graduation Paper deposited in the library.

In terms of these conditions, I agree that the origin of my paper deposited in the library
should be accessible for the purposes of study and research, in accordance with the normal
conditions established by the librarian for the care, loan or reproduction of the paper.

Signature

Date

5.4. Acknowledgements

The acknowledgement is used to thank any organizations, groups, or individuals who

have been involved with the research.

5.5. Abstract

The abstract, which should not exceed 300 words, is to give a brief overview of the
study report. The abstract of a social sciences paper should:

✔ give a brief background to the study including its objectives

✔ give a brief description of the methods and procedures adopted

✔ summarize the main findings

✔ list recommendations (if there are any)

5.6. Table of contents

This should list any chapter titles, normally in upper case, preceded by their numbers
in Roman or Arabic numerals. Any subheadings should be in lower case except as required

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for initial letters. It is recommended that no more than four levels of subheading are included
in the Table of Contents (chapter names are level 1 headings, subheadings of a chapter are
level 2 headings, subheadings of subheadings are level 3, etc.). Subsections of chapters may
be numbered with Arabic numerals, or with letters in either upper or lower case. See
Appendix 3 for an example.
The prescription above aligns with common practice in Vietnamese academic culture.
You may also choose to format subheadings in resemblance to the APA style, where they are
not to be numbered. Consult your supervisor for specific guidelines. In support of academic
freedom, your supervisor could determine which academic style of presentation is acceptable.

5.7. List of tables, figures, and abbreviations

This section immediately follows the abstract. Lists of tables, figures, photographs,
maps and illustrations should be numbered in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). Any
abbreviations or glossary/symbols used should be separately listed in this section, the
abbreviated form starting from the left-hand margin, with the full form to its right, e.g.:
TESOL: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

5.8. Main text

The main text of your thesis must be divided into a logical scheme that is followed
consistently throughout the work. Chapters with subsections are the most common form of
division. Any logical system of subdivision within chapters or sections may be used, but the
scheme must be consistent throughout the manuscript.

5.9. References

A list of references must be included at the end of the paper. Remember to list only
works that you have referred to in the paper. The reference section begins on a new page.
Reference entries are organized alphabetically by surnames of first authors. Most reference
entries have three components:

✔ Author(s): if there is more than one author, the authors are listed in the same order as
specified in the source, using surnames and initials, separated by commas.
✔ Year of publication: in parentheses following author (s), with a period following the
closing parenthesis.
✔ Source of reference: includes title, journal, volume, pages (for journal article) or title,
city of publication, publisher (for book).

Follow the APA styles when referencing your paper. See Appendix 4 for basic
information about the APA.

5.10. Appendices

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 This is an optional section for any additional material that does not fit conveniently in
the body of the text. It is a good idea to include any confidential information required for the
thesis into appendices where possible. Each appendix should be labelled in sequence, either
with capital letters or with numerals.

5.11. Glossary

This is an optional section. A glossary contains brief explanations of difficult

expressions, or specialized terms.

5.12. Index

This is optional and is not normally required.

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8. BINDING

The following are recommendations for the binding of your graduation paper:

8.1. Paper

This must be of good quality, and of a suitable texture and weight for printing.
Standard 80 gsm A4 printing/photocopying paper is recommended. Please print on both sides
of the paper.

8.2. Images

Illustrations and diagrams should be scanned and incorporated into the electronic
version of the document before printing.

8.3. Folded maps or charts

Large material (e.g. maps or charts) should be folded (in one direction only),
concertina fashion, so that they conform to the accepted page size.

8.4. Additional material

The submission of disks, CD ROMs or other forms of media, supporting your paper,
may be permitted. Check with your supervisor.

8.5. General binding requirements

Graduation papers submitted for examination might be softbound. However, on

successful completion of the examination, two hardbound copies, corrected as might be
required, must be deposited with the Faculty Office. Dark blue binding and gold lettering are
required.

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APPENDIX 1: COVER PAGE

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY, HANOI (Font size 14, Normal)

UNIVERSITY OF LANGUAGES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
(Font size 14pt, Bold and Capital)
FACULTY OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHER EDUCATION (Font size 12pt,
Bold and Capital)

GRA sDUATION PAPER (Font size 14pt, Bold and Capital)

THESIS TITLE (Font size 18pt, Bold and Capital)

Supervisor: (tên có dấu) (Font 14 pt, bold)

Student: (tên có dấu) (Font 14 pt, bold)
Course: QH2010.F1.E1(Font 14 pt, bold)

HÀ NỘI – 2018 (12 pt, bold & capital)

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APPENDIX 2: TITLE PAGE

ĐẠI HỌC QUỐC GIA HÀ NỘI (Font size 14, Normal)

TRƯỜNG ĐẠI HỌC NGOẠI NGỮ (Font size 14pt, Bold and Capital)
KHOA SƯ PHẠM TIẾNG ANH (Font size 12pt, Bold and Capital)

KHÓA LUẬN TỐT NGHIỆP (Font size 14pt, Bold and Capital)

TÊN ĐỀ TÀI (Font size 18pt, Bold and Capital)

Giáo viên hướng dẫn:(tên có dấu) (Font 14 pt,

bold)
Sinh viên:(tên có dấu) (Font 14 pt, bold)
Khóa: QH2010.F1.E1 (Font 14 pt, bold)

HÀ NỘI – 2018 (12 pt, bold & capital)

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APPENDIX 3: CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE

Acknowledgements i
Abstract ii
List of figures, tables, and abbreviations iii

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of the study 1

1.2. Statement of research problem and objectives/questions 3
1.3. Scope of the study 4
1.4. Significance of the study 5
1.5. Organization 5

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1. An overview of language learning strategies 6

2.1.1. Definitions of language learning strategies 7
2.1.2. Features of language learning strategies 8
2.1.3. Categories of language learning strategies 10

2.2. An overview of reading and reading strategies

2.2.1. Reading strategies 15
2.2.2. The importance of reading in language learning 17
2.2.3. Classification of reading according to the reading purposes 19

2.3. Summary 23

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY

3.1. Sampling 24
3.2. Data collection 26
3.3. Data analysis 27
3.4. Summary 28

CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1. Reading strategies used by twelfth form students in Hanoi secondary schools 34
4.2. Pedagogical implications and suggestions 36
4.3. Summary 43

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION 44

References
Appendices

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APPENDIX 4: THE APA STYLE
Quick Guide to APA (6th) Referencing
(for more information, go to: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/)
Print Book In-text: Edmonds (2006) argues that … OR … a different conclusion
1 author (Edmonds, 2006).

If a direct quotation, include page number. Edmonds (2006) argues that

“the future is multidisciplinary” (p. 84). OR As one writer put it “the future
is multidisciplinary” (Edmonds, 2006, p. 84).

Reference List: Edmonds, W. (2006). Classic experiments in psychology

(2nd ed.). Sydney, Australia: Apex.

Print Book In-text: Same order as they appear in book, not alphabetical. Jacobs and
2 authors Beckett (2004) argue … OR … a different conclusion (Jacobs & Beckett,
2004). Direct quote: “… a different conclusion” (Jacobs & Beckett, 2004,
p. 107).

Reference List: Jacobs, F. T., & Beckett, S. F. (2004). Classic experiments

in biology. New York, NY: Madison Pub.

Print Book In-text: Initially cite all names. Rodriguez, Santiago, Anton and Jones
3-5 authors (1998) discuss … Thereafter. Rodriguez et al. (1998).

OR …for an information prominent citation …a different position

(Rodriguez et al., 1998).

Reference List: Rodriguez, D. Santiago, D. Anton, G. M., & Jones, W. W.

(1998). Classic experiments. London, UK: Lanes.

Secondary Source In-text: The first name is the author of the original source. Traynor (2001,
as cited in Smith, 2007) states that … OR…a different result (Traynor,
2001, as cited in Smith, 2007).

Reference List: Do not include the author of the original source, only that
of the source you read. Smith, F. J. (2007). Exploration of outer limits.
Sydney, Australia: Apex.

Multiple citations In-text: List the citations in alphabetical order and separate with
(more than one in- semicolons.
text reference) ... and they all reached similar conclusions (Borg, 2010; Coghill, 2011;
Hobson & Chan, 2009).

Chapter of Printed In-text: Cite names(s) of the author(s) of the chapter. Johansson and
Edited Book Morgan (2009) believe … OR … a final point (Johansson & Morgan,
2009).

Reference List: Johansson, C., & Morgan, S. (2009). Macroeconomics and

the GFC. In A. D. Pellegrini (Ed.), GFC, the on-going uncertainty (pp. 267-
354). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Journal Article in In-text: Williams (2010) argues that … OR … a different conclusion

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print (Williams, 2010).

Reference List: where no doi (digital object identifier) is available:

Williams, R. (2010). Archaeological hotspots in Victoria. Journal of
Archaeology, 27(4), 10-29.

Journal Article In-text: Chadwick (2009) found that … OR … the final result (Chadwick,
database 2009).

Reference List: Chadwick, P. (2009). Changing fortunes of the blue chips.

Journal of Business Studies, 19(3), 84-100. doi: 10.1037//0033-29.126.910
(If doi is unavailable, cite URL of journal homepage).

Trankle, S. A., & Haw, J. (2009). Predicting Australian health behaviour

from health beliefs. Electronic Journal of Applied Psychology, 5(2), 9-17.
Retrieved from http://ojs.lib.swin.edu.au/index.php/ejap/

Government In-text: The Department of Human Services (2010) outlines … OR … a

Publication growing need (Dept. of Human Services, 2010).

Reference List: Department of Human Services. (2010). Changing

requirements of language support for migrants. Canberra: Australian
Government Publishing Service

Conference Paper In-text: Kajewski (2006) states that … OR … as an acceptable result

(for Proceedings (Kajewski, 2006).
Published in book
form) Reference List: Kajewski, M. (2006). Emerging technologies changing our
service delivery model. Proceedings of the ALIA 2006 Biennial Conference.
Retrieved from Australian Library and Information Association Website:
http://conferences.alia,org.au/alia2006

Unpublished In-text: Casey (2007) asserts … OR … from the beginning (Casey, 2007).
Thesis
Reference List: Casey, B. (2007). Age of onset as predictor of cognitive
performance. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from ProQuest
Dissertations and Theses database. (UMI No. 3259752).

Electronic Book In-text: Bennett (2006) argues that … OR … for the patient’s benefit
(2006).

Reference List: Bennett, P. (2006). Abnormal and clinical psychology: an

introduction. doi: 10.1037//0022-006X.68.5.843 OR … Retrieved from
http://www.eblib.com/ (if doi unavailable)

Newspaper in print In-text: Henderson (2011) explains that … OR … is the root of the
problem (Henderson, 2011).

Reference List: Henderson, B. (2011, January 14). Gillard’s carbon policy:

no backdown. The Australian. p. 3.

Newspaper online In-text: Milton (2011) makes the point … OR … a vast improvement
(Milton, 2011).

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 Reference List: Milton, S. (2011, February 27). The Linux desktop is here.
The Age. Retrieved from
http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2011/02/27/1076548215848.html

Website In-text: Cooper (2009) warns … OR … as a solution to the problem

(Cooper, 2009).

Reference List: Cooper, D. (2009). Native ant may stop toad in its track.
Retrieved from
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/03/31/2530686.htm?
site=science&topic-latest

Website: In text: The Australian Psychological Society (2010) recommends

association as that….OR…is recommended (The Australian Psychological Society, 2010)
author
Reference List: Australian Psychological Society. (2010). Bushfire
resources: Psychological preparedness and recovery. Retrieved from
http://www.psychology.org.au/bushfires/

Note: If no author can be found, use the article title; if no date is given, use n.d.(for no date)

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