This study is a corpus-based study that aims at examining the frequencies and the functions of metadiscourse elements based on Hyland's Metadiscourse theory and ideational metafunction elements based on Hallidayan Systemic Functional Grammar theory in the relatively neglected academic genre of the book reviews by using a computer software. The researcher compares between two different disciplines. These disciplines are chemistry and sociology.
In addition to studying the distinctive features of metadiscourse, this study investigates the social relationships that are constructed between the writers and the readers because of using the elements of metadiscourse. Moreover, it investigates the functions that the academic book review writers are trying to perform through their writing which are: organizing their discourse, engaging their readers and conveying their attitude.