JELT_V2_N1_RP2 Rachelle B. Lintao Jonathan P. Erfe Journal on English Language Teaching 2249–0752 2 1 15 26 Profession-Based Writing, Contrastive Rhetorics, Move-Analytic Model, Master's Thesis Introductions, CARS Model This study aims to foster the understanding of profession-based academic writing in two different cultural conventions by examining the rhetorical moves employed in American and Philippine thesis introductions in Architecture using Swales' 2004 Revised CARS move-analytic model as framework. Twenty (20) Master's thesis introductions in Architecture published from 2003-2010 were culled randomly. Results show apparent differences between the two corpora. The Philippine corpus comprises a structured pattern that includes the following elements in order: background of the project, statement of the problem, significance of the study, scope and delimitation and definition of terms. Meanwhile, the American corpus follows a free-flowing structure with varied elements. Two predominant conclusions may be drawn from this study. Firstly, each profession operates within a context that has its own dynamics and constraints. Secondly, the role of culture in terms of following writing conventions is very much emphasized. Americans, having individualistic culture, tend to be more free-flowing in terms of their introduction structure. Filipinos, on the other hand, having collectivist orientation, follow certain formats and structure in their introductions. January - March 2012 Copyright © 2012 i-manager publications. All rights reserved. i-manager Publications http://www.imanagerpublications.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=1616