Introduction Writingfor autonomous.docx

1、Introduction Writingfor autonomousIntroduction WritingAn introduction may be thought of as a preliminary conference in which the author expects the reader to agree in advance on the exact limits of the topic, the terms to be discussed, the angle of the approach and the plan or the arrangement of the

2、 writing.The purpose of a strong introduction is to get the readers interest by posing a problem or an issue in sufficient detail. To capture the readers curiosity, definitions and clear explanations of essential information can assure the credibility and help the reader feel confident of his or her

3、 ability to understand the topic. Generally, the background knowledge or the exploring of the historical context of the topic may affect the readers interest, who may then make a decision about whether to continue reading and find the details in the paper. Good introductions create a sense of contro

4、versy by introducing the problems or inadequacies of the previous work so the reader senses tension and will want to seek resolution by reading the rest of the paper. Clearly, the crucial element of a good introduction is AUDIENCE AWARENESS. To hook the audience/reader, it is important to provide ne

5、cessary background information, and state the purpose and the topic of the study.Functions of the IntroductionBasically, the introduction has two functions:1) to provide the context for the study 2) to state the question asked and/or the hypothesis tested /the problem to be solved. in the studyHence

6、, the introduction should supply sufficient background information to allow the reader to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without referring to previous publications on the topic. It should also clearly provide the rationale for the study. In such a case it should choose refe

7、rences (cite literature) carefully to provide the most salient background rather than an exhaustive review of the topic. Sometimes, in discussing the previous work with literature review a problem or a hypothesis is stated to introduce the study topic. An explicit statement of the hypothesis will be

8、 an excellent idea when dealing with some problems in humanities or some biological studies. This may help tell the reader that the author was not just working along, hoping something would jump out. Other times it may state the purpose of the present research when the problem is raised. In some cas

9、es it may give some idea about the method used in the study and the principal result, or a brief summary of the major findings of the work. Often the last paragraph or sometimes the last part of the introduction will show the arrangement of the paper to give a general overview about what is going to

10、 be discussed in the whole paper or to enable the reader to see the focus of each section in advance.An important point is to ensure that the introduction is focused and does not ramble. It is neither a repetition or an interpretation of the abstract. Even though it may state the rationale or theory

11、 of an experiment, the research method or the chief findings, it does not present any detailed descriptions or any suggestions and conclusions. At the same time, the author should not be modest about his or her research capabilities or any evaluation of the paper. Even if so, the end of the conclusi

12、on part may be a good place. Therefore, an effective introduction usually contains the following elements1) the general background knowledge, such as the definition of a term/terminology, the previous studies (findings and problems)and/or a review of historical development of the study;2) the purpos

13、e of the present study; 3) the problem to be solved/ the hypothesis to be tested; 4) a general view of the present study (such as the function or structure, the method and the major findings)5) the arrangement or organization of the paper.Characteristics of the IntroductionTo accomplish the purpose

14、of establishing the context for the study, a typical introduction usually has the following features: identifies the general area in which the study takes place; gives a concise and appropriate background discussion of the problem by outlining the most pertinent previous scientific work related to t

15、he issue under study; shows how the previous work relates to the project, demonstrating the continuity of the project with that work but also pointing out the difficulties or inadequacies in the previous work that provides the focus for the project (this is the research problem); states the hypothes

16、is and/or research question; presents a very brief overview of the paper or experimental procedure. Hence an effective introduction should: present a broad conceptual framework, rationale and purpose of study, including hypothesis and predictions hook the reader proceed from general to specific - re

17、view current knowledge on topic (requires literature citations) and narrow down to the specific topic cite key references in the field, from general to specific give an overview of the whole paper.Normally, the introduction will be organized in the following way.1. starting with the research backgro

18、und;2. transiting to the existing problem;3. focusing on the present research;4. presenting an overview of the whole paper.Ways to start an introduction1. stating the topic directly2. raising a question or a series of questions3. quoting from other researchers or previous work4. defining a specific

19、term5. presenting the statistics6. giving a hypothesisOr you may ask:1. What is the background or general area of the study?2. What is the purpose of this paper?3. What is the previous work about? Or What are the difficulties or inadequacies in the previous work?4. What is the specific problem/subje

20、ct or limit the paper will discuss?5. What is the arrangement of the paper?Or simply:What background?What purpose?What previous work?What topic?What arrangement?However, the introduction of a paper will be a little different from that of a thesis or dissertation which may show the content of each ch

21、apter in the last part. While the first chapter of a dissertation is normally given the title Introduction, and it serves many purposes. It is the place where you should discuss the motivation for the work that is being reported state and define the problem that the dissertation is trying to address

22、 or solve state the aims and objectives of the work give an indication of how the work will be progressed provide a brief overview of each of the main chapters that the reader will encounter component of a dissertation introduction Subject ( general description)Identify specific topic, and then defi

23、ne, limit and narrow it to one issue BackgroundProvide relevant historical data. Discuss a few key sources that touch on the specific issue Problem (the need for the study)Identify and explain the problem, complications and the issue Thesis statementTo establish the direction of the study and to poi

24、nt readers to your eventual conclusion6.1.2 ways to begin an introduction starting with an AnecdoteLet me begin with a special event. It occurred in .he began to translate late in deceber 1827 provide background information to be a context for the issueTherefore we can say“The Introduction should in

25、troduce the paper. The reader should be presented with enough background information to be able to understand and evaluate the purpose of your study without having to refer to other works. The rationale for the study should be presented. Provide salient references but avoid trying to make an exhaust

26、ive review of the topic.In the introduction, define the problem clearly. If the problem is not stated in a reasonable, understandable way, the reader will have no interest in your solution. Follow with some review of the literature to allow the reader to understand why the study is necessary and how

27、 you attempted to resolve it. Talk in general terms about techniques used to solve the problem, if necessary, but do not present any specifics about the protocols here. The final portion should be the statement of the principal results. Present the nature and the scope of the problem investigated. P

28、rovide enough background to orient the reader and justify the study. State the goal/objectives and method of the investigation. Briefly state the principal results of the investigation.”(http:/www.owlnet.rice.edu/bios311/bios311/sciarticle.html)Swales Mode of Introduction WritingMacro model:Overall

29、organization of the research paper (Hill et al., 1982)Introduction General ParticularProcedure Discussion Particular GeneralMicro model of Research Articles Introduction:CARS Model: Create a Research Space model (Swales,1990)Move1 Establishing a territoryStep 1 Claiming centrality And/orStep 2 Makin

30、g topic generalization(s) And/orStep 3 Reviewing items of previous researchMove 2 establishing a nicheStep 1A Counter-claimingorStep 1B Indicating a gaporStep 1C Question-raisingorStep 1D Continuing a traditionMove 3 Occupying the nicheStep 1A Outlining purpose orStep 1B Announcing present researchS

31、tep 2 Announcing principal findingsStep 3 indicating RA structureThis can be explained in the following table:Move 1Establishing a territoryStep 1 Claiming centralityand/orStep 2 Making topic generalizationsand/orStep 3 Reviewing items of previous researchMove 2Establishing a nicheIndicating a gapMo

32、ve 3Occupying the niche Outlining purpose of paper (arrangement) The following shows how one can combine Swales and Hoeys approaches.SituationEstablishing a territory Claiming centralityMaking topic generalizationsReviewing items of previous researchProblemIndicating a gapSolutionOccupying the nicheOutlining purpo