Lecture 2 How to write introduction Mukhametzhan Seitzhapparuly

Lecture 2: How to write introduction Mukhametzhan Seitzhapparuly seitzhapparuly 1@gmail. com Research Methods

Definition of Introduction «Stimulating the reader’s interest and to provide pertinent background information necessary to understand the rest of the paper. As well as summarizing the problem to be addressed, give background on the subject, discuss previous research on the topic, and explain exactly what the paper will address, why, and how» . «Stimulating the reader’s interest, with the aim of leaving a positive initial impression of what is to come, so that he or she will be motivated to read the rest of the paper. Generally to say, the main purpose of an introduction is to grab the reader’s interest» .

Introductory Paragraph State the general field of interest in one or two paragraphs, and end with a sentence that states what study will accomplish. Do not keep the reader waiting to find out the precise subject of the dissertation.

Steps of Writing Introduction (Backgroud Information) • The first component of writing the introduction aims to provide the reader with sufficient and concise background information about the topic to be investigated or discussed, i. e. introduces the topic to the reader. • This background information should include a brief summary of what has already been done in the particular area of interest. • The nature of a problem and its potential significance should be highlighted.

Backgroud Information • References quoting relevant work by others should be provided • Systematic and comprehensive review of the literature should be written. However, listing all the references found from an extensive literature search is not appropriate in the introduction section (literature review 1 -2 citations per paragraph). • The focus of the Background of the Problem is where a gap in the knowledge is found in the current body of empirical (research) literature. • Brief background should be written to show why the study was conducted and why the topic is important. It means you are showing the significance of your research.

The second component (Statement of the Problem) • Arising from the background statement is this statement of the exact gap in the knowledge discussed in previous paragraphs that reviewed the most current literature found. • A gap in the knowledge is the entire reason for the study, so state it specifically and exactly. • Use the words “gap in the knowledge. ” The problem statement will contain a definition of the general need for the study, and the specific problem that will be addressed.

The third component (The Purpose of the Research) The second component of the introduction section aims to inform the reader about the purpose of the research and how it relates to previous work. The reader should be able to understand why the authors chose to undertake the research/study, and the rationale for the authors’ research. The main and secondary objectives should be clear, and ideally comprise no more than 4 -5 sentences. The author should not include data or conclusions from the paper being reported.

The third component (The Purpose of the Research) It also must contain one or two paragraphs that identifies your primary research question (hypothesis), research design, such as qualitative, quantitative, research technique. As well as Theoretical Framework also must be included. The theoretical framework is the foundational theory that is used to provide a perspective upon which the study is based. .

Introduction Check List • Is the length of your introduction about 10% of your entire paper? If not, why can’t it? • Has your introduction provided the previous research that inspired or motivated your present research? If not, why not? • Has your introduction explained, by taking the previous research into account, why you carried out your present research? If not, why not? • Has your introduction demonstrated the originality of your present research by providing a significant contrast between the previous research and your research? If not, why not? • Has your introduction explained what is so special about your present research? If not, why not?

The Challenge of Writing the Introduction • You can write a good introduction only if you have a clearly defined thesis statement and a sure command of the relevant evidence. As well as if you deliberately studied your materials, gathered evidence, organized ideas, and proposed a possible line of arguments. • Some tips: • Be prepared to revise your introduction at any point during the writing process. The good introduction is the result of a process that includes preparatory thinking, provisional drafting, and ongoing revision. • State your purpose early. Many students worry that if they present their central ideas in the introduction, they will have nothing left to say in the body of the paper. But your reader is looking to the introduction for a clear statement of purpose. Your reader will remain engaged both because you have a clear and interesting claim, and because you go on to justify that claim with compelling evidence and a detailed, disciplined argument.

Reading Materials • To read 32 -43 pages about Vocabulary from «Science Research Writing» • Homework to the next Practice Lesson: Come up with your research question/title of your future research by clarifying your purpose of research Write an abstract and introduction (as much as you can write)