Page 269 - English for Writing Research Papers

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Below is an analysis of Parts 1–4 of the Introduction. In brackets is a very approxi-
mate indication of how many sentences you will probably need for each part.

part 1 definition of the topic plus background (1–3)

This introductory phrase may not be necessary in your paper. Here the defi nition of
the XYZ battery indicates to the reader that this is the background topic (i.e. the
general context) of the paper. This is the place to include notations, technical defi ni-
tions, and explanations of key words.

The second sentence gives information that readers should already be familiar with
and suggests why the topic is important and of interest. It will help readers to under-
stand why you are investigating this area and how you hope to extend the knowl-
edge. It sets the context for the information that will follow in (3), which may be less

familiar for your readers. Readers want to quickly learn what the specific topic of
your research is, they are much less interested in being reminded how important the
general area of research is.

part 2 accepted state of the art plus problem to be resolved (2–4)*

In the example text, XYZ batteries is the general context. The authors now move

from this general context to the specific area of their research: XYZ batteries in

telephones, and more specifically, the problems inherent in such batteries. This is

the gap that the authors want to fill and that the readers should be most interested in.
This part should state in simple and clear language exactly what the problem is, why
you chose it and why you claim it is important.
part 3 authors’ objectives (1–2)*

Here the authors outline their major objectives, i.e. how they intend to fi ll the gap.
Parts 6 and 7 (see next page) could be incorporated here. This part also serves as a
transition into the review of the literature.

part 4 introduction to the literature

This introduces the background literature that the authors intend to refer to in order
to motivate their particular research. It makes a reference to current insuffi cient
knowledge of the topic.

This may be in a separate section with its own heading (Review of the Literature –
see Chapter 15), or after the Results in a clinical paper, or incorporated into the
Discussion.