The Research Paper Introduction The CARS Model Created by Jiin Yap (2011) and modified by Stephen Hill (2012).

Research Paper Introduction What does a good research paper introduction do? What parts does it have? What does a good research paper introduction do? What parts does it have?

The CARS Model – Creating a Research Space Your reader wants to know: Your reader wants to know: Why should I read this? Why should I read this? Where does this paper fit into the conversation? Where does this paper fit into the conversation? Three moves to create a research space: Three moves to create a research space: Move 1: Establish a research territory (topic) Move 1: Establish a research territory (topic) Move 2: Establish a niche (area of thesis statement) Move 2: Establish a niche (area of thesis statement) Move 3: Occupy the niche (your thesis statement) Move 3: Occupy the niche (your thesis statement)

Moves 1-3 in Detail Move 1: Establish a research territory Move 1: Establish a research territory Show that your topic is important, central, problematic, and/or relevant Show that your topic is important, central, problematic, and/or relevant Mention previous research Mention previous research Move 2: Establish a niche Move 2: Establish a niche Show a specific area that needs to be addressed (either a gap in previous research or something you think should be explored further) Show a specific area that needs to be addressed (either a gap in previous research or something you think should be explored further) Move 3: Occupy the niche Move 3: Occupy the niche State your purpose – thesis statement State your purpose – thesis statement List research questions or hypotheses if applicable List research questions or hypotheses if applicable

Practice Read the introduction section of the article by Dias and de Andrade Melo (linked on the course website) and identify the three moves: Read the introduction section of the article by Dias and de Andrade Melo (linked on the course website) and identify the three moves: Establishing a research territory Establishing a research territory Establishing a niche Establishing a niche Occupying the niche Occupying the niche

Detailed Practice Using Handout 1 as a reference, read the sample introduction in Handout 2 and identify the three moves and the steps used in each move. Using Handout 1 as a reference, read the sample introduction in Handout 2 and identify the three moves and the steps used in each move. Check with a partner. Check with a partner.

Application Choose one of the academic articles you’ve found for your research paper and look for evidence of the CARS model. Choose one of the academic articles you’ve found for your research paper and look for evidence of the CARS model. Does its introduction use all three moves? Does its introduction use all three moves? If not, is it still effective? Why or why not? Do you see other techniques being used instead? If not, is it still effective? Why or why not? Do you see other techniques being used instead?

Practice Draft the introduction to your research paper. Use Handout 1 to include each move and the appropriate steps of the CARS model. Draft the introduction to your research paper. Use Handout 1 to include each move and the appropriate steps of the CARS model. Upload to Dropbox when you’re finished. Name your file Your Name Introduction Practice.doc(x).