Writing Chapter 1 of

an academic paper

Laila S. Lomibao, PhD

Department of Mathematics Education
College of Science and Technology Education
University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines
Readers are mostly busy and impatient. It is quite unlikely that the readers will
ever read the whole article from start to finish.

TIP: Be sure to include a hook at the beginning of the introduction.

What should be
in the -A brief background why you decided to study the
problem.
INTRODUCTION? -The researcher specifies the problem being
investigated provides rationale and establishes why
it is important.
-How the researcher became interested in the
problem is usually indicated.
-It also includes some references to the literature,
although it should not be so intensive to resemble a
review of literature.
-The literature cited in the introduction, coupled
with the researcher’s own thought, should be used
to stimulate interest and to establish the underlying
rationale for the study.
- Customary, the researcher includes a paragraph of
two (perhaps more, depending on
the nature of the problem) to help lead the reader
into the problem.
 HOW TO
Start with a very broad perspective of the main subject
WRITE THE area, before gradually narrowing the focus to the central
INTRODUCTION problem under investigation. In doing so, cover the
following aspects of your study area:
1. an overview of the main area under study;
2. identify the issues that are the basis of your study;
3. specify the various aspects of/perspectives on these
issues;
4. identify the main gaps in the existing body of
knowledge;
5. raise some of the main research questions that you
want to answer through your study;
Again, it is not necessary 6. identify what knowledge is available concerning your
that this section be long. questions, specifying the differences of opinion in the
literature regarding these questions if differences exist;
7. develop a rationale for your study with particular
reference to how your study will fill the identified gaps.
8. important theoretical and practical issues relating to
the central problem under study;
 To summarize
4 Step approach to writing
the Introduction section of a
research paper
https://www.editage.com/insights/4-step-approach-to-writing-the-introduction-section-of-a-research-paper
1. Provide background information and set
the context.
2. Introduce the specific topic of your
research and explain why it is important.
3. Mention past attempts to solve the
research problem or to answer the
research question.
4. Conclude the Introduction by mentioning
the specific objectives of your research.
 Do not overuse facts without rendering an
opinion or any analysis. Implementing too
Additional many facts will produce a dry, lifeless
introduction and will overshadow your own
tips for
voice as a writer.
Introduction
of your paper
Do not repeat similar ideas. Your audience will
notice that you are not saying anything new or
fresh.

Do not refer to a dictionary while defining

terms. While you should explain any terms that
your audience needs to know to understand
your paper’s content, avoid beginning a paper
with a dictionary definition such as the
following: ‘Webster’s Dictionary defines “joy” as
―great pleasure or happiness.’ This approach to
an introduction is cliché.
The •Theoretical Framework
To establish a strong the theory upholding the
other application of the concept you are presenting.
parts of •Schematics Diagram
chapter 1 shows the relation of variables in the study

•Statement of the Problem or Research Questions

This is in declarative statement (or question/s) that
indicates what questions or issue was addressed in the
research project. The problem is stated clearly, concisely
and definitively. All problem elements, including the
variables to be studied, should be expressed in an
orderly system of relationships.
The Hypothesis
other A hypothesis is written in such a way that it can
be proven or disproven by valid and reliable data
parts of – it is in order to obtain these data that we
chapter 1 perform our study. (1988: 200)

Characteristics a hypothesis:
1. It is a tentative proposition.
2. Its validity is unknown.
3. In most cases, it specifies a relationship
between two or more variables.
The Significance of the Study
This section elaborates the purpose of the study. It serves to
other further establish the underlying rationale for the study and to
justify its need. Use of literature will help show why the study
parts of is needed, to explain why it is significant, or to justify its
chapter 1 content. This is the place to present examples of how the
problem has manifested itself in society. The development of
this section will attempt to show that one or more of the
following is true:

• Knowledge gaps exist between the theoretical and

practical aspect of the problem;
• More and better knowledge is needed in the problem;
• Present knowledge in the problem area needs
validation;
• Current practices concerning the problem need to be
clarified; and
• A solution to the problem needs to be found.
The
Delimitation
Delimitation refers to the scope of the study.
other • draws a line around the study and in effect, “fences
it”.
parts of • identifies what is included in the research.
chapter 1 • spell out the population studied and include those
things the researcher can control.
• establish the parameters on such characteristics of
the study as
 Number and kind of subjects;
 Number and kinds of variables
 Test, measures or instrument utilized in the
study
 Special equipment
 Type of training program
 The time and duration of the study
 Analytical procedure.
The
Limitation
 Refers to weakness of the study. All studies have
other them because compromises frequently have to be
made in order to conform to the realities of a
parts of situation.

chapter 1  Limitations are those things the researcher could

not control, but may have influenced the results of
the study. This section includes the following:

•The research approach, design, method and

techniques
•Sampling problems
•Uncontrolled variables
•Faulty administration of test or training programs
•Generalizability of the data
•Representativeness of subjects
•Compromises to internal and external validity; and
•Reliability and validity of the research instruments.
The Definition of terms
other • The definition of terms is a necessity since many
parts of terms and concepts have multiple meanings.
chapter 1
• The researcher should define terms as they will be
interpreted and used throughout the study.

• Always define operational and behavioural terms

and concepts, and check special terms in technical
dictionaries or have reviewed by experts in the field.

• An operational definition gives meaning to a concept

or term by indicating what operation has to be
accomplished so as to be able to measure the
concept
 Generalizations can create
inaccuracies. Use of the words
“always”, “all”, “every”, “everyone”,
“many”, “never”, “nobody”, “none”
can create inaccurate statements,
Additional and even factual errors.

tips in Be specific when regarding a group

of people. Who exactly is it while
writing you are talking about?

The more details you provide, the

more credible your work is. You
want people to believe what you are
OVER- saying, so allow them to do that by
GENERALIZATION justifying your statements.
LANGUAGE OF Along with the neat organization
of your paper, you should write
YOUR your article in the language that is
ACADEMIC easy for your reader to follow
your ideas. Express your opinion
WRITING through plain language avoiding:

• Contractions
• Idioms, colloquial
expressions and clichés
• Emotional or strong
language
• Overly simplistic language
What does Some examples of over-generalizing are as
follows.
overgeneralization
look like?
• “As everyone knows . . .”
• “She was always smiling.”
• “People loved her cooking.”
• “This is the most exciting movie.”
• “The stores in this town are no good.”
• “Text books are boring.”
• “People do this when they’re tired.”
• “It figures.”

TIP: When you make a general

statement, make sure it’s true in
EVERY case.
SIGHNPOSTING

In the context of study, signposting

means using words to tell your reader
about the content of your study, rather
than just telling them the content itself.
This is done to help the reader
understand as clearly as possible.
 The following provides just a small range of suggestions. You must be certain about
the meaning of the verbs you use in your signposting, of course – do not use a word
just because it appears here!

In introductions

examine… ascertain…
outline… establish…
This study will (first) address... …and will then/attempt to clarify…
demonstrate… show…
argue… judge…
focus on… prove…
 In conclusion:

In signposting your conclusion, you might use similar verbs as you have in the
introduction and body, but you would normally use the past perfect tense
(sometimes in the passive form). For example:

• This study has focused on three factors affecting...

• Each has been considered from the viewpoints of…
• It has been established that…
 BODY
PARAGRAPH The following are important aspects
of all body paragraphs:
• A clear topic sentence
• Specific evidence or supporting
detail
• Transitions between sentences
and paragraphs
• Examples
• Unity and cohesion
TIP: Support your statements
with examples • A concluding sentence that ties
the evidence or details back to the
main point and brings the
paragraph to a close
 • http://wp.ucla.edu/wp-
There are content/uploads/2016/01/UWC_h
numerous types of andouts_Sentence-Transitions.pdf
transition words,
for the list for the • http://library.bcu.ac.uk/learner/wr
usage of transition itingguides/1.33.htm
words, visit the
links provided
• http://www.smart-
here
words.org/linking-
words/transition-words.html

• http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook
/Transitions.htm
Writing the Examples…….
Topic • Too general. Studying overseas was deemed to be very
Sentence difficult.
• Too specific. Studying overseas was deemed to be very
difficult for 63% of the people surveyed who cited a range
of difficulties including homesickness, loneliness,
difficulty making Australian friends, changes to diets,
health problems, weight gain, and difficulties with money
and jobs.
• Good #1. Studying overseas was deemed to be very
difficult in three main respects for 63% of the people
surveyed.
• Good #2. Studying overseas was deemed to be very
difficult for 63% of the people surveyed due to the
impacts of culture shock, financial concerns and health
concerns.
TIP: Do not make
the topic sentence
too general or too
specific.
 Font. The recommended fonts are Book Antiqua or
FORMAT OF Times New Roman. Font size in the text must be
YOUR WRITING 12. A larger font (14) can be used for headings.

Spacing. The recommended line spacing is 2.0.

Margins. 1.5’ left, 1’ upper, lower and right side

Paragraphs. Paragraphs can be divided either by leaving a

blank line between paragraphs, or by indenting the first
line of a new paragraph by five spaces. If the paragraph
follows a new section heading, the first line is not
indented.

15
Page numbering. Page numbering should be visible from
the first page of the introduction. The title page is not
counted. Page numbering continues until the end of the
document, including the bibliography and appendices.
Place theOF
FORMAT page number at the right on the top of the
page.
YOUR WRITING
(cont.)
 Academic writing requires that you read and
REFERENCING
cite the work of others. Any material that is
not your own must be sourced to the original
author.

First, you should identify the required or

preferred referencing style.

Second, check whether you have included

quotation marks and page numbers if
appropriate.

Third, check whether you have included all

the items you have cited in your text.
PROOFCHECKING

The last thing you should do is PROOFREAD your

paper. Even after spell checking the paper with your
word processor, you should take the time to read it
one last time before turning it in. Fix typographical
errors, improve wording, and make sure the
numbers make sense.

TIP: Ask someone who is not of

your specialization to proofread
identify whether your paper is
easy to understand for all
 A thesis should NOT contain phrases like
Errors to Avoid “I think” or “in my opinion” because they
When weaken the writer’s argument.
Composing a
Thesis

Unacceptable: In my opinion, all cigarette smoking in public

places should be banned because of the adverse effects of
”passive smoking” on non-smokers.

Acceptable: All cigarette smoking in public places should be

banned because of the adverse effects of “passive smoking”
on non-smokers.
 A thesis should NOT be expressed in vague
language.

Errors to Avoid
Unacceptable: Religion as part of the school curriculum
When should be avoided because it can cause trouble.
Composing a
Acceptable: Religion should not be part of the public
Thesis school curriculum because it is a highly personal
commitment and can cause conflict with those who hold
alternative beliefs.
 • Writing Chapter 1
Additional References
(Introduction-IMRaD) in 7
Minutes: Tutorial No. 4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STD--vhuFUw

• How to Write a Research

Paper Introduction
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTC-5P1VFFU
Activity 9
• Write the chapter 1 of your research paper.
 Concept paper
I. Introduction
II. Theoretical framework with schematic diagram
III. Research questions
IV. Methods
A. Research design
B. Research Setting
C. Participants of the study
D. Research instrument(s)
E. Data gathering procedure
F. Statistical treatment