Chapter 6

Writing the Introduction

The Thesis is shaped like an Hourglass

 Introduction

 Literature review

 Methodology

 Results / Findings

 Discussion
 Typical Structure in Thesis Introduction

Swales and Feak’s CARS Model to Create a Research Space:

 Move 1: Establish a research territory

 Move 2: Establishing a niche

 Move 3: Occupying the niche

Move 1: Establish a research territory

 To introduce and review items of previous research in the area

 To claim centrality

For example:
The modeling of fluid flow is of great interest to engineers and
scientist alike, with many engineering problems and issues of scientific
interest depending upon complex flow phenomena (Norris 2000: 1)
Use of tenses and adjectives in thesis writing

Present tense
To suggest the statement is generally accepted or true

For example:
The modeling of fluid flow is of great interest to engineers and scientist
alike, with many engineering problems and issues of scientific interest
depending upon complex flow phenomena (Norris 2000: 1)
Use of tenses and adjectives in thesis writing

Present perfect tense

To describe a statement that continues up to the present time

For example:
Speech has arguably been the most important form of human
communication since languages were first conceived (Epps 2000: 1)
 Move 2 : Establishing a niche
 To indicate a niche or gap in the previous research, raise a question, or
extend previous knowledge

For example:
Due to complexity of the flow problem, there are few analytical models of
fluid flows, but the advent of digital computers has stimulated the
development of numerical method for the modeling of flow (Norris 2000:1).
Common ‘gap statement’ words and phrases in
Move 2
The language of ‘gap statement’ is typically evaluative in a negative
connotation
(Atkinson and Curtis 1998: 63)

 Verbs : disregard, ignore, fail to consider, is limited to ….

 Adjectives : controversial, questionable, inconclusive, unsatisfactory..
 Noun phrases : Little information, few studies, no data….
 Other forms : However,... / It remains unclear that …..
Move 3 : Occupying the niche
 To outline purposes or aims of the study

 To state the nature of the present research

 To indicate the structure of the thesis

 To provide mini-synopses (or previews) of each subsequent chapter

 To explain structure of thesis writing by using ‘metadiscourse’ or

‘metatext’
Move 3 : Occupying the niche
(Continued)
 Useful verbs:
Describes, develops, studies, discusses, examines, introduces, aims to,
reports, explores, shows, focuses, presents …
(Adapted from Atkinson and Curtis 1998: 65)

 Useful tense:
Present Simple VS. Present Perfect Tense, Past Simple tense
(Swales and Feak 1994)
 Chapter 7
Literature Review Chapter
 What is Literature Review
The literature review should focus on:

 The key issues which underlie the research project

 The major findings on the research by who and when

 The main points of view and controversies

 A critical evaluation, indicating strengths and weaknesses of previous studies

 General conclusions and the gap that remains in the research

 Organization of Literature Review

Literature review
Topics and sub-
can be arranged as Various questions Specific variables
topics
follows:

Chronological Combination of
Points of views
order these
Steps and Strategies for Writing a Literature
Review

Systematic Steps

Critical Reading

Prepare to Write

Write a Review

Indicate the Gap

Literature Review and Previous Research
Studies

SUMMARIZ CRITIQUE ANALYZE REPORT

E
 Reporting Style in Literature Review

2. Non-central
1. Central reporting (a 3. Non reporting ( no
reporting ( a weak focus
strong focus on author) specific focus on author)
on author)
• For example: Burke • For example: It has • For example: Instead
(1986) discovered that been shown that of motivation
many students would students have often producing achievement
like to become performed successfully may be that
integrated into in their own education achievement produces
Australian society. system before they motivation (Spolsky
seek entry to the 1989).
particular university
(Ballard 1991).
Avoid Plagiarism
Paraphrasing and rephrasing

Changing the word, word class, and word order

Summarizing: precise and concise

Reporting verbs: claim, support, argue

Verb Tense: present simple vs. present perfect

Linguistic Techniques for Commenting on
Previous Research Studies
Hedges e.g. might, could, perhaps, possibly

Boosters e.g. actually, in fact, definitely

Attitude e.g. unfortunately, surprisingly, I agree that

Engagement Markers e.g. consider, note that

Self-mentions e.g. I, you, me, our

 CHAPTER 8
METHODOLOGY CHAPTER
 Methodology VS. Method

 Methodology refers to the theoretical paradigm or framework in which the

researcher is working

 Method refers to the actual research instruments and materials used for data
collection.

Source:
Paltridge, B. & Starfield, S. (2007). Thesis and dissertation writing in a second language: a handbook for
supervisors. New York: Routledge
 Visual Map of Typical components of a
Methodology Chapter

Paradigm, Theoretical framework, Research question, Limitations,

Assumption, Hypothesis METHODOLOGY Justification, Ethical issues

Data collection, Sampling technique METHOD Procedures, Population sample

Field equipment, Observation MATERIALS Questionnaires, interviews, artefacts

KEY ETHICAL ISSUES FOR
CONSIDERATION

The need for the

informants to emerge
Informed consent Anonymity Power relations
unharmed from the
experience

Sufficient justification for

Appropriateness of Appropriateness of data
the choice of Adequacies of literature
methodology and collection treatments and
methodology with respect review
theoretical framework samples
to the research questions
RECOMMENDATION FOR RESEARCH
WRITERS

Writing a research diary Keeping a logbook

 Reference
 Paltridge, B. & Starfield, S. (2007). Thesis and dissertation writing in a second
language: a handbook for supervisors. New York: Routledge