The Research Paper Introduction

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

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

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

4. Moves 1-3 in Detail • Move 1: Establish a research territory • Show that your topic is important, central, problematic, and/or relevant • Mention previous research • 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) • Move 3: Occupy the niche • State your purpose – thesis statement • List research questions or hypotheses if applicable

5. Practice • 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 niche • Occupying the niche

6. 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. • Check with a partner.

7. Application • 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? • If not, is it still effective? Why or why not? Do you see other techniques being used instead?

8. Practice • 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).