IntroductionsExercises

An introduction is crucial, not for what it says about the topic, but for what it tells the reader about the writer’s style and approach. Unless you can introduce the subject clearly, the reader may not wish to continue.

Exercise 1: What is the purpose of an introduction? Choose from the items below: A. To define some of the terms in the title B. To give your opinion of the subject C. To show that you have read some research on the

subject. D. To show that your subject is worth writing about E. To explain which areas of the subject you will deal with F. To get the reader’s eattention with a provocative idea G. To show how you intend to organize your essay

Introductions:

Study the extracts from introductions below, and decide which of the functions they fulfil.

i) Explain starting point for research ii) State aims/goals iii) Refer to recent research in the same area iv) give results of research v) provide background information Vi) concede limitations

Exercise 2.

Extracts:

v

i

iv

vi

ii

iii

There is no thing as a standard introduction and much depends on the nature of the research and the length of the essay. However the following are worth including: Definitions of any terms in the title that are unclear. Some background information Reference to other writers who have discussed your topic Your purpose in writing and the importance of the subject Any limitations, e.g. Geographical or chronological, that

you set yourself A summary of the main points you intend to cover.

What order to follow in an Introduction section?

It may be necessary to clarify some of the words in the title. This may be because they are not in common use or have a specialized meaning.

The Impact of Privatization on the British EconomyPrivatization is the process of transferring

certain industries from state control to the private sector, which began in Britain in 1981 with British Telecom.

A

Background information helps to give a context for your essay:

B

Currently,In the last decade, Presently, Since half a decade ago,For half a decade,Recently,

It is important to show that you are familiar with current research. This can be demonstrated using phrases such as:

A number of researchers have examined this issue, notably…

Various investigations have explored the subject, especially…

C

You must show the importance of the topic. This can be either in the academic world, or as a contemporary issue of wider relevance.

As privatization is increasingly seen as a remedy for economic ills in many countries, it is worth examining its impact in Britain, which was a pioneer in this process.

D

In the scope of a research article, it is not possible to deal with all aspects of a topic. Therefore you may need to explain what limits you are setting on the discussion, and possibly the reasons for this. Only privatizations completed between 1981-

95 will be dealt with, as it is too soon to assess the impact of later developments.

E

For your own benefit, as well as the reader’s, it is useful to outline how the essay will be organized.

An assessment will first be made of the performance of the privatised industries themselves, on an individual basis, and then the performance of the economy as a whole will be examined.

F

Firstly, the effect of Greek mythology on Blacksea people who live in Eastern part of the region both in Turkey and Georgia will be examined. (Metin Yılmaz)

In this study, computer assisted language learning will be analyzed generally and then its use in one of the language skills will be examined more closely. (Gülsüm Kazancı)

Example sentences from students: function: outlining study

Higher education: The education process which starts after graduating from high school and lasts approximately four years.

Background information: Level of education in the country under examination Rate of success in university entrance exam How many cities have a university? The cost of university education The percentage of people who can afford university education The conditions of students in university towns. The scholarships provided by government and private

organizations

Higher education should be available to everyone

A good job depends on having a university diploma in most cases.

University education contributes to the development of the country.

This paper will discuss Edgar Allan Poe’s life style and then examine one of the writer’s stories namely: «….» which was affected by his own life story.

I will research in my paper Martin Luther King’s life, 1960s social life and then discuss why Martin Luther King gave his famous speech: I have a dream touching on the issue of how the community influenced the speech.