Introduction and Building Arguments

Introduction

English for Academic Writing and Presentation

Introduction contents

Introductions are usually no more than about 10 per cent of the total length of the assignment. Therefore, in a 3,000-word article, the introduction would be about 300 words only.

What is normally found in an essay introduction?

Multiple Choice

A definition of any unfamiliar terms in the title

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

Your opinions on the subject of the essay

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

Mention of some sources you have read on the topic

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

A provocative idea or question to interest the reader

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

Your aim or purpose in writing

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

The method you adopt to answer the question (or an outline)

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

Some brief background to the topic

• YES

• NO

Multiple Choice

Any limitations you set yourself

• YES

• NO

Open Ended

Now, summarise by creating a list of items that should be included in an introduction and items that should NOT be included in an introduction.

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In the past 20 years, the ability of trial juries to assess complex or lengthy cases has been widely debated.​ ​

Select answer

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The rest of the paper is organised as follows. The second section explains why corporate governance is important for economic prosperity. The third section presents the model specification and describes the data and variables used in our empirical analysis. The fourth section reports and discusses the empirical results. The fifth section concludes.​

Select answer

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The purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in the incidence of extreme warm and cold temperatures over the globe since 1870.​ ​

Select answer

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There is no clear empirical evidence sustaining a ‘managerial myopia’ argument. Pugh et al. (1992) find evidence that supports such a theory, but Meulbrook et al. (1990), Mahoney et al. (1997), Garvey and Hanka (1999) and a study by the Office of the Chief Economist of the Securities and Exchange Commission (1985) find no evidence.​

Select answer

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’Social cohesion’ is usually defined in reference to common aims and objectives, social order, social solidarity and the sense of place attachment.​

Select answer

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This study will focus on mergers in the media business between 1995 and 2010, since with more recent examples an accurate assessment of the consequences cannot yet be made.​

Select answer

Categorize

Options (7)

Your purpose

Your method

Background

Outline

Definitions

A mention of some sources

Limitations

Kelompokkan sesuai dengan kategorinya masing-masing

Essential

Optional

Certain words or phrases in the title may need clarifying because they are not widely understood:

There is a range of definitions of this term, but in this paper ‘e-learning’ refers to any type of learning situation where content is delivered via the Internet (Author, Year).

It is useful to remind the reader of the wider context of your work. This may also show the value of the study you have carried out:

Learning is one of the most vital components of the contemporary knowledge-based economy. With the development of computing power and technology, the Internet has become an essential medium for knowledge transfer.

While a longer article may have a separate literature review (depending on the format), in a shorter essay it is still important to show familiarity with researchers who have studied this topic previously. This may also reveal a gap in research that justifies your work:

Some researchers (Webb and Kirstin, 2003; Honig et al., 2006) have evaluated elearning in a health care and business context, but little attention so far has been paid to the reactions of students in higher education to this method of teaching.

The aim of your research must be clearly stated so the reader knows what you are trying to do:

The purpose of this study was to examine students’ experience of e-learning in a higher education context.

The method demonstrates the process that you undertook to achieve the aim given before:

A range of studies was first reviewed, and then a survey of 200 students was conducted to assess their experience of e-learning.

You cannot deal with every aspect of this topic in an article, so you must make clear the limitation of your study:

Clearly, a study of this type is inevitably restricted by various constraints, notably the size of the student sample, and this was limited to students of Pharmacy and Agriculture.

Understanding the structure of your work will help the reader to follow your argument:

The paper is structured as follows. The first section presents an analysis of the relevant research, focusing on the current limited knowledge regarding the student experience. The second part presents the methodology of the survey and an analysis of the findings, and the final section considers the implications of the results for the delivery of e-learning programmes.

Opening sentences

The first few sentences should be general but not vague, to help the reader focus on the topic. It is important to avoid opening sentences that are over general and vague.

Compare these sentences

Newspapers are currently facing strong competition from rival news providers such as the Internet and television.

Example 2

Nowadays, there is a lot of competition among different news providers.

Example 1

Building An Argument in Academic Writing

Understanding Argument, Persuasion, and Counter-Arguments

What is An Argument?

• In academic writing, an argument is about reasoning and discussion.

• It does NOT mean disagreement or personal conflict.

• Arguments are structured explanations supported by evidence.

Argumentative vs Descriptive Writing

• Descriptive writing: explains events, provides background information.

• Argumentative writing: persuades using claims and evidence.

• Argumentative writing requires reasoning and justification to support ideas.

The Role of Thesis Statement

• The thesis statement presents the main claim.

• Usually placed in the introduction.

• Guides the essay’s structure and argument development.

Adressing Counter-Arguments

• A strong argument anticipates opposing views.

• Three ways to handle counter-arguments:

  • Reject them with reasoning.

  • Acknowledge and defend your claim.

  • Qualify your argument using words like often or usually to make it precise.

Structuring Your Argument

• Ask yourself these key questions:

  • What does argument mean in your field?

  • How can you persuade your audience?

  • What kind of evidence is needed?

  • How should your argument be structured for clarity?

Now, write your introduction with your group members