IntroductionGenerally speaking, the purpose of an introduction is to introduce the topic of the writing and to create interest on the part of the readers. It can be as short as a sentence or a paragraph and as long as an entire chapter, depending on the length andcomplexity of the writing. The introduction chapter of your dissertation or thesis is theone in which you provide all of the basic information that the reader will need to understand the dissertation which is to follow. Such things as the background of your research, how you came to research your topic, what your topic is and how it relates to the world around it, and what kind of general principles and methodology you will be using to research your topic and evaluate your hypothesis, are all aspects of what you will cover in the introduction chapter.I General functions of introduction1. introducing the subject:The author is here to supply sufficient background information to relieve the readers who are not well informed in this field of troubles in understanding and evaluating the results of the given study without referring to previous publications on the topic. Since the topic in this section is what the paper is going to deal with, the readers, then, can get a preliminary but overall impression before going on with the full text of the paper.2. limiting the research scope (Establish and Narrow the topic)Only when an introduction clearly defines the limits of the research scope (the limits within which you treat the subject) can readers retrieve the information efficiently provided that the subject is introduced correctly. Your introduction should direct the readers to a specific focus.There are a number of expressions used to limit the scope of work:The problem is within the scope of …The problem under discussion is within the scope of …Studies of these effects covered various aspects of …Our studies with this technique are confined to only one particular aspect …The problem described previously was directed to the example of…, which differsfrom …The subject is concerned chiefly with the study of …The author has limited his studies to the related aspects of …The approach under study is only applied to …The problem I have referred tofalls within thefield of …The theory cannot apply to other cases of …The emphasis of this paper is to survey …3. stating the general purposeThe task is to inform the reader of the general purpose of the paper and illustrate the primary objectives of his research. To start writing your introduction chapter, come up with a simple one sentence summary of the goal of your research. The reader will come to the first chapter of your thesis expecting a statement of purpose. This statement should tell the reader what the topic of the research paper is and what you hope to achieve.4. showing the writing arrangementThe logical arrangement of the writing enables the reader to understand the paper more easily when further reading is necessary. The best place for this information can be found at the end of the introduction.It is supposed to give the reader a sense of how the dissertation will be organized. Provide some kind of chapter by chapter breakdown to tell the reader what can be expected so that the reader will be able to scan the paper at first and have a good sense of what ended up happening. Use solid principles of organization throughout your paper, in addition to hitting all the above topics in your introductory paragraph, to make your dissertation as readable as possible.Expressions used to indicate the organization of the information include:This paper is divided intofive major sections asfollows …Sections one of this paper opens with …Section three develops the second hypotheses on …In this paper, data and results are presented under the major heading of …Sectionfour shows (introduces, reveals, treats, deals with, develops, etc) …The result of… is given in the last sectio n.Thefifth section provides an exposition that places the primary emphasis on …In thefollowing, a wide range of test data are reported …II. Structural features of introduction and some idiomatic expressions 1. starting with the research background (Literature review)To orient the reader, the pertinent(related) literature(文献) should be reviewed in writing a professional paper. The research background is usually given in the section of introduction accompanied by the recent development in this field. That is to answer the question“what have been done? ”You can talk about the background of the project. How did you choose the project? What kind of greater historical context does the research that you are engaged in exist within? You may want to talk about any related experiments or research that specific people have done in the past, including landmark research cases which are related to the topic at hand. This gives the reader a sense of how your research fits into the greater scheme of things, and lets the reader compare what you are about to present to the research which they may or may not already be familiar with from leading figures in the history of the field.Some expressions used to introduce the background of the subject in an introduction are:Over the past several decades, …Somebody reported …The previous work on … has indicated tha t …Recent experiments by … have suggeste d …In most studies of…, … has been emphasized with attention being given to …Industrial use of… is becoming increasingly common.There have been afew studies highlighting …It is well known that …2. transiting to the existing problem (investigation needed/gap )Authors usually transit to the main problem to be discussed or weak points remaining in the previous work to be further studied and/or improved. That is to answer the question“what have not been done? ”The following are expressions often used to present existing problems:Great progress has been made in thisfield, but (however, nevertheless, etc.) …Also, the consideration of … alone cannot explain the observedfact that …A part of the explanation could lie in … however, …The study of… gives rise to two main difficulties: one is …, the other i s …Despite the recent progress reviewed in …, there is no generally accepted theory concerning …From the above discussion, it appears that at present neither … nor … are known.Sofar there is not enough convincing evidence showing …The data available in literaturefailed to prove that …The theory of… did not explain how much modifications aros e.No direct outcome was then reported in …Until now, not any experiment in this area has suggested that …Until now, nofield experiments of … have been reported.No clear advancement has sofar been seen in …The methods we use differs greatlyfrom the one reported ten years ago.3. focusing on the present research (Purpose /value of your research)On the basis of reviewing the previous research, especially unfolding or displaying the weak points of the previous work to be overcome or existing problems to be solved, the author may gradually and naturally turn the reader’s attention to the present research, by stating his primary research objectives, novel ideas, advanced methods, new materials, fresh factors, etc. that is to answer the question“what am I going to d o? ”Now tell the reader what your hypothesis is, as well as your basic reasons for believing in the hypothesis. How does your knowledge of the reality of the field make you lean towards one hypothesis or another? Explain to the reader how you will be able to prove or disprove the hypothesis that you set out with through the course of your research. Talk about any particular relevant issues that could affect the course of the research, or any basic questions or problems that people might have regarding the topic and how you will go about your research process. Try to anticipate how people will react to your hypothesis and make sure that you are able to start your project on a strong heading. It may be best to have the opening paragraph of your thesis reviewed before you embark on the research process, to make sure that you are on the right track (or at least that the track makes sense to others) before you set off and put a lot of effort into collecting data.Expressions to be used to introduce the present work:In this paper, … is investigated(studied, discussed, presented, etc.)The present work deals mainly with …We repot here … in the presence of…This paper reports on …On the basis of existing literature data, we carried out studies in an effort to …The present study will thereforefocus on …The primary goal of this research is …The purpose of this paper is …In this paper, we aim at …III. ways to begin an introductionnarrative: to begin with an anecdote or a brief story that somehow illuminates the thesis, effective in catching the reader ’s attentio n descriptive: to provide an effective lead to the discussion of the subject by explaining ,illustrating or giving a bit of backgroundpreparatory: to begin with an explanation or definition of the subject to prepare for a discussion in detail in the body of the essay inquisitive: pose provocative questions to simulate the reader ’s interestcorrective: to put a common belief or show how the subject has been misunderstoods tating a problem: begin with the statement of the problem and proceed to discuss the solutiongiving a surprising fact or statistics: to grab the reader ’s attentionusing a striking quote: to use surprising quote from a well-known book or person and lead to the discussion of the topic。
关于论文写作的指导(英文版)Guide to Writing a Research PaperWriting a research paper can be a daunting task for many students, as it requires extensive research, critical thinking, and effective communication skills. However, with careful planning and a systematic approach, anyone can write a successful research paper. This guide aims to provide step-by-step instructions and useful tips to help you navigate through the process of writing a well-crafted research paper.1. Understand the assignment: Before starting your research paper, carefully read the assignment guidelines provided by your instructor. Pay attention to the specific requirements, such as the topic, length, formatting style, and deadlines. If you have any doubts or questions, don't hesitate to seek clarification from your instructor.2. Choose a topic: A good research paper starts with a well-defined and interesting topic. Select a topic that is relevant to your field of study and aligns with your interests. Ensure that the topic is neither too broad nor too narrow. Conduct initial research to make sure there is enough information available to support your arguments.3. Conduct thorough research: To write an impactful research paper, you need to gather reliable and relevant information from various sources. Utilize library resources, academic journals, books, and reputable online databases to acquire the necessary data. Take notes while researching and keep track of the sources you consult.4. Develop a thesis statement: A strong thesis statement is the focal point of your research paper. It presents the main argument or hypothesis that you will support throughout your paper. Your thesis statement should be clear, concise, and debatable. Make sure it reflects the purpose of your paper and guides your research and writing process.5. Create an outline: An outline serves as a roadmap for your research paper, making the writing process more organized and efficient. It includes the main sections and subsections of your paper, along with the key points you will discuss in each section. This will help you maintain a logical flow and ensure that you cover all the necessary information.6. Write a compelling introduction: The introduction is the first impression of your research paper. Start with a catchy hook to grab the reader's attention. Provide background information on the topic and gradually narrow it down to your thesis statement. Clearly state the purpose and significance of your research, and explain how your paper will contribute to the existing body of knowledge.7. Present a comprehensive literature review: A literature review demonstrates your understanding of the existing research on your topic. Summarize the key findings of relevant studies and identify any gaps in the literature. Make sure to cite all the sources properly and critically analyze the information presented.8. Methodology: In this section, describe the research methods you used to collect and analyze data. Clearly explain your approach, including the sample size, data collection instruments, andstatistical analysis methods. This will allow readers to evaluate the reliability and validity of your findings.9. Present your findings: Share the results of your research in a logical and coherent manner. Use graphs, tables, and figures to illustrate your findings effectively. Interpret the results and explain their significance in relation to your research question. Remain objective and avoid making unsupported claims or overgeneralizing your findings.10. Conclusion: Summarize the main points of your research and review how they support your thesis statement. Discuss the implications of your findings and suggest further areas of research. End your conclusion with a thought-provoking statement or a call to action.11. Revise and edit: The final step in writing a research paper is revising and editing. Review your paper for clarity, coherence, grammar, and punctuation errors. Ensure that your paper adheres to the formatting style required by your instructor. Consider seeking feedback from a peer or instructor to gain valuable insights and make necessary improvements.In conclusion, writing a research paper requires careful planning, extensive research, and effective communication skills. By following this guide, you can navigate through the process with confidence and produce a well-structured and impactful research paper. Remember to allow yourself enough time for each step and seek help when needed.继续写相关内容，1500字12. Citations and References: In academic writing, it is crucial to give credit to the original sources of information and ideas. Proper citations and references not only demonstrate academic integrity but also allow readers to locate and verify the sources. Different disciplines may follow different citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. Familiarize yourself with the specific guidelines and consistently apply them throughout your research paper. Keep track of your sources from the beginning and create a bibliography or reference list as you go along.13. Revise and Edit: Once you have completed the initial draft of your research paper, it is important to revise and edit it thoroughly. Revision involves rethinking, reorganizing, and rewriting sections for better clarity and coherence. Check for any gaps in your argumentation or supporting evidence. Make sure that your ideas flow logically and that each paragraph contributes to the overall argument. Edit your paper for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. It can be helpful to read your paper aloud or ask someone else to read it and provide feedback. Remember that revising and editing is an ongoing process, and it may take multiple rounds before your research paper is polished and ready for submission. 14. Pay Attention to Formatting: In addition to citations and references, it is important to pay attention to the overall formatting of your research paper. Follow the guidelines provided by your instructor regarding font size, margins, line spacing, and page numbering. Consider using headings and subheadings to organize your paper and make it easier to navigate. Make sure that all tables, figures, and illustrations are properly labeled and referred to in the text. A well-formatted research paper not only looks professionalbut also enhances readability and comprehension.15. Seek Feedback and Proofreading: Before submitting your research paper, it is beneficial to seek feedback from others. Share your paper with classmates, colleagues, or your instructor and ask for their opinions and suggestions. They may be able to point out any inconsistencies, weaknesses in your argument, or areas that need further clarification. Consider their feedback and make necessary revisions. Additionally, it is essential to have your research paper proofread by someone else or use proofreading tools and software. Even the most careful writers can overlook errors, and a fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes that you may have missed.16. Practice Time Management: Writing a research paper can be time-consuming, so it is important to manage your time effectively. Break down the task into smaller, manageable steps and set deadlines for each step. Use a planner or online tools to schedule your research, writing, and revision sessions. Start working on your research paper well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush. It is also a good idea to allocate extra time for unexpected challenges or delays. By managing your time efficiently, you can reduce stress and produce a high-quality research paper.17. Emphasize Clarity and Coherence: Clarity and coherence are essential qualities of a well-written research paper. Make sure that your ideas are expressed clearly and concisely. Avoid using jargon or overly complex language that may confuse readers. Use transition words and phrases to create smooth transitions between paragraphs and sections. The overall structure of your paper shouldbe coherent, with each section and paragraph contributing to the central argument. Regularly review your work to ensure that your ideas are presented logically and that readers can easily follow your thought process.18. Practice Ethical Research Conduct: Conducting research ethically is crucial to maintain the integrity of your research paper and respect the rights and privacy of others. Obtain proper permission and informed consent when conducting surveys, interviews, or experiments involving human subjects. Follow ethical guidelines when conducting research involving animals. When using other researchers' work, ensure proper citation and acknowledgment. Avoid plagiarism by paraphrasing and quoting sources accurately. Familiarize yourself with your institution's policies on research ethics and ensure that your research adheres to ethical standards.19. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Well-being: Writing a research paper can be mentally and physically demanding. It is important to take care of yourself throughout the process. Take breaks, engage in physical activities, and maintain a balanced diet. Get enough sleep and manage your stress levels effectively. If you feel overwhelmed or stuck, don't hesitate to seek support from your classmates, instructors, or tutors. Remember that it is normal to experience challenges and setbacks during the research paper writing process, and taking care of your well-being can help you overcome them more effectively.20. Finalize and Submit: After incorporating feedback and making all necessary revisions, it is time to finalize your research paper.Review the formatting, citations, and references one last time to ensure accuracy and consistency. Proofread your work for any remaining errors. Once you are confident that your research paper is polished and meets all the requirements, submit it on time following the submission guidelines provided by your instructor. Celebrate your hard work and the accomplishment of completing your research paper!Writing a research paper may seem challenging at first, but by following these steps, you can approach the task with confidence and produce a high-quality paper. Remember that writing is a process, and it requires time, effort, and perseverance. Do not hesitate to seek help and guidance when needed. With practice and experience, you will become more proficient in writing research papers and communicating your ideas effectively.。
How to read a research paper.Later in the semester,we will talk about how to write a research paper.To begin the course,however,we consider how to read a research paper.This discussion presupposes that you have a good reason to carefully read a research paper–for example,the fact that I assign a paper is(probably)a good reason for you to read it.You may also need to carefully read a paper if you are asked to review it,or if it is relevant to your own research.We might also later discuss how to skim a paper,so that you can decide whether a paper is worth a careful reading.When you read a research paper,your goal is to understand the scientific contributions the authors are making.This is not an easy task.1It may require going over the paper several times.Expect to spend several hours to read a paper.Here are some initial guidelines for how to read a paper:Read critically:Reading a research paper must be a critical process.You should not assume that the authors are always correct.Instead,be suspicious.Critical reading involves asking appropriate questions.If the authors attempt to solve a problem,are they solving the right problem?Are there simple solutions the authors do not seem to have considered?What are the limitations of the solution(including limitations the authors might not have noticed or clearly admitted)?Are the assumptions the authors make reasonable?Is the logic of the paper clear and justifiable,given the assumptions,or is there aflaw in the reasoning?If the authors present data,did they gather the right data to substantiate their argument,and did they appear to gather it in the correct manner?Did they interpret the data in a reasonable manner?Would other data be more compelling?Read creatively:Reading a paper critically is easy,in that it is always easier to tear something down than to build it up.Reading creatively involves harder,more positive thinking.What are the good ideas in this paper?Do these ideas have other applications or extensions that the authors might not have thought of?Can they be generalized further?Are there possible improvements that might make important practical differences?If you were going to start doing research from this paper,what would be the next thing you would do?Make notes as you read the paper:Many people cover the margins of their copies of papers with e whatever style you prefer.If you have questions or criticisms,write them down so you do not forget them.Underline key points the authors make.Mark the data that is most important or that appears questionable.Such efforts help the first time you read a paper and pay big dividends when you have to re-read a paper after several months.1It would be easier if more research papers were well written...but again,we will discuss writing later on.After thefirst read-through,try to summarize the paper in one or two sentences.Almost all good research papers try to provide an answer a specific question.(Sometimes the question isa natural one that people specifically set out to answer;sometimes a good idea just ends up answering aworthwhile question.)If you can succinctly describe a paper,you have probably recognized the question the authors started with with and the answer they provide.Once you have focused on the main idea,you can go back and try to outline the paper to gain insight into more specific details.Indeed,if summarizing the paper in one or two sentences is easy,go back and try to deepen your outline by summarizing the three or four most important subpoints of the main idea.If possible,compare the paper to other works.Summarizing the paper is one way to try to determine the scientific contribution of a paper.But to really guage the scientific merit,you must compare the paper to other works in the area.Are the ideas really novel,or have they appeared before?(Of course we do not expect you to be experts and know the areas ahead of time in this class!)It is worth mentioning that scientific contributions can take on many forms.Some papers offer new ideas;others implement ideas,and show how they work;others bring previous ideas together and unite them under a novel framework.Knowing other work in the area can help you to determine which sort of contribution a paper is actually making.For this class,I will often ask you to provide a short,one page review of a paper.Although this may sound like a simple assignment,I expect that it will take a significant amount of time,especially in the beginning. (Remember,I am expecting it to take several hours just to read the paper!)Keeping the above in mind as you read the paper should make the process easier.Your one page review should include the following:a one or two sentence summary of the paper.a deeper,more extensive outline of the main points of the paper,including for example assumptionsmade,arguments presented,data analyzed,and conclusions drawn.any limitations or extensions you see for the ideas in the paper.your opinion of the paper;primarily,the quality of the ideas and its potential impact.。
