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

1) explain starting point or research 2) state aims/goals 3) refer to recent research in same area 4) give results of research 5) provide background information 6) concede limitations

 

a) In many companies, the knowledge of most employees remains untapped for solving problems and generating new ideas.

b) This paper positions call centres at the core of the mix of technologies public administration can use to innovate e-commerce.

c) In fact, this is one of our main findings based on an extended sample period up to 1998.

d) Admittedly, the tenor of my argument is tentative and exploratory.

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

f) To what extent do increases in the food available per person at a national level contribute to reductions in child malnutrition? This question has generated a wide range of responses (Haddad et al., 1997).

 

MAIN BODY

The main body of an academic paper comprises of the points that you have first established in the introduction. The main body will contain paragraphs which will explain the arguments you have settled to prove your stance of the topic. After the introductory paragraph, each paragraph should explain one argument and narrate details about it. It is best if you can add facts and figures about the relevant argument of your topic. Remember that each paragraph should connect to previous one. For that you can make the first sentence an interactive sentence which will act as a connection.

The structure of the main body depends on the length of the paper. Special phrases can be used to mark the beginning of new paragraphs, or the introduction of new topics.

To introduce a new paragraph/topic:

The main/chief factor/issue is...

Turning to the subject of...

Moving on to the question of...

Another important area is...

.......... should also be examined.

 

To add information inside a paragraph:

a) Firstly,... The first point... In the first place...

b) Secondly,... Next,.... Then,...

In addition... Moreover...

c) Finally,... Lastly,...

 

Exercise 1: Follow the link:    http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/al/learning_english/leap/writing/body/activity/

CONCLUSION

The conclusion is the last brick in the structure and is very important. Impression is usually determined by the quality and persuasiveness of its starting and concluding paragraphs. There is usually a link between the starting point, i.e. the title, and the conclusion. If the title is asking a question the answer should be contained in the conclusion. The reader may look at the conclusion first to get a summary of the main arguments or points. The concluding paragraph must contain the following details:

- It must be able to sum up the whole paper.

- You should state your general conclusion in it.

- Describes the importance or significance of your arguments.

- It should not contain anything new.

Some general advice about conclusions

1. A conclusion is not merely a summary of your points or a re-statement of your thesis. If you wish to summarize—and often you must—do so in fresh language. Remind the reader of how the evidence you've presented has contributed to your research.

2. The conclusion, like much of the rest of the paper, involves critical thinking. Reflect upon the significance of what you've written. Try to convey some closing thoughts about the larger implications of your argument.

3. Broaden your focus a bit at the end of the article. A good last sentence leaves your reader with something to think about, a concept in some way illuminated by what you've written in the paper.

4. For most papers, one well-developed paragraph is sufficient for a conclusion. In some cases, a two-or-three paragraph conclusion may be appropriate.