Unit 11 Writing
introductions
By the end of this lesson you will
be able to learn:
[Link] the introduction is
2. about features of introduction
3. about definitions
4. about thesis statement
5. how to write introductory sentences
Introduction
Task 1
Watch a video about writing introduction on
[Link] about and answer the
questions:
How to Write a Research Paper Introduction.mp4
Answer the questions
1. What is the purpose of the introduction?
2. What two questions should introduction
answer?
3. What should be included into introduction?
4. What is the structure of introduction?
5. How do you understand “knowledge gap”?
6. When should you write introduction?
Steps to write an introduction
1 Introduce
Click to your
addtopic
Title
2 Describe
Click the
to background
add Title
13 Establish
Click toyour
addproblem
Title
24 Specify
Click toyour objectives
add Title
15 Map outtoyour
Click addpaper
Title
Key fеаtuгеs that саn bе included in an
intгoduction
introduction to the topic/ justification fоr уоur сhоiсе
background information of topic fосus
an outline оf thе Features definitions of key tеrms
struсturе оf thе paper rеlаtеd to thе topic
уоur thesis statement уоur purpose for
writing the paper
Task 2 Read the introduction and define the
features of the introduction
To what extent is bank borrowing the best choice for small and medium-sized
enterprises raising funds in Vietnam?
• In the economic development process in Vietnam, small and medium-sized
enterprises are increasingly encouraged to expand. In promoting the growth of
these companies, raising capital plays an important role in improving and
marketing new products, expanding industries and managing daily operations.
According to the World Bank’s reports, companies can raise money from several
sources: from capital markets, from buying and selling shares, owning the franchise
or increasing venture capital (2006).
• Another common alternative is bank borrowing. Although bank loans entail the
disadvantages of high interest rates and limitations on the amount of the loan, they
still bring undeniable advantages such as flexibility and safety. Borrowing from the
bank appears to be particularly convenient for small firms in developing
economies. By examining the features of bank borrowing, this paper will show that
this is the best choice for Vietnamese small enterprises.
•
Task 3 Read the introduction and define
the features of the introduction
• What role does the real estate property market play in the economy?
• A)The real estate property market plays an essential role in the economic system of
any country. On average, property accounts for 605 of national wealth (Walker &
Flanagan, 1991). B) Broadly speaking, the real estate market involves many
industries, including construction, commerce, retail and services, thus acting as an
economic focus point.
• C) This essay aims to show that even though the real estate market plays a similar
role in different countries, it does in fact have a different impact on economies at
different stages of maturity: for example, the different impact on developed and
developing countries. D) Two countries are compared in order to identify these
differences: the USA as a developed country, and China as a developing country. It
gives some background to the real estate market: specifically property and capital.
Secondly, it describes the role real estate plays in the economy, and finally it
evaluates the key differences, showing that – in developing countries - the real
estate market promotes the national economy through industry, and in developed
countries this is done through the capital market.
Answers
Feature Relevant section of text
introduction to topic
background information
Justification
definition of key terms
Outline of the structure
thesis statement Not included
writer’s purpose
Definitions
Definitions are usually found in introductions.
They are not needed in every case, but if the title
includes an unfamiliar phrase, or if the writer wants
to use a term in a special way, it is important to make
clear to the reader exactly what is meant in this
context.
Task 4 Complete the following definitions by inserting a
suitable category word or phrase from the box
Organisation, material, instrument, behaviour, process, organs
(a) A barometer is a scientific ___________________ designed to
measure atmospheric pressure.
(b) Kidneys are ___________________ that separate waste fluid from
the blood.
(c) A multi-national company is a business ___________________
that operates in many countries.
(d) Reinforced concrete is a building ___________________
consisting of cement, sand and steel rods.
(e) Bullying is a pattern of anti-social ___________________ found in
many schools.
(f) Recycling is a ___________________ in which materials are used again.
Thesis statement
A thesis statement comprises one or two declarative sentences that
summarize the main point of a paper. A thesis statement identifies the topic to be
discussed, as well as the purpose of the paper itself.
A formula for constructing a thesis statement
A specific subject
An assertion Reasons of the
or topic
about the subject assertion
What makes a strong thesis statement?
1 2 3
A strong thesis A strong thesis A strong thesis
statement is statement is statement is
original and clear and contentious.
novel. specific.
Task 5 Study the sentences below аnd identify the purpose of
each. Label each one with the appropriate letter
В for bасkground information, E for explanation or T for
thesis statement.
1. The сосоа bеаn contains mаnу nutrients, frоm fat
to vitamin С, as well as caffeine.
2. Although excessive amounts of caffeine саn bе
damaging to health, rесеnt rеsеаrсh indicates that а
limited amount саn bе beneficial.
3. It stimulates the brаin, aids concentration and
may help to limit the effects of сеrtаin diseases
such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s
Read the introduction below and find the thesis
statement.
The only consistent thing about cities is that they аrе always
changing. Classifying and understanding the processes of urban change
present problems for geographers and others studying the city. Cities,
sinсе their incерtiоn, have always grаduаl, piecemeal change through
processes of accretion, addition or demolition. This type of сhаngе саn
bе regarded as largely cosmetic and the underlying processes of
urbаnisаtiоn аnd the overall structure of the city геmаin largely
unaltered, Ноwеvеr, at сеrtаin periods fundamentally diffeгent processes
of urbanisаtiоn have emerged. The result has bееn that the rate of
urban change has ассеlerated and new, distinctly different, urbаn forms
have developed. This occurred, fог example, with the urbanisation
associated with industrialization in the UК in the nineteenth сеnturу.
Introductory sentences
Introductory sentences are general sentences
that open paragraphs and precede the topic sentence.
They provide background about the topic or main
idea. Unlike topic sentences, introductory sentences
are not developed throughout the paragraph.
Introductory sentences
Time phrase Topic Development
Currently, the control of has emerged as
water resources potential cause of
international
friction.
Since 2008 electric vehicles have become a
serious commercial
proposition.
Task 6 Write introductory sentences for three of the
following titles.
(a) How important is it for companies to have women as
senior managers?
__________________________________________________
(b) Are there any technological solutions to global warming?
__________________________________________________
_______
(c) What can be done to reduce infant mortality in developing
countries?
________________________________________________
Self study task
Write the first and last paragraphs of
introduction of your paper
Unit Questions
1. What is introduction?
2. Name the features of introduction
3. Why should we include definitions into research
paper?
4. What makes a strong thesis statement?
5. What is the structure of introductory sentences?
References
1. English for Academic Study. Joan McCormack and John
Slaght -Extended Writing and Research Skills, University of
Reading, 2012 – 152 p.
2. Sagimbayeva J.E., Kurmanayeva D.K., Tazhitova G.Z.,
Kassymbekova N.S.
English course book “Environment and Natural Resources
Protection” for Master students of “Management and
Engineering in the field of Environmental Protection educational
programs” – Nur-Sultan, 2022
3. Tamzen Armer - Cambridge English for Scientists –
Cambridge University Press, 2013 – 128 p.