Introduction Introduction - Establishing a Context Method Wu-Lin - PDF document

Typical Sections of a Research Paper PROVIDENCE UNIVERSITY College of Management Abstract Introduction Introduction - Establishing a Context Method Wu-Lin Chen (wlchen@pu.edu.tw) Results Department of Computer Science and Information Management Discussion Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 1 Technical Writing S03 2 What is an Introduction? Five Stages in the Introduction Section • An introduction • The introduction can be divided into five stages – serves as an orientation for readers of the General report – Stage I: the setting – gives readers the perspective they need to – Stage II: already studied understand the detailed information coming in – Stage III: investigation needed later sections – Stage IV: purpose Specific – Stage V: value Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 3 Technical Writing S03 4 Five Stages Writing Up the Setting • Stage I (the setting): General statement(s) about a field of • Start with obvious, generally accepted research to provide the reader with a setting for the problem to be reported statements about the area in which you are – establish a context, or frame of reference working – help readers understand how the research fits into a wider field of study • Then, step by step, move the reader closer to • Stage II (already studied): More specific statements your specific topic about the aspect of the problem already studied by other researchers • For example: • Stage III (investigation needed): Statement(s) that indicate the need for more investigation – establishing a “universe” for your reader • Stage IV (purpose): Very specific statement(s) giving the – isolating one “galaxy” within this universe purpose/objectives of the writer’s study – leading your readers to one “star” in the galaxy • Stage V (value): Optional statement(s) that give a value or justification for carrying out the study Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 5 Technical Writing S03 6

Organization for the Setting Writing Skills • Begin with accepted statements of fact • Link sentences by making use of old and related to your general area (your new information to lead readers smoothly “universe”) – use generic noun phrase through the ideas in Stage I • Within the general area, identify one • Place old information (some facts have subarea (your “galaxy” which includes been known to the reader) at the your topic) – use specific noun phrase beginning of sentences • Indicate your topic (your “star”) • Place new information at the end Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 7 Technical Writing S03 8 Writing Skills (Cont.) Language Conventions • Old/New information order • The setting starts with factual statements Plants obtain atmospheric CO 2 required for photosynthesis by diffusion • It is conventional to use nouns that refer to through open leaf stomata. objects or concepts at the highest possible Old New level of generality can create large water potential • English offers several ways to construct This process differences between the leaves and the these general nouns soil surrounding the roots. – Generic Noun Phrase – Specific Noun Phrase Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 9 Technical Writing S03 10 Generic Noun Phrase Generic Noun Phrase (Cont.) • In stead of referring to specific things, we often • Countable nouns refer to entire classes of things in the setting – Alluvial diamonds are of consistently higher • When you are write sentence that contain nouns than diamonds recovered from source referring to an entire classes of things, you should use generic noun phrase to carry this kimberlites. (Plural) meaning – A new diamond mine may take several years • There are different ways to write generic noun before coming into full production. (singular, phrase meaning “any new diamond mine”) – Countable nouns – Uncountable nouns – Countable nouns with the Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 11 Technical Writing S03 12

Generic Noun Phrase (Cont.) Generic Noun Phrase (Cont.) • Uncountable nouns • Countable nouns with the – A countable noun in its singular form sometimes – Thirty years later, alluvial diamond production carries the generic meaning when used with the had more than double. (meaning “all alluvial definite article the diamond production”) – It is often used when referring to living creature or familiar machinery and equipment – EX: The hummingbird can be found in all areas of North America. (meaning “hummingbirds in general”) – EX: The United States has experienced the integration of the computer into society. (meaning “computers in general”) Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 13 Technical Writing S03 14 Specific Noun Phrase Specific Noun Phrase (Cont.) • Used to refer to specific items and concepts in • Referring to assumed or shared order to move readers from general area toward information your specific topic – Use the definite article the if you assume your – i.e. nouns that refer to particular, individual members readers share knowledge of the specific thing of a class rather to the class as a whole • Nouns that refer to particular, individual you are referring to members of a class can be written in several – EX: In recent years the growth of desert areas ways has been accelerating in the world. – Referring to assumed or shared information – Pointing back to old information – Pointing forward to specifying information Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 15 Technical Writing S03 16 Specific Noun Phrase (Cont.) Specific Noun Phrase (Cont.) • Pointing back to old information • Pointing forward to specifying information – Use the definite article the when referring to a specific – Use the definite article the when the specific thing which you have already mentioned (the first meaning is made clear in a following phrase mention usually uses the indefinite article a/an) or clause – EX: New Mexico Solar Energy Institute is developing a computerized diagnostic assistant for solar domestic hot water systems. The computer- – EX: The gas which is produced in the western implemented assistant will be used at naval shore states is used primarily for home heating. facilities throughout the world. Providence University Providence University Technical Writing S03 17 Technical Writing S03 18

Guidelines for Making Generic and Specific Noun Phrase • Is the noun meant in a general or a specific sense? – If it is specific, use “the” before the noun. If it is general, ask yourself a following question: • Is the noun countable or uncountable? – If it is countable, use a or an (singular) or –s on the end (plural). If it is uncountable, use no article or –s ending. Providence University Technical Writing S03 19