Craft An Enthralling Introduction In Academic Writing For Non-Native English Speakers
Having good English writing skills and avoiding plagiarism using correct techniques are vital in academic writing. Another key element that you should never miss out is an introduction part of your research paper, thesis, or dissertation. A captivating introduction can add many selling points in your academic writing such as fascinate the readers to read the rest of your research and may help to increase the journal impact factor through citation. The five elements that you need to emphasize when writing an introduction is shown below:
1. Four Verbs tense: Use Them Wisely
Four verbs tense are recommended when writing an introduction. Bear in mind that, different verb tenses will absolutely affect the meaning of your sentences. Follow the following guidelines to choose the appropriate tenses when writing an introduction.
| Verb Tense | Explanation | Example |
| Present Simple | To describe the discoveries or deductions that are strong enough to be considered as facts or truths. | Graphene is the strong nanomaterials. |
| Present Continuous | To describe the ongoing research by adding –ing. | Many researchers are using graphene as nanomaterials. |
| Past Simple | To describe the previous research done by the researchers. | The properties of graphene were demonstrated over decades ago. |
| Present Perfect | To describe the past research which triggers the current research. | Although the properties of graphene were demonstrated over decades ago; little research has been done on graphene oxide. |
2. Sentences Connection: Create A Story
Establishing a good connection from one sentence or idea to the next is crucial so that the readers can understand the whole content easily and avoid confusion. Below shows the 4 methods that you can use to connect the sentences:
| Method | Explanation | Example |
| Overlapping | Repeat word or phrase from previous sentence. | One way to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is to reduce food waste. Thus, much research has been done to compost the food waste using microorganisms. |
| Pronoun or Pro-Form | Use a pronoun (each, many, whose, that, etc.) or pro-form (this approach, these methods, etc.) to connect the idea. | Many scientists have recommended feedforward control to control process parameters. This approach able to provide good performance when dealing with unknown disturbances. |
| Semicolon or Relative Clause | Use sentences connector (even so, despite, since, but, etc.) to link the correlation between one sentence and the next. | The corrosion mechanism in oil and gas industry is inconclusive; this indicates more research needs to be done in this area. |
| Sentence Connector | Use sentences connector (even so, despite, since, but, etc.) to link the correlation between one sentence and the next. | High salt intake can cause hypertension, on the other hand, over intake of sugar can cause diabetes. |
3. Dummy Subject: Professional Description
Using pronouns such as, we and I make the sentences look unprofessional. Replace these terms using dummy subject (this paper, this research, etc.) so that the readers will know the author and avoid confusion.
Example: This research paper discusses an algorithm to design a robot for cleaning gas pipelines in oil and gas industry.
4. Good Paragraphing: Visual Aid For Reading
Clusters of uneven short or single and over long sentence paragraphs are the signs of poorly-organized writing, which undeniably affect the reading process. Make sure each paragraph comprises single idea or concept that you want to share about and in the logical form.
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5. Fantastic Vocabularies: Strengthen Your Writing
Below are the vocabulary lists comprise words and phrases based on the keywords, which are acknowledged by both writers and editors. You also can create and build-up your own vocabulary lists for every research paper that you read. It’ll help you in the writing later.
| Keyword | Vocabulary |
| To Create Significance or Impact | (has) focused (on), during the past two decades, leading cause (of), attracted much attention, several investigations, etc. |
| To Share Former or Present Research | recommend, examine, propose, present, reveal, etc. |
| To Highlight Research Problem or Gap | few studies have, little work has been done, inconclusive, gap in our knowledge, weakness, etc. |
Do you feel confident to write a compelling introduction now? Leave your thought here.
