The CARS model
The CARS model is a model for writing introductions.
The CARS model (create a research space), outlined by the linguist John Swales (1990), is a much-used model for writing introductions. This model has three elements:
Establish the significance of a topic and see it in connection with previous research on the subject [step]
In this element, you can situate your topic within a larger context and show that your topic is part of a living research tradition.
Identify a niche, a knowledge gap, and/or the relevance of your perspective, and state why there is a need to investigate the topic further [step]
As a student, you are not expected to investigate something completely new to fill a knowledge gap, but you can at least contribute with your own unique approach to the matter based, for example, on your background and/or interests.
Enter the knowledge gap, and present what you want to do, how you want to do it, and what you hope to find out [step]
In this element, you can describe the purpose of your paper and how you will proceed, present research questions, indicate findings and conclusions, and outline your paper's structure.
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