The CARS model

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:

1. Establish the significance of a topic and see it in connection with previous research on the subject.

In this element, you can situate your topic within a larger context and show that your topic is part of a living research tradition.

2. 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.

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.

3. Enter the knowledge gap, and present what you want to do, how you want to do it, and what you hope to find out.

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.