demonstrates the writer's understanding of the research topic
displays the writer's ability to argue for the need for the study
Length:
It often varies according to the writing situations.
Components
1) Definitions of key terms;
2) A critical review of previous studies;
3) A summary of the problems remained;
4) A description of your research;
Tenses
Past tense: for the review of previous research.
Present perfect: for the summary of previous studies.
Present tense: for the description of the present research.
Abstract
What
the extraction of the essence
Function
to catch the readers' attention
to preview the essay
Components
1) research purposes and questions;
2) method;
3) results;
4) conclusions;
Results&Discussion
Reporting Results(fact-driven)
What
1) the answers to the research questions;
2) the findings yielded from your study;
Organize
The best way to organize results is by research questions.
Methods
Quantitative results are reported by tables/graphs with a verbal account.
Qualitative results are primarily presented in a narrative form.
Discussing results
(opinion-driven)
What
1) illustrate the link between your study and the existing literature;
2) demonstrate your comprehensive understanding of the research topic;
Introduction
Function
The introduction usually presents some rough ideas of the paper and arouses the reader's interest.
Length
Generally speaking, the introduction need not be too long; one or two paragraphs should be enough.
Components
1) Explaining the writer's research purpose;
2) Describing the research background;
3) Raising some questions to be answered;
4) Indicating the research method and structure of the paper. (optional)
Tenses
Present tense: for presentation of facts,description and explanation of results;
Past tense: for recording past investigations in previous research.
Conclusion
What
1)the summary;
2)the last chapter of an essay;
Function
1) to refresh the readers' memory;
2) to review the essentials of the essay;
Importance
1) impressing your readers;
2) deciding the quality of your essay;
Components
1) a summary of the findings;
2) implications (optional);
3) suggestions for further research(optional);