Skip main navigation

New offer! Get 30% off one whole year of Unlimited learning. Subscribe for just £249.99 £174.99. New subscribers only. T&Cs apply

Find out more

Further reading on chemical synthesis examples

A written text summarizes the lecture and provides further learning resources.

Applying CARS Model in Chemical Synthesis: An Introduction

In this lesson, we will examine another example of CARS model applied in a research article on chemical synthesis. We will focus solely on the introduction section of the paper, as CARS model is only relevant to this section. The introduction begins with a brief but informative title followed by a subtitle that indicates the start of the introduction. In the first paragraph, the author employs move 1a to introduce the significance of interlocked molecular design. Though the statement is brief and general, the author quickly moves into move 1b by referencing and citing previous literature to support the statement. The second paragraph of the introduction highlights the drawbacks and issues of the current design of interlocked molecular systems, supporting move 2 by emphasizing the gap in the literature. The author then moves to move 3 by proposing a new design to address the issues mentioned in move 2. Throughout the introduction, the author incorporates references to build academic arguments and support their statements.

The Importance of Linguistic Aspects

Apart from the communicative moves in CARS model, the linguistic aspect of academic writing is also crucial. In this lesson, we discussed the three common patterns of tense use when referring to previous studies. The choice of tense is essential and can impact the tone and meaning of the text. Additionally, the length and specificity of the introduction section depend on the research topic and audience. In this example, the author provides a general description of the research background, with only one or two sentences of move 1a, followed by a move to move 1b. The brief statement indicates that the gap or missing piece is relatively obvious, so the author does not need to spend much time convincing the readers. Moreover, the journal may target a specific audience with adequate background knowledge, which does not require an extended explanation of the research background.

Conclusion

The example of CARS model applied in chemical synthesis demonstrates the significance of move 1a, b, 2, and 3 in building an academic argument. It also highlights the importance of using appropriate tense when referring to previous studies and tailoring the introduction section to the research topic and audience. By following the CARS model and considering the linguistic aspects, writers can create a concise and convincing introduction section that adequately communicates the research problem, significance, and contribution.

This article is from the free online

Deconstructing Research Articles: How to Read and Write a Research Paper

Created by
FutureLearn - Learning For Life

Reach your personal and professional goals

Unlock access to hundreds of expert online courses and degrees from top universities and educators to gain accredited qualifications and professional CV-building certificates.

Join over 18 million learners to launch, switch or build upon your career, all at your own pace, across a wide range of topic areas.

Start Learning now