It's 10 PM, and you're sitting in front of your computer, ready to start writing that 3000-word report. You understand the title, and you've read some of the literature. But when you try to type the first word, your fingers freeze.
- “"What should the first sentence be? Should it be 'With the development of globalization'? That's too cliché."‘
- “How long should the background information be? Will it go off-topic?”
- “"What if I don't write a good opening? Will the rest be useless?" This **"starting line anxiety"** is the biggest enemy of international students. The result is often: to reach the word count, you write a huge amount of grand background information unrelated to the core argument (Background Dump), leading to your tutor's comments like, "Get to the point!" or "Where is your argument?"”
Why are your quotes always criticized as "generalizing"?
A good introduction follows an inverted pyramid structure, while yours often feels like scattered sand. Common problems include:
- The background is too long: I started by telling the story of Pangu creating the world, and after writing half a page, I still haven't gotten to the main point.
- Missing Research Gap: You listed other people's opinions but didn't say "what the existing research is missing," which makes your research seem superfluous.
- The purpose is unclear: Without a clear research question or aim, readers won't know what you're trying to achieve.
- Quotation stacking: They simply pasted the references without summarizing or synthesizing them.
- Disjointed: The introduction promised to include A, but the main body included B.
Personalized support process: Practical implementation of CARS models
Swales proposed CARS model (Creating a Research Space) It is the academically recognized standard for introductions. Don't be intimidated by the theory; we've simplified it into three steps, along with a sentence structure framework, so you can simply fill in the blanks.
C1 Establish Territory: Tell the reader that this is important.
Target: Define the topic in 2-3 sentences and cite 1-2 authoritative sources to demonstrate its importance. Sentence structure (fill in the blanks):
- “In recent years, [Topic] has become a central issue in [Field], due to [Reason].” (In recent years, [theme] has become a core issue in [field] due to [reasons].)
- “Research into [Topic] has traditionally focused on [Focus A] (Smith, 2020).” (Research on [the topic] has traditionally focused on [Focus A].)
- “There is a growing consensus that [Statement] is critical for [Outcome].” (A growing consensus holds that [statements] are crucial to [outcomes].)
C2 Establish Niche: Point out gaps, rather than stating "no one has studied this".“
Target: This is the most crucial step. Don't say "no one has studied this," but rather say "existing research has limitations/conflicts/overlooks certain aspects." Sentence structure (fill in the blanks):
- “However, few studies have investigated the impact of [Variable A] on [Variable B] in the context of [Context].” (However, few studies have investigated the effect of variable A on variable B in the context of [context].)
- “Although Smith (2020) argues [View A], Johnson (2021) suggests [View B], indicating a need for further clarification.” (Although Smith believed…, Johnson proposed…, indicating that further clarification was needed.)
- “Previous research has failed to consider [Factor], which limits the applicability of these findings.” (Previous studies failed to consider [factors], which limits the applicability of these findings.)
C3 Placeholder (Occupy Niche): I'm here to solve this problem.
Target: Then, state your research objectives, questions, or outline in advance. Sentence structure (fill in the blanks):
- “Therefore, the aim of this essay is to critically analyze [Topic] by examining [Key Points].” (Therefore, this article aims to critically analyze the topic by examining the key points.)
- “This paper addresses this gap by proposing [Your Argument/Solution].” (This article fills this gap by presenting [your argument/solution].)
- “This report will first discuss [Section 1], followed by an evaluation of [Section 2].” (This report will first discuss…, and then evaluate….)
Self-inspection process
After you finish writing, look at the last sentence of the introduction. Does it act as a springboard, propelling you directly to the first paragraph of your main text? If so, you've succeeded.
DiffMind Practical Application: Using AI to Generate "Customized" Skeletons
Even with a template, how can you fill it out brilliantly?DiffMind(Multi-model AI comparison tool) can help you turn CARS models into your own. essay introduction generator。
1. Enhanced Questioning: Preventing AI from Generating "Nonsense Literature"“
If you simply ask an AI to write the introduction, it will usually give you a bunch of vague background information. Using DiffMind's...Enhanced QuestioningLet AI "interview" you first:
“"I need to write an introduction on [topic]. Please first ask me three questions based on the CARS model (e.g., research subjects, main controversies, my core arguments), gather information, and then help me generate a draft introduction." The resulting introduction has your content but an AI-optimized structure, making it both accurate and effortless.
2. Multi-model comparison: Finding the most accurate gap expression
“"Finding blanks" is the most difficult part to write. Writing it too lightly lacks persuasiveness, while writing it too heavily risks offending predecessors. In DiffMind, simultaneously... GPT-4o 和 Claude 3.5 Generate a Gap Statement:
- GPT-4o: They are good at directly pointing out missing data or flaws in methods.
- Claude 3.5: They are adept at pointing out the limitations of theoretical perspectives in a tactful way, using a gentler tone. Practical skills: Compare the two versions and choose the one that best reflects the value of your research while adhering to academic etiquette.
3. "Ambidextrous approach": Ensure consistency between the introduction and the main text.
After you finish writing the introduction, feed your outline or draft of the main text to DiffMind.
- instruction: “"The left window is my introduction, and the right window is my main body outline. Please check if the 'preview section' (C3) in the introduction accurately covers all the arguments in the main body? Are there any promises made but not written?" This will help you avoid the basic mistake of "not writing about the topic" and ensure logical coherence.
Conclusion
The introduction isn't just for padding the word count; it's the "map" of your article. Through the three steps of the CARS model, combined with DiffMind's multi-model assistance, you no longer need to stare blankly at a screen. In just 5 minutes, you can build a logically clear and structurally sound introduction framework. Now, copy the sentence structure above, fill in your content, and start with your first sentence.
