Rhetorical Strategies in Research Article Introductions: An Analysis of Pakistani English Journals

This study engages in a rhetorical analysis of research article introductions from four of Pakistan’s major research journals. These introductions have been evaluated through the Swales and Feak (2004) CARS (Create a Research Space) model. The study looks at how, if at all, these introductions have employed the three moves identified by Swales and Feak. It shows, through its findings, that the authors published by the four journals make use of all three moves while showing some variation in the ways they have been employed. It is seen, for instance, while the most employed move is moving 1 (Establishing a research territory) step a (showing that the general research area is important, central, interesting, problematic, or relevant in some way), the least commonly employed move is moving 3 (Occupying the niche) step e (indicating the structure of the RP). Move 2, moreover, which deals with establishing a research gap (and as such should have been the most common), is not employed as often as it should have been. On these grounds, this study suggests that there is a need for practical teaching modules that make use of models like the CARS model to teach effective research paper writing. It also suggests that authors need to have clarity in both their thinking as well as in their work and calls on journals to raise their standards and tighten their criteria. To scholars, it provides an evaluation of specific research article introductions, thus also being of use to them in their own journey as researchers and authors.