The structure of the main body depends on the length of the essay and the subject of study.

7. Study the following extracts from introductions below and decide which of the functions in the box they fulfil. i explain starting point for research ii state aimsgoals iii refer to recent research in same area iv give results of research v provide background information vi concede limitations a In many companies, the knowledge of most employees remains untapped for solving problems and generating new ideas. b This paper positions Call Centres at the core of the mix of technologies public administration can use to innovate e-commerce. c In fact, this is one of our main findings based on an extended sample period up to 1998. d Admittedly, the tenor of my argument is tentative and exploratory. e The purpose of this paper is to investigate changes in the incidence of extreme warm and cold temperatures over the globe since 1870. f To what extent do increases in the food available per person at a national level contribute to reductions in child malnutrition? This question has generated a wide range of responses Haddad et al., 1997. 8. There is no such thing as a standard introduction, and much depends on the nature of the research and the length of the essay. However, for a relatively short essay written under exam conditions the following are worth including, in this order. a Definitions of any terms in the title that are unclear b Some background information c Reference to other writers who have discussed this topic d Your purpose in writing and the importance of the subject e The points you are going to makeareas you are going to cover 9. Prepare to write an introduction to an essay with the title ‘Higher education should be available to everyone – Discuss’ by answering the questions below. a Which terms in the title might need defining? b What background information could you give? c How can you show the relevance of this topic, in either Britain or another country? d How are you going to limit your discussion, geographically, historically or both? e How will you organise the main body of the essay? 2.5 Discussion cross reference