Identifying problems in writing thesis introductions in research methodology class

Introduction, as a genre, has conventionally been understood as a piece of discourse which introduces other forms of lengthy discourse, be it a research article, a project report, a laboratory report or even a student essay. In writing introductions to dissertations, Dudley-Evans (1989) discovered a six-move structures. This move structure provides a step-by-step instruction for students to use and is a user-friendly guide in writing their thesis introductions. These moves are designed in a very simple manner that is understood by students at the undergraduate level. This paper which is based on a research that analysed undergraduate research proposals written by students majoring in English Language studies. The aim is to identify if the introduction section adheres to the moves suggested by Evans (1989). Based on the findings the researchers will to introduce a genre-based approach to guide students in writing their thesis introductions. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.