Lesson Plan: Structure of Research Paper Introductions
Biology
Objective
To learn about structure and narrative signal phrases by reordering excerpts of sample introductions
Estimated Time
50 minutes
Work Completed Before Class
Optional: Students write one paragraph for their own research paper.
In Class
- Review the structure of an introduction (for instance "inverted funnel," i.e., general to specific topics). An introduction should teach readers enough about the subject to read the paper, and should lead them through the topics to the experiment.
- Hand out an excerpted introduction of a scientific paper, which includes the first and last sentences of each paragraph (together) in a jumbled order. Students use the principles of structure described above, and signal phrases that might connect paragraphs, to put the excerpted paragraphs in order. For instance, a final sentence in one paragraph might describe a problem, and an opening sentence in another paragraph might begin to solve that problem. It is possible to use full paragraphs, but this requires a substantial investment of reading time in class.
- Use this ordering exercise to discuss how transitions and signal phrases work in this kind of introduction.
- If students have written a paragraph, have them write practice signal and linking phrases. If all students are writing on the same topic, they might write follow-up sentences for each other based on how their paragraphs ended.
Jessie Stickgold-Sarah
Developed at Brandeis University through a grant from the Davis Educational Foundation