Getting the 'Moves': Writing introductions

Developed specifically for HDR students, this is the fourth in a series of seven workshops that will help you write a dissertation that is successful in its field. These workshops will help you understand the overall structure of a successful dissertation and how the individual parts fit together. You will learn how to produce an extended, coherent text that satisfies the expectations of your discipline. 

This practical workshop focuses on the ways that introductions are organised into ‘moves’ for the reader, and the reasons why. 

Before you attend the workshop, you should read the materials and complete the activities available here: 

https://canvas.uts.edu.au/enroll/88ETAT 

These materials will help prepare you for the workshop and ensure that you get the most benefit out of it. You'll have access to the whole "Your Dissertation in your Discipline" module, but for this workshop you can focus on section 4, "Getting the 'Moves': Writing introductions". 

1. Watch the MP4 videos before each session. 
2. Write down any questions you have either during, or afterwards. 
3. Complete the exercises in the sequence suggested, and as soon as possible after the watching the resources. 
4. Join the Zoom session!  

The entire series of Your Dissertation in Your Discipline includes: 

• Introduction: Dissertation Organisation, Structure and Flow 
• Getting the ‘Moves’: The Literature Review 
• Getting the 'Moves': Writing abstracts 
• Getting the 'Moves': Writing introductions 
• Getting the 'Moves': Writing about your methodology 
• Getting the 'Moves': Presenting and discussing results 
• Getting the ‘Moves’: Writing Conclusions 

About your facilitator: 

Dr Terry Royce is a forensic linguist and discourse analyst focussing on graduate research communication and thesis rhetorical organisation. He is also a Professional Member of the Institute of Professional Editors (IPEd), specialising in research publications and dissertations.