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Creating A Research Space or CARS

CARS is a framework to help writers create effective proposals and introductions to their research papers.

Introduction

This guide presents a detailed explanation of the CARS model, a framework that can help you organize your academic writing. It is useful for students and researchers writing introductions for all types of papers, including theses, dissertations, and grant proposals.

The CARS model simplifies writing introductions or proposals by helping you:

  • Explain why your research is important
  • Show how your work fits with existing research
  • Describe the purpose of your paper or proposal

The following sections of this guide will explain each part of the CARS model, accompanied by examples to help you apply it to your writing. This model has proven valuable for many researchers and students, helping them produce clear, strong introductions that adhere to academic standards and emphasize the significance of their work. We hope it will help you, too. 

What Is the CARS Model?

CARS stands for "Creating a Research Space." It's a framework developed by linguist John Swales that helps you introduce your research in a way that captures your readers' attention and clearly shows your work's place in academic conversation. Think of it as a roadmap for your introduction, guiding you through three essential moves:

  1. Establishing a Territory
  2. Establishing a Niche
  3. Occupying the Niche

Each of these moves has specific steps, which we'll explore in detail. By the end of this guide, you'll have a clear understanding of how to apply the CARS model to your own writing, helping you craft introductions that are both engaging and academically sound.

It's also important to understand what the CARS model is not. Unlike formatting guides or grammar rules, CARS focuses on organizing your introduction's content. It doesn't teach basic writing skills or provide downloadable templates. Instead, it helps you articulate why your research matters, how it fits within existing work, and what you accomplished or hope to accomplish. By following this model, you'll create a compelling narrative for your research, setting the stage for the detailed work that follows.

Why Is This Important?

 A well-crafted introduction is essential because:

  • It frames your research by providing context and relevance, helping readers understand why your work matters. 
  • It forms the foundation for your study, setting clear expectations for what follows. 
  • It enhances the quality and reception of your writing by presenting your ideas in a structured, logical manner. 
  • It improves your work's overall coherence and impact by establishing a clear direction from the outset.  

Yet many people find crafting effective introductions to be the most difficult part of academic writing.  

Understanding and using the CARS model is a proven method for crafting effective introductions. It ensures that all the essential elements listed above are effectively communicated.

Moreover, a strong introduction encourages other researchers who find your paper to continue reading your work. This increased engagement can lead to several benefits: 

  • Higher likelihood of your full study being read and understood
  • Increased potential for your work to be cited by other researchers
  • Greater visibility of your research within the academic community
  • Potential for broader impact in your field of study

What this means is that by writing a compelling introduction to your paper, you're not just improving that one paper—you're potentially enhancing your contribution to the advancement of knowledge in your field and boosting your academic profile.