Academic Writer
academic writer: organization: introductions: point of view
Point of view
It is sometimes useful to give a statement
of your point of view (or attitude) in the opening paragraph. This is particularly the
case if you wish to reveal your theoretical viewpoint, or if you want to your perspective
on a particular argument. However, it may be more effective to survey the subject,
research the evidence, and save your point of view or opinion for the concluding paragraphs.
EXAMPLE The writer
reveals her theoretical viewpoint in advance of the argument ('The
basis of this paper is that...')
| The illusion of objectivity in engineering The basis of this paper is that none of us is value free, that the objectivity claimed by engineering masks its subjectivity and that engineers assumption of professional status carries with it a responsibility to explore, understand and question the values and attitudes which are the basis of our decisions. |
EXAMPLE The writer reveals his point of view in advance of giving the evidence ('However, as I shall argue later...')
| The minerals industry in the United Kingdom:
rape of an island beauty? Britain consists of rocks and minerals of an extraordinarily rich variety. These minerals have been used since earliest times in every area of social and commercial life. The Roman colonists for example obtained gold, silver and lead to make jewelry, iron was used to make the guns that defeated the Spanish Armada and coal resources fuelled the Industrial Revolution. Despite the proven value of the minerals industry to the national economy, there remains a widespread public perception of the industry as one which has wasted the earth’s resources, ruined its landscapes, and generally polluted the environment. However, as I shall argue later, the industry has in fact frequently adopted a very responsible approach to the environment. |
Find out about other types of Introductions
Academic Writer 2000