The Create a Research Space (CARS) model (Swales, 1990)

Move 1 Descriptions Steps Writing Action Language

Establishing a Background 1. Claiming Describing the E.g., “The study
territory (the information on the importance of, research of … has
situation) issue/problem to problem and become a
be discussed AND/OR providing significant
evidence to aspect of …”
support why the
topic is
important to
study.
2. Making topic Providing E.g., “There are
generalisations statements many situations
about the where …”
AND/OR current state of
knowledge,
consensus,
practice or
description of
phenomena
3. Reviewing items Synthesising E.g., “As Borg et.
of previous prior research al (2021)
research that further found…”
supports the
need to study the
research
problem
Move 2 Descriptions Steps Writing Action Language
Establishing a Identification of 1a. Counter-claiming Introduce an E.g., “Emphasis
niche (the issue/problem area opposing has been on …
problem) to be discussed OR viewpoint or with scant
from the perspective to attention given
perspective of the identify a gap in to …”
author, challenging prior research
or questioning that the writer
existing claims of believes has
knowledge weakened or
undermined the
prevailing
argument
1b. Indicating a gap Developing the E.g., “This
OR research dilemma has
problem around been
a gap or complicated by
understudied dearth of valid
area of research data about …”
1c. Question-raising Presenting key E.g. “Despite
OR questions about prior
the observations of
consequences of voter behaviour
 gaps in prior in local
research that will elections, it
be addressed in remains unclear
this study why…”
1d Continuing a Extending prior Connecting
tradition research to terminology
expand upon or (e.g., “hence”,
clarify a research “therefore”,
problem. “consequently”),
language that
indicates a need
(e.g.,
“Consequently
these factors
need to be
examined in
more detail…”)
Move 3 Descriptions Steps Writing Action Language
Occupying the 1. Stating how 1a. Outlining Answering the Clear
niche (the the current purposes “So what?” explanations of
solution) study will question objectives.
contribute to OR
knowledge or
new 1b. Announcing
understanding present research Describing study
and purpose in terms
2. Describing the of intended
organisational accomplishments
structure of the
paper
2. Announcing Summarising key E.g., “The
principal findings findings findings indicate
a need for …”,
“The research
suggests four
approaches to
…”
3. Indicating article Stating how the E.g., “This
structure remaining paper review is
will be organised organised as
follows:”