Analysis of Writing Styles of Research Article Introductions in EFL Academic Context: A Case of University of Dar Es Salaam Journal Authors

Abstract

The current study is a descriptive analytical account of how authors in EFL context adhere to or contravene Swales’ (1990) moves structure in their writing of Introductions in academic writing. The specific academic genres under analysis were 115 research articles which were purposively chosen from five university of Dar es Salaam academic journals. The analysis adopted Swale’s CARs (Create A Research Space) moves, namely; establishing a territory, establishing a niche and occupying a niche. Document review was the sole data gathering tool. Findings indicated that generally the majority of authors maintained fidelity to Swale’s chronology of moves structure, notably in the fields of linguistics and engineering sciences. However, about a quarter of the authors started their Research Article Introductions (RAIs) with establishing a niche before claiming centrality and occupying a niche. It has been concluded that variations in academic disciplines are not a factor for authorial variations in their styles of moves structure.