Generic Structure of Research Article Abstracts

Abstract

As an academic genre, the research article (RA) abstracts play an important role in academic community. This paper aims to explore the differences between RA abstracts by native and non-native speakers of English in terms of the generic structure. Theoretically, the commonly accepted IMRD model (Introduction-Method-Results-Discussion) and Swale’s Move-Step model are adopted to analyse the macro- and micro-structure respectively. It is found that the Introduction Move is obligatory for English RA abstracts by non-native speakers as opposed to the Introduction and the Results move by native speakers. Key words: Research Article; ; GeGenre Analysisneric Structure