A Rhetorical Structural Analysis of Introductions in L2 Saudi Students’ Argumentative Essays

The introduction is a pivotal sub-genre in academic writing because of its rhetorical role determining whether written work necessary and worth reading. A significant body research has examined the structure introductions different text genres, such as articles dissertations. However, little investigated moves undergraduate students’ essays, particularly Saudi context. Therefore, this study aimed to explore argument essays. Also, strategies (steps) employed construct each move did not receive much attention. Hence, second purpose how was rhetorically constructed. This analyzed 49 from essays by L2 students at university. textual data according Hyland’s (1990) five section his proposed model. results showed that most Move 1, 2, 3 compose their introductions. It also found while 4 used several introductions, 5 excluded all texts. determined lists steps 1 whereas mostly constructed with thesis statement (Step 2). findings have pedagogical implications for writing.
 
 Received: 10 May 2023 / Accepted: 15 June Published: July