How To Write An Introduction For A Research Paper

Key Objectives of Writing an Introduction

You should introduce your topic and strategy to the reader in the introduction of a research paper. Its main objectives include the following:

• Introduce your subject and pique the reader's attention
• Describe the context or review the literature
• Set up your strategy
• Give specifics about your research issue.
• Lay up the structure of the article in general

What to Include in the Introduction?

Introductions to research papers are always distinctive. After all, by definition, research is original. However, they frequently include the following six things. Which are:

1.   A Description of the Subject

Start by writing a broad introduction to your topic. Until you get to the precise subject of your article, narrow the overview. Then, address any queries or worries you have regarding the matter. Keep in mind that you'll talk about them in the publication.

2.   Previous Study

You should evaluate prior results on your specific topic in your introduction. Include both classical and innovative scholars. This background information demonstrates your familiarity with earlier studies. Additionally, it exposes earlier discoveries to others who might lack such knowledge.

3.   Defence of your Argument

Justify the urgency with which your topic has to be handled. If appropriate, relate it to contemporary problems. You can also point out a flaw in earlier hypotheses or a hole in state-of-the-art research. No matter how you go about it, a strong justification will hold readers' attention and convince them to explore the remainder of your paper.

4.    Describe the Procedure you Followed

To strengthen the credibility of your article, recount your procedures. Clearly state your objective and the issues you want to tackle. Tell us about your research process and how you evaluated your findings. Include a justification for your critical decisions.

5.   Thesis Statement

The thesis statement should be placed towards the end of your significant introduction. The concepts that will be the central aspects of your whole research paper are summarized in this statement. It must be simple and understandable.

An Outline

An outline frequently follows an introduction. Your layout should summarise what will be discussed in the following sections. Consider it a road map leading your reader to the conclusion of your essay.

Intriguing Ways to Introduce A Research Paper

1.      Start with a Surprising Fact or Statistic

• Did you know that the average American spends 5 hours a day watching TV?
• Or that 32% of American households have three or more TVs?

If you begin your research paper with a startling statistic, you'll hook your readers' attention and make them want to learn more about why this is so. Just be sure to cite your sources!

2.      Pose a Provocative Question

• How much TV is too much?
• Is there a thing like too much screen time?

By posing a question in your introduction, you'll engage your reader and get them thinking about your topic right from the start.

3.      Share an Interesting Anecdote

• Do you have a personal story related to your topic?
• Did something happen that made you curious about this issue?

An anecdote is a great way to introduce your reader to your topic in an engaging way. Ensure your story is relevant to the rest of your paper!

4.      Describe an Intriguing Scene

Imagine what it would have been like to be there if you were writing about a historical event.

• What did you see?
• What did you smell?
• What did you hear?

Describing an intriguing scene will help transport your reader into the past and give them a better understanding of your topic's context.

5.      Offer a Controversial Opinion

• Do you have strong vibes about your topic?
• Do you disagree with the prevailing opinion on this issue?

If so, state your opinion in the introduction of your paper! Just be sure to back up your claims with evidence from reputable sources.

6.      Use Vivid Language

No matter what approach you choose, make sure to use language that will capture your reader's attention. Avoid bland phrases like "in conclusion" or "as we have seen." Instead, try something like "Ultimately" or "As shown by the evidence." A pinch of creativity goes a long way!

• A Comprehensive Guide on How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: Five plus Examples

Tips to Consider while Writing

There are a few things to keep in mind when writing your introduction:

1.      Keep it Concise

An effective introduction should be short and to the point. It should not include any unnecessary information or stray from the main topic of your paper.

2.      Start with a Hook

A hook is a brief, attention-grabbing statement that will pique your reader's interest and make them want to keep reading. An engaging hook can be a quote, an interesting statistic, or a rhetorical question.

Hooks can be serious or playful, but they should always be interesting. Some examples of hooks include:

• A surprising statistic
• An intriguing question
• A vivid description
• A relevant anecdote

3.      Introduce your Topic

After you have attracted your reader's attention with your hook, you will need to introduce the main topic of your paper. Make sure to give enough background information, so your reader understands what you will discuss in the body of your essay.

4.      State your Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the key argument of your paper. It should be clear and concise and state the main points you will discuss in the body of your paper.

• Review How to Write A Thesis Statement

5.      Include an Outline of the Main Points of your Paper

An effective introduction should also include an outline of the main points you will discuss in the body of your paper. It will provide your reader with an idea of what to expect in the rest of your article and help them follow along as you develop each point further in the body paragraphs.

6.      Avoid Filler Content

When writing an introduction, it is important to avoid filler content, which does not add value to the paper. Filler content can include:

• Fluff sentences (e.g., “In this paper, I am going to talk about…”)
• Unnecessary detail (e.g., providing too much background information)
• Repetition (e.g., repeating information that has already been stated elsewhere in the paper)

7.      Use Transitional Phrases

Transitional phrases can help to move from one idea to another smoothly without interruption. For example, phrases such as “in addition, ” “ moreover, ” “ furthermore, ” and “however, what type of information is coming next to your readers. Using these phrases, you can help your readers follow your train of thought more easily.

8.      Conclude with a Transition into the Body of your Paper

Once you have introduced your topic, stated your thesis, and provided an outline of the main points you will be discussing, you will need to conclude with a transition into the body of your paper so that there is a smooth flow from one section to the next.

9.      Conclude with a Roadmap

Finally, your introduction should conclude with a brief roadmap that tells readers what they can expect regarding structure and content. This roadmap does not need to be extensive; a simple sentence or two will suffice.

Don'ts in the Introduction Writing

1. Don't use Cliches

Cliches are overused phrases that are not original or fresh. Using them in your introduction will make your writing seem stale and unoriginal.

2. Don't use too many Quotes

Quotes can be a great way to introduce a topic, but using too many of them will make your writing seem like a string of unrelated thoughts.

3. Don't use Jargon

Jargon is the specialized language used in a particular field or profession. Using jargon in your introduction will make your writing difficult to understand for those outsides the field.

4. Don't use Overly Long Sentences

Using long, complex sentences in your introduction will make it difficult for readers to follow along. Keep your sentences short and crisp to ensure that your readers can understand what you're trying to say.

5. Don't use First Person Pronouns

Using first-person pronouns in your introduction is generally frowned upon as it makes your writing seem self-centred. Instead, focus on third-person pronouns such as "he," "she," or "it."

6. Don't Forget to Proofread

Proofreading is essential in the writing process, and failing to do it can result in errors in your finished work. Make sure to take the time to proofread your introduction before you submit it to avoid any embarrassing mistakes.

Conclusion

If you are having trouble getting started on your introduction or would like some help polishing it up, our team at Premier Dissertation can assist. We have years of experience helping students write introductions that engage the reader and make them want to continue reading. Contact us today for a free consultation, and we'll help you get your introduction on track so that your entire paper is impressive.

Visit our website or contact us for further assistance.

You may also review the following sources to understand the various sections of dissertation writing better;

• How to Write an Introduction for Research: Do’s, Don’ts and Practical Tips

• How To Write A Report Introduction: A Step-By-Step Guide

• Find Quality Dissertation Topics in Various Subjects