The introduction to a research paper can be the most challenging part of the paper to write. Introductions are generally half a page in length, though they can run longer if the topic requires additional information. They usually begin with supporting statements, and end with a description of your hypothesis. They offer a theoretical context to a paper, allowing readers to understand the reasoning behind your work. Well-written introductions set the tone for the paper, catch the reader's interest, and communicate the hypothesis or thesis statement.
Writing the Introduction
1Begin the opening paragraph with a few sentences containing important information about your topic. Give the reader an idea of what issue you will be discussing, such as, "Just a few years ago, the term "virtual reference" had little meaning to many librarians." Immediately opening with your main argument can be too abrupt.
- For a scientific research paper, you can begin with a discussion of the significance of your study, and then lead into the rationale behind your experimental model and how it met your objectives.
- A Humanities based paper is best suited by the "funnel" or "inverted pyramid" technique. To use this approach, start with some general background information on your subject, becoming more narrow and specific in focus as you work toward a description of your hypothesis.
2Place the thesis statement or hypothesis in the final sentence of your introduction's first paragraph. An example of such a closing sentence is, "A librarian can add the warmth and personal touch to an online interaction that an automated search engine cannot." You may need to write multiple sentences to explain your thesis.
- You want to make the objective of your paper clear in the first paragraph, because while an introduction can run several paragraphs in length, it will confuse readers if you introduce your topic in subsequent paragraphs.
3Continue your introduction by acquainting your audience with the major points of your paper, and your objectives and results in a scientific paper, in the order they will appear. This lets the reader know what to expect.
4Consider other "starters" for your introduction if your initial approach doesn't fit well with your topic.
- Anecdotes, quotations, recent debates, or timely news stories can also be compelling ways to begin a research paper.
- You can also introduce certain topics by comparing or contrasting 2 people, events, or ideas.
5Evaluate your writing. Read your introduction, and then read your conclusion. Make sure there is a fluid transition between them.Ad
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- Use your research papers' outline to help you decide what information to include when writing an introduction.
- Consider drafting your introduction after you have already completed the rest of your research paper. Writing introductions last can help ensure that you don't leave out any major points.
- Never use personal pronouns in your introduction, such as "I," "me," "we," "us," "my," "mine," or "our." Don't make pronouncements, such as "I am going to explain why global warming is destroying animal habitats." This is a hallmark of an inexperienced writer.
- Avoid emotional or sensational introductions; these can create distrust in the reader.
- Don't overwhelm the reader with an overabundance of information. Keep the introduction as concise as possible by saving specific details for the body of your paper.
Sources and Citations
- Meriwether, Nell W. 12 Easy Steps to Successful Research Papers. Lincolnwood, IL: NTC Publishing Group, 1997.
- Ellison, Carol. McGraw-Hill's Concise Guide to Writing Research Papers . New York: McGraw-Hill Professional, 2010.
Categories: Research and Review
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Español: escribir la introducción para una investigación, Português: Escrever uma Introdução de Pesquisa, Italiano: Scrivere l'Introduzione di una Ricerca, Deutsch: Die Einleitung einer Forschungsarbeit schreiben, Français: écrire l'introduction d'un travail de recherche, Русский: написать введение к исследовательской работе, 中文: 写论文引言, Bahasa Indonesia: Menulis Pendahuluan Penelitian, Nederlands: De inleiding van een onderzoek schrijven
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