Writing an Introduction for a Research Paper
An introduction is the first part of the research paper and a section that readers will likely read first. This section presents notions, definitions, and other important information needed to understand the research paper. All research papers require context to allow readers to understand the objective, and a research paper introduction fits this description. It might mean that introduction is the difficult part to write. As a student, take time to understand and get it right. Also, the introduction sets out the rationale, which your research revolves around. From the introduction, readers will know what to expect in your paper and if it interests them. Therefore, make the start of your paper engaging and exciting to your readers. It ensures that people read the paper and benefit from the information.
Contents of a research paper introduction
The following are the probable contents for a research paper introduction:
- Topic introduction
- Develop some background and context
- Inform the readers about the research you intend to do
- Provide rationale
- Explain the importance
- Provide hypothesis
Parts of a research paper introduction
Research paper introduction can include goals and objectives of the research, brief and informative structure of the content, concept definitions, history of research to the topic, and most recent discoveries.
Begin by stating the topic
The topic is essential to all forms of writing. Begin by outlining your topic and issues connected to your topic. Start with general information and narrow down to specifics.
- Literature review
You will need literature review sources to cite while developing statements in the main body. Though your idea may sound subjective, supporting it with citations from renowned philosophers, authors, and scientists can help to prove your argument.
- Emphasize the rationale
For the introduction, the rationale is essential. It is necessary to prove that the topic is relevant, and it allows readers to think. The rationale is an indicator of attitude to issues and the importance of the essay.
- State the thesis statement
This statement indicates the conclusive part of the paper’s introduction and transition to real research. The thesis statement should support your arguments and links your ideas concisely and logically.
- Finish with an outline
Outline the structure of your research paper. The outline should not be a detailed presentation of all parts of your work; instead, it should be a short paragraph comprising between 2 to 4 sentences presenting the whole paper’s plan.
Guidelines for students research paper introduction
- Outline and explain the concepts
If your writing includes complex and complicated ideas for the normal reader, then take time to explain them in the introduction. Complex ideas include vocabulary and essential terms.
- Begin with quotation
To capture the reader’s attention and maintain it, consider including a quotation relevant to your topic. It helps readers’ developmental pictures as they read through and allows them to remember your work.
- Communicate your outline
Inform your readers why you are researching the chosen topic and how you plan to do it. Therefore, the introduction must set out the outline applicable in the entire paper.
- Writing a good introduction
To write a good introduction, I need matching information with the entire research paper. It should serve the paper’s requirements by introducing the reader slowly to the topic and enabling easy reading.
In case you experience writing a well-thought introduction, then consider writing it last.
