No matter the form of writing you are tasked with, presenting a strong introduction is vital for setting the tone for your readers. From articles to blogs to college papers and even high school essays, the introduction can be the major difference between a good write-up and an average one. Strong introductions pique a reader’s interest and draw their attention to every part of your writing.
The stakes for a research paper introduction are higher than regular essay writing. After choosing a particular topic, your introduction must precisely convey the general idea of the topic and earn the readers’ interest.
The introduction of a research paper also contains a thesis statement, which is a brief and clear sentence that provides a general overview of the main objective of your research paper. In this piece, we will examine the basic requirements of a research paper introduction while offering examples and instructions on how to go about them.
How to Start an Introduction for a Research Paper
The first thing that a good introduction must have is interest. It must be able to hold the reader’s interest and garner their attention easily. Keeping that in mind, here’s how to start an introduction.
- Topic Introduction
First, you start a research paper by providing a strong introduction. For instance, you can capture the reader’s attention and then clearly state your thesis by using a surprising statement. Finally, you can also provide accurate data on the particular topic of interest to pick your reader’s curiosity into reading the rest of the paper.
- Description of the Background
This part of the research paper’s introduction can differ depending on the approach taken to write the paper. It differs from an argumentative paper and an empirical paper. In an argumentative paper, you will need to provide more general background. Conversely, in an empirical paper, you will need to review prior research and provide a clear definition of your research and how they are related.
- Stating the Research Problem
The next step is to state your research problem and explain how it fits the topic. For an argumentative research paper, you simply state the problem and what is important as it relates to your research topic. On the other hand, you approach the problem based on a literary discussion for an empirical paper.
- Clearly Stating Objectives
This signifies the final parts of your introduction to a research paper. Here you get into the specifics of the idea of your topic and how you intend to tackle problems and provide solutions.
Tips to Writing a Good Research Paper Introduction
Good knowledge of the step-by-step process of writing a research introduction is important; It is as important as the topic. However, it is also necessary that you identify tricks that you can use to make your research introduction catchier and more interesting to read. Here are a few tips that can make your research introduction stand out:
- Don’t cite excessively
- The shorter, the better: shorter sentences and introductions always leave your reader wanting more
- Take it easy on the details
- Avoid citing too many sources for one point
- Your thesis, hypothesis, or research question should be clear enough for your readers to identify easily
- Briefly but thoroughly state the importance and aim of your research
Introduction Examples for Research Papers
The format for writing research papers introductions is largely the same and only differs based on the topic in question or writing styles. Here is a sample research paper introduction:
Social determinants have a great influence on the health of individuals. Obesity rates have been on the rise posing a social problem. The unequal distribution of risk factors relates to social factors, including social status and education. The main causes of obesity are genetic factors, environmental factors, psychological factors and physical factors. Bader et al. (2009) asserts that the obesity can be as a result of risk factors, such as a lack of access to fresh produce. Fresh produce may cost more than pre-packaged foods in many areas, which creates a social boundary. For better understanding of the social inequalities, this essay will analyze five factors that arise from social inequality that may also contribute to obesity. The factors for discussion include; a contrast between lower- and upper-class neighborhoods, access to fruits and vegetables, access to market, market adjust to geographical areas and the simple cost of fresh fruits in the different neighborhoods.
Research Paper Introduction Example APA
There are two major writing styles of research papers. The APA format and the MLA ones. Both offer a unique structure and are issued depending on the writing assessment method. An APA style introduction example of a research paper goes thus: the entire paper is usually written in a 12-point font double spaced and with one-inch margins provisions all around the texts.
Research Paper Introduction Example MLA
Usually, the introduction of research papers in the MLA format starts with a catchphrase, an engaging statement, or a question to motivate readers to engage in the content. The subsequent sentences provide background information, and the entire introduction should be approximately 10% of the research paper. Also, the introduction paragraph ends with a thesis statement that provides a clear expression of the main arguments. These are the major differences between the APA example written above.
It is normal that not every student exemplifies great writing skills. However, there is absolutely nothing wrong with searching for introductory research paper writing tips online as a student. Also, you can hire someone to write research paper for you if this task seems too difficult. This helps students have the confidence to begin their writing and make the entire research paper a good one.
