5 Steps to Write an Excellent Research Paper Introduction - With Examples & Tips

The Purpose of a Research Paper Introduction

The introduction is the first part of a research paper, where the topic is introduced, and some background and context are provided. As a writer, you need a research paper introduction that has four main goals:

• To inform your readers about the general subject of your paper and why it is important or relevant.
• To provide the necessary background information, your readers need to understand the research topic.
• To establish your research question and thesis statement, which are the main points and arguments of your paper.
• To preview the main points and structure of your paper, which are the subtopics and evidence that you are going to present.

A research paper introduction is not just a summary of your paper, but a gateway to lead your readers into your specific topic. Through the introduction, you need to equip your readers with the necessary information for them to navigate and understand your research.

Characteristics of a Good Research Paper Introduction

Here are some qualities that your research paper introduction should possess:

• It should be clear and concise, avoiding unnecessary and irrelevant details.
• It should be engaging and interesting, using a hook or a catchy opening sentence to capture the attention of readers.
• It should follow a clear and logical structure and transition from one idea to another.
• It should be relevant to the research paper title, addressing the specific purpose and scope of the paper 
• It should convey the relevance or importance of the topic in light of existing research and discourse.
• It should present the writer’s own voice and original perspective on the topic.

5 Steps for Writing an Excellent Research Paper Introduction

Now that you know what a research paper introduction aims to achieve, let’s get into the steps that will help you fulfill your introduction goals effectively. 

Writing your introduction step-by-step will ensure that you cover all the parts of the introduction in the research paper. These include presenting an engaging hook, providing background and context to your topic, presenting your main questions and objectives, and mentioning the structure.

Here are the steps you need to follow:

Step 1: Identify the Purpose and Scope of your Research Paper

Before you start writing your introduction, you need to have a clear idea of what your paper is about and what you want to achieve with it. 

That is, before you can dive into writing, you should complete all the prewriting steps, which include: 

• Defining your topic 
• Craft specific research problems or questions
• Deciding the methods, techniques, and arguments that you will address in your paper. 
• Finally, you should have a research paper outline, so that you can describe the structure at the end of the introduction.

Writing a good introduction will only become possible if you know your research through and through.

Step 2: Introduce the Topic with an Engaging Hook

The first step of writing a research paper introduction is to capture the attention and interest of your readers. You want to make your readers curious and motivated to read your paper. 

You can do this by using a hook or a catchy opening sentence, such as a quote, a statistic, a question, a story, or a surprising fact. You can also use a rhetorical device, such as a contrast, a comparison, or a paradox, to create interest and intrigue.

Some points to keep in mind when crafting an engaging opening:

• Keep the hook strictly relevant to your topic. 
• It should be directly related to the main premises of your research paper

Here’s an example of an engaging opening for a research paper:

Step 3: Provide some background information and context for your topic.

After you introduce your general subject, you need to give some background information and context for your topic. 

This can include the history, significance, current state, or gaps of knowledge of your topic. The point of it is to provide the necessary and essential information readers need to know before getting into your main argument. 

You should also explain why your topic is important or relevant for your field or audience. This will help the reader situate your research work within a larger academic discourse. 

Let’s continue with the example above:

Step 4: Present your research question & objectives

Your research question is the central question that you want to answer in your paper. All of your subsequent arguments revolve around it and build up to answer that question. Your research question should be clear, concise, and specific. 

Moreover, they should also be debatable, meaning that they can be challenged or supported by evidence.

In addition to presenting your main questions in the introduction, you should also lay out your research objectives. That is, explain what you aim to achieve through this research in concrete and quantifiable terms.

Here is an example:

Step 5: Preview the main points and structure of your paper

After you present your research question and thesis statement, you need to preview the main points and structure of your paper. 

This means that you need to briefly outline the subtopics that you will cover in your research paper. You should also indicate how you will organize your paper, such as by chronological order, thematic order, or methodological order.

Let’s build upon the example from previous steps to show you how it’s done:

Research Paper Introduction Examples

Here are a few research paper introduction examples that will help put the writing steps in perspective. 

First, let us put together the introduction presented above step-by-step. Here’s the complete sample introduction:

Check out these introductions as well: 

Craft Better Introductions With These Writing Tips

Following the steps and examples above will help you craft a strong and acceptable introduction. However, you can make it even better with the following tips. 

• Create a Research Space (CARS model)

The CARS model is a framework that can help you structure your introduction, especially in STEM fields. It consists of three rhetorical steps that help you structure your introduction:

Step 1: Establish a research territory by explaining the general topic and its importance, relevance, or state of knowledge.

Step 2: Establish a niche by identifying a gap, problem, question, or challenge in the existing research on the topic.

Step 3: Occupy the niche by stating your research question, thesis statement, purpose, findings, and structure of your paper.

• Use a Funnel Approach 

Start with a broad and general introduction of your topic, and then narrow it down to your specific research problem and thesis statement. This will help you to provide a clear and logical structure for your introduction.

• Tailor the Introduction According to the Type of Research

Specific parts of an introduction may vary with different types of research. For instance, in scientific research papers, you need to provide a hypothesis instead of research questions. Similarly, in some cases, you need to provide a problem statement or focus on a research problem. 

Although the general structure of the introduction remains the same across various types and disciplines, remember that the content must be tailored accordingly. Always keep the conventions and standards of your particular field in mind when working on a research introduction.

• Write the Introduction at the End 

Sometimes, it is easier to write the introduction after you have completed the main body and research paper conclusion. 

This way, you will have a clear overview of your paper and its main arguments, and you can tailor your introduction accordingly. You can also avoid repeating or contradicting yourself, and ensure that your introduction matches the tone and style of your paper.

Alternatively, you can write a draft introduction to start your paper. However, you still need to come back and polish this introduction after completing the paper.

• Revise and Edit your Introduction

After you finish writing your introduction, check it for any errors, inconsistencies, or gaps. Make sure that your introduction is coherent, concise, and complete. You can also ask for feedback from your peers, mentors, or professional editors.

To sum up,

Now that you have learned how to write an effective introduction, you are all set to start! With the help of the examples and tips above, you can make your introductions stand out. 

Remember, writing a good introduction can help you make a lasting impression on your readers and motivate them to read your paper. So always write it with focus and follow the steps.

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