A well-written introduction is what your instructor attaches much importance to. An introduction states the context, the significance of your work and its importance for the chosen field. It introduces the topic to your readers and leads them through the main points of your work. Just a quick glance at the introduction may be enough for your instructor to give you either a good or bad grade. It doesn't mean that writing an introduction to a research paper is something you will never learn how to do — it simply means that you will have to be attentive to every tiny detail when working on this section of your essay. Each introduction should be written clearly and answer several questions which will help your readers understand what the paper is all about. These questions are:
- What is the focus of the research?
- Why is this topic important?
- What did researchers know about this topic before this paper was written?
- How this research contributes to other studies in the field?
If you can answer these questions, you can easily find an answer to the question "how to start a research paper." Depending on the topic of your research and the field you are investigating, you may write the first paragraph in many different ways. Generally speaking, you have to lead the readers into the topic of your research. Therefore, do not start your introduction with a research question. Do not proceed to the topic from the very beginning, your introductory sentence or the first few sentences act as an indicator of a wider issue or a problem which you have to narrow down in the subsequent sentences.
Another important thing you should pay attention to is referring to the keywords in your introduction. For example, if the topic covers such terms as discourse, text, and speaker, be sure to mention them in the introduction. You may also need to define them, especially if it is important for your research. If the research you are working on is related to the humanities or social sciences, use anecdotes or quotations in the opening sentences.
How to Write an Introduction to a Research Paper Properly?
A solid introduction to a research paper is your only chance to make a first good impression. You don't want to waste your time watching a movie with a boring beginning, now do you? And you certainly don't reckon that things will get any better halfway through it, so you start searching for something more engaging Then why would anyone want to read your research if the very first part of it doesn't prove that the research is worth reading? Perhaps the only reason why you wrote it, is because your professor wanted you to or because just wanted to get your grades?
How to Start a Research Paper Introduction?
We hope that the lyrical digression in the previous paragraph helps you understand that writing a research paper introduction is similar to being taken at face value. It lends more credibility to your work and also helps you organize your thoughts logically, which will ultimately make your paper look solid. The earlier you start working on the paper, the better grade you will get. It is not a myth, and it is a simple answer to the question "how to start off a research paper?." You need to start with brainstorming and collecting ideas. Be sure to consider the topic and consult with your instructors if you feel that you need more clarification. If the topic was not chosen by your professor, conduct research and look through some previously written works. It may give you some good ideas. Take a look at the research papers to determine which questions were not analyzed before.
Good Research Paper Introductory Paragraph Tips
Your introductory paragraph for a research paper will be perfect if you do a check-up. Here is the list of must-haves:
- Start with some general info which is closely connected to your topic.
- Narrow down this information to the topic of your paper. Show the connection between your research topic and a broader, more generalized theme.
- Use the keywords, define any new or important terms or expressions which were used in the whole paper.
- Refer to the relevant literature sources, outline which issues have already been researched and what needs to be analyzed more thoroughly.
- Prove that your topic is appropriate. The rationale of the research must outline the topicality of the topic the field.
- Write a persuasive thesis statement. It should give the general research overview, reflect the issue you cover in the paper and be engaging.
Feel free to refer to this checklist any time you need some helpful info. Be creative and enjoy your writing process! You may also refer to our research paper writing help in case you still experience difficulties with submitting your research. There are a lot of situations when we have no time to do all the things we want. That is why finding our credible and affordable paper writing service may prevent you from encountering unpleasant situations and be a perfect solution to some urgent issues.