When writing a dissertation as a student, it is important to clearly define your topic and your initial question.
If you have any questions regarding these important parts of the dissertation, do not hesitate to consult our fact sheets already available on #MyStudies.
However, what led you to click on this article is rather the introduction of your research document.
This part is the first to illustrate your research approach and to allow your professor, and your readers, to better understand the objective of your dissertation.
It should not be too long, nor too short.
It must be able to hook, without going into a tirade that has no qualitative meaning for your readers.
Don't worry, this article will give you the keys to writing a top-notch introduction !
Understanding the Purpose of an Introduction
As explained in the previous paragraph, the introduction is crucial. But why? Well, because it fulfills several key objectives.
First, it introduces your topic and explains why it is important to you, but also, and most importantly, why it is useful to your reader.
It provides background information and context, helping the reader understand the importance of your research.
The introduction also establishes your credibility as a researcher by demonstrating your knowledge of the subject.
Finally, and crucially, it will present the outline of your thesis as well as your initial question.
These last two points will allow your reader to refer to your « map of the world » to better interpret, based on your initial question, your research as they progress through the chapters of your thesis.
Key Components of a Research Paper Introduction
In order for your introduction to fulfill these different objectives, it must contain five important elements.
At first, the hook, the first sentence or two of your introduction, should grab the reader’s attention. If your hook is excellent, your readers will then want to continue reading your thesis.
Next, the background information will allow readers to learn more about your topic and your field study context. This point will be important, so that readers in the same fields of study as you can be interested in your thesis.
Also, the research problem clearly articulates the specific issue or question that your research seeks to investigate and ultimately answer. It establishes the core focus of your study and highlights the gap in knowledge or understanding that your work aims to address.
And the most important will be your thesis statement, it serves as the central argument or claim of your entire thesis. It encapsulates the main point you are trying to convey and provides a concise summary of your overall position on the topic.
Finally, the Roadmap, outline of your thesis, should be stated and explained. This will allow your readers to understand, as mentioned before, the « map » of your thesis and your research.
Let's start by detailing some tips and tricks for each of the important elements that we have briefly explained here for your introduction.
Step 1 : Start with a Hook
The first step in writing a compelling introduction is to capture the reader's attention with a strong hook. There are several effective types of hooks you can use :
- Surprising Statistic : Begin with a statistic that highlights the importance or relevance of your topic. For example, « According to a 2023 study, plastic pollution in the ocean has increased by 50% in the last decade. »
- Anecdote : Share a brief story that illustrates the problem you are addressing.
- Provocative Question : Pose a question that challenges the reader to think critically about your topic. For example, « Is social media contributing to increased levels of anxiety ? »
- Quotation : Use a relevant quotation from an expert to introduce your topic.
Step 2 : Provide Background Information
As mentioned previously, it is important to contextualize your dissertation and its subject in order to avoid losing your readers.
Indeed, this helps your readers understand the context of your research and why your research is important to you and to your field of study.
The type of background information you include will depend on your specific topic and research question. You might include:
- Historical Context: If your research deals with a historical event or issue, provide a brief overview of the relevant historical background.
- Key Definitions: Define any key terms or concepts that are essential for understanding your research.
- Overview of Previous Research: Briefly summarize previous research on your topic, highlighting any gaps in knowledge or areas of debate.
Step 3 : Establish Your Research Problem
After providing background information, you need to clearly state the research problem or question that your paper addresses.
This is a crucial step because it defines the focus of your research and guides the reader through the rest of your paper.
When stating your research problem, be sure to :
- Be Specific : Clearly define the scope of your research.
- Explain the Importance : Explain why this research problem is important.
- Identify Gaps in Knowledge : Highlight any gaps in existing research that your study aims to address.
Step 4 : State Your Thesis Statement
Your thesis statement is the central argument or claim of your research paper.
It should be a concise and specific statement that summarizes the main point you are trying to make.
The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the introduction.
When writing your thesis statement, make sure it is:
- Clear and Concise : State your argument in a clear and straightforward manner.
- Specific : Focus on a specific aspect of your topic.
- Arguable : Your thesis statement should be something that can be debated or challenged.
Step 5 : Provide a Roadmap
The final step in writing your introduction is to provide a roadmap for the rest of your paper. This is a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in the body of your paper.
Providing a roadmap helps the reader understand the structure of your argument and how you will support your thesis statement.
The CARS Model
To « show off » a little and, above all, give yourself a structure to formulate your introduction like a pro, don't hesitate to use the CARS model.
The #CARS Model offers a helpful framework for structuring your research paper introduction. This model suggests that an effective introduction moves through three key stages, Establishing a Territory, Establishing a Niche and Occupying the Niche.
Conclusion
Writing a strong introduction is essential for setting the stage for a successful research paper. By carefully crafting each component of your introduction, you can create a clear and engaging pathway for your reader to follow.
Remember that clarity, conciseness, and a strong thesis statement are crucial for effectively conveying your research and its significance.
If you are having difficulties writing your research introduction, or simply lack inspiration, do not hesitate to ask one of our tutors on #MyStudies for help.
By following the steps and tips outlined in this guide, you can write an introduction that not only captures your reader's attention but also lays the groundwork for a well-structured and impactful research paper.
But if, however, you would like a proofread of your freshly written introduction following these different steps, one of our tutors can also help you correct any spelling or wording errors in your work.