The introduction
1. Start With a Clear and Engaging Hook
2. Provide Background and Context
3. Narrow Down to the Specific Problem or Gap
4. State the Purpose or Thesis of Your Study
5. Add a Short Roadmap (Optional)
1. Start With a Clear and Engaging Hook
The hook is your opening statement. It sets the tone, grabs attention, and guides
readers into the topic.
Some effective options include:
• A strong statistic
• A surprising fact
• A short scenario
• A question
• A brief, relevant anecdote
Example:
More than 1.5 billion students worldwide shifted to online learning during the
COVID-19 pandemic, creating sudden changes in teaching quality and student
engagement.
This approach works because it is specific, relevant, and grounded in data.
2. Provide Background and Context
After the hook, explain the broader topic, so readers have the right foundation. This
part of your introduction section helps readers understand the general field
before you narrow it down to the specific problem.
What to include:
• Definitions of key concepts
• A short explanation of the topic
• A brief mention of what researchers already know
• Important terms needed to understand your study
Example:
Online learning has been used for many years across universities, often supported
by research on motivation, instructional design, and student engagement (xxxxxx,
year). Several authors (xxxxx, year, xxxx, year) argue that
This prepares the reader without overwhelming them.
3. Narrow Down to the Specific Problem or Gap
This is the most important part of the introduction. Every research paper must point
to a clear gap, inconsistency, or unanswered question in the field.
Ask yourself:
• What is missing in the current research?
• What has not been explored enough?
• What problem does my study address?
Example:
However, little is known about how sudden transitions to online learning affect
students in low-connectivity areas, especially regarding engagement and academic
performance.
This shows a precise gap backed by evidence.
4. State the Purpose or Thesis of Your Study
Once the gap is clear, introduce your study. Explain what your research aims to do.
This part is usually one or two sentences.
Example:
This study examines how limited internet access influences student engagement
during emergency remote learning.
Make the purpose straightforward to understand.
5. Add a Short Roadmap (Optional)
Some papers include a brief roadmap at the end of the introduction. This tells
readers what the next sections will cover.
Example:
The following sections explain the study’s methodology, present the results, and
discuss their implications for educational policy.
This step is optional but helpful for long or technical papers.
Writing Techniques That Make Your Introduction Stronger
Understanding the steps is one thing. Applying them well is another. These
techniques help improve flow, clarity, and quality.
Use the Funnel Approach
The funnel approach moves from broad to narrow. It helps readers follow your
logic.
1. Start large with a general background.
2. Narrow down to what is relevant.
3. Point out the gap.
4. End with your study’s goal.
This structure helps readers follow your logic without confusion.
Focus on the “So What?” Question
Every introduction must answer this question:
Why does this research matter?
Every introduction must show why the study matters. This is the part of writing the
introduction where you make your relevance clear by linking the problem to
current conversations, real-world issues, or gaps in the field.
• a real-world issue
• a scientific debate
• a policy needs
• new technology or trends
If you cannot answer “So what?”, your introduction may feel weak or unclear.
Keep Sentences Short and Clear
Academic writing does not need to be complicated. Use short sentences and
simple words. Clear writing shows strong thinking.
Good example:
This study investigates how remote learning affects reading comprehension among
primary school students.
Avoid unnecessary complexity.
Avoid Overloading the Introduction With Too Many References
Cite only what is needed. The introduction is not a full literature review.
Most introductions use:
• one to three key references for background
• one reference for a data point
• one to two references for the gap
Save deeper analysis for the literature review section—see our tips on how to write
your literature review introduction.
Define Key Terms Early
If your topic includes specialized terms, define them early. This improves clarity.
Example:
In this paper, digital literacy refers to the ability to use online tools for learning.
This helps readers follow your discussion later.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Writing the Introduction
Avoiding these mistakes will help your introduction feel cleaner and more
professional.
Mistake 1: Starting Too Broad
Do not begin with a vague phrase like:
“Since the beginning of time…”
“People have always been interested in…”
Start with relevant, research-based background instead.
Mistake 2: Turning the Introduction into a Literature Review
Your goal is to set up the problem, not summarize every study. Keep the
background short.
Mistake 3: Not Showing the Gap
Every introduction needs a gap. Without it, the study seems unnecessary.
Mistake 4: Adding Methods, Results, or Discussion Too Early
Save these for their specific sections.
Mistake 5: Writing the Introduction First
Many researchers struggle because they start the introduction before
understanding their own results. Write it later for better flow.
Step-by-Step Checklist You Can Follow
Here is a simple checklist you can use before finalizing your introduction.
✔ Start with an engaging hook
✔ Give clear background and context
✔ Mention what researchers already know
✔ Identify the knowledge gap
✔ Explain why the gap matters
✔ State the purpose or thesis
✔ Add a short roadmap (optional)
✔ Keep the tone clear and active
✔ Use updated sources
✔ Revise for clarity and flow
Writing a Perfect Introduction of a Research Paper
Crafting a clear, focused introduction is key to setting up your research paper
effectively. Use the funnel method and highlight the gap. You create a strong
foundation that guides readers through your study’s purpose. A well-structured
introduction not only explains your topic but also shows why your research matters.