Do you sometimes get lost in the weeds before you hit the second paragraph of a research paper?
How can you make your research paper introduction readable and irresistible to draw readers in? It’s all about the funnel – a deliberate narrowing from a broad context to your precise research question. Let’s break it down.
Your research research paper introduction is the front door
Think of your introduction as the front door to your academic house. A cluttered or poorly designed doorway sends people running before they can even see the living room. The same is true of a weak introduction.
Your opening paragraph isn’t just a formality – it’s your opportunity to grab your audience. Done right, it will tell readers:
- Why your research topic matters.
- How it fits into the broader landscape.
- Why they should trust you to guide them from where they are to where your research question is.
The funnel principle: keep your readers engaged
Your introduction needs to guide your readers through broad concepts until they reach your focused research question. You need to keep the frontrunners engaged but avoid losing stragglers along the way.
1. Start broad, but not too broad
First, ask yourself whether you’re addressing a specialist or a generalist audience. Specialists might already know the basics and want to see you dive straight into specifics. General audiences, on the other hand, need more context to understand why your work matters.
Pro Tip: Your first sentence is critical. Say something that grabs your readers’ attention and sets the tone.
2. Map your line of argument with headings
You know your stuff, and so in your enthusiasm to tell things, you might miss vital steps the reader needs to follow your line of argument or get bogged down in details that stop them from reading further. Avoid this by keeping your introduction logical and focused. Use headings as placeholders for each argumentative step. For example:
- Step 1: What is the big-picture problem?
- Step 2: Why is this relevant to your field?
- Step 3: Which specific knowledge gap does your research address?
- Step 4: What is your hypothesis or research question?
Once you’ve written paragraphs under each heading, delete the headings. This ensures your introduction flows naturally and your arguments are easy to follow.
3. Back up your arguments, but don’t overdo it
Strong, relevant references should back every argument in your introduction. But don’t overdo it.
Ask yourself:
- Does this source directly support my argument?
- Is it the most compelling evidence available?
- Will it convince sceptical readers?
You don’t need to cite every paper in your field – just the ones that add real weight to your narrative.
Trim the fat: remember less is more
Here’s the harsh truth: most introductions are too long. You don’t need to demonstrate what you know. Instead, you must adeptly guide your reader from their position to your research question. And the fewer words you can use to do that, the better!
- Cut repetition. If you’ve said it once, you don’t need to say it again.
- Get to the point. Phrases like “due to the fact that” waste words. Here, “because” says enough.
- Stay focused. Every sentence should help the reader move closer to your research question. If it does not, delete it.
Key takeaways
- Use the funnel principle. Start broad, then narrow down to your specific research question.
- Write with headings. Map out each step of your argument before filling in the details.
- Be selective with evidence. Use strong references that directly support your arguments.
Reach out
The introduction sets the scene for your research paper. It’s not just a place to dump background information – it’s where you persuade your readers that your research is worth their time.
Need help refining your introduction?
Then contact The Golden Thread. We’ll be happy to help you shape your introduction and give your research paper the final human editing touch.
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