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Writing Your Introduction

Introductions[1]

There is no doubt about it: the introduction is important for any kind of writing. Not only does a good introduction capture your reader’s attention and make him or her want to read on, it’s how you put the topic of your paper into context for the reader.

But just because the introduction comes at the beginning, it doesn’t have to be written first. Many writers compose their introductions last, once they are sure of the main points of their paper and have had time to construct a thought provoking beginning, and a clear, cogent research statement.

Introductions Purpose

The introduction has work to do, besides grabbing the reader’s attention. Below are some things to consider about the purposes or the tasks for your introduction and some examples of how you might approach those tasks.

The introduction needs to alert the reader to what the central issue of the paper is.

Example:
Few people realize how much the overuse of antibiotics for livestock is responsible for the growth of antimicrobial—resistant bacteria, which are now found in great abundance in our waterways.

The introduction is where you provide any important background information the reader should have before getting to the thesis.

Example:
One hundred years ago there were only 8000 cars in the United States and only 144 miles of paved roads. In 2005, the Department of Transportation recorded 247,421,120 registered passenger vehicles in the United States, and over 5.7 million miles of paved highway. The automobile has changed our way of life dramatically in the last century.

The introduction tells why you have written the paper and what the reader should understand about your topic and your perspective.

Example:
Although history books have not presented it accurately, in fact, the Underground Railroad was a bi-racial movement whereby black and white abolitionists coordinated secret escape routes for those who were enslaved.

The introduction tells the reader what to expect and what to look for in your essay.

Example:
In 246 BCE, Ctesibius of Alexandria invented a musical instrument that would develop into what we know as the organ. Called a hydraulis, it functioned via wind pressure regulated by means of water pressure. The hydraulis became the instrument played at circuses, banquets, and games throughout Mediterranean countries.

The research question or statement (typically at the end of the introduction) should clearly state the claim, question, or point of view the writer is putting forth in the paper.

Example:
While IQ tests have been used for decades to measure various aspects of intelligence, these tests are not a predictor for success, as many highly intelligent people have a low emotional intelligence, the important human mental ability to reason about emotions and to use emotions to enhance thought.

Introductions Strategies

Although there is no one “right” way to write your introduction, there are some common introductory strategies that work well. The strategies below are ones you should consider, especially when you are feeling stuck and having a hard time getting started.

Consider opening with an anecdote, a pithy quotation, a question, or a startling fact to provoke your reader’s interest. Just make sure that the opening helps put your topic in some useful context for the reader.

Overall, your focus in an introduction should be on orienting your reader. Keep in mind the following five Ws: who, what, when, where, why, and add in how. If you answer these questions about your topic in the introduction, then your reader is going to be with you.

Of course, these are just some examples of how you might get your introduction started, but there should be more to your introduction. Once you have your readers’ attention, you want to provide context for your topic and begin to transition to your research question, and don’t forget to include that research question (usually at or near the end of your introduction).

  1. Adapted from Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL). (n.d.). Introductions & conclusions. Retrieved from https://owl.excelsior.edu/writing-process/introductions-and-conclusions/. Licensed under CC-BY-4.0. ↵

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PSY-250 Research Paper Guidelines and Resources Copyright © by David Adams. All Rights Reserved.

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