How do I write an introduction to a research paper or essay?

Question

My teacher says I have to write an introduction to my paper, but I just don't know what to write.

Answer 1

I don't like to follow a structure when I'm writing introductions because it sounds so formal for a normal essay. The only structure I keep is having a thesis at the end. When I'm writing intros my first thought is always what would get me to read this essay? If I don't even want to read it, who else will? I usually will start with some kind of catchy sentence related to my essay. You just have to remember to tease people in the intro so they will be interested in learning more about your topic. Gloss over an interesting fact or two. You thesis should end your introduction and should cover your main point and the main evidence you are using to support that claim. If it's an argumentative essay it's usually good to add a concession point in your thesis and paper where you point out a potentially valid claim that someone arguing against you may have. Research papers are very different. Those are designed to get information out to other people in your field and therefore are very formal. An intro to a research paper does not need a catchy hook because the intended reader is only reading your paper if they are already interested in it. Research paper intros should state your hypothesis, your reason for testing, your methods and materials, and a very brief general summary of your results and conclusions from the results. It's a very formal structure for a formal essay.

Answer 2

An introduction is a special type of paragraph in your paper. You are letting your readers know key information about your ideas. It allows your readers to learn the main idea in your paper, your topic, and some background about the subject you are discussing.

Sometimes, students feel an introduction is not necessary. However, an introduction is vital to the success of your writing! You might have a lot of ideas in your paper, but your introduction is one of the few places where you will be able to discuss your topic and what you will be discussing about it. It is not self-explanatory from your body paragraphs.

The nice thing about introductions is that it has a basic structure, so you can apply these parts to a variety of papers:

Topic sentence/hook: the topic sentence explains the subject you are going to discuss and your spin on it. It's general, but not too general. For example, instead of global warming, a good hook for the paper would be about which side of the debate on global warming is correct.

Background information: This is where you provide some basic information about the subject you are going to discuss. Again, the information should pertain to your spin on the subject. For instance, if you want to discuss James Joyce, speaking about his life and career in the background section would be better than speaking about all Irish authors during the early 1900s.

Thesis statement: Your thesis statement will describe in one sentence the main idea you're defending and the evidence you will use to support your ideas. Often, a thesis will help give structure to your paper and allow you to present your ideas in an organized way. Here is an example of an efficient thesis statement: Schools should require all students to wear school uniforms because it prepares students for the working world, it allows students to focus on their work, and it decreases incidences of bullying and gang violence, and it puts students on an equal standing.

It takes a bit of practice, but writing great introductions can really help you convey your viewpoints with efficiency and mastery for your middle school, high school, and college papers.