The research paper introduction can be particularly hard because most people don’t put much prewriting thought into it. A typical outline just says, “intro.” Yet we instinctively know that our research paper introduction will set the tone for the whole paper, will grab or sedate the reader, and will either point us in the right direction or bog us down in a swampy confusion. So as out first task in the draft, we must write a key paragraph without the prewriting help the rest of the paper has. No wonder writers hesitate at that first sentence.

Many research paper introductions are “warm ups” as the writer gropes for the right tone, the properly phrased thesis, and an interesting lead-in. Nothing gets a readers used to you faster than a sharp opening; nothing makes a reader feel uneasy sooner than an introduction that mushes around a topic.

To avoid introduction paralysis, start you paper not by warming up but by being already hot. Warming up are leftovers; an introduction should set a fresh appetizer before your reader.

One strategy is simply don’t write the research paper introduction first. Start by drafting the first main heading in your scratch outline, and write the introduction after the rest of the draft is done. As your draft evolves, the introduction you do write later will fit the paper better. The weakness of this approach is that you miss the self-guidance the introduction provides. You can compromise by starting the paper with this simple working sentence: “The purpose of this paper is…” Apparently, you have to improve this bland opening during the revision phase.

A number of professional writers try another method for the first paragraph. Their first few sentences attract and stimulate the readers’ interest. Once interested, a readers is ready for your thesis, so a good research paper introduction frequently starts with several concrete, perhaps puzzling details, then presents the paper’s main idea in the last sentence of the opening paragraph.

In thinking of an introduction appropriate for your write-up, remember the three major points: (1) avoid dictionary definitions; (2) the introduction must hook the reader; and (3) make sure to come up with a brief introduction.

You research paper introduction essentially makes or breaks your overall work. It is the first set of words that the readers get to read so you must make sure you will get good impressions for the readers to continue reading. In practicing writing introductions, you are sure of tapping the interests of your readers in every write-up that you produce!