How to write a research paper: creating an introduction

What is the introduction to the research paper?

The introduction to a research paper lets the targeted reader know the following information:

• The topic of the research paper.
• The main points of the research paper.
• Information on the sources used to get the facts, evidence, and support needed for your research paper.
• It normally has a hypothesis, thesis statement, or thesis question that will answered in the research paper.
• It normally has a sentence that grabs the targeted readers’ attention and makes them interested in reading the research paper.

How to write the introduction to a research paper?

Normally, the introduction to a research paper is the most difficult and hard portion of the paper to write.  It is advisable to write the introduction portion of the research paper last.  This is good to do because you will have the research paper completed, you can draw out the topic (thesis statement), draw out the main points in the research paper, and then incorporate them into the introduction.

Here are some good tips on writing a good introduction to your research paper:

• Should always write your introduction last.
• Should include the main topic or thesis statement or thesis question or hypothesis in the introduction.
• Should include the main points that will discussed in the body of the research paper.
• It should set the pace for the research paper.
• The introduction should grab the targeted readers’ attention, whereby, they would want to read the entire research paper.
• The introduction should include information that supports your topic in question.  This should be completed in a few sentences.
• The hypothesis, thesis statement, or thesis question should be the last sentence in the introduction.
• The objective of the research paper should be clearly stated in the introduction.  If the objective is not clearly stated, you will have a long research paper that is confusing to the reader because they will not understand the main points of the paper.
• Ensure that you place the main points in the order that they will be discussed in the body of the paper. 
• It is okay to re-write your introduction as many times as possible until it looks, reads, and feels right to you.
• Also, it is advisable to read your introduction and conclusion portions of the research paper together to ensure that they flow together.

An excellent introduction to your research paper will ensure that the rest of the paper flows in the right way and will ensure that you receive a good grade on your research paper.