The way you frame this varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).
Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.
In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.
You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.
Step 4: Specify your objective(s)
The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013
- What research gap is your work intended to fill?
- What limitations in previous work does it address?
- What contribution to knowledge does it make?
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body
The way you frame this varies. An argumentative paper presents a thesis statement, while an empirical paper generally poses a research question (sometimes with a hypothesis as to the answer).
Full examples of research paper introductions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.
In a paper structured using the standard scientific “introduction, methods, results, discussion” format, this isn’t always necessary. But if your paper is structured in a less predictable way, it’s important to describe the shape of it for the reader.
You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.
Step 4: Specify your objective(s)
The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013
- What research gap is your work intended to fill?
- What limitations in previous work does it address?
- What contribution to knowledge does it make?
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body
- This study set out to answer the following question: What effects does daily use of Instagram have on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls?
- We investigated the effects of daily Instagram use on the prevalence of body image issues among adolescent girls.
Now you’ll get into the specifics of what you intend to find out or express in your research paper.
For example, the following could be an effective hook for an argumentative paper about the environmental impact of cattle farming:
The first job of the introduction is to tell the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening hook.
Argumentative paper: Thesis statement
- Present your topic and get the reader interested
- Provide background or summarize existing research
- Position your own approach
- Detail your specific research problem
- Give an overview of the paper’s structure
- What research gap is your work intended to fill?
- What limitations in previous work does it address?
- What contribution to knowledge does it make?
You can make the connection between your problem and the existing research using phrases like the following.
The rise of social media has been accompanied by a sharp increase in the prevalence of body image issues among women and girls. This correlation has received significant academic attention: Various empirical studies have been conducted into Facebook usage among adolescent girls (Tiggermann & Slater, 2013
What does hook mean here, though? Think of it this way: it’s like when you start a new Netflix series: you look up a few hours (and a few episodes) later and you say, “Whoa. I guess I must be hooked on this show!”
However, the thesis statement doesn’t give us any details about why the writer has made this claim or why this will help American families. There isn’t an essay map that helps readers understand what points the writer will make in the essay.
In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info:
So, let’s recap our analysis. This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work. Doing this will help ensure you’ve covered all of your bases and written an intro that your readers will find interesting!
Intro Paragraph Part 1: The Hook
For example, let’s say you want to write about college football. “NCAA football” is too broad of a topic for a paper. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! It would be tough to write an intro paragraph that’s focused, purposeful, and engaging on this topic. In fact, if you did try to address this whole topic, you’d probably end up writing a book!
One approach to writing a hook that works is starting with a general, but interesting, statement on your topic. In this type of hook, you’re trying to provide a broad introduction to your topic and your angle on the topic in an engaging way.
An introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay, paper, or other type of academic writing. Argumentative essays , book reports, research papers, and even personal essays are common types of writing that require an introduction paragraph. Whether you’re writing a research paper for a science course or an argumentative essay for English class , you’re going to have to write an intro paragraph.
Here are some useful tips that will help everyone to write a powerful introduction, increase interest and engage the audience to know the rest of the paper:
As you composing the work, you should notice that it insignificantly differs from the way that planned. In this situation, it is necessary to stay on the flow. However, you should make sure that you change the introduction in the appropriate way. Some persons go entirely from an outline and then perform the introduction as the last element of the working process. This method is good if it works for the writer.
It is important to create a well-written introduction. The student will never have once more chance to make a positive first impression. This part opens the paper and interests the audience in the chosen topic, presents it to the purpose, objectives, relevance of the problem, the object and subject of work. In fact, a well-written work introduction accounts for about 30% of the successful protection.
Undoubtedly, the justification of the topic choice is one of the main points of the introduction. The student can conditionally call it “introduction in the introduction”. The scientific and professional maturity is manifested in the way that student approaches the topic rationale. It is enough to describe briefly the essence of the current situation in modern science in connection with the topic. It will make an impression on both the tutor and all examiners.
Step4: Thesis Statement
- A small statement full of a sense of humor will grab the public attention
Writing an introduction to a student work may be the most difficult part of the paper. The intro declares the paper topic, substantiates its preconditions and relevance, and then sets out the issues discussed in the paper and the hypothesis put forward. The introduction must contain the following parts:
- Highlighting the significance of the topic
- Performing a summary of the current investigation on the matter.
- Remark the larger theoretical, empirical, policy contributions and results of your investigation.
- Formulating an analysis question or problem
- Describing important results
- Start with the body of the text to decide on the main arguments (up to 3), summarize them in the introduction, and research paper abstract.
- Be original
- Follow the rules of logic
- to start with
You’re staring at a blank document. The cursor is blinking. Your mind’s been blank for the last thirty minutes. You oscillate between writing and erasing. You look at the watch - your argumentative essay is due in the next 24 hours.
Doing this ensures you’ve covered all points and your ideas flow in logically.
Coming to the final and most important part of the introduction - the thesis statement.
Let’s first understand the purpose of the introductory paragraph. The point of the introduction is to introduce the topic while drawing readers in and making them intrigued to know more.
How to Start an Argumentative Essay on a Strong Note
However, if your essay is 1,000 words, don’t spend more than four or five paragraphs on the introduction.
So, here are five tips to keep in mind while writing an introduction for an argumentative essay and begin on a strong note.
The first one or two sentences of your essay are known as the essay hook and are meant to generate interest in readers and grab their attention. Writing a catchy hook is likely to increase your chances of scoring well.