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Handout- How to write an introduction

This document serves as a guide for researchers on crafting compelling introductions for research articles, emphasizing the importance of engaging the reader and establishing context. It outlines key components such as hooks, background information, problem statements, and objectives, while also providing tips for effective writing and common pitfalls to avoid. The conclusion reinforces the significance of a strong introduction in enhancing research impact and reader engagement.

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vajivir510
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4 views4 pages

Handout- How to write an introduction

This document serves as a guide for researchers on crafting compelling introductions for research articles, emphasizing the importance of engaging the reader and establishing context. It outlines key components such as hooks, background information, problem statements, and objectives, while also providing tips for effective writing and common pitfalls to avoid. The conclusion reinforces the significance of a strong introduction in enhancing research impact and reader engagement.

Uploaded by

vajivir510
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction: Crafting Compelling Research Article Introductions

 Purpose: Guide researchers in writing impactful introductions


 Focus: Essential elements, structure, and writing strategies
 Goal: Equip writers to engage readers and establish research context

Learning Objectives
 Understand key components of effective introductions
 Identify strategies to capture reader interest
 Learn to construct logical background information
 Develop clear statement of research problem and objectives

Why a Strong Introduction Matters


 Sets the stage: Provides context, purpose, and scope for your research.
 Hooks the reader: Grabs attention and creates initial interest in your topic.
 Establishes credibility: Showcases your knowledge and expertise in the subject.
 Provides roadmap: Outlines the structure and key arguments of your paper.

Importance of a Strong Introduction


 First impression: Sets tone and expectations for the study
 Establishes context: Provides relevant background information
 Attracts readers: Engages audience and motivates further reading
 Statistics: Articles with strong intros get 30% more citations
 Example: A poorly written intro can lead to 50% reader drop-off

Key Components of an Introduction


 Hook: Grabs attention with a compelling statement or statistic
 Background: Provides context and prior research (cite 5-7 sources)
 Problem statement: Identifies gap or issue addressed (cite relevant stats)
 Objectives: Clearly outlines research goals and questions
 Road map: Briefly indicates structure and scope of the article

Salient Content: Engaging Your Audience


 Use impactful statistics or anecdotes to highlight importance (cite source)
 Provide clear overview of relevant literature (cite meta-analysis)
 Explicitly state your research question and hypothesis (cite previous studies)
 Briefly summarize main findings and implications (cite supporting data)
Identifying Gaps in Existing Research
 Highlight limitations of previous studies
 Point out unanswered questions
 Suggest areas of further investigations
 Explain how addresses the gap

Tips for Writing an Effective Background of the Study


 Start Broad, End Specific: Gradually transition from general information about the
topic to the specific problem your research addresses.
 Use Credible Sources: Reference peer-reviewed articles, reputable books, and
authoritative reports to support your claims.
 Avoid Repetition: Do not repeat content from other sections like the introduction or
literature review; keep the background unique and focused.
 Keep It Concise: The background should be clear and succinct, typically ranging from a
few paragraphs to a couple of pages, depending on the length of the research.
 Use Logical Flow: Ensure ideas are presented in a coherent order to maintain readability.

How to Write the Background of the Study

Step 1: Understand the Research Topic

Before writing, ensure you have a thorough understanding of your topic.

Familiarize yourself with key concepts, theories, and previous studies.

Step 2: Identify the Key Elements

A strong background includes the following components:

1. Introduction to the Topic: Briefly describe the area of study and its importance.

2. Current Knowledge: Summarize what is already known from previous research.

3. Knowledge Gaps: Identify limitations or gaps in existing studies.

4. Relevance of the Study: Explain why addressing these gaps is significant.

Step 3: Organize the Content

Structure the background logically:

1. Start Broadly: Begin with general information about the topic.


2. Narrow the Focus: Gradually narrow down to the specific problem your research
addresses.

3. End with a Rationale: Conclude with a clear statement of why your study is essential.

Step 4: Write Concisely and Clearly

Avoid overly technical language or excessive detail. Your goal is to provide enough context to
inform and engage the reader without overwhelming them.

Do’s and Don’ts While writing an introduction

Do’s
 Be clear, concise, and engaging.
 State the research question early.
 Provide a roadmap for the paper.

Don'ts
 Be vague or ambiguous.
 Overuse jargon or technical terms.
 Make unsubstantiated claims.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid


 Overly broad or vague statements (Example: "This is an important topic")
 Lack of clear problem statement or objectives (Cite examples of poor intro)
 Insufficient background information or context (Cite review articles)
 Failure to engage reader or establish relevance (Cite studies on reader attention)
 Using jargon or overly technical language (Cite guidelines on clear writing)

Conclusion: The Power of a Strong Start


• Well-crafted introductions and backgrounds are very important.
• Crafting them effectively enhances your research.
• Clear writing gains a competitive edge.
• Prioritize: purpose, hook, context, and relevance to captivate readers and maximize the
impact of your scholarly work.
• The background of the study is a crucial part of any research paper, thesis, or dissertation.
• It provides the necessary context for readers to understand the research problem,
highlights existing knowledge, identifies gaps, and justifies the study’s significance.
Take-Home Lessons: Writing a Memorable Introduction
 Begin with a strong hook that grabs attention (cite studies on hooks)
 Provide concise, relevant background information (cite key resources)
 Clearly state your research problem and objectives (cite examples of well-defined goals)
 Guide the reader through the structure of your article (cite article writing guides)
 Craft an introduction that is both informative and engaging (cite research on effective
communication)

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