As an academic writing coach, here are the 7 most common mistakes I see researchers make when writing the Introduction section of their paper.
A thread. 🧵
#AcademicChatter #AcWri #newPI
A thread. 🧵
#AcademicChatter #AcWri #newPI
#1: Not describing the problem that your study is solving
🌪️ The purpose of your Introduction section is to motivate the need for your study. Introducing tension is a great way of doing that!
🌪️ The purpose of your Introduction section is to motivate the need for your study. Introducing tension is a great way of doing that!
#2: The Introduction section is too long
📏 Only mention research that gives context to the problem you are solving. The Introduction section isn't a literature review!
📏 Only mention research that gives context to the problem you are solving. The Introduction section isn't a literature review!
#3: The paragraphs are too long
🧱 Nobody likes to read an unstructured wall of text. 100-200 words is the optimal length for a paragraph, and each should cover one specific topic.
🧱 Nobody likes to read an unstructured wall of text. 100-200 words is the optimal length for a paragraph, and each should cover one specific topic.
#4: The sentences are too long and convoluted
⛓️ Writing short sentences is harder to do than it sounds. My rule of thumb is one main and one subordinate clause per sentence. Remember the aim for our writing is to be clear, not to sound fancy!
⛓️ Writing short sentences is harder to do than it sounds. My rule of thumb is one main and one subordinate clause per sentence. Remember the aim for our writing is to be clear, not to sound fancy!
#5: A boring first sentence
🥱 The first sentence of your Introduction section is a powerful position because it is the first sentence of your whole paper. Hook your reader right from the get-go!
🥱 The first sentence of your Introduction section is a powerful position because it is the first sentence of your whole paper. Hook your reader right from the get-go!
#6: The Introduction section doesn't flow
🌊 You want to guide your reader through your section. A great way of doing that is by linking your sentences and paragraphs together.
🌊 You want to guide your reader through your section. A great way of doing that is by linking your sentences and paragraphs together.
#7: Using too many synonyms
😵💫 Often researchers are afraid of repetition. But do you know what's worse than boring your reader? Confusing them! Introduce or explain each term and then stick to it.
😵💫 Often researchers are afraid of repetition. But do you know what's worse than boring your reader? Confusing them! Introduce or explain each term and then stick to it.
TL;DR: The 7 most common mistakes in the Introduction section
#1: Not describing a problem
#2: Section is too long
#3: Wall of text
#4: Sentences are too long
#5: Boring first sentence
#6: No flow
#7: Too many synonyms
#1: Not describing a problem
#2: Section is too long
#3: Wall of text
#4: Sentences are too long
#5: Boring first sentence
#6: No flow
#7: Too many synonyms
If you found this thread helpful, this free training where we go over the whole process of developing and writing a paper (including the Introduction section) will be ideal. 👇✨
annaclemens.com/training?utm_s…
annaclemens.com/training?utm_s…
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