How to Write a Killer Research Paper Intro (Even If You’re a Beginner)
Your intro is your first impression make it count! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to hook readers and set up your paper like a pro.
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Your intro is your first impression make it count! Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide to hook readers and set up your paper like a pro.
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1. Start with a BANG
The Hook: Grab attention with a surprising fact, question, or bold statement.
Example:
“Did you know 80% of people abandon diets within a month? This study explores why—and how to fix it.”
Avoid: “This paper is about diets.” (Yawn.)
The Hook: Grab attention with a surprising fact, question, or bold statement.
Example:
“Did you know 80% of people abandon diets within a month? This study explores why—and how to fix it.”
Avoid: “This paper is about diets.” (Yawn.)
2. Set the Stage
Background: Explain the big picture. Why does your topic matter? Keep it short!
Example:
“Obesity rates are rising globally, costing healthcare systems billions. Yet most diet studies focus on short-term fixes, not long-term habits.”
Avoid: Dumping every study ever done.
Background: Explain the big picture. Why does your topic matter? Keep it short!
Example:
“Obesity rates are rising globally, costing healthcare systems billions. Yet most diet studies focus on short-term fixes, not long-term habits.”
Avoid: Dumping every study ever done.
3. Find the Gap
The Problem: What’s missing in existing research? Be specific.
Example:
“While many studies track weight loss, few explore the emotional triggers that make diets fail.
The Problem: What’s missing in existing research? Be specific.
Example:
“While many studies track weight loss, few explore the emotional triggers that make diets fail.
4. State Your Mission
Thesis Statement: Clearly say what your paper does.
Example:
“This study identifies three psychological barriers to diet adherence and proposes mindfulness-based strategies to overcome them.”
Thesis Statement: Clearly say what your paper does.
Example:
“This study identifies three psychological barriers to diet adherence and proposes mindfulness-based strategies to overcome them.”
5. Roadmap
Preview the Paper: Tell readers what’s coming next.
Example:
“First, we review diet psychology literature. Next, we analyze survey data from 500 participants. Finally, we discuss solutions for sustainable weight loss.”
Preview the Paper: Tell readers what’s coming next.
Example:
“First, we review diet psychology literature. Next, we analyze survey data from 500 participants. Finally, we discuss solutions for sustainable weight loss.”
Pro Tips 💡
KISS (Keep It Short & Simple): Aim for 10% of your paper’s length.
Revise Last: Write the intro AFTER drafting your paper—it’ll be sharper!
Ditch Jargon: Write for a smart 15-year-old. No “utilize” when “use” works.
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KISS (Keep It Short & Simple): Aim for 10% of your paper’s length.
Revise Last: Write the intro AFTER drafting your paper—it’ll be sharper!
Ditch Jargon: Write for a smart 15-year-old. No “utilize” when “use” works.
Subscribe @ScholarshipfPhd for more Premium Content/Tips
Example Intro (Putting It All Together)
Hook: “Imagine a world where diets actually work. Sadly, 4 in 5 people quit within weeks.”
Background: “Nutrition science focuses on calories, but mental health plays a bigger role.”
Gap: “No research links self-compassion to diet success—until now.”
Thesis: “This paper proves that kindness to oneself boosts diet adherence by 40%.”
Roadmap: “We’ll analyze psychology studies, share survey results, and offer practical tools.”
Hook: “Imagine a world where diets actually work. Sadly, 4 in 5 people quit within weeks.”
Background: “Nutrition science focuses on calories, but mental health plays a bigger role.”
Gap: “No research links self-compassion to diet success—until now.”
Thesis: “This paper proves that kindness to oneself boosts diet adherence by 40%.”
Roadmap: “We’ll analyze psychology studies, share survey results, and offer practical tools.”
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