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.

-Thread- 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.)

Is a PhD Really Worth It? Or a Waste of Time?

It’s a tough question. Some say it changed their life. Others feel stuck and frustrated.

Here’s what 3 PhDs shared about the real value of a PhD and what YOU should take away from it 👇

- Thread- 1. Worth or Waste? It depends.

- For some, the PhD leads to opportunity, credibility, and growth.

- For others, it feels like time lost, especially without clear direction.

- The truth? It’s personal.

- You define its value based on what you do with it — now and later.

Master the Basic Essay Structure

- Thread- 1/ The 3-Part Blueprint

Every essay has 3 core sections:

✅ Introduction (Set the stage)
✅ Body (Build your argument)
✅ Conclusion (Wrap it up)

Pro tip: Start with an outline—it saves hours of rewriting!

Improve Your Critical Thinking in Research (Simple Steps)

- Thread- 1. Question Everything

Ask:

“What evidence supports this?”
“Whose perspective is missing?”
“Could this be biased?”

Red flag: Accepting claims without proof.

Mastering Academic Writing: Your Step-by-Step Guide from Idea to Impact

Struggling with academic writing?

This thread breaks down everything you need to know—from structuring your paper to avoiding plagiarism. Let’s dive in! 1. Why Publish?

Share Knowledge: Contribute to your field.

Career Growth: Boost credibility for grants, promotions, and collaborations.

Scientific Progress: Build a foundation for future research

As a PhD Examiner ... My Top 25 Tips for PhD students (1/7) As a PhD Examiner ... My Top 25 Tips for PhD students (2/7)

Thesis Defense – Simple Answers to 20 Common Questions

- Thread- 1. “What did you learn from your study?”

Answer: Summarize your key takeaway in 1–2 sentences.

Example: “I learned that AI tutoring improves math scores by 20% in rural schools.”

Pro Tip: Mention a technical term from your thesis (e.g., “neural networks”).

Mastering Academic Writing: The 7 Essential Elements

Academic writing demands clarity, rigor, and purpose. Based on Jeffrey R. Wilson’s framework, here are the seven key elements to elevate your work:

- Thread- 1. Evidence

Support every claim with credible sources, data, or examples.

Example: Instead of stating, “Climate change is accelerating,” cite peer-reviewed studies: “Smith et al. (2022) found a 40% increase in CO₂ levels since 2000.”

Tip: Use footnotes, citations, and direct quotes to make evidence visible.

Artifcial intelligence-assisted academic writing: recommendations for ethical use (1/5) Artifcial intelligence-assisted academic writing: recommendations for ethical use (2/5)

AP Research Paper Rubric Explained Simply

The AP Research rubric scores papers across 9 areas. Each area has 3 levels:

Level 1: Basic

Level 2: Proficient

Level 3: Advanced

Goal: Aim for Level 3 in each!

- Thread- 1. Topic & Purpose (Context)

Level 1: Broad topic identified.

Level 2: Clear topic + purpose.

Level 3: Explain why the topic matters to your field.

Understanding the Knowledge Vee – A Simple Guide to Research Inquiry

What is the Knowledge Vee?

The Knowledge Vee is a tool to organize your research process. It connects thinking (theory) and doing (methods) to answer key questions. Let’s break it down!

- Thread- Top of the Vee: World View & Philosophy

World View: Your core beliefs (e.g., "Climate change is urgent").

Philosophy/Epistemology: How you define knowledge (e.g., "Data should be measurable").
Example: If you believe education reduces poverty, this guides your entire study.

7 Sci-Hub Alternative Websites

Paper you need to ask for payment & can't use sci-hub?

You don't have to pay to read academic papers.

These are 7 sci-hub alternative websites to download papers for free. 👉 Unpaywall --> https://unpaywall. org/

Install this browser extension on Chrome and read the paper directly on the journal website legally and for free.
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A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting a SWOT Analysis

(Turn internal/external factors into actionable strategies!)

What is a SWOT Analysis?

A framework to evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats affecting your project, business, or goals.

- Thread- 1. Strengths (Internal)

What to Assess: What advantages do you have?

- Capabilities: Skills, expertise, or unique processes.

Example: “Skilled R&D team with 10+ patents.”

- Resources: Assets, funding, or partnerships.

Example: “$2M in financial reserves.”

- Reputation: Brand loyalty or market presence.

Example: “Ranked #1 in customer satisfaction.”

Innovation: Cutting-edge technology or processes.

Pro Tip: Focus on sustainable advantages competitors can’t easily replicate.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Teaching the Analytical Essay ( Writing from Literature )

(Simplify literary analysis with the "Tootsie-Roll" method!) 1. The Thesis Statement

What it is: A single, arguable sentence that states your interpretation of the text.

Key features:

- Clear: Avoid vague language.

- Bad: “This essay is about symbolism.”

- Good: “In The Biggest Bear, the protagonist’s journey symbolizes the loss of innocence.”

Specific: Focus on a narrow aspect of the text.

Debatable: Invite discussion (not a fact).

Where to place it: At the end of the thesis paragraph (first paragraph).

A Futurist’s Framework for Strategic Planning

(Ditch arbitrary timelines—use the "Cone of Certainty" instead!)

- Thread- Why Traditional Planning Fails

Most companies set goals based on arbitrary timelines (e.g., quarterly or annual). But the future isn’t linear—it’s layered with probabilities.

Amy Webb’s Cone of Certainty fixes this by grounding strategy in evidence-driven foresight.

A Simple Guide to Systematic Literature Reviews (SLR) & Meta-Analysis (MA)

(Share to promote effective academic practices!)

- Thread- 1. What is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR)?

Purpose: Synthesize existing research to map a field, identify gaps, and suggest future directions.

When to Use:

- Your topic is evolving (new/under-researched).
- You need a qualitative overview of current knowledge.

Key Features:

- Reviews all relevant studies (journals, books, reports).
- Focuses on interpretation and synthesis, not statistics.
- Types: Domain-based, theory-based, method-based reviews.

Steps for SLR:

1. Define Scope: Clearly outline research questions.

2. Search Strategically: Use keywords, databases, and filters.

3. Screen & Select: Remove irrelevant studies.

4. Analyze & Synthesize: Identify patterns/themes.

5. Report Gaps: Highlight unanswered questions.

10 Practical Ways to Use the 80/20 Rule for Productivity (Simple Guide)

What is the 80/20 Rule?

The 80/20 Rule (Pareto Principle) means 20% of your efforts often create 80% of your results. Focus on what matters most!

- Thread- 1. Prioritize Key Tasks

Identify the 20% of tasks that drive 80% of your progress. Do these first. Example: Focus on writing a project draft over minor emails.

Top 5 Myths About a PhD

Myth 1: “You need to be a genius to get a PhD.”

Reality:

A PhD is about persistence, not genius. Success comes from curiosity, hard work, and learning from failures. Myth 2: “A PhD guarantees a fancy job or high salary.”

Reality: PhDs open doors, but not all doors. Academic jobs are rare and competitive. Many grads thrive in industry, government, or startups — but salaries vary. Research career paths early!

How to Pick the Best Journal for Your Research

- Thread- Step 1: Know your audience

Who needs to read your work?

Doctors? Engineers? Teachers?

Pick a journal that they read.

Example: Don’t send cancer research to a journal about plants.

Mastering Critical Thinking with Bloom’s Taxonomy: A Practical Guide

Bloom’s Taxonomy is a cornerstone of education, guiding learners from basic recall to advanced creativity.

Here’s how to use its action verbs to sharpen critical thinking skills:

- Thread- 1. Remember (Knowledge)

Retrieve foundational information.

Verbs: Define, Identify, Describe, Recognize, List, Memorize, Recall, Quote, Illustrate, Label.

Example: "Define photosynthesis" or "List the steps of mitosis."

7 Sci-Hub Alternative Websites

Paper you need to ask for payment & can't use sci-hub?

You don't have to pay to read academic papers.

These are 7 sci-hub alternative websites to download papers for free. 👉 Unpaywall --> https://unpaywall. org/

Install this browser extension on Chrome and read the paper directly on the journal website legally and for free.
👉 Open Access Button (OAB) --> https://lnkd. in/dXVVQpUf