A research paper introduction is your first chance to grab attention. It tells readers what the paper is about and why it matters. A good introduction answers basic questions, explains the purpose, and sets the tone for the rest of the paper.

Many find introductions hard to write. This guide will show you what to include and share tips to make it easier. You’ll learn how to create a research paper introduction that works, whether you’re writing in APA or MLA style or following other formats.

What is a research paper introduction?

A research paper introduction is your first chance to grab attention. It tells readers what the paper is about and why it matters. A good introduction answers basic questions, explains the purpose, and sets the tone for the rest of the paper.

The introduction should clearly explain the paper’s main topic and prepare readers for what’s ahead. After reading it, they should understand the focus, the key point being made, and why it’s important. For scientific and data-heavy papers, the introduction might also briefly describe the research methods used.

The main goal of the introduction is to give readers all the necessary background before presenting the findings in the body of the paper. Learning how to write a clear, concise introduction is an essential step in writing a great research paper.

How long should a research paper introduction be?

There are no strict rules for the length of a research paper introduction. The introduction’s length depends on the overall size of the paper. For longer research papers, the introduction might take up more than a page.

For shorter papers, it could be just a single paragraph. The key is to provide enough information to introduce the topic and outline the purpose of the paper clearly.

What to include in introductions to research papers

A thesis statement is a sentence that tells the reader what your paper is about. It sets the focus and explains what you will and won’t cover.

Next, give some background information. This includes a brief history of the topic and important research that helps explain your ideas.

In academic writing, it’s helpful to explain the area your paper focuses on. In a formal paper, you should mention a research gap, something that hasn’t been studied enough or at all. If your paper isn’t original research, you don’t need to worry about this part.

After that, explain how your paper fills the gap. Why is your paper important? How does it add something new to the topic?

Finally, say why you chose this topic. It could be because you're interested or because the topic needs more research. Also, mention what you hope your research will achieve.

What to include in introductions to scientific research papers

Scientific research papers, especially those with original research and new data, have extra things to include in their introduction:

• Methodology

• Research question or hypothesis

• Literature review

The methodology explains how you did your research, what tools you used, and the steps you followed. This helps prove your findings are reliable.

The research question or hypothesis is similar to the thesis statement. The research question is what you're trying to answer. The hypothesis is your guess about what the research will show, made before you start. By the end of the paper, you’ll see if your guess was correct.

Since scientific papers need more detail, the background information is also more detailed. A literature review talks about all the research related to your topic. You’ll mention important studies and papers that your research is based on, and point out any problems or biases in that research.

The literature review is a great place to show the research gap. You can explain why current research on the topic is lacking and how your research fills that gap.

If you’re writing a paper that only uses existing research, you don’t need to worry about these parts.

How to write introductions for research papers

1. Use the CARS Model

John Swales, an English scientist, created the CARS model to help build a research space in paper introductions. Though it’s meant for scientific papers, this easy, three-step method can work for any research paper introduction.

• Establishing a territory: Start by explaining the background of your topic, including past research.

• Establishing a niche: Point out that there’s missing information in your topic or that current research isn’t enough.

• Occupying a niche: Show how your research fills in the missing information.

Swales also suggests stating the outcome of your research and giving a preview of your paper’s structure. However, this may not apply to all papers, especially informal ones.

This structure helps set up your research question, introduces the research gap, and shows why your research is important.

2. Start Broad and Narrow Down

A common mistake when writing research paper introductions is trying to include everything at once. Instead, take your time and introduce the information step by step in a logical order. Typically, you start with a broad overview of the topic and then get more specific as you go.

For research paper introductions, begin by giving a general view of the topic, then focus on your specific paper. This "funnel" approach helps you cover all the important parts of a research paper introduction, from background information to the research gap and finally, the relevance of your study.

3. Be Concise

Introductions shouldn’t be long or full of details. Think of them as a warm-up, not the main event. It’s best to get straight to the point, save the details for the body of your research paper.

The key to a good introduction is clarity. Avoid using too many words that can confuse the reader. Stick to simple, clear language so anyone can understand your point.

4. Consider Narrative Style

While it’s not always right for formal papers, using a narrative style in your research paper introduction can help grab your reader's attention and make them emotionally connected. A 2016 study found that using narrative techniques can even lead to more citations in other papers.

A narrative style makes the paper feel more personal, appealing to the reader’s emotions. Some ways to do this include:

• Using first-person pronouns (I, we, my, our) to make yourself the narrator

• Describing emotions or feelings in the text

• Setting the scene by describing when and where key events happen

• Appealing to the reader’s sense of morality, sympathy, or urgency

This style might not fit for all research papers, especially scientific ones, but for more casual research papers or essays, it can make your writing more engaging and help raise your reader’s interest right from the start.

4. Write Your Research Paper Introduction Last

Even though the introduction comes first in your research paper, a good tip is to write it last. This way, you already know what you’ve said in the paper, making it easier to summarize. It also helps prevent you from trying to include everything in the introduction because you won’t worry about forgetting anything.

It’s also helpful to write your introduction after the conclusion. The introduction and conclusion often have similar themes and structure. Writing the conclusion can be easier since you’ve already done the main work, and it can help you figure out what to include in your introduction.

Research paper introduction FAQs

What is a research paper introduction?

For research papers, the introduction should explain the topic, provide the necessary background, and get the reader ready for the rest of the paper. In scientific research papers, the introduction also covers the methodology and discusses current research on the topic.

What do you include in an introduction to a research paper?

A strong research paper introduction should include:

• Thesis statement

• Background context

• Niche (research gap)

• Relevance (how your research fills that gap)

• Rationale and motivation

For scientific research papers with original data, the introduction should also cover the methodology, a literature review, and possibly a research question or hypothesis.

How do you write an introduction for a research paper?

When writing a research paper, there are a few key guidelines to follow. Start with a broad overview of the topic, then gradually focus on the specific details and how your paper fits in. Keep your introduction short and to the point, it shouldn’t be too long. Some people find it helpful to write the introduction last, after finishing the rest of the paper.