Research Paper Writing the Introduction

Introduction should be grabbing and impressive to induce the reader to read further on present your introduction in a clear, precise and interesting way convince your reader that your essay is worth reading

Attention Getters Quotation: One that sums up the essay, not one that is not connected to content of your research Definition: Use sparingly. Many writers use this method. Question: Ask a question in the introduction...and answer it in the body. Question must be RELEVANT AND THOUGHT PROVOKING!

Attention Getters Problem: Pose a problem in the introduction... and solve it in the body. Statistics: Make sure they're actual statistics and not something you made up. Comparison: Take something the reader is unfamiliar with and relate it to something they are familiar with. Metaphor/Simile: An even more effective comparison for making the complex seem simple.

Attention Getters Shocker: Everybody likes surprises. Unfortunately, it's getting harder to shock people. Summary: A brief summary piques reader interest. Anecdote: A short humorous story relevant to the topic eases the reader into the material. Expert opinion: An expert gives you instant credibility with the reader. Make sure the expert is an actual expert and not your Uncle Fred from Topeka

Background Information Sentences 2-3/4: Background Information This is an opportunity to provide background information about your issue/topic. Set up the reader for what he or she is going to learn in the paper.

Thesis Statement Sentence 4/5: Thesis Statement This thesis statement is an informational statement that identifies the direction/argument of your paper.

Thesis Statement an explanation of the topic or purpose of a research paper a single, declarative sentence states what you want your readers to know, believe, or understand

Sample Introduction Paragraph (AG)“ And I will do everything that I can as long as I am President of the United States to remind the American people that we are one nation…” (BI) Barack Obama has made it his goal to unite the people of America under his presidency. Despite facing hardships in his youth, Obama went on to achieve great things in his education and political career. He is a family man, a charismatic leader, and a fascinating personality. (TS) Barack Obama is quite possibly the most intriguing man who has ever presided over this country.

Sample Introduction Paragraph (AG) The sport of ice hockey is one of the most confusing to understand, hardest to play, and it of the most unknown origins of any professional sport played in America. (BI) For the majority of people who gaze upon a hockey game it appears to be an unorganized mess of skating; however, the sport of hockey is very intricate. The rules and the skills of skating and puck handling take kids most of their childhood to develop. The origins of the sport of ice hockey are also unknown, but can be traced back to the creation of ice skates, far before the times of Christ in Europe. The game of Bandy is considered the earliest forefather of modern ice hockey, and was played in the late 1700’s in Europe and Russia. (TS) The sport of ice hockey is the most misunderstood professional sport played in America, because of its intricacies and cost it is often overlooked by the general population.

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