Come, learn with me the tips for writing an academic paper.The first paragraph (i.e., the introduction) plays a crucial role in a well-written paper, like a guidepost to take you through uncharted territory to your destination. So how do you write this important paragraph? Let me explain it to you below.
Firstly, you need to know what the hell a first paragraph is. Simply put, it’s the opening paragraph you write to catch the reader’s eye and get them interested in your research. The main task of the first paragraph is to make the reader understand the direction of your research, to understand your research question, and to tell them about the structure of your paper. If the first paragraph is well written, the reader will be more willing to read on and understand what you are going to say later on with greater ease.
Next, let’s look at some types of opening paragraphs. The first is called a ‘descriptive introduction,’ which is primarily descriptive and aims to grab the reader’s attention. They usually begin with a fascinating question or thought-provoking event that allows the reader to quickly understand the topic of your paper and its importance. Interesting facts, a short story, or even a deep-dive topic may pique the reader’s curiosity.
The second type of introduction is called a ‘discussion introduction,’ which is primarily a discussion and is intended to lead the reader to think. This type of introduction is usually centred on a controversial topic, and by comparing and contrasting points of view, the reader is made to realise the seriousness and importance of the issue. However, this type of introduction should be concise and not overly complex.
The third type of introduction is called a ‘descriptive introduction’, which favours revealing the meaning and significance of existing research, and is commonly used in argumentative essays.
The fourth is called ‘comparative introduction’, which is mainly comparative and is more commonly used in empirical research. The purpose of this type of introduction is to guide the reader through the main achievements and shortcomings of the research so that they can evaluate it from different perspectives.
In conclusion, I would like to say that these are common ways of writing an introduction, and it depends on your research paper. The key is that the introduction should be engaging enough to get the reader smoothly into the body of the text. With regard to the research question, you need to explain in detail how the research applies to other areas of study or answers specific questions. You also need to consider the central idea and structural design of your research paper to ensure that each paragraph in the introduction section leads effectively to the core argument of the paper.
