How to Write a Strong Introduction to a Research Paper
1. Start with a Compelling Hook
- The hook grabs the reader's attention right from the first sentence.
- It can be a powerful statement, fact, statistic, intriguing question, striking quotation, or simile/metaphor.
- Examples: A powerful statement like 'Every day Facebook invades its users’ privacy,' or a thought-provoking question.
2. Provide Important Background Information
- Offer essential context for understanding the topic.
- This can include describing a problem, offering historical background, or outlining key debates.
3. End with a Provable and Specific Thesis Statement
- The thesis statement should present your central argument or position.
- It must be clear, specific, and something you can prove with evidence throughout your paper.
- The thesis guides the structure of the rest of the paper.