Starting writing a paper can be sometimes tricky. However, knowing what introduction elements to use can speed up the process. What is important to know is the difference between writing an introduction for different types of papers, essays (argumentative and informative or expository essays, research papers, etc.).

Introduction Elements for Essays

Attract attention

It is common to start introduction with a hook, being an element attracting attention. Use statistics, data, interesting fact, anecdote, etc.

For example, “More than 50% of the world population who live in poverty have no education.” Such a hook is suitable for an essay on poverty or the lack of education.

Expound on the issue

Determine the problem or issue that you will discuss in the paper. Therefre, based on the hook above, the following can be written, “The problem of poverty is burning in countries that fail to fund education.

Overall, answer the following questions: what? who? when? and so what? why?

End with a thesis statement

Present an argument for an argumentative essay. For example, “Global organizations should advocate for directing funding to education and support population groups in need to overcome poverty.” The thesis statemet presents an argument (“Global organizations should advocate for directing funding to education and support population groups in need…”), support why change is necessary (“to overcome poverty”), and order in which ideas will be discussed in the paper (“advocate for directing funding to education and support population groups in need”).

Introduction for Research Papers

For research papers, introduce the issue or problem that you will research.

Present the scope of the problem. How many people are affected? What are their characteristics (demographic data, etc.)?

Add the purpose of the paper and outline the structure. For more complex research papers, include research question ans sub-questions, research objectives, hypothesis (one or more).

End with a thesis statement or the purpose of the paper.

Overall, introduction elements for research papers rather reflect the main points presented in the paper. These can be used for manuscripts, articles, and other types of academic writing.

Final Tips

It is better to write introduction after you have written all other parts. As a result, it will be easier to present what the paper will discuss.

Focus on the most important points of the paper.

Do not confuse introduction and abstract. Introduction expounds on the problem, attracts attention, introduces the reader to the topic, while abstract introduces to the structure of the paper and methodology.

Finally, make sure that introduction and conclusion are connected. In other words, restate the thesis statement you present in the introduction in the conclusion and summarize the findings that support it.

Remember to proofread your written paper.