What makes a good Introduction?

The power of a good introduction – what is the aim of an introduction? 

First impressions matter! That’s why the introduction of your paper is so important. An introduction is there to set the scene for the research you’re presenting. It’s like a teaser, in which you present the topic, its context, and your argument. The results of your research, however, belong in the discussion and/or conclusion of your paper. 

The purpose of the introduction is to establish a foundation for the following discussion. This helps readers understand the point of view you’re presenting. For example, if you are presenting a literary analysis of James Joyce’s Ulysses with a focus on its intertextual references to Homer, you need to explain how you define intertextuality. Similarly, you need to establish the scope of your research, so that readers know what to expect. 

What belongs in a good introduction? 

A good introduction situates the research topic and concretely states the research approach and questions. It usually makes up 10-15% of your paper (not including the bibliography or appendices). That leaves little space for tangential excursions or lengthy explanations. Be concise!  

Usually, a good introduction is made up of 3–4 paragraphs and explains: 

• The context of the research topic  
• Research gaps: By locating a research gap, you can give a solid explanation of why your research is important 
• Important definitions of key terms: These definitions can be personal as long as they are backed by literature 
• The aim and research questions: This can be as put as simply as “The aim of this paper is XY” or “This paper investigates the following questions”  
• The methodological approach 
• The scope of your paper: Establish clear expectations, so that readers know exactly what you’re presenting in your paper 
• A short overview of the different sections of your paper 

This may seem like a lot of information to be given in only a few hundred words, but most of these aspects can be covered in a sentence or two. 

How do you start? 

There are many ways to ease readers into your research topic. All of them help provide context. We’ve listed some of the most common strategies below: 

• Statistics: Use a statistic or data that is meaningful and interesting for the readers 
• Quote: Famous words help catch the readers’ attention, but make sure that they relate to your topic 
• Current headlines: You can simply start your paper by situating it in the context of current events that move the world, such as climate change or general elections 
• Ask a controversial question: This gets readers hooked for the answer, which you should answer in your conclusion 

If you have the time and space, you might want to start your introduction with a more creative approach. It can be a fun challenge to introduce your topic, not simply by stating facts. 

Generally, there are two approaches that you can use to ease readers into your research. You can start with the broader context and then narrow it down to your specific area. This approach is called “top to bottom“. For example: 

Over the past decade, the effects of climate change have become more apparent globally. In 2022, it led to a prolonged drought in Germany during spring, resulting in severe wildfires. The occurrence and effects of these wildfires are investigated in this paper.

You can go the opposite direction – “bottom to top” – by starting from a specific point from which you expand. For example: 

“To be, or not to be, that is the question” (Shakespeare 1891). Shakespeare’’s famous words still hold in modern philosophy. In the 20^th century, existential philosophers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Heidegger, and Simone de Beauvoir questioned the nature of human existence just as Shakespeare did before them. 

Test yourself 

What information should you present in your introduction? 

A. Your bank details 
B. The research results 
C. The aim of your paper 

How long should your introduction be? 

A. 3–4 pages 
B. 10–15% of your paper 
C. The sky is the limit 

What is a clever way to start your introduction? 

A. Introducing your favorite ice cream flavor 
B. Asking a provocative question 
C. “Once upon a time…” 

Complete the following sentence: The aim of an introduction is to… 

A. …situate your research within the discourse 
B. …tell a story 
C. …present a detailed account of your living situation 

What do “top to bottom” and “bottom to top” refer to? 

A. IKEA instructions 
B. The way to read your paper 
C. Ways of introducing a topic 

    Solutions:

   A / B / B / A / C