How to write a research paper introduction: A step-by-step guide.

The introduction is the face of your research paper, the first thing readers will encounter. A solid research paper will often use an academic introduction to answer potential questions a reader may have, and to lay the groundwork for the rest of the paper. Writing a great introduction isn’t easy though. You may even find it the most difficult part of writing your research paper.

In this Adobe Express guide, we’ll walk you through the key details and look at what to include in your introduction to make a strong first impression.

What is a research paper introduction?

The research paper introduction is where you set the stage on what’s to come. It gives your readers a clear idea of the main topic of discussion. By the time they finish reading it, they should know what your paper is about, and the basis of your key argument. For scientific papers, the introduction can also include a brief description on how the research was conducted.

There’s no limit to how long a research paper introduction should be. But the more concise the better, generally. It may only be a paragraph, or more than one page.

What goes into an academic introduction?

A solid introduction to a research paper should include the following elements:

• Initial statement. This sets the tone for your essay. Include an effective hook to give readers an idea of what you’re writing about and to encourage them to continue reading.
• Background/context. Give context to your argument, hypothesis or research topic. For example, the geographical, historical or social context. Provide a summary of relevant theories, or definitions of key terminology. Keep it brief.
• Research niche and relevance. Briefly explain how your research provides new information on your topic of discussion, and how you plan to present this information logically.

How to write a research introduction in 5 steps.

Here are a few key points to help guide you when writing the introduction of your research paper.

1. Create your hook.

Your introduction must grab your reader’s attention from the get-go. Picture it as your way of persuading the reader to become invested in your topic. A captivating hook can range from a short anecdote that highlights the issue or a thought-provoking question. The goal is to engage your audience early so they read on.

2. Give broad background info, then narrow it down.

Your introduction is the perfect place to provide context before exploring your topic in-depth. Provide background information on the topic to ensure your readers have enough knowledge to progress to the main body of your thesis.

3. Craft a succinct thesis statement.

The thesis statement is an important feature of your introduction as it summarises your paper. A strong thesis statement is short and concise and sets up your argument. Take time with it, because it will make the rest of the paper much easier to write.

4. Set the scene of your paper’s structure.

Creating an outline for your research paper makes it easier for you to frame your argument. With a roadmap of what you’ll discuss and where, you can give your argument a logical structure that makes it easier for you to write and a reader to follow.

5. Check, amend, check, amend.

It’s important to edit and proofread your introduction until it is clear and easy to understand. If readers understand your introduction, you have got the foundations right. And readers are more likely to be able to follow what comes next in the paper and its overall argument.

How can Adobe Express help you write your research paper introduction?

Enhance your research paper introduction and report writing today with the help of Adobe Express. Improve your intro with the following features:

1. Use free essay templates to block out your structure.

Adobe Express provides free essay templates to help you plan your main points smoothly in the introduction. Get started with one of our free essay templates today.

2. Plan to perfection with research posters.

With research poster templates from Adobe Express, you can organise your thesis body, sources, and citations to make it easier to create and define your statement and argument.

3. Stay organised with calendar templates.

Stay organised with Adobe Express customisable calendar templates. Track your research paper’s progress by setting deadlines for the introduction, body and conclusion of your thesis. Create your study plan too with our help.

4. Explore a range of student support tips and tools.

Discover more tools and options to enhance your research and thesis with Adobe Express guides and templates for students. Explore our Student Learning hub for more information.

5. Perfect the final product with a research paper cover.

With Adobe Express cover page templates, you can create a well-structured research paper cover and add a more a visually appealing finish to presentation research.

Generate template ideas for your research paper with the Adobe Express AI Generator.

The Adobe Express AI Template Generator can help you create a customised research paper template. Simply enter a prompt on how you’d like your research paper to look, and Adobe’s AI tool will generate a layout to match your needs. Boost your productivity today with the power of artificial intelligence.

Try Adobe Express for free now

Good to know.

How long should a research paper introduction be?

Your research paper introduction should typically be about 10% of your total paper length or less, depending on how long your research paper is. However, it can be slightly longer for certain disciplines.

How do I start my essay introduction?

You can start your research paper introduction by providing some background information on the topic you’ll be discussing. This way, the reader can understand the key issue and what your argument is all about.

Do academic introductions need citations?

As long as you’re quoting information from a different source, it’s good academic practice to always cite your sources in your research paper, even if some of them are in the introduction. This enables you to avoid infringing any intellectual property and provides evidence for your argument.

Is Adobe Express free?

Yes, our free plan offers many core features including thousands of templates, photo editing and effects, animation, and 5 GB of storage. See our pricing page for details and to compare plans.