How to write a good introduction?

Asked 29-Apr-2023
Updated 17-Oct-2023
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If your readers only read your intro and your conclusion, they should be able to find their way around and already be able to judge the quality of your writing. I think that's why legend has it that some proofreaders will read those two parts carefully and just skim the rest…

Here are the steps I think it is important to go through in order to write an introduction that fulfills its function (taking the reader by the hand to show him how relevant the questions you are asking are and that you have an exciting idea of how to answer them and moreover that you are going to (un)show it to his step by step, according to a well-marked path and "evidence"):

1- A hook: a quote, a current event, an observation, an interview extract, a statistic, etc.

This information (which you will present in more or less detail), leads you to formulate the problem you have chosen for your research.

2- The problem: you question the elements reported as a hook to formulate the questions that guided your research. After having formulated an initial question, you formulate others…

3 - The presentation of your research process: to answer your questions, you had to adopt a strategy (observation, questionnaire, interviews, documentation, readings...), this is the moment to present it.

4- Presentation of your theoretical framework: in the wake of which authors have you built your reflection?

5- Announcement of the plan: in what stages will you answer the questions formulated in the problem? What will you (un)show in each of your parts?

I recommend that you read several introductions to books, articles, or dissertations, and see if these different elements appear in them. Pay attention to how the authors have chosen to bring their problem to life and take inspiration from the ways of proceeding that seem the most relevant to you.


 

Once you're pretty much satisfied with your introduction (don't be too a perfectionist, so that you don't end up with a perfect intro and first part...and only two days left to finish writing your other two parts, your conclusion and finish "everything else", i.e., your biblio, your layout, your proofreading, your printing, your binding, etc., etc., etc.), put it next to your detailed plan. On the other hand, you can find a writer for your paper to proofread it.

- Your introduction explains why it is really interesting (and fundamental) to ask the question you have asked yourself, and announces the thesis you will defend (the answer to the question posed in the problem).

- Your plan allows you to understand the steps you will go through to answer your question.

- The conclusion concludes: this means that you have asked yourself a question and answered it. Your conclusion affirms this answer, where you have ended up.


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1 Answer


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A good introduction is an essential part of any piece of writing. It serves as the first impression and sets the tone for the rest of the content. Here are some tips for writing a good introduction:

How to write a good introduction
  1. Start with a hook: The first sentence or two should grab the reader's attention and make them want to keep reading. This could be a surprising fact, a thought-provoking question, or a bold statement.
  2. Provide context: After the hook, provide some context for the topic or issue being discussed. This could be a brief history, a definition of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs.
  3. State your thesis: The thesis statement is the central argument or claim of your writing. It should be concise and clear, providing a roadmap for the rest of the content.
  4. Preview the content: After stating your thesis, preview the main points that will be covered in the rest of the content. This helps to orient the reader and give them an idea of what to expect.
  5. Keep it concise: The introduction should be brief, usually no more than a few paragraphs. It should provide enough information to engage the reader, but not so much that it overwhelms them or detracts from the main content.
  6. Revise and edit: Like the rest of the content, the introduction should be revised and edited for clarity, coherence, and effectiveness. It should be written in a clear and concise language that is easy to understand for the target audience.
  7. Consider the audience: The introduction should be tailored to the target audience. Consider what they already know, what they are interested in, and what they want to learn. This will help to ensure that the introduction resonates with them and sets the right tone for the rest of the content.

In conclusion, a good introduction should grab the reader's attention, provide context, state the thesis, preview the content, be concise, be revised and edited, and be tailored to the target audience. By following these tips, you can write an effective introduction that engages your readers and sets the tone for the rest of the content.