First impressions are important in a piece of writing; it should aim to immediately engage the reader. That’s why learning how to write a good introduction for your academic paper is crucial in distinguishing your writing from that of others.

In this article, we’ll look at some of the key elements that constitute a good introduction in academic writing.

State your research purpose

Above all else, your writing needs to demonstrate purpose. Why was it necessary that you took the time to write so many words on such a topic? And why now, at this moment in time? By thinking through these questions, you are one step closer to knowing how to write a good introduction for your academic paper.

When you define the purpose of your research thesis, this naturally improves the strength of your communication. You are able to convey your ideas more effectively, engage the interest of your readers more deeply, and create a lasting impression. All these positives can directly translate into improved visibility and citation impact for your paper.

From the start, your argument should be clear, as should the wider context of your article. Summarize existing research within your subject area and define how your work engages with this history. What you are aiming to do here is position your work within a continuum of research. Ultimately, you want to indicate how your research will advance the knowledge base of your subject area.

Provide clear signposting

Learning how to write a good introduction depends on your ability to visualize your argument. One of the main reasons for writing an introduction is to provide a clear overview of the logical progression of your thesis.

Your introduction should act as a kind of visual aid to the reader, guiding them through the structure of your argument, with its various turns and objectives. This is your orientating information. With this clearly communicated overview in their minds, readers will naturally be able to follow the threads of your main body of text more attentively as they go along.

Remember to break your thesis down into its main constituent parts. Always keep in mind how these individual parts communicate with each other to form a cohesive thesis, one that will function to either support or challenge previous ideas in your respective field.

Establish a confident tone

Tone is a defining element of successful writing. In academic writing, tone should be established within your introduction and be maintained throughout your paper. But what exactly defines tone, and what constitutes a confident one?

The general character or attitude of a piece of writing is representative of its tone. What constitutes this tone are elements such as word choice and sentence structure. Language should be formal but not overly complex. You should also aim to vary sentence structure to establish flow and confidence.

Importantly, aim to be direct. This doesn’t mean bringing emotive language into your writing. Instead, be authoritatively clear and utilize restraint where possible. Your reader needs to feel reassured by your understanding of your own ideas and how you communicate them.

Be concise

It’s very important to communicate your ideas effectively in your introduction. One important way of doing so is to be concise.

When it comes to writing, many people feel the need to squeeze as much information as possible into sentences, leading to convoluted, confusing clauses. However, actively thinking about your sentence length and aiming to shorten sentences can lead to greater clarity.

As a general rule, aim for around 15–20 words per sentence. Of course, this amount won’t be suitable for all the points you’re trying to make. But it should help you build a solid foundation for your writing from which you can deviate when your argument requires you to do so.

It’s worth noting that the length of your introduction should be around 10% of your total word count. Keeping this percentage in mind will help you stay within the predefined limits of your argument.

Keep your reader engaged and reassured

There isn’t a definitive way to write an introduction. However, keeping all these tips in mind will help you lay the groundwork for better writing. Keep the reader at the forefront of your mind when thinking through how to write a good introduction for a research paper. Every sentence in your introduction should aim to engage and reassure your reader. After all, you are the authority on your subject.

Want to learn how to improve your writing beyond introductions? Check out our 5 basic tips for better writing.