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How to Write an Introduction for a Dissertation or Thesis: Guide & Examples

Dissertation-introduction

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A dissertation introduction is the opening chapter of a doctoral-level research project, which serves as an overview of the entire study. The purpose of the introduction chapter is to provide readers the context, objectives and scope of research.

When writing a dissertation intriduction, you should cover the following aspects: 

  • Problem statement and research questions
  • Review of relevant literature
  • Research methodology
  • Significance of the study.

A good introduction is essential to engage readers by convincing them regarding your credibility and authority on the topic. That's why you should clearly know how to structure an introduction for thesis or dissertation.

In this guide by the best dissertation writing service , we will review how to write a dissertation introduction and make it outstanding. To reinforce your grasp of ideas, dissertation and thesis introduction examples will also be provided.

What Is a Dissertation Introduction?

A dissertation introduction is your first point of departure for a project. Here, you should describe the research topic, offer an overview of your work briefly, and keep readers interested in your study. It usually goes right after your thesis table of contents . An introduction to a dissertation directs your audience from the general focus areas to a specific inquiry issue. It highlights the scope, context, and importance of a study by including a summary of the current and background knowledge about your subject, research problem, study question/hypothesis, methodological approaches utilized, potential results, and thesis organization or structure.  Further in this blog, we will tell you all ins and outs of composing an introduction chapter for both thesis and dissertation. The writing process is identical for these 2 types of works. However, if you want to know the difference between a thesis and a dissertation , visit our guide. 

What Makes a Good Dissertation Introduction?

Use the following strategies to write an effective introduction of a dissertation or thesis:

  • Write this section last to craft a good beginning because you will have a well-rounded idea about your arguments.
  • You can also compose a draft of this part. If you do this, ensure to return later and revise accordingly.
  • Consider a question you want to answer because your whole report will be responding to this issue. It’s the first step towards the dissertation or thesis introduction.
  • Use attention grabbers , especially for technical or dry topics.
  • Attend carefully to your first sentence and make sure you state engaging and useful points without errors.
  • Be direct by asserting your claims confidently.
  • When writing the introduction of a dissertation, you must place your points in a specific context. Avoid being too broad.

Characteristics of a Good Dissertation Introduction

How Long Should a Dissertation Introduction Be?

While it is vital to offer a roadmap for your study, a dissertation introduction should make up about 10% of the entire project. As a rule, the introductory chapter is around 10-15 pages long. However, the extent of a thesis or dissertation introduction varies based on your field and the nature of your work.  Therefore, it is wise to consider an assignment’s specific requirements and seek assistance from your supervisor regarding content expectations before writing a dissertation introduction chapter. You must still ensure that you provide a good overview of your project regardless of the length limit.

When to Write an Introduction to a Thesis or Dissertation?

It is common for students to write an introduction for a dissertation or thesis last or at least after completing the literature review chapter. This is because you cannot introduce a thesis or a dissertation until you have largely written your major sections, understood the whole work, and possessed exact information about what to present. By writing an introductory part and dissertation abstract at the end of your investigation, you will be able to reflect on an entire manuscript and present it coherently and fully. 

Thesis/ Dissertation Introduction Structure

Like other sections of your study, an introduction to dissertation writing follows a specific structure. While organizational patterns differ when composing your beginning chapter, these are necessary components that you will cover:

  • Topic Present your focus area, state why it matters, and who will benefit from reading the work.
  • Context Offer contextual and background information about your subject. You may write a brief review of existing literature. Also, include relevant concepts and theories.
  • Research problem When writing a dissertation introduction chapter, you must identify which issue is being investigated. Also identify prevailing problems, shortcomings, and gaps in research.
  • Aims Explain what you wish to achieve and what or how your work will contribute to the issue.
  • Objectives Determine your primary goal, including an outcome you intend to achieve and specify what you will look at.
  • Research Questions What is your hypothesis or research question(s)? Mention them.
  • Methodology Describe your dissertation methodology and approach briefly, including which techniques you will employ in attaining your study objectives.
  • Significance Explain how your work will assist in bridging the gaps you identified, solving the issue, or contributing to what is already known. Besides, include in a dissertation introduction an explanation of how your project benefits the real-world.
  • Limitations . Identify any constraints you faced while conducting your investigation. These are usually outside your control.
  • Synopsis of the study’s structure Offer a brief framework of your study to help readers understand its organization.

Elements to include in a dissertation introduction structure

How to Write a Dissertation Introduction Step-by-Step?

Introducing your research to readers can be tricky particularly if you are unaware of how to write an introduction to a dissertation or thesis. This section is one of the most important because it establishes a groundwork for the rest of your work. Thus, a poor start can ruin a flawless report. It should be simple, concise, consistent, and helpful. Below are 8 steps on how to write a good dissertation introduction. 

1. Introduce a Topic

Start a dissertation or thesis paper introduction by announcing your topic. Doing this educates your readers about the substance and what questions you will be probing. Use a few sentences to indicate the wider issue under investigation. This hooks your audience by demonstrating what content the work will cover and encouraging them to continue reading. You can then focus on specific points when writing introduction for dissertation, which will lead to a research question(s). If possible, mention those people who will be interested in looking at your report. Example of hook in a dissertation introduction

This study investigates the role a CEO plays within an organizational management structure in a company in Berlin, Germany. The research examines to what extent the limitations of this role assist or hinders organizational policies and agendas.

2. Offer a Background of Your Study

This is the second part of your dissertation introduction. Here, you should set an effective scene for your work. Also, present relevant studies that have been conducted already on your dissertation topics to contextualize your project within the wider, current research. It is unnecessary to offer a lot of details in this part because this will be covered in your literature review chapter. When writing a dissertation introduction background, identify which works informed your study, highlight how your subject developed, and recognize which knowledge gaps you will address. Doing this informs your audience about the prevalent understanding of your focus area, why you should investigate the issue, and places your inquiry in perspective. It also offers a narrative, showing how various constructs, theories, and ideas are connected logically. For example, you can refer to specific research and describe how your investigation addresses its problems and limitations or why using alternative techniques is important. Write this section by summarizing how you interpret previous investigations and what you intend to accomplish on your own. However, do not create a large background. The key is to show how your manuscript fills a particular gap. Learn more about how to write dissertation introduction background section by looking at this sample: Example of dissertation introduction background

The position of CEO is considered to significantly influence the organizational success and play a proactive role in building healthy relationships between the board members. Some studies highlight why CEOs are important but fail to state the fundamental impact of CEOS on organization overall performance. Other researchers primarily focus on the principal functions a CEO fulfills. Therefore, the usefulness of this role is unclear. The present study examines various ways through which CEOs benefit or hinder organizational efficiency.

3. Present a Research Problem

The next step towards writing dissertation introduction is explaining your problem statement . For this part, state the specific issue that you will investigate and possibly solve. Consider how your work fills an existing gap. Use one or two lines to write this section of a dissertation or thesis intro effectively before elaborating further by explaining a potential answer and why your topic requires serious attention. Remember, whatever you are researching must be so grave that it creates questions demanding urgent responses. Your solutions will help in proving or disproving your research subject. Thus, this part is crucial in an introduction of a dissertation. State it plainly, competitively, and wholly, using prompts such as what are you investigating and what is your purpose? This helps readers understand your intentions and what to expect from the project. Example of dissertation introduction research problem

CEOs have been shown to have a huge impact on organization performance, sustainability and maintenance at all levels. Existing empirical studies are affected by methodological issues that underestimate the influence of CEOs on firm performance and efficiency. This research seeks to address these methodological issues and redefine the impact of CEO. Understanding the relationship between the role of CEOs and firm performance will have practical advantages and contribute to further development of efficient organization management strategies.

4. Discuss Your Aims and Objectives

The next step concerning how to write a thesis introduction is identifying your aims and objectives. This involves stating broadly what findings you desire to achieve. Specifically, demonstrate what others should expect of your work and topic as well as highlight long-term outcomes. Keep in mind that aims and objectives are not the same thing. Specifically, write your dissertation introduction by presenting a general aim or the key purpose of a project. You can then extend it by stating several research objectives in bullet points. These should be realizable, distinct, and applicable. Avoid being ambiguous and remember to explain your intentions and convey how you will answer the research question. Also, link statements in this segment of your dissertation introduction with your subject and research problem or question to demonstrate a specific focus and your study's scope. This helps your readers comprehend which inquiry aspects you have considered and how the study question will be answered. In particular, the number of objectives and questions should be aligned since you will need to state at the end of your work whether an objective for a specific question has been achieved. Use words such as “to assess”, “to examine”, “to study”, “to understand” or “to critically evaluate”, etc. when declaring sentences in this subdivision. Aims and objectives in a dissertation introduction example

Aim This study aims to determine the impact CEOs have on firm performance. Objectives: •  Conduct surveys to gather data on CEO’s effect on firm efficiency and board performance. • Identify whether performance is linked with such variables as age, gender and work experience in the company. • Carry out interviews to determine qualitative information on the role of CEOs in organization performance.

5. State Your Research Question in the Introduction of a Dissertation

Once you have identified your purpose and goals in an introduction of thesis or dissertation, it is time to pose which research questions you will address. These are what you will answer to attain study objectives and form the main part of this chapter. You may also postulate hypotheses in your introduction to a dissertation if you have a different research paradigm. Check how to write a hypothesis to nail your research. Use the above-mentioned steps as a framework for this subheading of your first chapter because the aims and objectives section affects its nature. This helps you avoid surprising your audience as you write an introduction for a dissertation. While you can recall some key terms from earlier parts of your work, be focused, unambiguous, and concise. Example of thesis introduction research questions

• How does compensation affect employee performance positively? • What practical ways can firms use to enhance their revenues? • Why do employees prefer working remotely rather than going to work physically?

6. Emphasize the Importance of Your Study

Apart from identifying your research questions, it is necessary to describe in a thesis introduction why the study is important or its rationale. Start by explaining which issues your project addresses before outlining why this investigation is important and why you must conduct it. However, do not reveal everything about your outcomes when writing an introduction for a dissertation. Focus instead on hinting at the possible implications and impact your investigation could create for society or your field. Employ personal expertise and strong arguments by determining gaps in knowledge relating to your research problem before listing concerns that have not been addressed previously. Then, tell your readers how your report bridges the gap, resolves the issue or contributes to what is already known. In other words, how will your work be valuable to an academic community or society? Understanding how to write an introduction for a thesis or dissertation in this segment requires that you persuade your audience about why the topic requires an investigation to address an actual problem.  Example of how to write about significance in a dissertation introduction

Most senior citizens are troubled by frequent joint pains, which makes their lives uncomfortable. It is essential to find the most effective solution to help them live happy lives. The results of this study will contribute to the wider literature about joint pain management among seniors by identifying a suitable therapeutic approach .

7. Mention Limitations in the Introduction for Thesis

You cannot write an introduction for a dissertation or thesis without mentioning which constraints were encountered when conducting your study. Experiencing limitations is a normal part of the research process. The types of challenges you might be subjected to include financial, data, time, topic, evidence, or research design. This will affect your work in some way, which highlights why you should identify them in the introduction chapter. Start this introductory section by stating clearly the kind of hindrances you met. This helps readers understand the issues you endured while completing your project before they go through the rest of your work. Be sure to describe why you faced them and why you could not overcome each limitation even after applying specific techniques. Also, evaluate the effect of individual restraints on the overall study outcomes and explain how these problems point to a need for additional research if necessary. You should also clarify how you addressed them as this assures your supervisor that the outcomes in the results section were not influenced negatively by any restrictions and are accurate. As you write your dissertation introduction, remember that you are conducting the study to demonstrate both practical and impractical things/those requiring further examination. Examples of thesis introduction limitations:

• Denied or limited access to documents, organizations, or people. • Time limits as board members tend to reduce performance over certain periods • Biases, particularly cultural ones.

8. Map Out Your Thesis or Dissertation

This is the last step regarding how to write introduction in dissertation. In particular, since readers should be impressed by your first section, informing them about the rest of the work is essential. Your professors might need to have a glimpse of your article and see how your intro of a thesis or dissertation is planned and divided. Your instructor can offer helpful feedback that will improve your study. The outline demonstrates your project’s organization and how it flows logically. Thus, conclude a dissertation introduction by giving a brief overview of each chapter. Think of these as mini summaries of each heading that give your supervisor a focused and firm idea about what comes next and how all the parts are related. Provide short explanations regarding your report framework using a handful of phrases without being very detailed. Concentrate mostly on the ideas and components that you will include in each section of your introduction to a thesis paper or dissertation. Example of a dissertation overview

The first chapter introduced the topic and offered background information. The rest of the study is organized as follows. In Chapter 2 the theoretical underpinning of this study will be identified and a literature review will be conducted followed by a description of the methodological choices of this research in Chapter 3. Chapter 4 will focus on data analysis and the presentation of results. Chapter 5 will provide a conclusion and explanation of the work’s implications.

Dissertation or Thesis Introduction Format

It is also vital to format a dissertation introduction properly and according to a specified style such as APA, Chicago, or MLA. The design mostly depends on requirements. Writing a thesis introduction involves complying with rules related to aspects like headings and subheadings, layout of pages, font selection and size, and in-text citations. It is also common for schools or professors to provide free templates for the relevant introduction of a thesis or dissertation outline, which you can simply take and fill in your details.

Thesis/ Dissertation Introduction Examples

Be sure to consult a dissertation introduction example from journal papers to learn about the layout of this section. Even if you can find a good dissertation introduction sample, remember to always seek assistance from your professor or supervisor as they will offer valuable support and advice in addition to pointing you on the right path. You can also read how to write a good thesis introduction examples below to gain more insights about which strategies you can use when composing this section. Thesis introduction example

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Dissertation introduction example 1

Dissertation introduction example 2

Tips on Writing an Introduction to a Dissertation

Here are some extra dissertation introduction writing tips:

  • Avoid overlapping your dissertation or thesis introduction too much with other sections. For example, do not offer an extensive background or detailed information about your methods.
  • Also, when writing the introduction to a dissertation, you cannot initiate it with a research question. Rather, provide adequate context before identifying your question.
  • Keep it short. Since you already know how to write a good thesis introduction, stick to its main purpose.
  • While you can cite sources in this section, include only a few studies with a focus on mostly past research as this situates your work in a specific context.
  • Remember to quote multiple studies as a group using semicolons for separation. This enhances your argument’s credibility or shows the validity of specific sources.

Checklist for Introduction to Dissertation

Use this checklist to ensure you have grasped all ideas about how to write an introduction for a dissertation or thesis:

  • checkbox I stated my study’s focus and topic.
  • checkbox I told why I conducted this research and explained its significance.
  • checkbox My introductory chapter covers all questions.
  • checkbox I have provided a problem statement.
  • checkbox I have justified the scope of my work.
  • checkbox I demonstrated how important my study is.
  • checkbox The background section is extensive enough.
  • checkbox My background section is relevant in terms of aims and objectives.
  • checkbox I included a chapter-by-chapter overview of my work.
  • checkbox No other questions aren’t needed for more clarification.

Bottom Line on How to Write Introduction for Dissertation

You are now familiar with how to write an introduction for dissertation or thesis. Readers use this section to understand what you are up to, why, and how. They can decide to continue or stop based on your presentation. Hence, ensure to make your dissertation or thesis introduction engaging and relevant. Look at an example of a thesis introduction provided to learn more about the major points in this article. However, you will gain more by practicing what you have learned. Thus, start writing as soon as you finish reading all sections. More information about PhD writing (literature review, results, dissertation discussion , limitations, dissertation acknowledgments , etc.), you can read in the Dissertation Guide of our blog. From insights on how to write a dissertation conclusion to formatting your thesis appendix you will find detailed step-by-step instructions, tips and examples.

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1. How long should a thesis introduction be?

Your thesis introduction should make up about 10 percent of the total word count of your work. However, the provided guidelines by your supervisor or school department, the nature of your task, and your subject area may influence how long this section is. Read the requirements carefully and adhere to them.

2. Should I write an introduction to a dissertation first or last?

You should wait and write a dissertation introduction last. This ensures that you only focus on the arguments and points you know. While you might have a clear idea about what you want to study, the whole research process may reveal new details that you will want to include in your introduction.

3. How to start a thesis introduction?

Start your thesis introduction with a hook to grab the attention of your readers. One of the main objectives of this segment is to engage the audience by making them want to go through your work. However, use one strategy to avoid giving the impression that your manuscript lacks substance.

4. What tense should I use when writing a dissertation thesis?

Write a dissertation or thesis introduction in the present tense because you are talking about factual information regarding your topic. Presenting it in this way shows that you are sure about the correctness of your research. Even if your study is related to historical themes, you must still use this tense.

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How To Write A Thesis Introduction Chapter

Crafting the introductory chapter of a thesis can be confusing. If you are feeling the same, you are the at right place.

This post will explore how you can write a thesis introduction chapter, by outlining the essential components of a thesis introduction. We will look at the process, one section at a time, and explain them to help you get a hang of how to craft your thesis introduction.

How To Write A Good Thesis Introduction?

The opening section of a thesis introduction sets the stage for what’s to come, acting as a crucial hook to capture the reader’s attention.

Unlike the broader strokes found in the table of contents, this initial foray into your research is where you must distill the essence of your thesis into a potent, digestible form.

A skillful introduction begins with a concise preview of the chapter’s terrain, delineating the structure of the thesis with a clarity that avoids overwhelming the reader.

This is not the stage for exhaustive details; rather, it’s where you prime the reader with a snapshot of the intellectual journey ahead.

In crafting this segment, insiders advise adhering to a quartet of foundational sentences that offer an academic handshake to the reader.

First Section: I ntroduces the broad field of research, such as the significance of organisational skills development in business growth. 

Second Section: Narrows the focus, pinpointing a specific research problem or gap — perhaps the debate on managing skill development in fast-paced industries like web development.

Third Section: Clearly state the research aims and objectives, guiding the reader to the ‘why’ behind your study. Finally, a sentence should outline the roadmap of the introduction chapter itself, forecasting the background context, research questions, significance, and limitations that will follow.

Such a calibrated approach ensures that every element from the research objective to the hypothesis is presented with precision.

This method, a well-guarded secret amongst seasoned researchers, transforms a mundane introduction into a compelling entrée into your dissertation or thesis.

Background To The Study

This section sets the tone for the research journey ahead. The goal here is to capture the reader’s attention by threading relevant background information into a coherent narrative that aligns with the research objectives of the thesis.

To write a good thesis introduction, one must carefully describe the background to highlight the context in which the research is grounded.

This involves not just a literature review but a strategic presentation of the current state of research, pinpointing where your work will wedge itself into the existing body of knowledge.

For instance, if the research project focuses on qualitative changes in urban planning, the introduction should spotlight key developmental milestones and policy shifts that foreground the study’s aims and objectives.

When writing this section, articulate the focus and scope of the research, ensuring the reader grasps the importance of the research questions and hypothesis.

This section must not only be informative but also engaging. By the end of the introductory chapter, the reader should be compelled to continue reading, having grasped a clear and easy-to-understand summary of each chapter that will follow.

It’s a good idea to address frequently asked questions and to clearly state any industry-specific terminology, assuming no prior expertise on the reader’s part.

This approach establishes a solid foundation for the rest of the thesis or dissertation, ensuring the reader is well-prepared to dive into the nuances of your research project.

Research Problem

Crafting the nucleus of your thesis or dissertation hinges on pinpointing a compelling research problem. This step is crucial; it is the keystone of a good thesis introduction chapter, drawing the reader’s attention and setting the stage for the rest of your thesis.

writing a good dissertation introduction

A well-defined research problem addresses a gap in the existing literature, underscored by a qualitative or quantitative body of research that lacks consensus or is outdated, especially in rapidly evolving fields.

Consider the dynamic sphere of organizational skills development. Established research might agree on strategies for industries where skills change at a snail’s pace.

However, if the landscape shifts more quickly—take web development for example, where new languages and platforms emerge incessantly—the literature gap becomes evident. 

Herein lies the research problem: existing strategies may not suffice in industries characterized by a swift knowledge turnover.

When writing your introduction, your goal is to clearly state this gap. A great thesis introduction delineates what is known, what remains unknown, and why bridging this chasm is significant.

It should illuminate the research objectives and questions, laying out a roadmap for the reader in a language that’s clear and easy to understand, regardless of their familiarity with the topic.

You’ll be able to capture and maintain the reader’s interest by effectively communicating why your research matters—setting the scene for your hypothesis and subsequent investigation.

Remember, a good thesis introduction should not only provide background information but also articulate the focus and scope of the study, offering a preview of the structure of your thesis.

Research Aims, Objectives And Questions

This pivotal section lays out the foundation by providing relevant background information, but it is the articulation of research aims, objectives, and questions that clarifies the focus and scope of your study.

The research aim is the lighthouse of your thesis, illuminating the overarching purpose of your investigation.

For instance, a thesis exploring skills development in fast-paced industries might present an aim to evaluate the effectiveness of various strategies within UK web development companies. This broad goal sets the direction for more detailed planning.

Research objectives drill down into specifics, acting as stepping stones toward achieving your aim. They are the tangible checkpoints of your research project, often action-oriented, outlining what you will do.

Examples might include identifying common skills development strategies or evaluating their effectiveness. These objectives segment the monumental task into manageable portions, offering a clear and easy way to write a structured pathway for the research.

writing a good dissertation introduction

Equally critical are the research questions, which translate your objectives into inquiries that your thesis will answer. They narrow the focus even further, dictating the structure of the thesis.

For instance:

  • “What are the prevalent skills development strategies employed by UK web development firms?”
  • “How effective are these strategies?”

Such questions demand concrete responses and guide the reader through the rest of the thesis.

Significance Of The Study

The “Significance of the Study” section within the introduction chapter of your thesis or dissertation holds considerable weight in laying out the importance of your research.

writing a good dissertation introduction

This segment answers the pivotal question: “Why does this research matter?” It is strategically placed after the background information and literature review to underscore the contribution your study makes to the existing body of research.

In writing this section, you’ll be able to capture the reader’s attention by clearly stating the impact and added value your research project offers.

Whether it’s a qualitative or quantitative study, the significance must be articulated in terms of:

  • Theoretical
  • Academic, and
  • Societal contributions.

For instance, it may fill gaps identified in the literature review, propose innovative solutions to pressing problems, or advance our understanding in a certain field.

A good thesis introduction will succinctly convey three main things: the research objective, the hypothesis or research questions, and the importance of your research.

It’s a good idea to provide your reader with a roadmap, foreshadowing the structure of the thesis and offering a summary of each chapter, thus enticing the reader to continue reading.

When you write the introduction section, it should also serve as a concise synopsis of the focus and scope of your research.

It’s often beneficial to include examples of introductions that clearly state the research objectives and questions, offering a snapshot of the whole thesis, and setting the stage for the rest of your thesis.

Limitations Of The Study

A thorough thesis introduction lays out specific research objectives and questions, yet it also sheds light on the study’s inherent boundaries. This is the purpose of the Limitation of The Study section.

The limitations section is not a confession of failure; instead, it’s a good idea to see it as demonstrating academic maturity.

Here, you clearly state the parameters within which the research was conducted.

For instance, a qualitative study might face scrutiny for subjectivity, or a quantitative one for potentially oversimplifying complexities. Other common constraints include the scope—perhaps focusing on a narrow aspect without considering variable interplay—resources, and generalizability.

For example, a study concentrated on a specific industry in Florida may not hold water in a different context, for example in Tokyo, Japan.

It’s essential to write this section with transparency. A good thesis introduction doesn’t shy away from limitations. Instead, it captures the reader’s attention by laying them out systematically, often in a dedicated paragraph for each chapter.

This honesty allows the reader to understand the research’s focus and scope while providing a clear and easy-to-follow structure of the thesis.

This approach also serves to manage the reader’s expectations. By preempting frequently asked questions about the scope of your research, the introductory chapter establishes a trust that encourages the reader to continue reading, aware of the contours shaping the body of research.

Thus, a well-articulated limitations section is not just part of the thesis; it is an integral piece of a responsibly woven research narrative.

Structural Outline Of Thesis, Thesis Statement

Within the thesis or dissertation, the structural outline section is akin to a compass, orienting the reader’s journey through the academic landscape laid out within the pages.

Crafting this section is a strategic exercise, one that requires an understanding of the work’s skeleton.

In essence, it’s the blueprint for the construction of a scholarly argument, and writing a good thesis necessitates a clear and easy-to-follow outline.

When you write a thesis outline, it’s not only about catching the reader’s attention; it’s also about holding it throughout the rest of the thesis.

This is where the structural outline comes into play, often beginning with an introduction chapter that presents the thesis statement, research objectives, and the importance of your research.

Following the introduction, a typical outline might proceed with Chapter 2, offering a literature review to acquaint the reader with existing literature and how this piece of research fits within it.

Subsequent chapters, each with a paragraph in the outline, detail the methodological approach—whether it’s qualitative or quantitative—and the research’s focus and scope.

A well-thought-out outline should also preview the structure of the thesis, succinctly:

  • Summarizing the main aim and objectives of each chapter, and
  • Indicating the type of data and analysis that will be presented.

This roadmap reassures the reader that the dissertation or thesis will cover the necessary ground in a logical progression, continuing from where the introduction first captivated their interest.

The structural outline is not only part of the thesis—it’s a strategic framework that informs the reader what to expect in each subsequent chapter.

Done correctly, this section allows the reader to understand the whole thesis in a nutshell and can often serve as a checklist for both the reader and the writer.

This ensures that the key stages of the research project are clearly stated and that the reader is provided with a roadmap to guide them through the detailed landscape of your scholarly work.

Write An Introduction Chapter With Ease

Mastering the thesis introduction chapter is a critical step towards a successful dissertation. It’s about striking a balance between engagement and information, presenting a snapshot of your research with clarity and intrigue.

Remember to start with a hook, establish the context, clarify your aims, and highlight the significance, all while being mindful of the study’s scope and limitations.

By adhering to these principles, your introduction will not only guide but also inspire your readers, laying a strong foundation for the in-depth exploration that follows in your thesis or dissertation.

writing a good dissertation introduction

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How to Write a Thesis Introduction

What types of information should you include in your introduction .

In the introduction of your thesis, you’ll be trying to do three main things, which are called Moves :

  • Move 1 establish your territory (say what the topic is about)
  • Move 2 establish a niche (show why there needs to be further research on your topic)
  • Move 3 introduce the current research (make hypotheses; state the research questions)

Each Move has a number of stages. Depending on what you need to say in your introduction, you might use one or more stages. Table 1 provides you with a list of the most commonly occurring stages of introductions in Honours theses (colour-coded to show the Moves ). You will also find examples of Introductions, divided into stages with sample sentence extracts. Once you’ve looked at Examples 1 and 2, try the exercise that follows.

Most thesis introductions include SOME (but not all) of the stages listed below. There are variations between different Schools and between different theses, depending on the purpose of the thesis.

Stages in a thesis introduction

  • state the general topic and give some background
  • provide a review of the literature related to the topic
  • define the terms and scope of the topic
  • outline the current situation
  • evaluate the current situation (advantages/ disadvantages) and identify the gap
  • identify the importance of the proposed research
  • state the research problem/ questions
  • state the research aims and/or research objectives
  • state the hypotheses
  • outline the order of information in the thesis
  • outline the methodology

Example 1: Evaluation of Boron Solid Source Diffusion for High-Efficiency Silicon Solar Cells (School of Photovoltaic and Renewable Energy Engineering)

Example 2: Methods for Measuring Hepatitis C Viral Complexity (School of Biotechnology and Biological Sciences)

Note: this introduction includes the literature review.

Now that you have read example 1 and 2, what are the differences?

Example 3: The IMO Severe-Weather Criterion Applied to High-Speed Monohulls (School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering)

Example 4: The Steiner Tree Problem (School of Computer Science and Engineering)

Introduction exercise

Example 5.1 (extract 1): The effects of Fluoride on the reproduction of three native Australian plant Species (School of Geography)

Example 5.2 (extract 2): The effects of Fluoride on the reproduction of three native Australian plant Species (School of Geography)

Example 5.3

Example 5.4 (extract 4): The effects of Fluoride on the reproduction of three native Australian plant Species (School of Geography)

Example 5.5 (extract 5): The effects of Fluoride on the reproduction of three native Australian plant Species (School of Geography)

Example 5.6 (extract 6): The effects of Fluoride on the reproduction of three native Australian plant Species (School of Geography)

Well, firstly, there are many choices that you can make. You will notice that there are variations not only between the different Schools in your faculty, but also between individual theses, depending on the type of information that is being communicated. However, there are a few elements that a good Introduction should include, at the very minimum:

  • Either Statement of general topic Or Background information about the topic;
  • Either Identification of disadvantages of current situation Or Identification of the gap in current research;
  • Identification of importance of proposed research
  • Either Statement of aims Or Statement of objectives
  • An Outline of the order of information in the thesis

Engineering & science

  • Report writing
  • Technical writing
  • Writing lab reports
  • Introductions
  • Literature review
  • Writing up results
  • Discussions
  • Conclusions
  • Writing tools
  • Case study report in (engineering)
  • ^ More support

Scholarly Resources 4 Students | scite.ai 21 May 2024

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Thesis And Dissertation

Dissertation Introduction

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Comprehensive Guide on Writing a Dissertation Introduction

By: Cathy A.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Nov 28, 2020

Dissertation Introduction

Writing the introduction is one of the most important parts of writing a dissertation. It tells what your thesis is about and how you plan to defend it with research. It also introduces who you are as an author and why people should care about this topic that they have never heard of before.

Who wants their readers to put down the dissertation in the middle before finishing? Nobody!

This is why you need a compelling introduction to your dissertation. However, they can be hard to write if you don't have experience and would rather not do it.

Read the blog if you are into writing an interesting dissertation introduction. It has detailed steps, examples, and tips to help you with this genre of writing.

Dissertation Introduction

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What is a Dissertation Introduction?

The introduction to a dissertation is the first chapter. Strong beginnings are essential to draw in readers. The introduction fulfills the purpose of telling the reader what they're about to read as well as why this subject matter is significant.

The best way to introduce your work effectively begins with a hook. Something unique or intriguing enough for readers that compels him to read further.

You should then cover how you approached the topic throughout the paper. You can do this through concise summaries or anecdotes from research findings/observations done by others on similar issues such as yours.

Purpose of Dissertation Introduction Paragraph

The main purpose of an introductory paragraph is to introduce the reader to what you are going to talk about in your work. Therefore, the reader should know what he is reading about. This will make it more interesting for him, and it will make your work more intriguing.

While writing an introduction, you have to answer the following questions:

  • What is your research question?
  • Why is your chosen topic important?
  • What is the scope of your research?
  • Which research methods will you use?
  • What are the limitations of your research?
  • What is your research aim?

What is the point of your research? What are you trying to find out, and why do you think it’s important for others to know about this information too? The introduction should include a summary of what will be discussed in detail later on.

Answering these questions can help make an engaging introduction. Therefore, this chapter should explain the 'what' and 'why’.

How to Write a Good Dissertation Introduction?

Following are the steps to craft an amazing dissertation introduction:

1. Engaging Opening Section or Paragraph

In order to engage your readers, you must choose words and phrases that are clear and understandable. You owe it to the people who will be reading what you have written. So they can understand exactly what's going on in your story from its starting point to its end.

Here at  5StarEssays.com  , we know how hard this piece of writing can seem when first starting out but don't worry!

Every step of our process has been designed with these three rules in mind:

  • Clear language
  • Concise sentences
  • Easy understanding

2. Add Background Information of your Research

Provide a brief history of your chosen topic. Why is it important? Because the readers want to know the context and significance of your research. Knowing the background, historical events, or other information will help them understand what you are doing.

They won't have misconceptions about why you are researching the specific topic. Background knowledge can help readers understand what they are reading.

3. Define Research Problem

Now after explaining the background information, try to narrow down your research. By narrowing research, we mean to put more focus on your research questions.

While definition your research, keep in mind the below statements:

  • In the first section of a research proposal, write about a problem statement or present state that has been discussed in previous research.
  • The gaps and limitations need to be addressed for its previous studies because they have not yet been sufficiently researched.
  • Finally, why it is important to address these missing gaps in order to find solutions for key issues.

4. Write Research Aims and Objectives

What do you want to achieve with this research? Answer this question in the following section. But, first, explain why your research is important for you and what reasons there are that led you to choose it as a topic of investigation.

It will help other researchers understand more about your work properly, which should make their process easier when tackling related topics or issues themselves!

5. Elaborate the Significance of your Research

What are your objectives and motivations for conducting this research? What do you hope to achieve? These goals will help guide the reader through the importance of your work.

6. State the Limitation of your Research

Research has limitations. The challenges of a  dissertation vs. thesis  are significant, and the researcher must face them head-on to keep their research sound and credible.

There are many limitations that researchers face in their research. Some of these include time constraints, shortage of resources, and a lack of data or scope for the project.

Discussing the challenges and limitations makes your research more credible to readers. As they learn about some common issues you faced when completing this dissertation/thesis.

7. Explain the Structure of your Dissertation

Once you are done explaining all the important aspects of your dissertation, it is time that you explain its structure. This section aims to give a roadmap for readers by giving an overview and summary of what they will find in each chapter.

Each methodology chapter should be briefly summarized, followed by their main point and factors discussed there. It's important to talk about these things so that the reader can decide what information they need.

It also helps the reader understand different points of view on one topic. This is helpful when making decisions about what to do with research findings.

Dissertation Introduction Outline

A dissertation is a long essay on an in-depth research question, and the introduction of this work explains why it's important. The theoretical framework justifies studying a certain topic while giving examples to support that decision.

Let’s have a look at its outline:

Dissertation Introduction main idea length should not be more than 5 pages. It is written to inform the reader about the main idea.

In this section, you will explain the significance of your research project. You should include why it is important to conduct the study and what answers are expected by conducting a particular experiment or survey.

A research framework is a set of procedures, analytic techniques, and tools used to design evaluations for systematic data collection. The important context can be explained as follows:

  • In this context, methods are strategies that researchers use to do their studies.
  • Theories are a body of knowledge that can come from science.
  • Conceptual frameworks are plans made so others can do things that follow them closely with ease.

Analyze literature reviews critically about your research topic. It will help you with your project. Add quotes and other details to show why the topic is important.

A research problem statement is a short sentence that tells why the research is important. The introduction for a research paper should explain what the problem is and how it affects people.

You have to write the questions of your research paper, and their answers will be in the form of a hypothesis. Now the result which is induced from these is again added as the main hypothesis to fulfill your research aims and objectives.

It's always important to follow guidelines when writing a dissertation, and one of the most fundamental pieces is your introduction. The dissertation introduction word count should be about 800-1000 words long. However, it can also be longer if you have a lot to say on the topic.

DISSERTATION INTRODUCTION TEMPLATE

Dissertation Introduction Example

A sample dissertation introduction chapter is the first impression of your research objective. Make it a good one by writing something that will hook and engage readers from the very start. This PDF can help you understand how to do this properly.

Tips to Write Dissertation Introduction

Here are some good ideas and tips for how to write an introduction to your thesis.

  • Make sure that you write clearly and use clear language.
  • Don't give away any of the information until you have finished writing the introductory chapter.
  • Divide up the research into sections and explain each one briefly before going on to your research question.
  • Make a proper outline of what you will be explaining in the introductory chapter before doing anything else with this part of your dissertation.

Writing a good introduction for your dissertation is important. However, even if you have the best ideas, sometimes it can be hard to get started with writing and come up with an interesting intro when you're studying so much already!

You don't need to worry about that anymore.  5StarEssays.com  is a professional  essay writing service  with 24/7 ready professional writers with expertise in forming engaging introductions for any subject matter.

We make sure each essay we produce is 100% unique and custom-made just for our customers!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should a dissertation introduction be.

The introduction of the thesis can be 10% of the total word count. For a Ph.D. with 80,000-100,000 words, that could be 8,000-10,000 words. A Masters’s thesis with 15,000-20,000 words would have an introduction 1,500-2,000 words long.

How do you write a general introduction for a dissertation?

The introduction should include:

  • Topic and context:  What do the readers need to know to understand the research?
  • Focus and scope:  What specific aspect of the topic will you address?
  • Relevance and importance:  Why is this research important?

What are the themes in the dissertation?

A theme is a major idea, subject, or topic in research work. It usually tells what the work is about and can be helpful when analyzing. A theme can have one word, two words, or more.

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  • If you are writing in a new discipline, you should always make sure to ask about conventions and expectations for introductions, just as you would for any other aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.  
  • In some disciplines (Government, Economics, and others), it’s common to offer an overview in the introduction of what points you will make in your essay. In other disciplines, you will not be expected to provide this overview in your introduction.  
  • Avoid writing a very general opening sentence. While it may be true that “Since the dawn of time, people have been telling love stories,” it won’t help you explain what’s interesting about your topic.  
  • Avoid writing a “funnel” introduction in which you begin with a very broad statement about a topic and move to a narrow statement about that topic. Broad generalizations about a topic will not add to your readers’ understanding of your specific essay topic.  
  • Avoid beginning with a dictionary definition of a term or concept you will be writing about. If the concept is complicated or unfamiliar to your readers, you will need to define it in detail later in your essay. If it’s not complicated, you can assume your readers already know the definition.  
  • Avoid offering too much detail in your introduction that a reader could better understand later in the paper.
  • picture_as_pdf Introductions

Compilatio

How do you write a good introduction to a thesis or dissertation?

introduction thesis

The introduction to a university dissertation or thesis is an essential part of a final year project.It is the first connection you will make with your reader.It is therefore important to write a well-written introduction to your dissertation in order to

  • interest the reader or the examiner,
  • capture their attention ,
  • give them a clear idea of the subject covered in the dissertation.

A reader or examiner in a hurry generally reads your thesis  diagonally. In this case, they are particularly interested in the following 3 elements : the introduction to the thesis , the outline of the thesis  and the conclusion of the thesis . It is therefore important to take care with these 3 elements to highlight the quality of your work. 

In this article, we present the main elements to be included in a thesis introduction , with an example of an introduction valid for different levels of study: bachelor's thesis (bac+3), master's thesis (bac+4 and bac+5), doctoral thesis , etc.

Contents :  Writing a thesis introduction at the right time The 5 main elements in the introduction to a dissertation or thesis Highlighting your thesis introduction Example of a thesis introduction

how to write a thesis introduction

1. Writing a thesis introduction at the right time

There are 2 schools of thought on the ideal time to write a thesis introduction :  

  • Write your introduction after the writing plan has been finalised (at the start of the dissertation or thesis project).
  • Write your introduction after you have finished writing your thesis (at the end of the project).

Writing a thesis introduction after finalising the outline

Drawing up a detailed outline for your dissertation or thesis is a crucial stage in the preparation of a university project .

It follows the definition of the subject, the choice of a thesis supervisor and the formulation of the problem statement . 

Drawing up an outline for your thesis is important, because your outline sets out your response to the problem.

As soon as you have finalised and validated your dissertation or thesis plan , you can start writing your project , particularly the introduction to your thesis or dissertation .

Be careful to adjust your dissertation or thesis introduction according to the elements you include in your dissertation as you go along.

how to write a dissertation introduction

Writing a thesis introduction after you've written your thesis

Writing your thesis introduction at the end may seem counter-intuitive , but in reality it is recommended practice for a number of reasons: 

When writing the different parts of your thesis, you usually have a vague idea of the points you want to cover. As you go along, your thoughts evolve and you refine your ideas . Writing the introduction at the end gives you an overview of the work as a whole, so that you can write a more precise and relevant introduction to your thesis .

Clarifying your objectives

At the end of your research, you will have a clearer idea of your objectives and the means and tools you will use to achieve them. Writing your introduction at the end makes it easier to explain your objectives.

Adjusting the problem

During the course of a research project, the subject may evolve . By writing the thesis introduction at the end, you can be sure that you are presenting the problem to which you are responding.

Consistency with the conclusion

Writing your thesis introduction at the same time as your conclusion ensures that they are aligned . This way, you can be sure that they are coherent and that they provide a good framework for your thesis .

Even if you choose to write your thesis introduction at the end of your work , you should be aware that you can write a draft introduction at the beginning of the project. This first draft will allow you to clarify your ideas and give your dissertation or thesis a direction. You can revise and finalise it once the rest of the thesis has been completed.

thesis introduction

2. The 5 main elements of a thesis introduction

There are several elements to include in your thesis introduction , whether it's a research or professional thesis . 

Make sure your introduction is structured , brief and concise . The aim is to communicate the essential information to your reader in no more than one or two pages . 

The structure of a thesis introduction is also crucial in capturing the reader's attention. This structure may vary according to the requirements of your field of study or your institution.

Here are the 5 parts to be included in your thesis introduction and adapted according to the guidelines received :

Contextualisation

Start with a hook (statistics, key facts or concrete examples) to draw your reader's attention to the subject. Then go on to introduce the subject in a general way, highlighting its importance in the current context and its relevance to your field of study . 

Problematic

Clearly identify the question you wish to answer. Explain why this problematic is interesting and why you have chosen to address it. A good problematic should be simple, precise and understandable! 

Research objectives

Frame your study by presenting its objectives . What are you trying to measure? What are the main hypotheses you want to examine? Also describe your research methodology in this paragraph. 

Structure of the thesis

Give an overview of the overall structure of your dissertation or thesis by announcing your plan. Explain your choice of sections and parts to familiarise the reader with your organisation. 

Announcement of results (optional)

Finally, give a brief overview of the results you have reached at the end of your research. Indicate the main conclusions to pique the reader's interest and encourage them to want to find out more.

thesis introduction and research methodology

Focus on the presentation of research methodology

What is the research methodology for a thesis.

The choice of academic research methodology depends on the nature of the project: research dissertation , professional dissertation , doctoral thesis .

There are several academic research methods : quantitative studies , qualitative studies , empirical studies , comparative studies , etc.

Why present your research methodology in the thesis introduction?

By presenting your research methodology in your thesis introduction , you situate your work in a specific methodological context . You give the reader more information to u nderstand your approach and assess the validity of your results.

Focus on announcing the plan in a thesis introduction

Why include the outline in the introduction to a thesis.

To orientate the reader, we strongly advise you to announce the overall plan of your thesis in your introduction. This gives them an overview and helps them to follow your argument coherently. 

By announcing the plan, you also help the reader to understand what to expect in each part. This can be particularly useful when your work is long.

introduction to a thesis

How do you announce a thesis plan in the introduction?

Here are some ideas for announcing the plan in the introduction to your thesis : 

Simple enumeration

List the main parts of your thesis .

For example : "This thesis is divided into four main parts: Part I - Background and problematic, Part II - Review of the literature, Part III...".

Explanatory sentences

To give more context to each part, you can add a brief explanatory sentence for each of them. 

For example: "This thesis is structured in four main parts. In the first part, we will examine the context and problematic of our research. The second part will be devoted to an in-depth review of the existing literature on the subject...".

3. Highlighting the thesis introduction: the layout

It is important to highlight the thesis introduction . To do this, an appropriate layout is necessary. 

The layout of the thesis introduction must be carefully thought out and well structured in order to capture the reader's attention and guide them through the text clearly and concisely. 

Here is an example of the layout for the first few pages of a thesis (including the introduction): 

Page 1: cover page of the thesis 

name of the university or institution,

  • title of the thesis,
  • first name and surname of the author,
  • date of submission.

Page 2: acknowledgement page 

Acknowledgements to all the people who contributed to the smooth running of your academic year,

  • thanks to all those who contributed to the writing of your dissertation or university thesis.

Page 3: table of contents

A detailed list of the sections and subsections of the thesis, with the corresponding page numbers.

Page 4: thesis introduction 

title of the introduction,

  • catchphrase or relevant quotation to capture the reader's attention (contextualisation),
  • context in which the research topic is justified (contextualisation),
  • problematic and research questions (problematic), 
  • research objectives and methodology used,
  • outline of the plan.

example thesis introduction

4. Example of a thesis introduction

The following is an example of a thesis introduction that can be adapted to deliverables for different levels of study: bachelor's thesis , master's thesis , doctoral thesis , etc. 

Example of a thesis introduction for a dissertation or doctoral thesis on the subject of artificial intelligence and its impact on education :

The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened up new perspectives in many fields, including education. AI-based technologies have the potential to transform educational practices , improve learning processes and prepare learners for the challenges of our digital society. In this doctoral thesis, we propose to explore the impact of artificial intelligences on education , taking an in-depth look at the opportunities, challenges and implications of these emerging technologies.

The problematic of this research lies in the growing need to adapt education to the demands of the 21st century , integrating technological innovations to deliver a more effective, personalised and relevant learning experience. Artificial intelligences represent a promising response to this problematic, but their integration into the field of education raises fundamental questions about the pedagogical, ethical and social consequences of these technological advances.

Research objective

The main objective of this thesis is therefore to analyse in depth the impact of artificial intelligences on education , focusing on their applications, their potential benefits, and the challenges and concerns they raise. To achieve this aim, we will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, combining conceptual analyses , case studies and empirical investigations .

Structure of the dissertation

This thesis is structured in six main parts . In the first part , we present the context and the problematic linked to the use of artificial intelligences in education . We will raise the current educational issues and the needs that AIs can meet, identifying the research questions that guide our work.

The second part will be devoted to an in-depth literature review , where we will analyse previous work and existing research on the impact of artificial intelligences in education. We will examine the different applications of AIs , such as intelligent tutoring systems , learning data analysis , personalisation of teaching , etc.

In the third part , we will describe our research methodology , explaining how we designed our case studies and empirical investigations . We will discuss the tools and methods used to collect and analyse the data, as well as the measures taken to ensure the validity and reliability of our research .

Then, in the fourth section , we will present the results of our case studies and surveys , analysing them in the light of our research problematic. We will examine the potential benefits of AI in terms of improved learner performance, adaptation to individual needs, personalised feedback, and so on.

In the fifth part , we will address the challenges and concerns associated with the use of AI .

To sum up, the introduction is an important part of the thesis. It captures the reader's attention by presenting the context, subject, problematic and structure of the thesis. By following these few tips, you can write an effective and relevant thesis introduction to encourage your reader or your examiner to read your deliverable. 

Sources for further reading :  " How to Write a Thesis Introduction " UNSW, consulted on 13/07/2023. " How to write a good thesis introduction " Paperpile, consulted on 13/07/2023. " How to write a fantastic thesis introduction " Master Academia, consulted on 13/07/2023.   Information: this informative article, which does not require any personal reflection, was written in part with the help of ChatGPT. We have reworked the automatically generated content (correcting repetitions, correcting turns of phrase, adding clarifications, adding quotations, checking the veracity of the information, etc.).

writing a good dissertation introduction

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Writing an Engaging Dissertation Introduction

Writing an Engaging Dissertation Introduction

1. The Role of the Dissertation Introduction

The dissertation introduction is a vital aspect of the document, as it provides readers with an overview of what to expect in the following sections.

  • It introduces the topic and outlines key objectives for research.
  • It clarifies why those issues or problems are important to understand better.

In addition, this section should also discuss any existing literature on the subject, acknowledge influential authors in your field, develop a thesis statement, and provide methodological details about data collection processes that will be addressed later on in other chapters. Importantly , this chapter needs to clearly explain how you intend to contribute original insights relevant to current debates surrounding your chosen area despite these established sources. This will help create a good foundation for moving forward onto more specific discussions throughout the remainder of your paper.

2. Understanding Your Audience and Aim in Writing an Engaging Introduction

Having a clear vision of who will be reading your introduction is essential for crafting an engaging piece. If you understand the background, needs, and interests of your target audience, it’ll help keep them engaged and interested throughout the rest of your essay.

When writing an effective introduction it’s important to address some if not all of the following:

  • Establish context: Provide any necessary information that readers need in order to understand what follows without overloading with too much detail or evidence.
  • Clarify aim/purpose : Explain why you’re writing this essay—your primary intent behind doing so–to provide readers with clarity on exactly how they should read it.

3. Crafting a Solid Structure for the Introductory Chapter

One of the most important components in writing a successful research paper or dissertation is establishing an effective structure for its introductory chapter. To achieve this, there are three main aspects that need to be considered:

  • Purpose. The purpose should be clearly stated at the beginning of the first paragraph and all subsequent text should follow logically from it.
  • Organization. Subsequent paragraphs should provide a logical progression of topics which flow smoothly and consistently throughout the section. A topic sentence is usually used at each new paragraph to introduce readers to what will be discussed next.

4. Create an Attention-Grabbing Lead Sentence or Paragraph

The lead sentence or paragraph of any piece of writing is one of the most important elements, as it’s usually what readers see first. It sets the tone for what follows and can draw them in or repel them. Given that this is such a critical element, it’s worth putting some extra thought into making sure your opening packs an attention-grabbing punch.

  • Start off with an interesting factoid to establish credibility.
  • Formulate questions to which you will address throughout the rest of your post.
  • “Show” rather than “tell” – use vivid language by using metaphors and analogies instead abstract statements about topics/ideas.

Writing compelling leads also involves knowing when not to hold back. Don’t be afraid to include intimate details applicable to particular stories; take time out from being reserved so that you capture audience interest more effectively. Consider appealing directly to audiences’ emotions — make them sympathize, feel enlightened or excited — depending on how well your words hit home with each reader’s personality type. For example: if you are speaking about a controversial topic related to politics then open up with something like “We live in a nation divided through political divide…”

5. Achieving Variety with Entity Changeovers and Connective Devices

Entity changeovers and connective devices are two powerful tools when it comes to helping you craft a more varied piece of writing. Entity changeovers can be used in narrative or descriptive pieces, while connective devices should be applied mostly to expository texts.

  • A changeover consists of using different words with the same meaning throughout your text.
  • For example, if one sentence contains the word “loud”, another could use “boisterous” as an entity replacement for variety.
  • Finding synonyms for each phrase is an effective way to make sure that your writing does not become too monotonous during its duration.

6. Techniques to Help Communication Clarity within the Introduction

Creating a Modern Introduction In the introduction of every written work, communication clarity is key. It should quickly and efficiently inform your audience about the core argument or idea being addressed in your writing while engaging them to want to learn more. Here are some techniques that you can use to ensure clear delivery:

  • Begin with simple vocabulary when possible.
  • Use concrete nouns associated with strong visuals.
  • Avoid technical terms unless absolutely necessary.

These three starting points will help set up an effective foundation for success as they create a modern and relatable tone through concise language free from jargon or over-elaboration.

Additionally, be sure to draw attention by introducing enticing details within each sentence. Engage readers by creating interest creatively using anecdotes or analogies related directly (or indirectly) towards the topic at hand. A unique viewpoint combined with captivating details sets you apart from other authors who may cover similar works; it allows you the opportunity to demonstrate why your content deserves further consideration above others’.

7. Checklist to Ensure Effective Composition of a Dissertation Introduction

Define research objectives and aims The first step in the process of effective dissertation introduction composition is to define the research objectives and aims. This definition should be concise and clear, as it helps readers understand what you aim to accomplish with your study. Consider if this definition can provide evidence for or against a hypothesis or argument that will form part of the conclusion. Additionally, consider how these objectives fit into existing literature on related topics.

Evaluate relevancy of sources The next step is to evaluate the relevance of different sources used within your dissertation introduction section. Make sure all chosen material works together; each source should have context so its purpose can be understood by other researchers in order to bring value to your discussion when addressing any questions raised later on during assessment process.

  • Check online databases such as Google Scholar.
  • Read journal articles published on relevant topics.
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Learn How to Create a Powerful Introduction for Your Dissertation

The introduction to a dissertation may not be the first part of your dissertation a reader encounters, but it’s still one of the essential parts of the work. An introduction sets the tone of your work, allowing the reader to get a better idea about the kind of things they will get out of the dissertation. That is why a sloppily written dissertation introduction can spoil the success of even the most brilliant piece of writing.

A strong dissertation introduction needs to be concise and clear. Even more importantly, it should completely match the topic of your work, so that the readers get a logical picture while reading your dissertation chapter by chapter.

how to create a powerful introduction for your dissertation

What Is a Dissertation Introduction?

If you’ve come to the point where you need to write a dissertation, it means you’ve created a fair share of other written assignments and are already familiar with the concept of an introduction as a piece of writing. The introduction of the dissertation is the opening chapter of the work that describes the subject of the dissertation, introduces a thesis statement, and gives the readers an idea of what they will find in work.

The Purpose of the Introduction in a Dissertation

Any dissertation introduction has several clear objectives:

  • To demonstrate the value of your dissertation and the practical relevance of the work;
  • To get the readers acquainted with the fascinating topic of your dissertation;
  • To explore the idea behind the subject with relevant examples.

The Content of a Dissertation Introduction

So what exactly should the introduction of your dissertation contain? The answer to that question largely depends on the specifics of your work, but there are also certain elements that should be present in every dissertation introduction, regardless of the subject:

  • The indication of the problem;
  • The scope of the work;
  • The relevance of the research in the theoretical and practical field;
  • The objective of the research;
  • The current state of the problem;
  • A description of the research design;

Now let’s take a closer look at each of those elements.

Indication of the Problem

In this part of the introduction you need to explain what caused you to research this particular topic. The topic should stem from your own interests to be equally fascinating to your readers.

Using the indication of the problem, define the subject of your dissertation and how it is represented in scientific sources. Don’t include too much research in this part – analyze the literature to find a new angle to look at the problem.

Use this part of your dissertation introduction to explain how your work will have both theoretical and practical value. You can use the discussion parts of scientific sources to better formulate the relevance of your research for the scientific community.

Current State of the Problem

Using relevant scientific literature, let the readers know whether the subject of your dissertation is widely discussed in the scientific field or there has been very little research on the subject.

Formulate a brief and concise research objective and the problem statement of your work, which are two separate parts of the introduction. Designing research questions and hypothesis will help you create a more convincing problem statement. If you’re struggling at this stage, consider reviewing the literature first and then returning to the problem statement.

Research Design

The description of the research design is essential for a successful dissertation introduction, but don’t make it too detailed, as you’ll describe the research design later in the paper. Just state the primary conditions of the research.

Introduce briefly the structure of your dissertation here. Use one sentence to describe each chapter. Make sure you word your outline description in an academic and engaging manner.

writing a good dissertation introduction

Writing a Research Proposal

A dissertation introduction may be one of the first instances where the reader is acquainted with your work, but you are not required to write every chapter of the dissertation in the same order. Writing a research proposal before the introduction will give you more ideas on what to include in your introduction. Plus, as your work progresses, you can always come back to the introduction and improve it.

Verb Tenses

It’s an unwritten rule of scientific work that when describing your research plans, intentions, and actions, it’s better to use the present simple tense. Indicating previous research or background information calls for the past simple or present perfect tense.

Introduction Length

There are no rules on how long the introduction of your dissertation should be; the length of this chapter of the dissertation should be dictated by common sense and the nature of your work. Trying to fit the introduction into a single page may result in omitting some important information, but you also shouldn’t use the introduction to describe your work to the smallest detail – there will be plenty of opportunities to do it throughout the dissertation.

Editing and Proofreading

One of the reasons why you should spare enough time for writing a dissertation introduction and shouldn’t leave it to the last minute is that you should be able to revise it before submitting the work. Editing and proofreading your work helps you not only eliminate possible spelling and grammar mistakes but can also give you some ideas on how to make your introduction even better.

How to Write a Strong Dissertation Introduction

Here are some universal tips on how to make the introduction for your dissertation stronger:

  • Try not to make any claims that you will not be able to substantiate later;
  • Use straightforward academic language to write your introduction;
  • Avoid cramming too much information in the limited space of the introduction – you’ll get a chance to describe everything in details later;
  • Pay special attention to the first sentence of the introduction – use it to grab attention of the readers.

Potential Struggles

Most students face some problems while writing the introduction for their dissertation, and here are three most common ones:

  • The introduction is too long;
  • The student tries to get into details, making the reader less interested in continuing reading;
  • The introduction was written according to some formula without any consideration for the specifics of the particular work.

Steps to Writing an Effective Introduction

Since the job of the dissertation introduction is to attract the attention of the reader, you need to focus on making the introduction engaging and effective, and these are the steps you need to take:

  • Let the readers know about previous researches done in this area;
  • Introduce the topic to the readers in a way that instantly convinces them of its worthiness;
  • Find gaps in previous researches or new aspects of the problem to locate your own niche in the study.

To occupy the niche, you’ve found during the research, you’ll need to establish the importance of the work you’re doing and describe the value of your dissertation.

Get Professional Writing Help

If for any reason, you feel like you won’t complete the dissertation introduction the way you want to, you have one last option – order the introduction for your dissertation from our experienced writers and get an introduction that meets each of your goals. Enjoy reasonably priced writing services from the most competent authors on the internet and improve your academic record!

writing a good dissertation introduction

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A Quick Guide On How To Write A Dissertation Introduction

By Laura Brown on 14th April 2022

Students develop various queries about how to write an introduction for a dissertation . The simple answer is to “Start by introducing your topic and explaining its significance. Provide background information on your research problem and outline your research objectives. Highlight the scope and limitations of your study, and provide a brief overview of the chapters in your dissertation. Finally, end with a strong thesis statement that encapsulates the essence of your research with its limiations and the structural overview.”

The first question that arrives when a student is asked to prepare the introduction of a dissertation or a complete thesis is, How to choose dissertation topic? . After you are done with the title, the next step surely is moving towards the introduction.

According to a survey by Nature , 75% of the students consider introduction to be the most difficult section of their dissertation. And who would not love to grab readers’ attention with the introductory paragraphs? Your opening can stick the readers to your dissertation and explain to them why they should go on to read the complete paper.

Steps To Write A Dissertation Introduction

Are you also willing to know what to include in a dissertation introduction and how is the dissertation introduction structure done? Crowd Writer is presenting a guide for you. The below steps will offer you significant dissertation introduction help.

  • Engaging Opening
  • Background Reflection
  • Focus On Sub-Topics
  • Define Dissertation Problem
  • Discuss Aims & Objectives
  • Keep Focusing Significance
  • Methodology
  • State Limitations
  • Outline Structure

1. Start Introduction Of A Dissertation With An Engaging Opening

While understanding how to write a thesis introduction, it should be clear that the first sentence in an introduction is called the thesis statement. The opening should clearly state what the paper will be about. You must convince your reader that the subject matter is worth their time. If the idea seems exciting or essential to you, it will have meaning for someone else. This is the first step when you are inquiring about the introduction for a dissertation.

2. Reflect Upon The Background

Now what you have provided is the overview of your dissertation, and what should a dissertation introduction include next is a background. It’s time to take it to the next level by laying a foundation.

With the help of some more profound data, give a broader overview of the topic you have chosen. Include current contextual factors, reflect upon recent developments in the area, add a brief history of the topic, highlight critical areas, mention the rationale of research , etc. So it must be clear to you how to start a dissertation introduction.

3. Narrow Down Your Focus In The Dissertation Introduction

Once you’ve decided which aspects of the topic are most relevant to answering your primary question, narrow them down further by focusing on only one sub-topic at a time.

So if you were writing a dissertation introduction about how communication changes when we use email instead of letters, you might decide to start with a discussion of how electronic mail differs from written mail. This is how to write a dissertation introduction and narrow down your focus.

4. Define The Dissertation Problem

Now you’re ready to write down the questions you want to answer under this topic. This is also known as your study question or research problem . Remember to choose one central question. Using only one primary question keeps your introduction focused on answering just one aspect of the whole paper.

For example, if you’re writing a paper exploring different ways to communicate over the Internet, your main point might be, “What are some pros and cons of communicating through the web?”

Here are three crucial tips to follow while you are defining your problem,

  • Identify a gap in the literature, such as an under-researched topic or a methodological limitation.
  • Clearly state the problem you are addressing in a concise statement that defines the scope of your research.
  • Justify the problem by explaining its significance and relevance to the field, highlighting its potential contribution to theory, practice, or policy.

Still, if you face any issues, you can contact the dissertation writing service to get practical help.

5. Describe Aims & Objectives

If you want to know how to write a good dissertation introduction, you must emphasise this step. The objectives of any particular study are the key factors. They determine where your dissertation can lead to, and what could be the final findings. From a reader’s aspect, it is intrinsic to be aware of the goals of the particular study they are reading.

So, mention the goal of your dissertation within the introduction part, right after defining the problem. You can enlist the goals in bulleted form. If you feel like it is difficult to understand this part, you can always ask us for a dissertation introduction example.

6. Emphasise Upon The Significance With The Introduction Of A Dissertation

According to the survey findings of Crowd Writer UK, if you know how to start a dissertation introduction, you will end it very nicely. Opening is the foundation of the dissertation.

Next, it should include why your study or paper is essential and how it will affect a particular field or region. Moreover, elaborate on the significance of your paper toward your subject area.

7. Give A Touch Upon Your Research Designs & Methods

When writing the methodology section in the dissertation introduction, it is important to briefly explain the research design, methods, and data sources you will use.

The goal is to provide a general overview of the methodology that will be used throughout the dissertation without going into too much detail. This section should help the reader understand how the research will be conducted and how the data will be analysed.

It is also essential to justify the chosen methodology and explain how it is aligned with the dissertation questions and your objectives. By providing a brief overview of the methodology, the reader can understand the approach and be prepared for more detailed explanations later in the dissertation.

8. State The Limitations Of Your Study

The next step is to discuss the limitations and restrictions of your psychology dissertation introduction. It will state which areas you will not cover in the paper. It can give the reader an idea of what will not be included in the report. This is among the most critical steps while learning how to write a dissertation introduction.

9. Outline The Structure For Dissertation

Finally, considering how to structure a dissertation , give a brief overview of your structural outline of the dissertation. What the chapters are and what each chapter contains.

  • Provide an overview of the main chapters
  • Organise the outline logically
  • Link the outline to the project questions and objectives
  • Be concise and clear

Summarising On How To Write A Dissertation Introduction

Remember, the aim of an intro paragraph isn’t necessarily to persuade the reader. That’s not its job. But rather than give the impression that all you care about is getting people to read your work. So while writing a dissertation introduction, you should set up the context and background in which you intend to present your work.

In other words, your purpose is much broader than convincing someone to buy dissertation introduction. You want them to understand why your work matters, so they’ll want to read your entire paper.

Even if you doubt whether they’ll find your subject attractive, there’s no harm in trying. After all, most students don’t even know the importance of reading papers before submitting them as part of their dissertations. This is something that develops with time. Similarly, your readers can find themselves comfortable reading your complete dissertation if the introduction part is attractive.

The above guide can help you understand what should be in the introduction of a dissertation. You can leave us an email or contact us through live chat to have a look at a dissertation introduction example.

  • https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-022-01588-0
  • http://eshare.edgehill.ac.uk/1957/1/Dissertation%20Guide%20-%20Introductions%2C%20Conclusions%20and%20Literature%20Reviews%20%28Accessible%29.pdf
  • https://www.student.unsw.edu.au/introductions
  • https://edshare.gcu.ac.uk/2406/2/Intro%20example%202.pdf

Laura Brown

Laura Brown, a senior content writer who writes actionable blogs at Crowd Writer.

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  • How to write a dissertation introduction? Tips and Guidelines.

What is the Purpose of Writing Dissertations?

Creating a dissertation introduction is a lot of work. Even though you write a dissertation introduction to your work in the end, after completing research and writing the main body of the paper, you need to understand the goal of an introduction, its main components, and the tone to make it stand out and fulfil its purpose.

Therefore, research this topic before diving into work, take notes if necessary and make sure you understand information before you start writing.

Crafting a dissertation introduction will take some time. Be ready to invest time into comprehending secrets of grabbing reader’s attention with an introduction to your work, figuring out a short way of conveying your main goals, focus, ideas, and explaining it briefly. In our guide, we have gathered all of the important information you should consider about this chapter to make it good and worth reading.

No matter to what area of study you dedicate your dissertation, there is one major goal of your dissertation introduction. Its purpose is threefold with all of its sides are vital to the success of your written piece.

  • Explain the topic. Ensure reader's’ understanding of your dissertation introduction main idea and central focus. Make it clear and provide information on what your piece centers around in an interesting, engaging way.
  • Grab readers’ attention. Regardless of the subject or area of study, convince your audience that questions you raise are important. Help students see value in what you review and emphasize the significance of your knowledge clearly.
  • Show its relevance. In dissertation introduction, you should include a part describing the practical value of this research. Start with a question of urgency and importance of your study and continue to practical implementation of this information.

What to Write in a Dissertation Introduction?

An introduction to a dissertation is a page that follows an outline of this scientific paper. It invites audience to participate in a discussion over raised in a piece questions or statements.

Composing it isn’t hard; the process is time-consuming.

The structure of a dissertation introduction can help you master this task easily; make sure you understand the sequence of different parts and stick to the plan. If you don’t understand how it should be, don’t worry: we can help out; we know how it should look like.

  • Motivation. You had problems you wanted solved or news that made you take a first step in the industry. We call this “motivation,” and one must explain it in an interesting manner to the audience.
  • Topic. One should explain in his dissertation introduction what topic he covered in his research; he should check whether the topic was only one and that he did not fall victim to a desire to cover too many issues related to his main focus. Explain briefly what subjects you focused your attention on before you move on to the following part.
  • Purpose. Each paper of this type has a goal, and you should describe it in the beginning for readers to understand what this whole piece is about. Be laconic when explaining it as your audience doesn’t have time for lengthy explanations.
  • Problem statement. Along with goals, dissertation introductions must describe what problems made you start working on this scientific paper. In the dissertation introduction, you can review questions raised by this work, reviews of other available material, concepts you based your research on, etc.
  • Scientific reality. Are there any good papers or articles also covering issues you raised or is this niche still underestimated? Introduce your audience to the current scientific situation, help them grasp a better idea of background research.
  • Work’s significance. Why do you believe that your paper will make a difference in any scientific or practical way after publishing? Describe particular areas it can affect or change or explain why exactly you believe so by adding valuable proof for each statement.
  • Research design. In your dissertation introduction, dive into details of where, when, and with whom you worked when researching this particular area. People want to know how process looked liked; let them see it from the start.

These are main components of a part in question. However, we would love to give you several more important tips on composing an effective beginning. To learn more, keep reading: we’ll share useful recommendations.

Tips on Writing a Quality Dissertation Introduction

As you already realize what to write in a dissertation introduction, remember that making it right from the beginning is in your best interest: if you don’t grab audience’s attention right away, they won’t read it at all! And here’s how you can draw their attention and make them sit on the edge of their seat listening!

  • Choose the correct tone. People hate when you teach them; so, despite being official your tone should also be friendly. Your readers want interesting, useful, and practically valuable information; don’t engage in idle chatter.
  • Explain your action plan. Help audience see what steps you took in your scientific journey, what problems you tackled, and what goals you achieved. Let them take a sneak peek behind the curtains to encourage them to read a whole piece for more details.
  • Keep it short. Readers have limited time; show your respect to it by keeping a dissertation introduction short, informative, laconic. Stay focused; don’t lose track of your main goals while trying to explain huge chunks of information on a limited space.
  • Use Active Voice. Consider Active Voice whenever possible; it brings in more life into your words. Besides, use Present Simple Tense when composing your dissertation introduction and the rest of this work.
  • One idea per paragraph. In dissertation introduction, you should dedicate one paragraph to one paper’s chapter. Explain central ideas, goals, achievements - all in one paragraph; it’ll ensure audience reads your work because it’s short.

Composing dissertation introduction is tricky. One works on it after completing his dissertation meaning that he understands his work’s pitfalls, strengths, components, etc. All he must do now is explaining it interestingly and in short for his audience to love it.

It’s not as easy as it sounds. But we guarantee that you have all the relevant, valuable information to tackle this task with no problem. Take your time, use our guide as a checklist of things to do and tips to pay attention to - and do it: composing a perfect dissertation introduction is possible!

Be brave and experiment. We mentioned tips that would work in most cases; your case might be different - so, play with the style, language, components, etc.

If you have useful insights on dissertation introduction, share them with us in the comments. We appreciate your gesture of sharing a valuable experience (knowledge) with others. Feel free to share your thoughts with us - we’ll give them a read, and answer you once we get a chance!

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How To Write a Thesis Introduction Like an Expert

thesis introduction

Among the top searches by many college and university students is ‘how to write a thesis introduction.’ You might ask, why is it a top search? Is there anything special about a thesis introduction? Yes! And a great deal of importance for that case.

Show me, you say. Well, keep your eyes peeled for the next lines that follow.

Often, Master’s and Ph.D. students find this task intimidating. Imagine having spent lots of sleepless nights on your research paper only to find a stumbling block – the introduction thesis! You will find it difficult to determine what needs to be included or omitted and how to make a good first impression on your reader.

Let’s now dismantle this monster’s so-called introduction and thesis once and for all.

How to Write a Thesis Introduction?

Thesis introduction example, what is the ideal length of a thesis introduction.

Experts will tell you that the thesis and introduction are essential parts of your research paper. The section determines what you are going to write on and the angle you will take. Such will have an impact on the reception of your paper by the reader.

What constitutes a strong thesis introduction example, then?

The motivation of your research (Briefly describe why you ventured into that topic) The scope of your research. (How far do you intent to go with your research?) The relevance of the research problem. (How will it benefit the reader?) The literature related to your thesis (What are the scientific journals, articles, or books that relate to your topic. Briefly mention them)

At this juncture, you might exclaim, ‘but that is too much for a thesis introduction!’ That is why you need to learn how to write a good thesis introduction. With the knowledge you will acquire here, you will be able to articulate all these in a short but all-inclusive introductory paragraph. Stay with me.

Remember that the introductory paragraph decides your thesis’s fate, whether it will be a success or not. Therefore, there is no room for mistakes. Let the elements above set the pace for your thesis introduction outline.

Now, this is important

Getting the right introduction will make the rest of your paper flow. However, when you mess up in this section, catching up will be like getting President Trump out of Twitter; you know how difficult that will be – don’t you?

Before you start your thesis introduction, here are a few essentials to bear at the back of your mind:

Deliberate and devise different ideas Organize your thoughts in an inverted pyramid style (begin with the most important to the least) Highlight the terms and scope of your writing Have a list of strong and striking words to hook your readers

After putting together all these, it’s now time to get down to work. And this is the most interesting part – now that you have everything you need. Note that a crisp and interesting thesis introduction is our goal, nothing short of that.

Begin your introduction with a broad and interesting sentence with seamless transitions into your argument. The sentence should appeal to a wide range of audiences. A great way to do this would be to determine who you intend to inform with your paper. Such will help you identify the different groups and sub-groups that will benefit from your thesis.

Without the background information, your thesis intro is as good as dead. Therefore, provide an adequate but brief background for your readers to understand the thesis statement and arguments. It will help you not to spend too much time with it in the body of the thesis.

Let us now put into practice what we have been discussing with the help of a sample thesis introduction paragraph.

“Technology has become an essential part of our daily lives. It has achieved great milestones in advancing productivity and progression. Statistics show that by 2030, almost every facet of human life will be automated. But what does this mean for those who depend on manual work as a source of their daily bread? Here are reasons why Technology will land many in the jobless corner.”

From the thesis introduction sample above, we can make the following remarks:

A good thesis intro has interesting facts and statistics It has relevant background information for the reader It contains preview key points that lead into the thesis statement

Note that the sample above is not cast on a stone for every topic. However, it will be able to spearhead you in the right direction culminating in a great introduction. What are you waiting for now? Try it out on your own. It will amaze you to know how much you have improved just by reading this post.

Moreover, you can use these tips to spice up your paper:

  • It should address a current situation (this will draw the interest of many)
  • Inform the reader about the purpose of your thesis.
  • Could you not write it in one go?
  • Present a comprehensive outlook of your thesis paper.
  • It should offer readers value for their time spent reading it
  • Proofread it to ensure that your grammar and language are up to speed

Scroll down for more on how to start a thesis introduction effectively.

A professional answer to this question would be – as long as it needs to be – no longer and no shorter. However, using the variables long and short is ambiguous. Most institutions have their requirements for the length of the thesis introduction paragraph.

Here is a more insightful look at this question of length. The thesis introduction is normally placed on pages 3-5. Therefore, this tells you that it is not shorter than 150 words . Let’s look at some of the factors that determine the length of the thesis introduction paragraph:

  • Level of research
  • Academic or scientific discipline
  • Depth of specialization
  • The topic or problem in question
  • The preferences of the department

With that, you can determine how long your introduction will take. Don’t get all worked up about the length; as long as you have the content, you are all set! You can even handle an introduction of 10 pages or more.

Despite the confusing aspects of a thesis introduction, you can see that it is a manageable task. The trick is simple, follow the guidelines, look at our thesis examples, and contact our professional thesis writers if you are stuck.

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How to Write a Compelling Thesis Introduction

writing a good dissertation introduction

The introduction to your thesis is like a first impression: you want it to be great. It is the first chapter and appears before the literature review and after the table of contents. You want the introduction to set the stage for your reader: tell them what you’re writing about, why, and what comes next. So how can you write a compelling thesis introduction?

Structure and elements of a thesis introduction

Before you write a compelling thesis introduction, you need to know what elements belong in this section and how it should be structured. A typical thesis introduction includes:

  • A clear thesis statement
  • An explanation of the context (brief background) for the study
  • The focus and scope of the paper
  • An explanation of the relevance and importance of your research
  • A description of the objectives of your research and how your methodology achieves them
  • A guide to the structure of the rest of the thesis (roadmap)

A thesis introduction is typically about 10% of the total length of your paper. If your introduction includes diagrams or figures, the length may be longer. It is critical to include all of the points above when writing a clear and compelling introduction. You may include additional elements if you feel they are essential in introducing your topic to the audience.

Thesis introduction: Getting started

If you do decide to write your introduction first, you can draw on the information in your thesis/dissertation proposal to help construct your draft.

How should you draft your thesis introduction, and when should you do it?

Despite the fact that your introduction comes first in the structure of your thesis, there is absolutely no need to write it first. Starting your thesis is often difficult and overwhelming, and many writers suffer from blank page syndrome —the paralysis of not knowing where to start. For this reason, some people advocate writing a kind of placeholder introduction when you begin, just to get something written down. You are free to write the introduction section at the beginning, middle, or end of the thesis drafting process . I personally find it preferable to write the introduction to a paper after I have already drafted a significant portion of the remainder of the paper. This is because I can draw on what I have written already to make sure that I cover all of the important points above.

However, if you do decide to write your introduction first, you can draw on the information in your thesis/dissertation proposal  to help construct your draft. Just keep in mind that you will need to revisit your introduction after you have written the rest of your thesis to make sure it still provides an accurate roadmap and summary of the paper for your readers.

Topic and background information

When you introduce your topic, you want to draw your reader in.

Your thesis introduction should begin by informing the reader what your topic is and providing them with some relevant background information. The amount of background information you provide in this step will actually depend on what type of thesis/dissertation you are writing.

If you are writing a paper in the natural sciences or some social sciences, then it will have a separate background section after the introduction. Not a lot of background information is needed here. You can just state the larger context of the research. However, if your paper is structured such that there is no separate background chapter, then this portion of your thesis will be a bit longer and that is okay.

When you introduce your topic, you want to draw your reader in. Provide them with the reasons your research is interesting and important so that they will want to keep reading. Don’t be afraid to offer up some surprising facts or an interesting anecdote. You don’t need to be sensationalist, but your writing does not have to be dry and boring also! It is encouraged that you try to connect to your reader by offering them a relevant fact or story about your topic.

Example (topic) Weaknesses in financial regulatory systems in the United States
Example (context): Highlight some news stories about banks allowing money laundering on a massive scale, which financed gangs and led to more street drugs in major American cities. You could include a story about someone personally impacted by drugs in their neighborhood and then connect the presence of drugs to the gangs who were allowed to launder their money through big banks.

Focus and scope of your thesis

Once you have introduced your reader to the broader topic and provided some background information, you might want to explain the specific focus and scope of your thesis.

Once you have introduced your reader to the broader topic and provided some background information, you might want to explain the specific focus and scope of your thesis. What aspect of your topic will you research in particular? Why? What will your research not cover, and why? While this second part is optional, it is often helpful to be very specific about the aims of your research.

Example : Regulatory capture in the Federal Reserve and how it contributes to lax enforcement of anti-money laundering regulations.

You might write about this by explaining that your study focuses on regulatory capture in the Federal Reserve because they are one of the primary regulatory bodies monitoring the financial institutions, which were caught allowing money laundering. You could further specify that you will be focusing specifically on the role the Federal Reserve plays in monitoring banks for compliance with anti-money laundering laws; however, you will not be talking about the role they play in monitoring for compliance in other areas such as loans or mergers. This prepares your reader for what they are going to read and sets their expectations for what will come next.

Explaining the relevance and importance of your research

You must explain to the reader why your research matters, and by implication, why your reader should continue reading!

This is one of the most critical parts of your introduction. You must explain to the reader why your research matters, and by implication, why your reader should continue reading! Your research does not have to be completely revolutionary or groundbreaking to have value. You don’t need to inflate the importance of the thesis/dissertation you are writing when explaining why the research you have done is worthwhile.

Example: Corruption is an increasingly important issue in the maintenance and promotion of democratic norms and good governance. Without the ability to enforce effective penalties against institutions that turn a blind eye to money laundering, democratic governments like the United States will be threatened by the increasing power of bad actors flouting regulations. With the dollar being the global reserve currency, the US must enforce anti-money laundering legislation at home to have any hopes of shutting down global networks of corrupt operators that rely on its financial institutions. Identifying the presence of regulatory capture in the Federal Reserve sounds the alarm bell for lawmakers and regulators and suggests important interventions for policymakers are needed.

The above example clearly explains the wider impact of the issue without making overly broad statements such as “this research will revolutionize financial regulation in the United States as we know it” or “this research provides a roadmap for ending corrupt financial flows.” Just focus on what made the issue important and interesting to you and clearly state it within the broader context you provided earlier on.

Giving your reader a roadmap

At the end of your thesis introduction, you will want to provide your reader with a roadmap to the rest of the thesis.

At the end of your thesis introduction, you will want to provide your reader with a roadmap to the rest of the thesis. This differs from your table of contents in that it provides more context and details for how and why you have structured your thesis the way you have. The format of “first, next, finally” is a clear and easy way to structure this section of your introduction.

Example: First , this study reviews the existing literature on regulatory capture and how it impacts enforcement actions, with a specific focus on financial institutions and the history of the Federal Reserve. Next , it discusses the materials used for this research and how analysis was performed. Finally , it explains the results of the data analysis and investigates what the results mean and implications for future policymaking.

Now your reader knows exactly what to expect and how this fits into your overall aims and objectives. They are primed with the knowledge of your topic, its background, its relevance, and your specific focus in this study.

One common problem people have when writing an introduction to a thesis is actually writing too much . Many students and young researchers fear they won’t have enough to say and then will find themselves with a super long introduction that they somehow need to cut in half. You don’t have to give too much detail in the introduction of your thesis! Remember, the substance of your paper is located in the chapters that follow. If you are struggling with how to cut down (or add to) your introduction, you might benefit from the help of a professional editor who can see your paper with fresh eyes and quickly help you revise it. The introduction is the first part of your thesis/dissertation that people will read, so use these tips to make sure you write a great one! Check out our site for more tips on how to write a good thesis/dissertation, where to find the best thesis editing services , and more about thesis editing and proofreading services .

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Checklist: Tips for writing a compelling thesis introduction

Remember the below points when you are writing a thesis introduction:

Know your audience

Refer to your thesis/dissertation proposal or notes

Make sure you clearly state your topic, aims, and objectives

Explain why your research matters

Try to offer interesting facts or statistics that may surprise your reader and draw their interest

Draw a roadmap of what your paper will discuss

Don’t try to write too much detail about your topic

Remember to revise your introduction as you revise other sections of your thesis

What are the typical elements in an introduction section? +

The typical elements in an introduction section are as follows:

  • Thesis statement
  • Brief background of the study
  • The focus and scope of the article
  • The relevance and importance of your research

Do I have to write my introduction first? +

You can write your introduction section whenever you feel ready. Many writers save the introduction section for last to make sure they provide a clear summary and roadmap of the content of the rest of the paper.

How long should my introduction be? +

Most introductions are about 10% of the total paper, but can be longer if they include figures or diagrams.

Thesis Writing

Thesis Introduction

Last updated on: Apr 15, 2024

A Simple Guide to Write a Perfect Thesis Introduction

By: Caleb S.

Reviewed By: Melisa C.

Published on: Aug 31, 2021

Thesis Introduction

For many students, the most difficult part is writing a strong thesis introduction. At this point, you have almost finished your thesis preparation work and are beginning to write the introduction.

Your thesis statement doesn't have to be as strong at the start because you can always revise it later in the writing process.

You can begin with a gap and work your way up to a suitable introduction for your thesis.

Moreover, it is unclear what should be included and how to make a good first impression on your reader. And there is no single method for writing an introduction that works for every topic.

But, if you follow the step-by-step instructions below, it could serve as a strong starting point for your thesis.

Thesis Introduction

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What Is a Thesis Introduction?

The thesis introduction is the first paragraph of your thesis or dissertation, following the table of contents. In the introduction, you explain what you will be discussing throughout your thesis. It narrows down a broad subject and focuses on a specific point.

Some students believe it is simple, but it can cause major problems throughout your paper if it is not written properly. It also serves as a guide, emphasizing the main topic, supporting elements, or writing styles.

Elements of a Good Thesis Introduction

The following are the essential elements of an introduction that must be addressed.

  • Topic and Context - What information should a reader have to understand the thesis?
  • Scope of the Topic - What aspects of the topic will be covered? It could be research gaps, questions, or problems.
  • Importance and Relevance - How will your research contribute to previous work on the same topic?
  • Research Aim or Objectives and Questions - What are the primary research goals and objectives, and how will they be met?
  • Overview of the Structure - What contribution will each thesis chapter make to the overall goals?

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How Long Should a Thesis Introduction be?

Your introduction accounts for 10% of your paper, making it the most important section. The introduction to the Ph.D. thesis should be between 8000 and 10000 words long. On the other hand, the introduction to a master's thesis should be between 1500 and 2000 words long.

However, if the writer includes photos, diagrams, and explanations, the thesis introduction length may be increased.

How to Start a Thesis Introduction?

Follow the steps below to begin a thesis introduction properly.

1. Choose a Subject To write a successful paper, you must first choose an intriguing topic to keep readers interested. Second, your introduction should be clear so that they understand what's going on between the lines of text.

2. Topic Research and Brainstorming Brainstorm various ideas and facts about your topic. Then, thoroughly research prior literature on the subject to grasp that concept or idea.

3. Select the Paper Type Choose the type of paper you feel most at ease in your writing process. It is important to remember that the content should never be written in the first person.

Also, avoid including unnecessary details and be precise through using proper language and grammar. When writing a thesis, powerful phrases can help you define the study objectives.

4. Determine Your Target Audience It is preferable to be aware of your audience when speaking. Similarly, work approaches, procedures, and literature should be introduced with your target audience in mind.

5. Organize the Ideas Organize and assemble the major arguments, concepts, and claims in the following stage. A good idea will help you describe and present your thesis statement.

6. Describe the Subject and Related Themes Define the subject and the relevant themes before beginning your thesis introduction. Going through it will help the reader understand and get a good idea of your topic.

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How to Write a Thesis Introduction?

Here's a step-by-step guide to writing a thesis introduction.

These steps for writing a good introduction are covered in detail below.

1. Grasp the Reader's Attention A writer should begin the introduction with a hook sentence to grasp the reader’s attention. Following that, you can begin with a quote, a question, or an intriguing transition into your argument.

Make a list of interesting news, current issues, or events related to your theme. It will help in the creation of an effective opening and thesis statement.

2. Identify the Research Gap Examine and evaluate the available literature. It will help the researcher identify and fill the research gaps.

3. Give Some Background Information An excellent thesis introduction always provides historical context for the chosen topic. It is generally mentioned in the first paragraph and depicts the subject's current state.

4. Utilize Relevant Literature to Support Your Topic The introduction combines previous research and a literature review. So, the topic should be supported by appropriate resources.

It is also used to explain the context and importance of previous research. Finally, it acknowledges credible sources of information to support your claim.

5. Define the Hypothesis For your research project, develop a hypothesis. It will go over your objectives and the options available to you.

6. Describe the Significance of Your Research The gap will help assess the situation and explain why the current research is important.

So, provide the goal of your paper, which explains why the study was conducted. It will also demonstrate the potential future contributions of the research work.

7. Outline the Research Problems The following step is to write an outline of your research questions. These should be relevant to the purpose of your research. It will also help you talk about the issues you want to talk about.

8. Specify Your Research Objectives State the research goals and objectives to identify the fundamental purpose of the work. It should provide direction for the research by outlining what it hopes to accomplish.

9. Create an Outline To organize and assemble your ideas, create a well-structured outline. Include a table of contents at the beginning of your dissertation. It could be used to create a mind map to discuss the structure of your thesis proposal.

10. Analyze the Research Methodology At this stage, you must identify and define the terms and methods used in your research. It is a powerful method for making your research credible, trustworthy, and valuable.

11. Finish Your Introduction After you've completed the introduction, consider the following questions.

  • Is your introduction concerned with the problem that your thesis attempts to solve?
  • Is it persuasive enough to justify the study?
  • Is this section concerned with the contribution of the research?
  • Is it a thorough examination of your thesis?
  • Is it specific in its definitions of research topics, problems, and hypotheses?
  • Does it conclude by briefly addressing each topic?

Examine this example to understand better how to write the thesis introduction.

How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction – Example

Thesis Introduction Outline

The following is the outline format for a thesis introduction chapter.

  • Begin with an attention-grabbing hook statement.
  • TA generic remark should be used to introduce the topic to the audience,
  • Describe both the problem statement and the primary hypothesis.
  • Express your main point with the help of a thesis statement.
  • Include both the research questions and the objectives.
  • Discuss the significance of the research in addition to the current literature.
  • Describe any research limitations that you are aware of.
  • Finish your introductory paragraph by connecting all of the concepts logically.

Look at the template below to see how the thesis introduction should be structured.

Thesis Introduction Outline Sample

Thesis Introduction Examples

To help you write effective introductions, consider the following examples of introductory thesis paragraphs.

Thesis Introduction Sample

School Canteen Thesis Introduction

Study Habits Thesis Introduction

Useful Tips for Writing a Thesis Introduction

Here are some writing tips for creating an effective thesis introduction.

  • In the thesis introduction, you must identify and specify your research parameters.
  • Provide sufficient evidence to back up your claims.
  • Create a strong introduction that establishes the scope and goal of the project.
  • Create a strong opening that establishes the scope and purpose of the work.
  • It must include background information to provide a solid foundation for your thesis.
  • It should also carve out a niche by limiting the assertions you will investigate in the body of your thesis.
  • It should enable the reader to understand which method the writer should use in future research.
  • An overview of the current research, including hypotheses, research questions, and goals, must be included in the introduction.
  • This section's content should be original and free of plagiarism.
  • It must present clear facts while sticking to a consistent thesis format.
  • Avoid the use of technical terms and language that will confuse the reader.

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Caleb S.

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Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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Table of contents, introduction.

The introductory chapter, as the name implies How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction? informs a reader or evaluator about the thesis’ contents, main argument(s), and scope. It follows the table of contents and is the first formal chapter of your thesis. Consider it a preview into the entire thesis, a glimpse into the scope of the project.

To put it another way, an introduction chapter should

  • Introduce your research topic and place it in context.
  • Clearly describe the focus of your research.
  • Define the research aims, objectives, and methodology.
  • Justify the research’s importance and value on a broader scale.
  • Give an overview of the chapters to come.

When Should the Thesis Introduction Section be Written?

Despite the fact that the introduction is the first chapter that will be read, it is usually written at the end of the writing process. This is because your study will evolve over time—the methods you use may change, your hypothesis or original research topic may broaden or narrow, or you may change the conceptual framework entirely.

Since the purpose of this chapter is to introduce your project (of course), you’ll want to be accurate in describing what the project involves.

Writing the introduction chapter in the end, along with the abstract and conclusion, guarantees that the ideas and arguments in all three sections, as well as the thesis itself, are consistent.

Moreover, this saves time. If you write an introduction ahead of time, you’ll be forced to make changes or rewrite it entirely.

If you want to, you may start by writing an outline to keep you on track and then modify it as you go. (This is also a great method to keep track of how your project is progressing.)

As the components of the two proposals will overlap, keep the original proposal you created as a reference.

An Introduction to a Thesis Consists of the Following Elements

Background information and context.

Your goal is to arouse the reader’s interest in your research topic and explain why it’s important or relevant to study it. Begin with a current or historically important incident or news statement. As an introduction, cite important literature so that your reader may connect to established (possibly even seminal) work in the subject.

You’re easing a reader into your field of study and gradually guiding them to the core of your research by establishing a context with this.

So don’t go crazy; you’ve got the rest of the thesis to do.

At this point, all you need to do is provide some basic information about your topic and field, just enough for the reader to have a sense of what’s coming next. To make them more understandable, use terms and phrases that are relevant to your field.

The Research Problem

After you’ve set the mood for the reader, explain how this background relates to your research topic. In other words, describe where the research problem lies inside the context you’ve created.

This will lead you to write about the specific focus, topic, or questions you’ve chosen inside this broader research area. After you’ve done that, describe clearly what your main argument or hypothesis that you’re testing as part of the study.

Write up the exact parameters you set out to answer or evaluate the issue or problem after that. This will inform the reader about the project’s scope, including time frames, geographical areas covered, specific themes, and disciplines your research falls under, among other things.

You should be clear about what your thesis will not include as you define the scope of your research. Examine the weaknesses in your existing study. This clarifies the scope even further, allowing future researchers to build on what you’ve begun.

List your Research Objectives

Your three or four overarching research objectives must be included. If it’s a qualitative study, provide corresponding research questions; if it’s a quantitative study, offer hypotheses.

The former is frequently derived from the research goals. However, keep in mind that these goals, questions, and hypotheses are all fluid in nature and may be changed as you do your research.

The Relevance of your Research

Given that you’ve previously established the background for your thesis, now is a good opportunity to explain the reasons behind it.

Original research is valued in academics since it is one of the most dependable methods to increase knowledge in a particular field. That is why it is essential for you to argue its importance right away. What purpose does your study serve (apart from finally obtaining that long-awaited degree)?

Why might future researchers and the academic community be interested in this research? What implications does your finding have in terms of larger societal, political, or scientific significance? Why is your research important?

These are some of the questions you should try to respond to.

Show a connection between the logic and the context you’ve established till this point. Based on this information, a reader should be able to comprehend how your project has progressed thus far.

A Summary of the Thesis

Explain how you’ll do the research once you’ve introduced the context, the research topic, the specific research question, your study hypothesis, and the explanation for that choice. Declare what you want to do and the goals you want to achieve.

Describe the research methodologies you utilized and a brief summary of the results.

Always communicate with your supervisor and schedule regular catch-ups. They’ll be able to provide you with guidance and support, as well as point you in the correct path.

If your study is more complicated or does not follow a standard framework, each chapter may require up to a paragraph.

For example, rather than separating the study into methods/results/discussion, a humanities thesis may build an argument thematically. Make it apparent how everything goes together if your structure is unconventional.

This structure, as you may have seen, is essentially a summary of the complete thesis. Well done if you’ve made it this far! Anyone reading your thesis will have a good idea of what to expect next.

-Isabell S.

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How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction?

How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction?

  • Smodin Editorial Team
  • June 24, 2023

Creating a captivating introduction is an essential aspect of any thesis. This comprehensive chapter, which often captures the bulk of a reader’s initial attention, plays a pivotal role in forming the first impression of your paper. Of particular note is the thesis statement, typically positioned at the end of the introduction, which serves as a succinct summary of your thesis’s primary focus.

Crafting an engaging, precise introduction with a clear thesis statement encourages readers to delve deeper into your work. The introduction reflects your motivation for conducting the research, outlining its significance.

However, many students find writing an appealing introduction to their thesis challenging, often turning to various resources for assistance.

This guide, filled with beneficial advice, will provide the push you need to craft a notable thesis introduction.

1. Cater to Your Readers’ Interests

Before you dive into the task of writing the introduction, take time to understand who your readers are.

More often than not, your readers will be the professors and lecturers overseeing your research. Knowing what information they’re seeking can guide your writing, while also considering readers who may not be specialists in your field of research.

This understanding aids in creating a concise introduction, contributing to your thesis’s overall clarity.

Make it your mission to capture your reader’s attention. Start with a broad theme linked to your thesis. To maximize impact, conduct thorough research and incorporate statistical data and quotations from reliable sources.

The accuracy and relevance of this information to your research are paramount.

2. Utilize Smodin’s AI Writer to Improve Quality

Incorporating AI-powered tools into your writing process can bring about significant improvements in the quality, coherence, and sophistication of your work. Smodin, an AI writer designed with advanced algorithms, offers one such platform to aid you in your academic endeavors.

The Smodin AI writer is more than just a proofreading tool; it’s a comprehensive writing assistant that caters to many academic writing needs including essays , articles , stories , scripts and more. It boasts an impressive ability to enhance sentence structure, suggesting vocabulary improvements, and ensuring the logical progression of thoughts, all of which are key elements of an impactful thesis introduction.

By leveraging its capabilities, you can go beyond merely drafting your content to enriching it with meaningful insights and stylistic excellence. This tool can offer suggestions to help you better express your research, optimize the structure of your arguments, and enhance the overall readability of your text.

What’s more, Smodin’s AI writer provides a valuable resource for generating and refining your thesis statement, which, as we’ve mentioned, is a critical component of your thesis introduction. The tool’s sophisticated algorithms can guide you to form a compelling, concise, and academically sound thesis statement, ensuring it effectively encapsulates the primary focus of your research.

3. Provide a Glimpse into Your Research Topic

Your introduction should offer an overview of your research topic.

Highlight the key aspects of your research, focusing on specific elements. This approach works particularly well for readers who may lack prior knowledge about your work.

Clear, concise, and explanatory information will effectively grasp your reader’s attention.

4. Engage Your Readers within the Narrative

It’s crucial to engage your readers right from the start. The narrative should flow seamlessly, guiding readers logically through your research.

The opening sentence is vital—it needs to capture the reader’s attention instantly. An impactful sentence that integrates seamlessly into your argument can serve this purpose beautifully.

This strategic approach to writing your introduction will retain your readers’ interest right to the end.

5. Make a Meaningful Contribution

Showcase the significance of your research to make your thesis more appealing and valuable.

Express your original ideas behind choosing your research topic and illustrate how your work will contribute to the broader field. This can be achieved by identifying gaps or limitations in existing research and demonstrating how your study addresses them.

Always highlight aspects that portray your work in a positive light.

6. Include Supportive Background Information

A robust thesis introduction should be backed by relevant, supportive background information.

This lays a strong foundation and aids comprehension of your argument. Additionally, solid background information can bolster your thesis statement.

Ensure the information you provide is adequate and directly linked to your research topic.

7. Incorporate Intriguing Facts and Information

Incorporating intriguing facts and information can enhance the appeal of your topic. However, this requires deep research. Ensure that any information you use is accurate and sourced from reliable sites and official documents.

Discussing current affairs, recent events, and ongoing debates related to your research topic can add interest to your introduction. However, only include information that will be beneficial and engaging for your readers.

Historical anecdotes or facts that highlight a significant aspect of your argument can also be used to this end.

8. List Your Research Objectives

Including a list of your main research objectives in the introduction guides the reader to understand your primary focus areas.

If your research is quantitative-based, including related research questions and hypotheses can be beneficial.

These objectives should be directly linked to your research paper and flexible enough to be adjusted if necessary.

9. Ensure Clarity About Your Research

Always allow your reader to comprehend the purpose of your study. The information you present should enable readers to understand the reasons behind your research paper.

Use academic terms related to your topic to outline your scope and explain the practical significance of your work.

10. Engage in Continuous Learning and Seek Guidance

Take a look at other thesis works for ideas and ways to structure your introduction. Regular consultations with your supervising professor can provide helpful guidance.

They can help shape your content, and regular check-ins will ensure your work remains on track.

11. Conclude with Your Thesis Statement

Finally, conclude your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. Avoid verbose explanations and focus on the overall structure of your thesis.

This approach will give your readers a glimpse of what to expect in the subsequent sections of your paper.

Final Thoughts

This comprehensive guide is designed to help you create an engaging thesis introduction. Utilizing these tips and the assistance of AI tools like the Smodin AI Writer can significantly enhance your writing quality. Remember to keep your readers at the forefront, provide an enticing glimpse into your research, and always ensure clarity and conciseness. By doing so, you can craft an introduction that leaves a lasting, impactful impression on your readers.

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How To Write A Thesis Introduction: Secrets, Tips, Advice

How To Write A Thesis Introduction: Secrets, Tips, Advice

When you write a thesis, you should pay exceptional attention to the introduction. The reader will start your thesis from the introduction, and he will make up his view and understanding of the problem, your ideas, professionalism and writing skills based on the introduction. Your introduction is an important section that must be perfect. Good news that you can read our guide on how to write a thesis introduction of high quality or find  thesis writer on our website. Keep reading and find out useful information, tips, and advice to create a successful project.

Thesis Introduction: How to Start?

A thesis introduction  is the first special chapter of your work and the starting point of your paper. If to say shortly, you should describe the topic of your thesis, talk about problem statements and write persuasive points based on an overview of your work. Let's define the main purposes of your introduction?

Main Purposes

  • To introduce the topic: answer the hypothetical question of what the main reason is, what a thesis idea is and why it is relevant today?
  • To win the reader’s interest. Use persuasive but clear words and facts to make your introduction interesting for the reader. People should be interested in keeping reading your dissertation.
  • To demonstrate awareness of your topic as well as the relevance of the research question . The author should persuade the reader of professionalism. Your main goal is to show the entire research is relevant, and it contains significant academic and practical components.

Which Parts Should Your Introduction Contain?

The introduction should be placed in your thesis just after the table of contents. In this part, you have to provide readers with a good beginning to explain to them shortly what they will read in the document. You need to describe your research with its main purpose and direction. Below, you can find the main parts your introduction should contain:

  • Context and topic. Write about what your readers need to know to understand your thesis.
  • Scope and focus. Think about the certain aspect of the topic you want to address to your readers.
  • Importance and relevance. Your current research must fit into work that already was done on the chosen topic.
  • Objectives and questions. Define research problem , explain what's the main goal of your research and how good it gives all the needed information to readers.
  • Structure overview. Each chapter of your thesis must contain something useful to explain the main goal of the writing.  

What Information Should You Give in the Introduction? 

Give only meaningful, important and accurate information in your thesis and the introduction. Thanks to the details you give here, your reader should understand:

  • What is the topic of your paper;
  • What part of the general topic needs further investigations, research and why;
  • Your thesis statement.

Each paragraph has the number of steps you should follow, and the introduction is not an exception to this rule. Read the steps you should make when you write your introduction piece.

Writing a Thesis Introduction: Steps

These 12 steps that can be common despite the topic. However, some specific fields require more stages.

  • Introduce the topic of your research problem;
  • Give some general background information;
  • Make a short overview of related literature you have studied (the detailed view should be written in a literature review section);
  • Give the general idea of the scope of the topic you have chosen;
  • Describe in details the current situation concerning the problem;
  • Find the area or piece of the topic which is not researched yet or researched not enough;
  • Explain the relevance, importance of the research you are going to do;
  • State the main aims and objectives of your thesis;
  • Name the research question (questions) or problem (problems);
  • Give your hypotheses;
  • Show the how to structure a thesis ;
  • Outline the methodology you used.

Your introduction is the only chance to catch the interest of your reader and to make the first impression. Remember the introductory part has the same importance as all other chapters of your dissertation you have to complete.

How to Make a Well-Structured Introduction?

Above, we have mentioned the main parts that must be included in the thesis or dissertation introduction. Let's see what information you need to write in each of those parts. Make sure you read all the points thoroughly to include all the needed elements to your writing.

Context and Topic

Start with the topic introduction and provide readers with a short background. Show why the chosen subject is important to make the audience interested. It means you should select a relevant topic for discussion.

Scope and Focus

Here you have to define the scope of your dissertation and focus of your research. For example, you can mention the area of your investigation, the time period of your research, the communities you're researching, or any other specific aspects of your dissertation.

Importance and Relevance

Try to explain your motivation for this research. Provide an overview of the current state of your study and don't forget to cite sources. You will make a more detailed view of all used sources in the literature review section of your manuscript. Show the importance of your research and how it helps to solve a particular problem.  

Objectives and Questions

Pay a lot of attention to this part because here you set up the expectations of the rest of your work. Please focus on the main goal of your research to formulate your objectives and questions. Here you can provide the methods you used in your paper to answer these questions. You can write about it in detail in the methodology part. You can also include your hypotheses here. It's possible to include the hypotheses after the literature review.

Structure Overview

Your document must have a good structure to guide the reader through. Make an overview of the structure: write just 1-2 sentences to describe the content of each part of your thesis. But if the research is complicated, you can write a paragraph for each part to explain the document's structure.

How to Organize Your Work?

You don’t write your thesis in the same order as all the chapters appear in the outline. So how to organize your work effectively to complete your Ph.D. dissertation successfully?

  • You should organize your whole paper in a logical consequence and write your work using the informative language;
  • Find facts, figures, create infographics to illustrate your argument in details;
  • Define the main parts of the thesis: Background information; Facts you will use in the argument; Observations; Ways of connecting review, analysis, and conclusions; The main elements of the thesis (sections).
  • Now you can start writing.

Length of Introduction

The length is an important issue. It shouldn’t take a lot of time to read it, but it should contain all the important points (please check them above). There are no special length requirements for thesis introduction, just be clear and don’t provide unnecessary information here. At the same time, there is no need to squeeze all your points in one page. Two or three pages will be quite enough. Read our guide to find out how long is a thesis paper or its separate chapter.

Rule ‘General - Specific – General’

It is a good rule you can follow not only in thesis introductions but many other writing papers. You should start your paper with a broad position - explain why the field for your research matters and why it is relevant.

After that, you can go to narrower things. Find points which lie in your niche, share and describe details, explain why they matter to your topic.

In the end, you should think wider again. Make connections between narrow and general things to show the effects and results of your research.

How to Write an Engaging Thesis Introduction: Tips

Read the next tips if you want to know how to write a thesis introduction in a good way.

  • Give the proper acknowledgment of previous research on which you are writing a thesis paper .
  • In the beginning, give your readers an understanding of how you are going to structure your thesis. What will they find in chapters?
  • Surprise the reader a little. Give something unexpected details: unique research or point of view, some facts or perspectives. Make your reader feel excited about reading.
  • Always talk about the best experience in the field: check and present the best examples that you have, the best literature review, and the best experience of other researchers.
  • Don’t use specific vocabulary in the beginning. It is like a door to your thesis for people to make it clear for understanding.
  • Don’t neglect to draft. This will help you to improve your work as in the case of any other chapter.
  • Use the simple present tense to state the topic/subject. Use simple past tense/present perfect tense for describing background information.
  • Don’t include a lot of citations. You can provide readers with all the used sources in the literature review chapter.

It’s not easy to write a good thesis introduction. We tried to give you all the necessary information because we knew that you might have difficulties with that. But if you feel unconfident, it’s a good idea to order your thesis from professionals. If you still have any questions, you can address them to our professional writers, they will answer you with pleasure. Contact experts to finish your project easily! Our English professionals can create a perfect Ph.D. thesis to shift your expectations!

The methodology is an important part of your dissertation. It describes a broad philosophical underpinning to your chosen research methods, either quantitative or qualitative, to explain to readers your approach better. Make sure that you’re clear about an academic basis for your choice of research ...

If your college requires you to undergraduate thesis, then chances are that they want you to write a literature review. If you’re writing a literature review for academic purposes, then this document demonstrates that you have learned from the previous publications and are ready to work on new ideas...

Thesis abstract is an essential part of the dissertation paper. It is a summary of a complete work. It gives readers a chance to discover the key points of your dissertation, its research chapter, methodology and results part. Writing a proper abstract is important. Students use various techniques a...

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  1. How to Write a Dissertation or Thesis Introduction & Examples

    Use the following strategies to write an effective introduction of a dissertation or thesis: Write this section last to craft a good beginning because you will have a well-rounded idea about your arguments. You can also compose a draft of this part. If you do this, ensure to return later and revise accordingly.

  2. How To Write A Thesis Introduction Chapter

    Limitations Of The Study. - Outlines study boundaries. - Addresses constraints. - Manages reader expectations. - Establishes trust with transparency. Structural Outline Of Thesis. - Acts as a blueprint for the thesis. - Outlines each chapter succinctly. - Ensures logical progression of research work.

  3. How to Write a Thesis Introduction

    Stages in a thesis introduction. state the general topic and give some background. provide a review of the literature related to the topic. define the terms and scope of the topic. outline the current situation. evaluate the current situation (advantages/ disadvantages) and identify the gap. identify the importance of the proposed research.

  4. How to Write a Dissertation Introduction with Sample

    It's always important to follow guidelines when writing a dissertation, and one of the most fundamental pieces is your introduction. The dissertation introduction word count should be about 800-1000 words long. However, it can also be longer if you have a lot to say on the topic. DISSERTATION INTRODUCTION TEMPLATE.

  5. Dissertation Masterclass

    The first chapter of your dissertation or thesis is the introduction. It comes right after the table of contents, and its main goal is to explain the background of your research topic, your focus and scope, the importance of your research, your questions and goals, and a brief summary of your structure. Your introduction chapter gets the reader ...

  6. Introductions

    In general, your introductions should contain the following elements: When you're writing an essay, it's helpful to think about what your reader needs to know in order to follow your argument. Your introduction should include enough information so that readers can understand the context for your thesis. For example, if you are analyzing ...

  7. How do you write a good introduction to a thesis or dissertation?

    1. Writing a thesis introduction at the right time. There are 2 schools of thought on the ideal time to write a thesis introduction: . Write your introduction after the writing plan has been finalised (at the start of the dissertation or thesis project).; Write your introduction after you have finished writing your thesis (at the end of the project).

  8. How To Write A Thesis Introduction

    I collected some further key points, which are also indicated by the Harvard University (to give you examples of how to write a good thesis introduction: 2 - Keep your writing short and concise. 3 - Check and present the best examples. 4 - Don't make use of (too) specific vocabulary. 5 - Outline the principal key points, keep the ...

  9. Writing an Engaging Dissertation Introduction

    Writing a strong dissertation introduction is essential to capturing your reader's attention and setting the stage for your research. Properly structuring this section will ensure that you guide readers on an effective journey from problem statement to purpose and objectives. ... This will help create a good foundation for moving forward onto ...

  10. How to Write a Strong Dissertation Introduction

    A dissertation introduction may be one of the first instances where the reader is acquainted with your work, but you are not required to write every chapter of the dissertation in the same order. Writing a research proposal before the introduction will give you more ideas on what to include in your introduction.

  11. How To Write A Dissertation Introduction

    Moreover, elaborate on the significance of your paper toward your subject area. 7. Give A Touch Upon Your Research Designs & Methods. When writing the methodology section in the dissertation introduction, it is important to briefly explain the research design, methods, and data sources you will use.

  12. How to write a dissertation introduction? Tips and Guidelines

    Creating a dissertation introduction is a lot of work. Even though you write a dissertation introduction to your work in the end, after completing research and writing the main body of the paper, you need to understand the goal of an introduction, its main components, and the tone to make it stand out and fulfil its purpose.

  13. PDF A Complete Dissertation

    Order and format of dissertation chapters may vary by institution and department. 1. Introduction 2. Literature review 3. Methodology 4. Findings 5. Analysis and synthesis 6. Conclusions and recommendations Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter makes a case for the signifi-cance of the problem, contextualizes the study, and provides an ...

  14. How to Write an Abstract

    Write clearly and concisely. A good abstract is short but impactful, so make sure every word counts. Each sentence should clearly communicate one main point. ... How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction The introduction leads the reader into your dissertation. It should describe the topic, focus, importance, and objectives of your ...

  15. How To Write a Thesis Introduction

    Deliberate and devise different ideas. Organize your thoughts in an inverted pyramid style (begin with the most important to the least) Highlight the terms and scope of your writing. Have a list of strong and striking words to hook your readers. After putting together all these, it's now time to get down to work.

  16. How to Write a Compelling Thesis Introduction

    Before you write a compelling thesis introduction, you need to know what elements belong in this section and how it should be structured. A typical thesis introduction includes: A thesis introduction is typically about 10% of the total length of your paper. If your introduction includes diagrams or figures, the length may be longer.

  17. A Step-by-Step Guide to Write a Great Thesis Introduction

    These steps for writing a good introduction are covered in detail below. 1. Grasp the Reader's Attention. A writer should begin the introduction with a hook sentence to grasp the reader's attention. Following that, you can begin with a quote, a question, or an intriguing transition into your argument.

  18. How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction in 2024

    To put it another way, an introduction chapter should. Introduce your research topic and place it in context. Clearly describe the focus of your research. Define the research aims, objectives, and methodology. Justify the research's importance and value on a broader scale. Give an overview of the chapters to come.

  19. How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction?

    11. Conclude with Your Thesis Statement. Finally, conclude your introduction with a clear and concise thesis statement. Avoid verbose explanations and focus on the overall structure of your thesis. This approach will give your readers a glimpse of what to expect in the subsequent sections of your paper.

  20. How to Write a Good Dissertation: Samples & Structure

    How to Write a Good Dissertation: Samples & Structure. Fiona. Oct 18, 2023. 1.1k views. Writing a dissеrtation is a significant milеstonе in your academic journey. It represents the culmination of years of research, hard work, and dеdication. However, it can also be a daunting task, requiring careful planning, organisation and pеrsеvеrancе.

  21. How To Write A Thesis Introduction: Write like Professional

    How to Write an Engaging Thesis Introduction: Tips. Read the next tips if you want to know how to write a thesis introduction in a good way. Give the proper acknowledgment of previous research on which you are writing a thesis paper. In the beginning, give your readers an understanding of how you are going to structure your thesis.

  22. Example Dissertation Introductions

    The example dissertation introductions below were submitted to UKDiss.com to help you with your own studies. If you are looking for introduction examples to help inspire your own then take a look at the below examples covering various subjects. For help with writing your introduction, see our guide on how to write a dissertation introduction.