good starting sentence for research paper

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Sentence Starters: Ultimate List to Improve Your Essays and Writing

Ashley Shaw

This blog post is going to be about … No. Too boring.

Today, I am going to talk to you about ... No. Too specific.

This is a blog post for all writers ... Nope. Too generic.

Has this ever been you while writing? I get it. Writing a good sentence can be hard, and when you have to string a whole lot of them together, the task can become daunting. So what do you do?

From the first sentence you write to the very last, you want each one to show your style and motivate your reader to keep reading. In this post, we are going to think about how you start your sentences.

What Is a Good Sentence Starter for an Essay Introduction?

What is a good sentence starter for a body paragraph, 25 useful transitions, can i repeat a sentence starter, how can i rephrase "in conclusion".

The first paragraph of a paper can make or break your grade. It is what gets your audience into the topic and sets the whole stage. Because of this, it is important to get your readers hooked early.

The first sentence of a paper is often called the hook. It shouldn’t be anything ordinary. It should have strong language and be a little surprising, with an interesting fact, story, statistic, or quote on the topic.

Because it is designed to pull the reader in and surprise them a little, it is often good to avoid pre-written sentence starter examples when writing your hook. Just get into it here, and worry about the flow later.

Here are some examples:

Spider webs were once used as bandages.

I taught myself to read when I was three. At least, that’s the story my parents tell.

Recent studies suggest that the average person lies at least once in every conversation.

“The world is bleeding and humans wield the knife,” or so says environmental scientist So Andso.

(P.S. Except for example 1, which is true, I just made all of these up to demonstrate my point. So, please don’t quote me on these!)

Once you jump right in with your hook, it is time to start working on ways to move sentences along. Here is where you may need some sentence starter examples.

In your first paragraph, you basically want to connect your hook to your thesis. You’ll do this with a few sentences setting up the stage for your topic and the claim you will make about it. To do that, follow the tips found in the next section on body paragraphs and general sentence starter tips.

Many of the tips I am about to discuss can be used anywhere in a paper, but they are especially helpful when writing body paragraphs.

Let’s start with one of the most important types of sentence starter in essay writing: transition words.

How Do I Use Transitions in an Essay?

If you want to start writing terrific sentences (and improve your essay structure ), the first thing you should do is start using transition words.

Transition words are those words or phrases that help connect thoughts and ideas. They move one sentence or paragraph into another, and they make things feel less abrupt.

The good thing about transition words is that you probably know a lot of them already and currently use them in your speech. Now, you just need to transition them into your writing. (See what I did there?)

Before we get into examples of what a good transition word is, let’s look at a paragraph without any transitions:

I went to the store. I bought bacon and eggs. I saw someone I knew. I said hello. I went to the cashier. They checked me out. I paid. I got my groceries. I went to my car. I returned home.

Yikes! That is some boring writing. It was painful to write, and I am sure it is even worse to read. There are two reasons for this:

• I start every sentence with the same word (more on this later)
• There are no signposts showing me how the ideas in the paragraph connect.

In an essay, you need to show how each of your ideas relate to each other to build your argument. If you just make a series of statements one after the other, you’re not showing your instructor that you actually understand those statements, or your topic.

How do we fix this? Transition words. Roughly 25% of your sentences should start with a transition word. If you can hit that number in your essay, you’ll know that you’ve made meaningful steps towards demonstrating your understanding.

Of course, hitting that number isn’t enough—those transitions need to be meaningful. Let’s look at the different types of transitions and how you can use them.

What Are Words Like First , Next , and Last Called?

You probably already use some transitions in your essays. For example, if you start a paragraph with firstly , you’ve used a transition word. But transitions can do so much more!

Here are 25 common transitional words and phrases that you could use in your essay:

• Additionally / In Addition
• Alternatively / Conversely
• As a result of
• At this time
• Consequently
• Contrary to
• First(ly), Second(ly), etc.
• In contrast
• Nonetheless
• On the other hand
• Particularly / In particular
• In other words

This list isn’t exhaustive, but it is a good start.

These words show different types of relationships between ideas. These relationships fall into four main categories: Emphasis , Contrast , Addition , and Order .

What Are Emphasis Transition Words?

These phrases are used when you want to highlight a point. Examples from my above list include clearly , particularly , and indeed . Want to see some more? Follow my bolded transitions: Undoubtedly , you understand now. It should be noted that you don’t need to worry.

How Do You Use Addition Transitions?

These words add on to what you just said. These are words like along with , moreover , and also . Here are some more: Not only are you going to be great at transitions after this, but you will also be good at writing sentences. Furthermore , everyone is excited to see what you have to say.

How Can I Use Transitions to Contrast Ideas?

This is the opposite of addition, and you use it when you want to show an alternative view or to compare things. Examples from my list include words like nonetheless , contrary to , and besides .

Here are some more: Unlike people who haven’t read this article, you are going to be really prepared to write great sentences. Even so , there is still a lot more about writing to learn.

How Do I Order Ideas in My Essay?

A good first step is using order transition words.

This set of transitions helps mark the passage of time or gives an order to events. From the list, think of things like first and finally . Now for some extras: At this time yesterday , you were worried about starting sentences. Following this , though, you will be an expert.

Now that you get the concept of transitions, let’s go back to that poorly written paragraph above and add some in to see what happens:

This morning , I went to the store. While I was there, I bought bacon and eggs. Then I saw someone I knew. So I said hello. After that , I went to the cashier. At that time , they checked me out. First , I paid. Next , I got my groceries. Following that , I went to my car. Finally , I returned home.

(Notice the use of commas after most of these transitions!)

This isn’t the best paragraph I’ve ever written. It still needs a lot of work. However, notice what a difference just adding transitions makes. This is something simple but effective you can start doing to make your sentences better today.

If you want to check your transition usage, try ProWritingAid’s Transitions report . You’ll see how many of each type of transition word you've used so you can pin-point where you might be losing your reader.

Sign up for a free ProWritingAid account to try it out.

What Are Some Linking Phrases I Can Use in My Essay?

As well as individual words, you can also use short phrases at the beginning of your sentences to transition between ideas. I just did it there— "As well as individual words" shows you how this section of the article is related to the last.

Here are some more phrases like this:

As shown in the example,

As a result of this,

After the meeting,

While this may be true,

Though researchers suggest X,

Before the war began,

Until we answer this question,

Since we cannot assume this to be true,

While some may claim Y,

Because we know that Z is true,

These short phrases are called dependent clauses . See how they all end with a comma? That's because they need you to add more information to make them into complete sentences.

• While some may claim that chocolate is bad for you, data from a recent study suggests that it may have untapped health benefits .
• Since we cannot assume that test conditions were consistent, it is impossible to reach a solid conclusion via this experiment .
• As a result of this, critics disagree as to the symbolism of the yellow car in The Great Gatsby .

The bolded text in each example could stand on its own as a complete sentence. However, if we take away the first part of each sentence, we lose our connection to the other ideas in the essay.

These phrases are called dependent clauses : they depend on you adding another statement to the sentence to complete them. When you use a sentence starter phrase like the ones above in your writing, you signal that the new idea you have introduced completes (or disrupts) the idea before it.

Note: While some very short dependent clauses don’t need a comma, most do. Since it is not wrong to use one on even short ones (depending on the style guide being used), it is a good idea to include one every time.

Along with missing transitions and repeating sentence structure, another thing that stops sentences from being great is too much repetition. Keep your sentences sharp and poignant by mixing up word choices to start your sentences.

You might start your sentence with a great word, but then you use that same word 17 sentences in a row. After the first couple, your sentences don’t sound as great. So, whether it is varying the transitional phrases you use or just mixing up the sentence openers in general, putting in some variety will only improve your sentences.

ProWritingAid lets you know if you’ve used the same word repeatedly at the start of your sentences so you can change it.

The Repeats Report also shows you all of the repeats in your document. If you've used a sentence starter and then repeated it a couple of paragraphs down, the report will highlight it for you.

Try the Repeats Report with a free ProWritingAid account.

Now that you have your introduction sentences and body sentences taken care of, let’s talk a little about conclusion sentences. While you will still use transitions and clauses as in the body, there are some special considerations here.

Your conclusion is what people will remember most after they finish reading your paper. So, you want to make it stand out. Don’t just repeat yourself; tell them what they should do with what you just told them!

Use the tips from above, but also remember the following:

Be unique. Not only should you vary the words you use to start different sentences, but you should also think outside of the box. If you use the same conclusion sentence starter everyone else is using, your ideas will blend in too.

Be natural. Some of the best writing out there is writing that sounds natural. This goes for academic writing, too. While you won’t use phrases like "at the end of the day" in essay writing, stilted phrases like "in conclusion" can disrupt the flow you’ve created earlier on.

Here are some alternatives to "in conclusion" you could use in an essay:

• To review, ... (best for scientific papers where you need to restate your key points before making your final statement)
• As has been shown, ...
• In the final analysis, ...
• Taking everything into account, ...
• On the whole, ...
• Generally speaking, ...

If you’re looking for more ways to rephrase "in conclusion," take a look at our complete list of synonyms you can use.

There may not be a set word or words that you can use to make your sentences perfect. However, when you start using these tips, you’ll start to see noticeable improvement in your writing.

If you’ve ever heard people talk about pacing and flow in academic writing, and you have no idea what they mean or how to improve yours, then this is your answer. These tips will help your writing sound more natural, which is how you help your ideas flow.

Take your writing to the next level:

20 Editing Tips from Professional Writers

Whether you are writing a novel, essay, article, or email, good writing is an essential part of communicating your ideas., this guide contains the 20 most important writing tips and techniques from a wide range of professional writers..

Be confident about grammar

Check every email, essay, or story for grammar mistakes. Fix them before you press send.

Ashley Shaw is a former editor and marketer/current PhD student and teacher. When she isn't studying con artists for her dissertation, she's thinking of new ways to help college students better understand and love the writing process.

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Starting Your Research Paper: Writing an Introductory Paragraph

• Choosing Your Topic
• Define Keywords
• Planning Your Paper
• Writing an Introductory Paragraph

The Dreaded Introductory Paragraph

Writing the introductory paragraph can be a frustrating and slow process -- but it doesn't have to be.  If you planned your paper out, then most of the introductory paragraph is already written.  Now you just need a beginning and an end.

Here's an introductory paragraph for a paper I wrote.  I started the paper with a factoid, then presented each main point of my paper and then ended with my thesis statement.

  Breakdown:

• << Previous: Planning Your Paper
• Last Updated: Feb 12, 2024 12:16 PM
• URL: https://libguides.astate.edu/papers

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to start your research paper [step-by-step guide]

1. Choose your topic

2. find information on your topic, 3. create a thesis statement, 4. create a research paper outline, 5. organize your notes, 6. write your introduction, 7. write your first draft of the body, 9. write your conclusion, 10. revise again, edit, and proofread, frequently asked questions about starting your research paper, related articles.

Research papers can be short or in-depth, but no matter what type of research paper, they all follow pretty much the same pattern and have the same structure .

A research paper is a paper that makes an argument about a topic based on research and analysis.

There will be some basic differences, but if you can write one type of research paper, you can write another. Below is a step-by-step guide to starting and completing your research paper.

Choose a topic that interests you. Writing your research paper will be so much more pleasant with a topic that you actually want to know more about. Your interest will show in the way you write and effort you put into the paper. Consider these issues when coming up with a topic:

• make sure your topic is not too broad
• narrow it down if you're using terms that are too general

Academic search engines are a great source to find background information on your topic. Your institution's library will most likely provide access to plenty of online research databases. Take a look at our guide on how to efficiently search online databases for academic research to learn how to gather all the information needed on your topic.

Tip: If you’re struggling with finding research, consider meeting with an academic librarian to help you come up with more balanced keywords.

If you’re struggling to find a topic for your thesis, take a look at our guide on how to come up with a thesis topic .

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing. It can be defined as a very brief statement of what the main point or central message of your paper is. Our thesis statement guide will help you write an excellent thesis statement.

In the next step, you need to create your research paper outline . The outline is the skeleton of your research paper. Simply start by writing down your thesis and the main ideas you wish to present. This will likely change as your research progresses; therefore, do not worry about being too specific in the early stages of writing your outline.

Then, fill out your outline with the following components:

• the main ideas that you want to cover in the paper
• the types of evidence that you will use to support your argument
• quotes from secondary sources that you may want to use

Organizing all the information you have gathered according to your outline will help you later on in the writing process. Analyze your notes, check for accuracy, verify the information, and make sure you understand all the information you have gathered in a way that you can communicate your findings effectively.

Start with the introduction. It will set the direction of your paper and help you a lot as you write. Waiting to write it at the end can leave you with a poorly written setup to an otherwise well-written paper.

The body of your paper argues, explains or describes your topic. Start with the first topic from your outline. Ideally, you have organized your notes in a way that you can work through your research paper outline and have all the notes ready.

After your first draft, take some time to check the paper for content errors. Rearrange ideas, make changes and check if the order of your paragraphs makes sense. At this point, it is helpful to re-read the research paper guidelines and make sure you have followed the format requirements. You can also use free grammar and proof reading checkers such as Grammarly .

Tip: Consider reading your paper from back to front when you undertake your initial revision. This will help you ensure that your argument and organization are sound.

Write your conclusion last and avoid including any new information that has not already been presented in the body of the paper. Your conclusion should wrap up your paper and show that your research question has been answered.

Allow a few days to pass after you finished writing the final draft of your research paper, and then start making your final corrections. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gives some great advice here on how to revise, edit, and proofread your paper.

Tip: Take a break from your paper before you start your final revisions. Then, you’ll be able to approach your paper with fresh eyes.

As part of your final revision, be sure to check that you’ve cited everything correctly and that you have a full bibliography. Use a reference manager like Paperpile to organize your research and to create accurate citations.

The first step to start writing a research paper is to choose a topic. Make sure your topic is not too broad; narrow it down if you're using terms that are too general.

The format of your research paper will vary depending on the journal you submit to. Make sure to check first which citation style does the journal follow, in order to format your paper accordingly. Check Getting started with your research paper outline to have an idea of what a research paper looks like.

The last step of your research paper should be proofreading. Allow a few days to pass after you finished writing the final draft of your research paper, and then start making your final corrections. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill gives some great advice here on how to revise, edit and proofread your paper.

There are plenty of software you can use to write a research paper. We recommend our own citation software, Paperpile , as well as grammar and proof reading checkers such as Grammarly .

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• CAREER BRIEF
• 08 May 2019

Toolkit: How to write a great paper

A clear format will ensure that your research paper is understood by your readers. Follow:

1. Context — your introduction

2. Content — your results

3. Conclusion — your discussion

Plan your paper carefully and decide where each point will sit within the framework before you begin writing.

Collection: Careers toolkit

Straightforward writing

Scientific writing should always aim to be A, B and C: Accurate, Brief, and Clear. Never choose a long word when a short one will do. Use simple language to communicate your results. Always aim to distill your message down into the simplest sentence possible.

Choose a title

A carefully conceived title will communicate the single core message of your research paper. It should be D, E, F: Declarative, Engaging and Focused.

Conclusions

Add a sentence or two at the end of your concluding statement that sets out your plans for further research. What is next for you or others working in your field?

Find out more

See additional information .

doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-019-01362-9

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• Writing Tips

How to Start a Research Paper

3-minute read

• 24th November 2022

You’ve been tasked with completing a research paper. You’ve done all the research, collected your data, and now you’re finally ready to write the paper. Well done! But wait – when it comes to actually writing it, you don’t know where to begin.

We’ve all been there, and it’s normal for students to find themselves in this position. Should you start with the introduction ? Should you write the objectives of your research? Or, maybe you should just start throwing words on the paper and hope for the best.

You could do those things, but alternatively, you could read this post. We’ll share some tips for getting started on your research paper .

Reflect on Your Research

Try and write down 10 important things from your research. Additionally, you could start by tackling the implications of your research. The implications are potential questions from your research that justify further exploration. Consider these questions when developing research implications:

• What is the significance of your findings?
• How do the findings of your study fit with or contradict existing research on this topic?
• Do your results support or challenge existing theories?

Tackle the Introduction

This is a good starting point. After all, it’s the first thing your audience will read. The introduction is only a paragraph, so no heavy writing is required. When writing the introduction, consider these pointers:

• Be specific about the topic of the paper, introduce the background, and define key terms or concepts.
• Try providing brief answers to the following questions: What new material or insight are you offering? What important issues does your paper help define or answer?
• Let the reader know what to expect from the rest of your paper.

Form Your Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is basically the engine that will drive your paper, as it establishes its purpose and your position. Writing the paper will be easier once you have formed the thesis statement. However, it’s a good idea to have a solid understanding of your research before tackling it.

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It’s also essential that the statement be concise, contentious, and coherent. It should briefly summarize your argument in two sentences and make a claim requiring further evidence. And remember, the thesis statement doesn’t have to be set in stone. You’ll likely revise and refine it as you do further research.

Create an Outline of Your Paper

The outline can be another starting point if you’re not up for writing the introduction or thesis statement. An outline is a list of the key topics, arguments, and evidence you want to include, divided into sections with headings. You should write this in a separate document and refer to it when you actually start writing your paper. Think of the outline as a road map to guide you from start to finish.

We also recommend taking frequent breaks from your paper. By getting out of the library or dorm, you can reflect on your research without the pressure of having to write things down. You’ll be amazed at how ideas suddenly pop up when you’re not expecting them. Even just 10 minutes away from the computer can make all the difference.

Proofreading and Editing

Once you’ve made a start on your paper, whether it’s the introduction, thesis statement, or outline, don’t forget to proofread it. Why not put this in the hands of our expert proofreading team? We can check that your paper is off to a great start. We can also ensure perfect spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Consider submitting a 500-word document for free.

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How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

The research paper introduction section, along with the Title and Abstract, can be considered the face of any research paper. The following article is intended to guide you in organizing and writing the research paper introduction for a quality academic article or dissertation.

The research paper introduction aims to present the topic to the reader. A study will only be accepted for publishing if you can ascertain that the available literature cannot answer your research question. So it is important to ensure that you have read important studies on that particular topic, especially those within the last five to ten years, and that they are properly referenced in this section. 1 What should be included in the research paper introduction is decided by what you want to tell readers about the reason behind the research and how you plan to fill the knowledge gap. The best research paper introduction provides a systemic review of existing work and demonstrates additional work that needs to be done. It needs to be brief, captivating, and well-referenced; a well-drafted research paper introduction will help the researcher win half the battle.

The introduction for a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your research topic
• Capture reader interest
• Summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Define your specific research problem and problem statement
• Highlight the novelty and contributions of the study
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The research paper introduction can vary in size and structure depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or is a review paper. Some research paper introduction examples are only half a page while others are a few pages long. In many cases, the introduction will be shorter than all of the other sections of your paper; its length depends on the size of your paper as a whole.

• Break through writer’s block. Write your research paper introduction with Paperpal Copilot

Table of Contents

What is the introduction for a research paper, why is the introduction important in a research paper, craft a compelling introduction section with paperpal. try now, 1. introduce the research topic:, 2. determine a research niche:, 3. place your research within the research niche:, craft accurate research paper introductions with paperpal. start writing now, frequently asked questions on research paper introduction, key points to remember.

The introduction in a research paper is placed at the beginning to guide the reader from a broad subject area to the specific topic that your research addresses. They present the following information to the reader

• Scope: The topic covered in the research paper
• Context: Background of your topic
• Importance: Why your research matters in that particular area of research and the industry problem that can be targeted

The research paper introduction conveys a lot of information and can be considered an essential roadmap for the rest of your paper. A good introduction for a research paper is important for the following reasons:

• It stimulates your reader’s interest: A good introduction section can make your readers want to read your paper by capturing their interest. It informs the reader what they are going to learn and helps determine if the topic is of interest to them.
• It helps the reader understand the research background: Without a clear introduction, your readers may feel confused and even struggle when reading your paper. A good research paper introduction will prepare them for the in-depth research to come. It provides you the opportunity to engage with the readers and demonstrate your knowledge and authority on the specific topic.
• It explains why your research paper is worth reading: Your introduction can convey a lot of information to your readers. It introduces the topic, why the topic is important, and how you plan to proceed with your research.
• It helps guide the reader through the rest of the paper: The research paper introduction gives the reader a sense of the nature of the information that will support your arguments and the general organization of the paragraphs that will follow. It offers an overview of what to expect when reading the main body of your paper.

What are the parts of introduction in the research?

A good research paper introduction section should comprise three main elements: 2

• What is known: This sets the stage for your research. It informs the readers of what is known on the subject.
• What is lacking: This is aimed at justifying the reason for carrying out your research. This could involve investigating a new concept or method or building upon previous research.
• What you aim to do: This part briefly states the objectives of your research and its major contributions. Your detailed hypothesis will also form a part of this section.

How to write a research paper introduction?

The first step in writing the research paper introduction is to inform the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening statement. The second step involves establishing the kinds of research that have been done and ending with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to address. Finally, the research paper introduction clarifies how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses. If your research involved testing hypotheses, these should be stated along with your research question. The hypothesis should be presented in the past tense since it will have been tested by the time you are writing the research paper introduction.

The following key points, with examples, can guide you when writing the research paper introduction section:

• Highlight the importance of the research field or topic
• Describe the background of the topic
• Present an overview of current research on the topic

Example: The inclusion of experiential and competency-based learning has benefitted electronics engineering education. Industry partnerships provide an excellent alternative for students wanting to engage in solving real-world challenges. Industry-academia participation has grown in recent years due to the need for skilled engineers with practical training and specialized expertise. However, from the educational perspective, many activities are needed to incorporate sustainable development goals into the university curricula and consolidate learning innovation in universities.

• Reveal a gap in existing research or oppose an existing assumption
• Formulate the research question

Example: There have been plausible efforts to integrate educational activities in higher education electronics engineering programs. However, very few studies have considered using educational research methods for performance evaluation of competency-based higher engineering education, with a focus on technical and or transversal skills. To remedy the current need for evaluating competencies in STEM fields and providing sustainable development goals in engineering education, in this study, a comparison was drawn between study groups without and with industry partners.

• State the purpose of your study
• Highlight the key characteristics of your study
• Describe important results
• Highlight the novelty of the study.
• Offer a brief overview of the structure of the paper.

Example: The study evaluates the main competency needed in the applied electronics course, which is a fundamental core subject for many electronics engineering undergraduate programs. We compared two groups, without and with an industrial partner, that offered real-world projects to solve during the semester. This comparison can help determine significant differences in both groups in terms of developing subject competency and achieving sustainable development goals.

Write a Research Paper Introduction in Minutes with Paperpal

Paperpal Copilot is a generative AI-powered academic writing assistant. It’s trained on millions of published scholarly articles and over 20 years of STM experience. Paperpal Copilot helps authors write better and faster with:

• Real-time writing suggestions
• In-depth checks for language and grammar correction
• Paraphrasing to add variety, ensure academic tone, and trim text to meet journal limits

With Paperpal Copilot, create a research paper introduction effortlessly. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how Paperpal transforms your initial ideas into a polished and publication-ready introduction.

How to use Paperpal to write the Introduction section

Step 1: Sign up on Paperpal and click on the Copilot feature, under this choose Outlines > Research Article > Introduction

Step 2: Add your unstructured notes or initial draft, whether in English or another language, to Paperpal, which is to be used as the base for your content.

Step 3: Fill in the specifics, such as your field of study, brief description or details you want to include, which will help the AI generate the outline for your Introduction.

Step 4: Use this outline and sentence suggestions to develop your content, adding citations where needed and modifying it to align with your specific research focus.

Step 5: Turn to Paperpal’s granular language checks to refine your content, tailor it to reflect your personal writing style, and ensure it effectively conveys your message.

You can use the same process to develop each section of your article, and finally your research paper in half the time and without any of the stress.

The purpose of the research paper introduction is to introduce the reader to the problem definition, justify the need for the study, and describe the main theme of the study. The aim is to gain the reader’s attention by providing them with necessary background information and establishing the main purpose and direction of the research.

The length of the research paper introduction can vary across journals and disciplines. While there are no strict word limits for writing the research paper introduction, an ideal length would be one page, with a maximum of 400 words over 1-4 paragraphs. Generally, it is one of the shorter sections of the paper as the reader is assumed to have at least a reasonable knowledge about the topic. 2 For example, for a study evaluating the role of building design in ensuring fire safety, there is no need to discuss definitions and nature of fire in the introduction; you could start by commenting upon the existing practices for fire safety and how your study will add to the existing knowledge and practice.

When deciding what to include in the research paper introduction, the rest of the paper should also be considered. The aim is to introduce the reader smoothly to the topic and facilitate an easy read without much dependency on external sources. 3 Below is a list of elements you can include to prepare a research paper introduction outline and follow it when you are writing the research paper introduction. Topic introduction: This can include key definitions and a brief history of the topic. Research context and background: Offer the readers some general information and then narrow it down to specific aspects. Details of the research you conducted: A brief literature review can be included to support your arguments or line of thought. Rationale for the study: This establishes the relevance of your study and establishes its importance. Importance of your research: The main contributions are highlighted to help establish the novelty of your study Research hypothesis: Introduce your research question and propose an expected outcome. Organization of the paper: Include a short paragraph of 3-4 sentences that highlights your plan for the entire paper

Cite only works that are most relevant to your topic; as a general rule, you can include one to three. Note that readers want to see evidence of original thinking. So it is better to avoid using too many references as it does not leave much room for your personal standpoint to shine through. Citations in your research paper introduction support the key points, and the number of citations depend on the subject matter and the point discussed. If the research paper introduction is too long or overflowing with citations, it is better to cite a few review articles rather than the individual articles summarized in the review. A good point to remember when citing research papers in the introduction section is to include at least one-third of the references in the introduction.

The literature review plays a significant role in the research paper introduction section. A good literature review accomplishes the following: Introduces the topic – Establishes the study’s significance – Provides an overview of the relevant literature – Provides context for the study using literature – Identifies knowledge gaps However, remember to avoid making the following mistakes when writing a research paper introduction: Do not use studies from the literature review to aggressively support your research Avoid direct quoting Do not allow literature review to be the focus of this section. Instead, the literature review should only aid in setting a foundation for the manuscript.

Remember the following key points for writing a good research paper introduction: 4

• Avoid stuffing too much general information: Avoid including what an average reader would know and include only that information related to the problem being addressed in the research paper introduction. For example, when describing a comparative study of non-traditional methods for mechanical design optimization, information related to the traditional methods and differences between traditional and non-traditional methods would not be relevant. In this case, the introduction for the research paper should begin with the state-of-the-art non-traditional methods and methods to evaluate the efficiency of newly developed algorithms.
• Avoid packing too many references: Cite only the required works in your research paper introduction. The other works can be included in the discussion section to strengthen your findings.
• Avoid extensive criticism of previous studies: Avoid being overly critical of earlier studies while setting the rationale for your study. A better place for this would be the Discussion section, where you can highlight the advantages of your method.
• Avoid describing conclusions of the study: When writing a research paper introduction remember not to include the findings of your study. The aim is to let the readers know what question is being answered. The actual answer should only be given in the Results and Discussion section.

To summarize, the research paper introduction section should be brief yet informative. It should convince the reader the need to conduct the study and motivate him to read further. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, choose trusted AI academic writing assistants like Paperpal to effortlessly craft your research paper introduction and other sections of your research article.

1. Jawaid, S. A., & Jawaid, M. (2019). How to write introduction and discussion. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(Suppl 1), S18.

2. Dewan, P., & Gupta, P. (2016). Writing the title, abstract and introduction: Looks matter!. Indian pediatrics, 53, 235-241.

3. Cetin, S., & Hackam, D. J. (2005). An approach to the writing of a scientific Manuscript1. Journal of Surgical Research, 128(2), 165-167.

4. Bavdekar, S. B. (2015). Writing introduction: Laying the foundations of a research paper. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 63(7), 44-6.

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Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

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How to write your first research paper.

Writing a research manuscript is an intimidating process for many novice writers in the sciences. One of the stumbling blocks is the beginning of the process and creating the first draft. This paper presents guidelines on how to initiate the writing process and draft each section of a research manuscript. The paper discusses seven rules that allow the writer to prepare a well-structured and comprehensive manuscript for a publication submission. In addition, the author lists different strategies for successful revision. Each of those strategies represents a step in the revision process and should help the writer improve the quality of the manuscript. The paper could be considered a brief manual for publication.

It is late at night. You have been struggling with your project for a year. You generated an enormous amount of interesting data. Your pipette feels like an extension of your hand, and running western blots has become part of your daily routine, similar to brushing your teeth. Your colleagues think you are ready to write a paper, and your lab mates tease you about your “slow” writing progress. Yet days pass, and you cannot force yourself to sit down to write. You have not written anything for a while (lab reports do not count), and you feel you have lost your stamina. How does the writing process work? How can you fit your writing into a daily schedule packed with experiments? What section should you start with? What distinguishes a good research paper from a bad one? How should you revise your paper? These and many other questions buzz in your head and keep you stressed. As a result, you procrastinate. In this paper, I will discuss the issues related to the writing process of a scientific paper. Specifically, I will focus on the best approaches to start a scientific paper, tips for writing each section, and the best revision strategies.

1. Schedule your writing time in Outlook

Whether you have written 100 papers or you are struggling with your first, starting the process is the most difficult part unless you have a rigid writing schedule. Writing is hard. It is a very difficult process of intense concentration and brain work. As stated in Hayes’ framework for the study of writing: “It is a generative activity requiring motivation, and it is an intellectual activity requiring cognitive processes and memory” [ 1 ]. In his book How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Academic Writing , Paul Silvia says that for some, “it’s easier to embalm the dead than to write an article about it” [ 2 ]. Just as with any type of hard work, you will not succeed unless you practice regularly. If you have not done physical exercises for a year, only regular workouts can get you into good shape again. The same kind of regular exercises, or I call them “writing sessions,” are required to be a productive author. Choose from 1- to 2-hour blocks in your daily work schedule and consider them as non-cancellable appointments. When figuring out which blocks of time will be set for writing, you should select the time that works best for this type of work. For many people, mornings are more productive. One Yale University graduate student spent a semester writing from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. when her lab was empty. At the end of the semester, she was amazed at how much she accomplished without even interrupting her regular lab hours. In addition, doing the hardest task first thing in the morning contributes to the sense of accomplishment during the rest of the day. This positive feeling spills over into our work and life and has a very positive effect on our overall attitude.

Rule 1: Create regular time blocks for writing as appointments in your calendar and keep these appointments.

2. start with an outline.

Now that you have scheduled time, you need to decide how to start writing. The best strategy is to start with an outline. This will not be an outline that you are used to, with Roman numerals for each section and neat parallel listing of topic sentences and supporting points. This outline will be similar to a template for your paper. Initially, the outline will form a structure for your paper; it will help generate ideas and formulate hypotheses. Following the advice of George M. Whitesides, “. . . start with a blank piece of paper, and write down, in any order, all important ideas that occur to you concerning the paper” [ 3 ]. Use Table 1 as a starting point for your outline. Include your visuals (figures, tables, formulas, equations, and algorithms), and list your findings. These will constitute the first level of your outline, which will eventually expand as you elaborate.

The next stage is to add context and structure. Here you will group all your ideas into sections: Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion/Conclusion ( Table 2 ). This step will help add coherence to your work and sift your ideas.

Now that you have expanded your outline, you are ready for the next step: discussing the ideas for your paper with your colleagues and mentor. Many universities have a writing center where graduate students can schedule individual consultations and receive assistance with their paper drafts. Getting feedback during early stages of your draft can save a lot of time. Talking through ideas allows people to conceptualize and organize thoughts to find their direction without wasting time on unnecessary writing. Outlining is the most effective way of communicating your ideas and exchanging thoughts. Moreover, it is also the best stage to decide to which publication you will submit the paper. Many people come up with three choices and discuss them with their mentors and colleagues. Having a list of journal priorities can help you quickly resubmit your paper if your paper is rejected.

Rule 2: Create a detailed outline and discuss it with your mentor and peers.

3. continue with drafts.

After you get enough feedback and decide on the journal you will submit to, the process of real writing begins. Copy your outline into a separate file and expand on each of the points, adding data and elaborating on the details. When you create the first draft, do not succumb to the temptation of editing. Do not slow down to choose a better word or better phrase; do not halt to improve your sentence structure. Pour your ideas into the paper and leave revision and editing for later. As Paul Silvia explains, “Revising while you generate text is like drinking decaffeinated coffee in the early morning: noble idea, wrong time” [ 2 ].

Many students complain that they are not productive writers because they experience writer’s block. Staring at an empty screen is frustrating, but your screen is not really empty: You have a template of your article, and all you need to do is fill in the blanks. Indeed, writer’s block is a logical fallacy for a scientist ― it is just an excuse to procrastinate. When scientists start writing a research paper, they already have their files with data, lab notes with materials and experimental designs, some visuals, and tables with results. All they need to do is scrutinize these pieces and put them together into a comprehensive paper.

3.1. Starting with Materials and Methods

If you still struggle with starting a paper, then write the Materials and Methods section first. Since you have all your notes, it should not be problematic for you to describe the experimental design and procedures. Your most important goal in this section is to be as explicit as possible by providing enough detail and references. In the end, the purpose of this section is to allow other researchers to evaluate and repeat your work. So do not run into the same problems as the writers of the sentences in (1):

1a. Bacteria were pelleted by centrifugation. 1b. To isolate T cells, lymph nodes were collected.

As you can see, crucial pieces of information are missing: the speed of centrifuging your bacteria, the time, and the temperature in (1a); the source of lymph nodes for collection in (b). The sentences can be improved when information is added, as in (2a) and (2b), respectfully:

2a. Bacteria were pelleted by centrifugation at 3000g for 15 min at 25°C. 2b. To isolate T cells, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes from Balb/c mice were collected at day 7 after immunization with ovabumin.

If your method has previously been published and is well-known, then you should provide only the literature reference, as in (3a). If your method is unpublished, then you need to make sure you provide all essential details, as in (3b).

3a. Stem cells were isolated, according to Johnson [23]. 3b. Stem cells were isolated using biotinylated carbon nanotubes coated with anti-CD34 antibodies.

Furthermore, cohesion and fluency are crucial in this section. One of the malpractices resulting in disrupted fluency is switching from passive voice to active and vice versa within the same paragraph, as shown in (4). This switching misleads and distracts the reader.

4. Behavioral computer-based experiments of Study 1 were programmed by using E-Prime. We took ratings of enjoyment, mood, and arousal as the patients listened to preferred pleasant music and unpreferred music by using Visual Analogue Scales (SI Methods). The preferred and unpreferred status of the music was operationalized along a continuum of pleasantness [ 4 ].

The problem with (4) is that the reader has to switch from the point of view of the experiment (passive voice) to the point of view of the experimenter (active voice). This switch causes confusion about the performer of the actions in the first and the third sentences. To improve the coherence and fluency of the paragraph above, you should be consistent in choosing the point of view: first person “we” or passive voice [ 5 ]. Let’s consider two revised examples in (5).

5a. We programmed behavioral computer-based experiments of Study 1 by using E-Prime. We took ratings of enjoyment, mood, and arousal by using Visual Analogue Scales (SI Methods) as the patients listened to preferred pleasant music and unpreferred music. We operationalized the preferred and unpreferred status of the music along a continuum of pleasantness. 5b. Behavioral computer-based experiments of Study 1 were programmed by using E-Prime. Ratings of enjoyment, mood, and arousal were taken as the patients listened to preferred pleasant music and unpreferred music by using Visual Analogue Scales (SI Methods). The preferred and unpreferred status of the music was operationalized along a continuum of pleasantness.

If you choose the point of view of the experimenter, then you may end up with repetitive “we did this” sentences. For many readers, paragraphs with sentences all beginning with “we” may also sound disruptive. So if you choose active sentences, you need to keep the number of “we” subjects to a minimum and vary the beginnings of the sentences [ 6 ].

Interestingly, recent studies have reported that the Materials and Methods section is the only section in research papers in which passive voice predominantly overrides the use of the active voice [ 5 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. For example, Martínez shows a significant drop in active voice use in the Methods sections based on the corpus of 1 million words of experimental full text research articles in the biological sciences [ 7 ]. According to the author, the active voice patterned with “we” is used only as a tool to reveal personal responsibility for the procedural decisions in designing and performing experimental work. This means that while all other sections of the research paper use active voice, passive voice is still the most predominant in Materials and Methods sections.

Writing Materials and Methods sections is a meticulous and time consuming task requiring extreme accuracy and clarity. This is why when you complete your draft, you should ask for as much feedback from your colleagues as possible. Numerous readers of this section will help you identify the missing links and improve the technical style of this section.

Rule 3: Be meticulous and accurate in describing the Materials and Methods. Do not change the point of view within one paragraph.

3.2. writing results section.

For many authors, writing the Results section is more intimidating than writing the Materials and Methods section . If people are interested in your paper, they are interested in your results. That is why it is vital to use all your writing skills to objectively present your key findings in an orderly and logical sequence using illustrative materials and text.

Your Results should be organized into different segments or subsections where each one presents the purpose of the experiment, your experimental approach, data including text and visuals (tables, figures, schematics, algorithms, and formulas), and data commentary. For most journals, your data commentary will include a meaningful summary of the data presented in the visuals and an explanation of the most significant findings. This data presentation should not repeat the data in the visuals, but rather highlight the most important points. In the “standard” research paper approach, your Results section should exclude data interpretation, leaving it for the Discussion section. However, interpretations gradually and secretly creep into research papers: “Reducing the data, generalizing from the data, and highlighting scientific cases are all highly interpretive processes. It should be clear by now that we do not let the data speak for themselves in research reports; in summarizing our results, we interpret them for the reader” [ 10 ]. As a result, many journals including the Journal of Experimental Medicine and the Journal of Clinical Investigation use joint Results/Discussion sections, where results are immediately followed by interpretations.

Another important aspect of this section is to create a comprehensive and supported argument or a well-researched case. This means that you should be selective in presenting data and choose only those experimental details that are essential for your reader to understand your findings. You might have conducted an experiment 20 times and collected numerous records, but this does not mean that you should present all those records in your paper. You need to distinguish your results from your data and be able to discard excessive experimental details that could distract and confuse the reader. However, creating a picture or an argument should not be confused with data manipulation or falsification, which is a willful distortion of data and results. If some of your findings contradict your ideas, you have to mention this and find a plausible explanation for the contradiction.

In addition, your text should not include irrelevant and peripheral information, including overview sentences, as in (6).

6. To show our results, we first introduce all components of experimental system and then describe the outcome of infections.

Indeed, wordiness convolutes your sentences and conceals your ideas from readers. One common source of wordiness is unnecessary intensifiers. Adverbial intensifiers such as “clearly,” “essential,” “quite,” “basically,” “rather,” “fairly,” “really,” and “virtually” not only add verbosity to your sentences, but also lower your results’ credibility. They appeal to the reader’s emotions but lower objectivity, as in the common examples in (7):

7a. Table 3 clearly shows that … 7b. It is obvious from figure 4 that …

Another source of wordiness is nominalizations, i.e., nouns derived from verbs and adjectives paired with weak verbs including “be,” “have,” “do,” “make,” “cause,” “provide,” and “get” and constructions such as “there is/are.”

8a. We tested the hypothesis that there is a disruption of membrane asymmetry. 8b. In this paper we provide an argument that stem cells repopulate injured organs.

In the sentences above, the abstract nominalizations “disruption” and “argument” do not contribute to the clarity of the sentences, but rather clutter them with useless vocabulary that distracts from the meaning. To improve your sentences, avoid unnecessary nominalizations and change passive verbs and constructions into active and direct sentences.

9a. We tested the hypothesis that the membrane asymmetry is disrupted. 9b. In this paper we argue that stem cells repopulate injured organs.

Your Results section is the heart of your paper, representing a year or more of your daily research. So lead your reader through your story by writing direct, concise, and clear sentences.

Rule 4: Be clear, concise, and objective in describing your Results.

3.3. now it is time for your introduction.

Now that you are almost half through drafting your research paper, it is time to update your outline. While describing your Methods and Results, many of you diverged from the original outline and re-focused your ideas. So before you move on to create your Introduction, re-read your Methods and Results sections and change your outline to match your research focus. The updated outline will help you review the general picture of your paper, the topic, the main idea, and the purpose, which are all important for writing your introduction.

The best way to structure your introduction is to follow the three-move approach shown in Table 3 .

Adapted from Swales and Feak [ 11 ].

The moves and information from your outline can help to create your Introduction efficiently and without missing steps. These moves are traffic signs that lead the reader through the road of your ideas. Each move plays an important role in your paper and should be presented with deep thought and care. When you establish the territory, you place your research in context and highlight the importance of your research topic. By finding the niche, you outline the scope of your research problem and enter the scientific dialogue. The final move, “occupying the niche,” is where you explain your research in a nutshell and highlight your paper’s significance. The three moves allow your readers to evaluate their interest in your paper and play a significant role in the paper review process, determining your paper reviewers.

Some academic writers assume that the reader “should follow the paper” to find the answers about your methodology and your findings. As a result, many novice writers do not present their experimental approach and the major findings, wrongly believing that the reader will locate the necessary information later while reading the subsequent sections [ 5 ]. However, this “suspense” approach is not appropriate for scientific writing. To interest the reader, scientific authors should be direct and straightforward and present informative one-sentence summaries of the results and the approach.

Another problem is that writers understate the significance of the Introduction. Many new researchers mistakenly think that all their readers understand the importance of the research question and omit this part. However, this assumption is faulty because the purpose of the section is not to evaluate the importance of the research question in general. The goal is to present the importance of your research contribution and your findings. Therefore, you should be explicit and clear in describing the benefit of the paper.

The Introduction should not be long. Indeed, for most journals, this is a very brief section of about 250 to 600 words, but it might be the most difficult section due to its importance.

Rule 5: Interest your reader in the Introduction section by signalling all its elements and stating the novelty of the work.

3.4. discussion of the results.

For many scientists, writing a Discussion section is as scary as starting a paper. Most of the fear comes from the variation in the section. Since every paper has its unique results and findings, the Discussion section differs in its length, shape, and structure. However, some general principles of writing this section still exist. Knowing these rules, or “moves,” can change your attitude about this section and help you create a comprehensive interpretation of your results.

The purpose of the Discussion section is to place your findings in the research context and “to explain the meaning of the findings and why they are important, without appearing arrogant, condescending, or patronizing” [ 11 ]. The structure of the first two moves is almost a mirror reflection of the one in the Introduction. In the Introduction, you zoom in from general to specific and from the background to your research question; in the Discussion section, you zoom out from the summary of your findings to the research context, as shown in Table 4 .

Adapted from Swales and Feak and Hess [ 11 , 12 ].

The biggest challenge for many writers is the opening paragraph of the Discussion section. Following the moves in Table 1 , the best choice is to start with the study’s major findings that provide the answer to the research question in your Introduction. The most common starting phrases are “Our findings demonstrate . . .,” or “In this study, we have shown that . . .,” or “Our results suggest . . .” In some cases, however, reminding the reader about the research question or even providing a brief context and then stating the answer would make more sense. This is important in those cases where the researcher presents a number of findings or where more than one research question was presented. Your summary of the study’s major findings should be followed by your presentation of the importance of these findings. One of the most frequent mistakes of the novice writer is to assume the importance of his findings. Even if the importance is clear to you, it may not be obvious to your reader. Digesting the findings and their importance to your reader is as crucial as stating your research question.

Another useful strategy is to be proactive in the first move by predicting and commenting on the alternative explanations of the results. Addressing potential doubts will save you from painful comments about the wrong interpretation of your results and will present you as a thoughtful and considerate researcher. Moreover, the evaluation of the alternative explanations might help you create a logical step to the next move of the discussion section: the research context.

The goal of the research context move is to show how your findings fit into the general picture of the current research and how you contribute to the existing knowledge on the topic. This is also the place to discuss any discrepancies and unexpected findings that may otherwise distort the general picture of your paper. Moreover, outlining the scope of your research by showing the limitations, weaknesses, and assumptions is essential and adds modesty to your image as a scientist. However, make sure that you do not end your paper with the problems that override your findings. Try to suggest feasible explanations and solutions.

If your submission does not require a separate Conclusion section, then adding another paragraph about the “take-home message” is a must. This should be a general statement reiterating your answer to the research question and adding its scientific implications, practical application, or advice.

Just as in all other sections of your paper, the clear and precise language and concise comprehensive sentences are vital. However, in addition to that, your writing should convey confidence and authority. The easiest way to illustrate your tone is to use the active voice and the first person pronouns. Accompanied by clarity and succinctness, these tools are the best to convince your readers of your point and your ideas.

Rule 6: Present the principles, relationships, and generalizations in a concise and convincing tone.

4. choosing the best working revision strategies.

Now that you have created the first draft, your attitude toward your writing should have improved. Moreover, you should feel more confident that you are able to accomplish your project and submit your paper within a reasonable timeframe. You also have worked out your writing schedule and followed it precisely. Do not stop ― you are only at the midpoint from your destination. Just as the best and most precious diamond is no more than an unattractive stone recognized only by trained professionals, your ideas and your results may go unnoticed if they are not polished and brushed. Despite your attempts to present your ideas in a logical and comprehensive way, first drafts are frequently a mess. Use the advice of Paul Silvia: “Your first drafts should sound like they were hastily translated from Icelandic by a non-native speaker” [ 2 ]. The degree of your success will depend on how you are able to revise and edit your paper.

The revision can be done at the macrostructure and the microstructure levels [ 13 ]. The macrostructure revision includes the revision of the organization, content, and flow. The microstructure level includes individual words, sentence structure, grammar, punctuation, and spelling.

The best way to approach the macrostructure revision is through the outline of the ideas in your paper. The last time you updated your outline was before writing the Introduction and the Discussion. Now that you have the beginning and the conclusion, you can take a bird’s-eye view of the whole paper. The outline will allow you to see if the ideas of your paper are coherently structured, if your results are logically built, and if the discussion is linked to the research question in the Introduction. You will be able to see if something is missing in any of the sections or if you need to rearrange your information to make your point.

The next step is to revise each of the sections starting from the beginning. Ideally, you should limit yourself to working on small sections of about five pages at a time [ 14 ]. After these short sections, your eyes get used to your writing and your efficiency in spotting problems decreases. When reading for content and organization, you should control your urge to edit your paper for sentence structure and grammar and focus only on the flow of your ideas and logic of your presentation. Experienced researchers tend to make almost three times the number of changes to meaning than novice writers [ 15 , 16 ]. Revising is a difficult but useful skill, which academic writers obtain with years of practice.

In contrast to the macrostructure revision, which is a linear process and is done usually through a detailed outline and by sections, microstructure revision is a non-linear process. While the goal of the macrostructure revision is to analyze your ideas and their logic, the goal of the microstructure editing is to scrutinize the form of your ideas: your paragraphs, sentences, and words. You do not need and are not recommended to follow the order of the paper to perform this type of revision. You can start from the end or from different sections. You can even revise by reading sentences backward, sentence by sentence and word by word.

One of the microstructure revision strategies frequently used during writing center consultations is to read the paper aloud [ 17 ]. You may read aloud to yourself, to a tape recorder, or to a colleague or friend. When reading and listening to your paper, you are more likely to notice the places where the fluency is disrupted and where you stumble because of a very long and unclear sentence or a wrong connector.

Another revision strategy is to learn your common errors and to do a targeted search for them [ 13 ]. All writers have a set of problems that are specific to them, i.e., their writing idiosyncrasies. Remembering these problems is as important for an academic writer as remembering your friends’ birthdays. Create a list of these idiosyncrasies and run a search for these problems using your word processor. If your problem is demonstrative pronouns without summary words, then search for “this/these/those” in your text and check if you used the word appropriately. If you have a problem with intensifiers, then search for “really” or “very” and delete them from the text. The same targeted search can be done to eliminate wordiness. Searching for “there is/are” or “and” can help you avoid the bulky sentences.

The final strategy is working with a hard copy and a pencil. Print a double space copy with font size 14 and re-read your paper in several steps. Try reading your paper line by line with the rest of the text covered with a piece of paper. When you are forced to see only a small portion of your writing, you are less likely to get distracted and are more likely to notice problems. You will end up spotting more unnecessary words, wrongly worded phrases, or unparallel constructions.

After you apply all these strategies, you are ready to share your writing with your friends, colleagues, and a writing advisor in the writing center. Get as much feedback as you can, especially from non-specialists in your field. Patiently listen to what others say to you ― you are not expected to defend your writing or explain what you wanted to say. You may decide what you want to change and how after you receive the feedback and sort it in your head. Even though some researchers make the revision an endless process and can hardly stop after a 14th draft; having from five to seven drafts of your paper is a norm in the sciences. If you can’t stop revising, then set a deadline for yourself and stick to it. Deadlines always help.

Rule 7: Revise your paper at the macrostructure and the microstructure level using different strategies and techniques. Receive feedback and revise again.

5. it is time to submit.

It is late at night again. You are still in your lab finishing revisions and getting ready to submit your paper. You feel happy ― you have finally finished a year’s worth of work. You will submit your paper tomorrow, and regardless of the outcome, you know that you can do it. If one journal does not take your paper, you will take advantage of the feedback and resubmit again. You will have a publication, and this is the most important achievement.

What is even more important is that you have your scheduled writing time that you are going to keep for your future publications, for reading and taking notes, for writing grants, and for reviewing papers. You are not going to lose stamina this time, and you will become a productive scientist. But for now, let’s celebrate the end of the paper.

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Training videos   |   Faqs

Academic Phrases for Writing Introduction Section of a Research Paper

Overview |   Abstract   | Introduction | Literature Review | Materials & Methods | Results & Discussion | Conclusion & Future Work | Acknowledgements & Appendix

Introduction section comes after the abstract. Introduction section should provide the reader with a brief overview of your topic and the reasons for conducting research. The introduction is a perfect place to set the scene and make a good first impression. Regarding word count, introduction typically occupies 10-15% of your paper, for example, if the total word count of your paper is 3000, then you should aim for an introduction of around 600 words. It is often recommended that the introduction section of the paper is written after finishing the other sections of the paper. This is because it is difficult to figure out what exactly to put in the introduction section of the paper until you have seen the big picture. Sound very confident about your chosen subject area and back up your arguments with appropriate references. After reading the introduction, the reader must have a clear idea of what to expect from the rest of your research paper.

The introduction section of your research paper should include the following:

• General introduction
• Problem definition
• Gaps in the literature
• Problems solution
• Study motivation
• Aims & objectives
• Significance and advantages of your work

1. General introduction

Research on __ has a long tradition For decades, one of the most popular ideas in __ literature is the idea that __ Recent theoretical developments have revealed that __ A common strategy used to study __ is to __ This research constitutes a relatively new area which has emerged  from __ These approaches have been influential in the field because of __ In the past several decades, __ have played an important  role in __ There are growing appeals for __ This is the field of study that deals with __ Most of the theories of __ are however focused on explaining __ There are three major theoretical and conceptual frameworks for __ The field has gradually broadened as __ This field of study is sometimes referred as __ This has been widely adopted in the field of __ This thesis considers the field of __ as the main subject of its study One of the major topics to be investigated in this field is __ This is now a mature field which is now being spun out into commercial applications __ This field is maturing, with a wealth of well-understood methods and algorithms __ This field closely follows the paradigm of __ The field has met with great success in many problems __ The field only really took off in the late __ as it became more accessible to __ This is not particularly new and has been used for many years in the field of __ This field closely follows the paradigm of __ Widely considered to be a good way to __ This has been widely adopted in the field of __ This is more widely used at the time of __ This phenomenon has been widely observed A common technique is to __ This is a technique common in __ There are several common kinds of __

2. Problem definition

This seems to be a common problem in __ This leads to myriad problems in __ The main problem is that __ There is a further problem with __ One primary problem with __ is that __ The methods are not without their problems as will be discussed in __ The foremost problems are the facts that __ This makes up for the problem of __ This seems to be a common problem in __ This is a complex problem and to simplify it requires __ A challenging problem which arises in this domain is __ These problems are difficult to handle __ This is typically a complex problem __ A well-known problem with __  is that it does not take into account the __ One of the problems is that it considers only the __ The key problem with this technique is __ It is usually an ill-posed problem in the case of __ This problem is well-posed and does not require to impose __ This appears as a more straightforward problem compared to the __ This turns out to be even more problematic because __ The problem with such an implementation is that __ This poses some problems when carrying out the __ This problem  has attracted more attention in the field of __ This is a basic chicken-and-egg problem because __ Unfortunately, this approach results in problems related to __ These constraints make the problem difficult to __ Most of the research in this field is aimed at solving this problem. This remains an open problem in the area. This problem has received substantial interest. These examples highlight the problem that __ The main practical problem that confronts us is __

3. Gaps in literature

  There is no previous research using __ approach. As far as we know, no previous research has investigated __ There has been less previous evidence for __ Other studies have failed to __ To our knowledge, no study has yielded __ No study to date has examined __ Only a few studies have shown __ However, __ has rarely been studied directly. Moreover, few studies have focussed on __ In particular no study, to our knowledge, has considered __

4. Problems solution

One way to overcome these problems is to __ There are many alternative methods are available for solving these problems. In order to rectify the problem of __ A solution to this problem is proposed in __ One approach to solve this problem involves the use of __ An alternative approach to the problem is __ This can be applied to solve these problems. A number of works have shown that this problem can be overcome by using __ A large number of alternative approaches have been developed over the last few decades to __ To overcome this problem, in the next section we demonstrate __ One way to overcome this problem is to __ To overcome this problem, some approaches have been made __ One way of recovering from this problem could be to __ This has been proposed to surmount the problems caused by __ A different approach to the traditional problem is given in __ A whole range of different approaches to the problem are available. These techniques have potential to solve contemporary problems in __ We should tailor specific solutions to specific problems __ The standard solution to the problem is based on __ The solution proposed here addresses only the problem of __ There are techniques that have been developed to solve this problem __ This problem is usually overcome by __ There have been several attempts to solve the problem __ There exist many methods for dealing with this problem __ Broadly speaking, the problem can be addressed by __ One of the simplest ways of tackling this problem is __ This problem has been largely studied and many viable solutions have been found. In general, this problem can be tackled in two different ways. Other approaches have been shown to cope with the problem more efficiently. We will review the main approaches to solve this problem. Recently, a more general solution has been proposed for this problem. Both these works provide a solution to the problem. Recent methods focus on overcoming the problems by proposing different schemes for __ This strategy is not uncommon in this kind of problems. We can apply our algorithm to solve this difficult problem. This is how the problem can be tackled __ We have developed this generic method to solve a variety of problems. We will now demonstrate our method on some specific problems. Here we solve several problems simultaneously. We have undergone a rethinking of the problem by __ A possible solution to the problem at hand is __ It is clear that the problem could be easily tackled by __

5. Study motivation

It is of interest to know whether __  still hold true. It would be of special interest to__ We therefore analyzed __ and investigated whether __ For this study, it was of interest to investigate __ We investigated whether __ can be partly explained by __ To examine the impact of __, we tested __ We have investigated the effect of __ We characterize different aspects of __ One way to investigate __ was to __ A new approach is therefore needed for __ To illuminate this uncharted area, we examined __

6. Aims & objectives

The aim is to develop more sophisticated methods for __ The aim of this work is to develop __ The aims in this chapter are twofold: First __, Second __ For our first goal, we focus on two problems __ The aim here is to investigate __ The overall goal of this work was to __ This project aims to develop an overarching framework to __ The aim of the experiment is to compare __ The ultimate goal is to produce a __ The overall goal of this thesis was to pursue __ After defining the problem we explain the goals of the thesis. With this aim in mind, in this paper we present a new method for __ Our research aims at finding a solution for this challenging problem of  __ There is no overall goal, apart from __ We examine some previous work and propose a new method for __ There are too many simultaneous goals making it difficult to __ One of the major aims of this work was to create __ The main objective is to investigate methods for improving __ The objectives can be restated in the light of __ The objective is to devise and implement a system for __ The objectives were partially met by developing a method to __ The objective is to demonstrate the feasibility of __ One of the objectives is to improve the __

7. Significance and advantages of your work

This thesis documents several key contributions made to the fields of __ This thesis has made a number of significant contributions to the field of __ The contributions made here have wide applicability. The contributions made should be of wide interest. The first main contribution proposed in this field is a __ The contributions of this work are presented as follows: __ The main achievements, including contributions to the field can be summarised as follows: __ We summarize the main contributions of this thesis. The key contribution of this work is the solution it provides __ It has numerous advantages as explained here __ It has significant benefits in terms of __ There is a clear advantage in following the methods of __ This has particular advantages over other __ All of these advantages make it particularly valuable in __ One of the primary benefits of this algorithm is __ This gives a significant advantage because __ These point out the advantages and practicability of __ One of the key benefits of the algorithm is __ The main advantage compared to previous method is __ This present some practical advantages. The main advantage is the simplified pattern. One practical advantage of the method is that it can be used in __ The advantage becomes all the more significant when __ In comparison with other techniques, this method has the advantage of __ The most important advantage of this method is that it can perform very well in __ It yielded significant speed advantages when __ The benefit of using the __ is expected to __ The main advantage is that we are able to __ To give some idea of the benefits of this method __ The additional advantage of using this method is that it results in __ This is an important advantage of this algorithm __ These are the main advantages of this method.

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26 Comments

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E.g. How to discribe some data increase or decrease in several different ways?

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Table of Contents

How to Write a Great Opening Sentence

Examples of great first sentences (and how they did it), how to write a strong opening sentence & engage readers (with examples).

“I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind.”

That’s the opening line to The Scribe Method . It does what great opening sentences should: it immediately captures the reader’s attention. It makes them want to read more.

The purpose of a good opening line is to engage the reader and get them to start reading the book. That’s it.

It’s a fairly simple idea, and it works very well—but there are still a lot of misconceptions about book openings .

Many first-time Authors think they have to shock the reader to make them take note.

That’s not true. There are many ways to hook a reader that don’t require shocking them.

I also see Authors who think the purpose of the first paragraph is to explain what they’ll talk about in the book .

Not only is that wrong, it’s boring.

Readers can sense bullshit a mile away, so don’t try to beat them over the head with shock. Don’t give them a tedious summary. Don’t tell your life story. Don’t go into too much detail.

Use your first sentence to connect to the reader and make them want to keep reading.

This guide will help you write a great opening line so you can establish that authenticity and connection quickly.

Everyone knows some of the great opening lines from fiction novels:

• “Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick​​​​
• “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” – Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina
• “Many years later, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice.” – Gabriel García Márquez, One Hundred Years of Solitude
• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way—in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only.” – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

The common thread between these opening lines is that they create a vivid first impression. They make the reader want to know more.

They’re punchy, intriguing, and unexpected.

The first words of a nonfiction book work the same way. You want to create an emotional connection with the reader so they can’t put the book down.

In some ways, nonfiction Authors even have an advantage. They’re writing about themselves and their knowledge while having a conversation with the reader.

They can establish the connection even more immediately because they don’t have to set a fictional scene. They can jump right in and use the first person “I.”

Let’s go back to The Scribe Method ‘s opening paragraph:

I’ve never met you, but I’m gonna read your mind. Not literally, of course. I’m going to make an educated guess about why you want to write a book.

When you read that, at a minimum, you’re going to think, “All right, dude, let’s see if you really know why I want to write a book .” And you’re going to keep reading.

At best, you’re going to think, “Wow. He’s inside my head right now.” And you’re going to keep reading.

In both cases, I’ve managed to create an emotional connection with the reader. Even if that emotion is skepticism, it’s enough to hook someone.

So where do you start when you’re writing your book ? How do you form that connection?

The best hooks usually start in the middle of the highest intensity.

In other words, lead with the most emotional part of the story.

If you’re starting your book with a story about how you got chased by the police, don’t begin with what you had for breakfast that day. Start with the chase.

A good hook might also be a question or a claim—anything that will elicit an emotional response from a reader.

Think about it this way: a good opening sentence is the thing you don’t think you can say, but you still want to say.

Like, “This book will change your life.”

Or, “I’ve come up with the most brilliant way anyone’s ever found for handling this problem.”

Your opening sentence isn’t the time for modesty (as long as you can back it up!).

You want to publish a book for a reason . Now’s your chance to show a reader why they should want to read it.

That doesn’t mean you have to be cocky. You just have to be honest and engaging.

When you’re trying to come up with a great opening line, ask yourself these 3 things:

• What will the audience care about, be interested in, or be surprised by?
• What is the most interesting story or inflammatory statement in your book?
• What do you have to say that breaks the rules?

The best opening lines are gut punches.

They summarize the book, at least in an oblique way. But they’re not dry facts. They’re genuine, behind-the-scenes glimpses into a human life. They establish who you are and what you’re about, right from the beginning.

Human beings respond to genuine connection. That means being vulnerable. You have to break down any barriers that you might usually keep around you.

That’s one of the hardest things to do as an Author, but it makes for a great book.

Reading about perfection is boring, especially because we all know there’s no such thing.

In the next section, I’ll go through examples of great first sentences and explain why they work.

Every one of these strategies helps create an instant, authentic connection with readers. You just have to pick the one that makes the most sense for your book.

1. Revealing Personal Information

When most people think about comedian Tiffany Haddish, they think of a glamorous celebrity.

They don’t think about a kid who had trouble in school because she had an unstable home life, reeked of onions, and struggled with bullying.

From the first line of her book, Tiffany reveals that you’re going to learn things about her that you don’t know—personal things.

I mean, really personal.

The book’s opening story concludes with her trying to cut a wart off her face because she was teased so much about it (that’s where the “unicorn” nickname came from).

That level of personal connection immediately invites the reader in. It promises that the Author is going to be honest and vulnerable, no holds barred.

This isn’t going to be some picture-perfect memoir. It’s going to be real, and it’s going to teach you something.

And that’s what forms a connection.

2. Mirroring the Reader’s Pain

Geoffrey and I chose this opening sentence because it let readers know right away that we know their pain.

Not only that, we knew how to fix it .

If a reader picked up the book and didn’t connect to that opening line, they probably weren’t our target audience.

But if someone picked it up and said, “This is exactly what I want to know!” we already had them hooked.

They would trust us immediately because we proved in the first sentence that we understood them.

In this sentence, Geoffrey and I are positioned as the experts. People are coming to us for help.

But you can also mirror your reader’s pain more directly. Check out this example from Jennifer Luzzato’s book, Inheriting Chaos with Compassion :

That’s a gut punch for anyone. But it’s an even bigger one for Jennifer’s target audience: people who unexpectedly lose a loved one and are left dealing with financial chaos.

Jennifer isn’t just giving the reader advice.

She’s showing that she’s been through the pain. She understands it. And she’s the right person to help the reader solve it.

3. Asking the Reader a Question

Readers come to nonfiction books because they want help solving a problem.

If you picked up a book about team-building, culture, and leadership, you likely want answers to some questions.

Daniel Coyle’s book shows the reader, right off the bat, that he’s going to give you answers.

His question also isn’t a boring, how-do-organizations-work type of question.

It’s compelling enough to make you keep reading, at least for a few more sentences. And then ideally, a few sentences, pages, and chapters after that.

Starting with a question is often a variation on tactic number 2.

If the reader picked up your book hoping to solve a certain problem or learn how to do something, asking them that compelling question can immediately show them that you understand their pain.

It can set the stage for the whole book.

You can also pique the reader’s interest by asking them a question they’ve never thought about.

Nicholas Kusmich ‘s book Give starts with the question,

It’s a unique question that hooks a reader.

But the answer still cuts straight to the heart of his book: “Both entrepreneurs and superheroes want to use their skills to serve people and make the world a better place.”

The unexpected framing gives readers a fresh perspective on a topic they’ve probably already thought a lot about.

4. Shock the Reader

I said in the intro to this post that you don’t have to shock the reader to get their attention.

I never said you couldn’t .

If you’re going to do it, though, you have to do it well.

This is the best opening to a book I’ve ever read. I’m actually a dog person, so this shocked the hell out of me. It was gripping.

As you read, the sentence starts making more sense, but it stays just as shocking. And you can’t help but finish the page and the chapter to understand why. But my God, what a way to hook a reader (in case you are wondering, the dogs were licking up blood from dead bodies and giving away the soldiers’ positions to insurgents. They had to kill the dogs or risk being discovered).

I read this opening sentence as part of an excerpt from the book on Business Insider .

I plowed through the excerpt, bought the book on Kindle, canceled two meetings, and read the whole book.

5. Intrigue the Reader

If you don’t read that and immediately want to know what the realization was, you’re a force to be reckoned with.

People love reading about drama, screw-ups, and revelations. By leading with one, Will immediately intrigues his readers.

They’ll want to keep reading so they can solve the mystery. What was the big deal?

I’m not going to tell you and spoil the fun. You’ll have to check out Will’s book to find out.

There are other ways to be intriguing, too. For example, see the opening line to Lorenzo Gomez’ Cilantro Diaries :

Again, the Author is setting up a mystery.

He wants the reader to rack his brain and say, “Well, if it’s not the famous stuff, what is it?”

And then, when Lorenzo gets to the unexpected answer—the H-E-B grocery store—they’re even more intrigued.

Why would a grocery store make someone’s top-ten list, much less be the thing they’d miss most?

That kind of unexpected storytelling is perfect for keeping readers engaged.

The more intrigue you can create, the more they’ll keep turning the pages.

6. Lead with a Bold Claim

There are thousands of books about marketing. So, how does an Author cut through the noise?

If you’re David Allison, you cut right to the chase and lead with a bold claim.

You tell people you’re going to change the world. And then you tell them you have the data to back it up.

If your reader is sympathetic, they’re going to jump on board. If they’re skeptical, they’re still going to want to see if David’s claim holds up.

Here’s the thing, though: only start bold if you can back it up.

Don’t tell someone you’re going to transform their whole life and only offer a minor life hack. They’ll feel cheated.

But if you’re really changing the way that people think about something, do something, or feel about something, then lead with it.

Start big. And then prove it.

7. Be Empathetic and Honest

One Last Talk is one of the best books we’ve ever done at Scribe. And it shows right from the first sentence.

Philip starts with a bold claim: “If you let it, this book will change your life.”

But then he gives a caveat: it’s not going to be fun.

That’s the moment when he forms an immediate connection with the reader.

Many Authors will tell their readers, “This book will change your life. It’s going to be incredible! Just follow these steps and be on your way!”

Not many Authors will lead with, “It’s going to be worth it, but it’s going to be miserable.”

By being this upfront about the emotional work the book involves, Philip immediately proves to his readers that he’s honest and empathetic.

He understands what they’re going to go through. And he can see them through it, even if it sucks.

One piece of advice we give at Scribe is to talk to your reader like you’re talking to a friend.

Philip does that. And it shows the reader they’re dealing with someone authentic.

8. Invite the Reader In

Joey starts the book by speaking directly to the reader.

He immediately creates a connection and invites the reader in. This makes the book feel more like a conversation between two people than something written by a nameless, faceless Author.

The reason this tactic works so well is because Joey’s whole book is about never losing a customer.

He immediately puts the book’s principles into action.

From the first sentence, Joey’s demonstrating exactly what the reader is there to learn.

The Scribe Crew

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Examples of Research Paper Topic Sentences

The purpose of this article is to provide examples of research paper topic sentences in order to demonstrate the importance and relevance of topic sentence development within an academic writing context. The various elements that constitute a well-crafted topic sentence will be examined, including clarity and conciseness, utilization of strong verbs, effective incorporation of evidence from primary or secondary sources, as well as adherence to stylistic guidelines such as APA formatting. Additionally, potential pitfalls associated with ill-constructed topics will be explored. Ultimately it is hoped that readers will gain greater insight into constructing persuasive argumentative points when developing their own research papers.

I. Introduction

Ii. understanding research paper topic sentences, iii. examples of good and bad research paper topic sentences, iv. how to develop a clear, concise research paper topic sentence, v. writing strategies for crafting quality research papers, vi. what should be included in your research paper, vii. conclusion.

The academic research paper is an important component of the learning process, and a successful introduction can set the tone for your entire project. An effective introduction helps to clearly state the purpose of your work while engaging readers with relevant information on your topic.

Research Paper Topic Sentence Examples:

• “This study examines how technology has impacted education in modern society.”
• “In this analysis I explore the relationship between mental health and physical well-being.”

Making Sense of Research Paper Topic Sentences As a researcher, your writing should flow logically from one point to the next. The same applies when crafting research paper topic sentences – they need to provide clarity and direction throughout your document. It’s important for all topic sentence examples in any given paragraph to contribute towards the central argument or purpose that you are making with that particular section. Consider each example as a link between individual ideas and part of an overarching narrative within the overall structure of your paper.

To properly understand how this works, let’s take a look at two different types of research papers: analytical papers and argumentative ones. In an analytical essay, each new idea needs its own separate topic sentence; it should be clear what conclusion is being made about it after reading only those few words alone. For instance: ‘The media has had a lasting effect on popular culture since its emergence in the late 20th century.’ This demonstrates how persuasive power can influence people’s opinions on certain issues based solely off what information is presented to them through various sources including print media, television news outlets etcetera.

In contrast, when constructing an argumentative piece of work such as policy proposals or response essays -topic sentences often act as precursors to evidence-based statements where further explanation may be necessary afterwards (e.g., ‘X law enforcement approach could address rising crime rates’). Here too, though slightly differently than before -each specific statement still needs context provided for it afterwards so readers can get greater insight into why you are proposing said solution/opinion rather than simply accepting assertions without evidence altogether.

• For example:

“Stricter gun control regulations will help lower instances gang violence across American cities.”

• Followed by more details that present either primary or secondary source material proving such claim.

. As long as these points are explored thoroughly enough -you have created successful research paper topics sentences!

When crafting a research paper, it is essential to pay attention to the topic sentence of each paragraph. The chosen sentences should summarize the core idea presented in their respective paragraphs and introduce new topics logically. Examples of good and bad topic sentences can help authors determine whether they are on track or need improvement.

• The Covid-19 pandemic has posed serious challenges for educational institutions around the world, as teachers have had to quickly transition from physical classrooms into virtual learning environments without any prior experience with this technology.
• This paper will discuss how different countries’ education systems were affected by Covid-19; specifically in regards to transitioning from traditional classes into digital ones.

In conclusion, well-written topic sentences succinctly express an argument’s main point while capturing readers’ attention. Research papers that contain overly general or vague statements instead may be harder for readers to understand since there is no concrete direction specified at first glance. By considering examples of both successful and unsuccessful topic sentences within one’s own writing efforts, authors can ensure that their work stays focused yet captivating throughout its entirety.

As an essential part of any research paper, the topic sentence is a concise statement that outlines what your paper will be discussing. When developed correctly, it should provide clear direction for both yourself and your reader as you progress through the argument or discussion in each section.

• Identify the main idea of your paragraph. What are you arguing?
• Refine this general concept into one succinct phrase – this is now your topic sentence.

An example of how to develop an effective research paper topic sentence can be seen in this comparison between two different statements: “I’m going to talk about marketing” , versus “The success of a product launch relies heavily on proper marketing.” . The first does not make it immediately apparent what aspect of marketing will be discussed; however, with some refinement we see that the second statement more clearly states what aspect (product launches) and result (success) will come from appropriate usage of its subject matter (marketing).

Incorporating these same steps into developing other topics sentences can help ensure clarity when presenting complex ideas throughout a project. For instance consider these further examples: “ “Having access to reliable technology helps students succeed academically,” “Understanding global warming requires looking at evidence from multiple scientific fields,” , and “ “Writing style has changed drastically over time due to advancements in communication technologies.” . Each presents one specific point regarding their respective subjects which allows readers draw connections across sections while providing accurate context for all sources used within the essay’s content.

Constructing a Well-Defined Thesis Statement

The core of any research paper is the thesis statement. This concise and clear statement should encapsulate all aspects of your discussion, summarizing the most important points in an easy to understand manner. Crafting an effective thesis statement requires contemplation and careful consideration; think about what you want to express about your topic before forming it into a few sentences that you can stand by confidently as part of your final submission. Examples include: “Educational technology has opened up new avenues for improving student learning outcomes” or “Economic policies must be tailored towards equitable distribution”.

Organizing Supporting Arguments & Evidence

Once your main point has been established, begin gathering evidence from credible sources to support the assertions made in your thesis statements. It’s essential to present information logically so as not to confuse readers with illogical leaps or vague arguments – while creativity is encouraged within academic writing, ensure that content is delivered clearly enough for readers follow along easily without sacrificing its impactfulness.. To do this effectively consider breaking down arguments into several steps and using bullet points where necessary. Additionally, make sure there are direct references back on relevant evidence presented which further strengthens each argument put forth .

Creating the Content for Your Paper

When you begin writing your research paper, it’s important to consider what should be included in order to make a compelling argument. Here are some key elements that will help you create an engaging and informative document:

• A clear thesis statement – This is the main point of your essay and should be supported by evidence from credible sources.
• Supporting arguments – Each claim made throughout the paper needs to be backed up with facts or examples.
• Counterarguments – Present opposing points of view in order to show why they’re not as convincing as your own position.

These components form the foundation upon which your research paper will stand. For example, if exploring global warming is the focus of your assignment, then a well-crafted thesis statement might read “The rapid increase in greenhouse gases has caused temperatures around the world to rise at alarming rates.” The body paragraphs can provide supporting evidence such as scientific data on rising ocean levels due to melting ice caps or statistics regarding average temperature increases over time. In addition, including counterarguments allows readers insight into alternative perspectives while also demonstrating why those views aren’t nearly as convincing when compared against yours.

In short, creating an effective research paper involves utilizing multiple components that work together cohesively towards making an impactful case for whatever topic is being explored. By taking these individual pieces into consideration early on during development process, writers can ensure their final product provides powerful insights and presents a unique viewpoint worth discussing further!

The Conclusion of the Research Having analyzed a variety of data and research, it is now possible to draw some conclusions about the topic. Firstly, it can be established that [research paper topic sentence 1] . Secondly, it has been found that [research paper topic sentence 2] .

Additionally, further areas of study have emerged as a result of this research which could also prove fruitful in discovering more information about the subject matter. In conclusion, while there are still unanswered questions regarding this issue and much yet to be uncovered; these findings offer a valuable insight into how we perceive [topic].

The examples presented in this article demonstrate the fundamental importance of constructing well-crafted topic sentences for research papers. Crafting effective topic sentences is a skill that every researcher should learn, as it enables one to focus on key concepts and arguments when writing research papers. As such, researchers should take care to study these examples closely and strive to create similar quality material in their own work. Doing so will help ensure that they can communicate their findings clearly and effectively, enabling them to make meaningful contributions within their respective fields of research.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 113 great research paper topics.

General Education

One of the hardest parts of writing a research paper can be just finding a good topic to write about. Fortunately we've done the hard work for you and have compiled a list of 113 interesting research paper topics. They've been organized into ten categories and cover a wide range of subjects so you can easily find the best topic for you.

In addition to the list of good research topics, we've included advice on what makes a good research paper topic and how you can use your topic to start writing a great paper.

What Makes a Good Research Paper Topic?

Not all research paper topics are created equal, and you want to make sure you choose a great topic before you start writing. Below are the three most important factors to consider to make sure you choose the best research paper topics.

#1: It's Something You're Interested In

A paper is always easier to write if you're interested in the topic, and you'll be more motivated to do in-depth research and write a paper that really covers the entire subject. Even if a certain research paper topic is getting a lot of buzz right now or other people seem interested in writing about it, don't feel tempted to make it your topic unless you genuinely have some sort of interest in it as well.

#2: There's Enough Information to Write a Paper

Even if you come up with the absolute best research paper topic and you're so excited to write about it, you won't be able to produce a good paper if there isn't enough research about the topic. This can happen for very specific or specialized topics, as well as topics that are too new to have enough research done on them at the moment. Easy research paper topics will always be topics with enough information to write a full-length paper.

Trying to write a research paper on a topic that doesn't have much research on it is incredibly hard, so before you decide on a topic, do a bit of preliminary searching and make sure you'll have all the information you need to write your paper.

#3: It Fits Your Teacher's Guidelines

Don't get so carried away looking at lists of research paper topics that you forget any requirements or restrictions your teacher may have put on research topic ideas. If you're writing a research paper on a health-related topic, deciding to write about the impact of rap on the music scene probably won't be allowed, but there may be some sort of leeway. For example, if you're really interested in current events but your teacher wants you to write a research paper on a history topic, you may be able to choose a topic that fits both categories, like exploring the relationship between the US and North Korea. No matter what, always get your research paper topic approved by your teacher first before you begin writing.

113 Good Research Paper Topics

Below are 113 good research topics to help you get you started on your paper. We've organized them into ten categories to make it easier to find the type of research paper topics you're looking for.

Arts/Culture

• Discuss the main differences in art from the Italian Renaissance and the Northern Renaissance .
• Analyze the impact a famous artist had on the world.
• How is sexism portrayed in different types of media (music, film, video games, etc.)? Has the amount/type of sexism changed over the years?
• How has the music of slaves brought over from Africa shaped modern American music?
• How has rap music evolved in the past decade?
• How has the portrayal of minorities in the media changed?

Current Events

• What have been the impacts of China's one child policy?
• How have the goals of feminists changed over the decades?
• How has the Trump presidency changed international relations?
• Analyze the history of the relationship between the United States and North Korea.
• What factors contributed to the current decline in the rate of unemployment?
• What have been the impacts of states which have increased their minimum wage?
• How do US immigration laws compare to immigration laws of other countries?
• How have the US's immigration laws changed in the past few years/decades?
• How has the Black Lives Matter movement affected discussions and view about racism in the US?
• What impact has the Affordable Care Act had on healthcare in the US?
• What factors contributed to the UK deciding to leave the EU (Brexit)?
• What factors contributed to China becoming an economic power?
• Discuss the history of Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies  (some of which tokenize the S&P 500 Index on the blockchain) .
• Do students in schools that eliminate grades do better in college and their careers?
• Do students from wealthier backgrounds score higher on standardized tests?
• Do students who receive free meals at school get higher grades compared to when they weren't receiving a free meal?
• Do students who attend charter schools score higher on standardized tests than students in public schools?
• Do students learn better in same-sex classrooms?
• How does giving each student access to an iPad or laptop affect their studies?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Montessori Method ?
• Do children who attend preschool do better in school later on?
• What was the impact of the No Child Left Behind act?
• How does the US education system compare to education systems in other countries?
• What impact does mandatory physical education classes have on students' health?
• Which methods are most effective at reducing bullying in schools?
• Do homeschoolers who attend college do as well as students who attended traditional schools?
• Does offering tenure increase or decrease quality of teaching?
• How does college debt affect future life choices of students?
• Should graduate students be able to form unions?

• What are different ways to lower gun-related deaths in the US?
• How and why have divorce rates changed over time?
• Is affirmative action still necessary in education and/or the workplace?
• Should physician-assisted suicide be legal?
• How has stem cell research impacted the medical field?
• How can human trafficking be reduced in the United States/world?
• Should people be able to donate organs in exchange for money?
• Which types of juvenile punishment have proven most effective at preventing future crimes?
• Has the increase in US airport security made passengers safer?
• Analyze the immigration policies of certain countries and how they are similar and different from one another.
• Several states have legalized recreational marijuana. What positive and negative impacts have they experienced as a result?
• Do tariffs increase the number of domestic jobs?
• Which prison reforms have proven most effective?
• Should governments be able to censor certain information on the internet?
• Which methods/programs have been most effective at reducing teen pregnancy?
• What are the benefits and drawbacks of the Keto diet?
• How effective are different exercise regimes for losing weight and maintaining weight loss?
• How do the healthcare plans of various countries differ from each other?
• What are the most effective ways to treat depression ?
• What are the pros and cons of genetically modified foods?
• Which methods are most effective for improving memory?
• What can be done to lower healthcare costs in the US?
• What factors contributed to the current opioid crisis?
• Analyze the history and impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic .
• Are low-carbohydrate or low-fat diets more effective for weight loss?
• How much exercise should the average adult be getting each week?
• Which methods are most effective to get parents to vaccinate their children?
• What are the pros and cons of clean needle programs?
• How does stress affect the body?
• Discuss the history of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.
• What were the causes and effects of the Salem Witch Trials?
• Who was responsible for the Iran-Contra situation?
• How has New Orleans and the government's response to natural disasters changed since Hurricane Katrina?
• What events led to the fall of the Roman Empire?
• What were the impacts of British rule in India ?
• Was the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki necessary?
• What were the successes and failures of the women's suffrage movement in the United States?
• What were the causes of the Civil War?
• How did Abraham Lincoln's assassination impact the country and reconstruction after the Civil War?
• Which factors contributed to the colonies winning the American Revolution?
• What caused Hitler's rise to power?
• Discuss how a specific invention impacted history.
• What led to Cleopatra's fall as ruler of Egypt?
• How has Japan changed and evolved over the centuries?
• What were the causes of the Rwandan genocide ?

• Why did Martin Luther decide to split with the Catholic Church?
• Analyze the history and impact of a well-known cult (Jonestown, Manson family, etc.)
• How did the sexual abuse scandal impact how people view the Catholic Church?
• How has the Catholic church's power changed over the past decades/centuries?
• What are the causes behind the rise in atheism/ agnosticism in the United States?
• What were the influences in Siddhartha's life resulted in him becoming the Buddha?
• How has media portrayal of Islam/Muslims changed since September 11th?

Science/Environment

• How has the earth's climate changed in the past few decades?
• How has the use and elimination of DDT affected bird populations in the US?
• Analyze how the number and severity of natural disasters have increased in the past few decades.
• Analyze deforestation rates in a certain area or globally over a period of time.
• How have past oil spills changed regulations and cleanup methods?
• How has the Flint water crisis changed water regulation safety?
• What are the pros and cons of fracking?
• What impact has the Paris Climate Agreement had so far?
• What have NASA's biggest successes and failures been?
• How can we improve access to clean water around the world?
• Does ecotourism actually have a positive impact on the environment?
• Should the US rely on nuclear energy more?
• What can be done to save amphibian species currently at risk of extinction?
• What impact has climate change had on coral reefs?
• How are black holes created?
• Are teens who spend more time on social media more likely to suffer anxiety and/or depression?
• How will the loss of net neutrality affect internet users?
• Analyze the history and progress of self-driving vehicles.
• How has the use of drones changed surveillance and warfare methods?
• Has social media made people more or less connected?
• What progress has currently been made with artificial intelligence ?
• Do smartphones increase or decrease workplace productivity?
• What are the most effective ways to use technology in the classroom?
• How is Google search affecting our intelligence?
• When is the best age for a child to begin owning a smartphone?
• Has frequent texting reduced teen literacy rates?

How to Write a Great Research Paper

Even great research paper topics won't give you a great research paper if you don't hone your topic before and during the writing process. Follow these three tips to turn good research paper topics into great papers.

#1: Figure Out Your Thesis Early

Before you start writing a single word of your paper, you first need to know what your thesis will be. Your thesis is a statement that explains what you intend to prove/show in your paper. Every sentence in your research paper will relate back to your thesis, so you don't want to start writing without it!

As some examples, if you're writing a research paper on if students learn better in same-sex classrooms, your thesis might be "Research has shown that elementary-age students in same-sex classrooms score higher on standardized tests and report feeling more comfortable in the classroom."

If you're writing a paper on the causes of the Civil War, your thesis might be "While the dispute between the North and South over slavery is the most well-known cause of the Civil War, other key causes include differences in the economies of the North and South, states' rights, and territorial expansion."

#2: Back Every Statement Up With Research

Remember, this is a research paper you're writing, so you'll need to use lots of research to make your points. Every statement you give must be backed up with research, properly cited the way your teacher requested. You're allowed to include opinions of your own, but they must also be supported by the research you give.

#3: Do Your Research Before You Begin Writing

You don't want to start writing your research paper and then learn that there isn't enough research to back up the points you're making, or, even worse, that the research contradicts the points you're trying to make!

Get most of your research on your good research topics done before you begin writing. Then use the research you've collected to create a rough outline of what your paper will cover and the key points you're going to make. This will help keep your paper clear and organized, and it'll ensure you have enough research to produce a strong paper.

What's Next?

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Christine graduated from Michigan State University with degrees in Environmental Biology and Geography and received her Master's from Duke University. In high school she scored in the 99th percentile on the SAT and was named a National Merit Finalist. She has taught English and biology in several countries.

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How to Write a Good Research Paper: Starting Points

Writing a good research paper involves several key steps, from selecting a fresh and manageable topic to organizing your findings and arguments in a coherent structure. Here's a concise guide to get you started:

• Choose a Topic : Pick something new, interesting, and manageable.
• Preliminary Research : Dive into initial research to understand the topic better.
• Thesis Statement : Clearly state what your paper will argue.
• Outline : Plan the structure of your paper.
• Introduction : Hook your readers and present your thesis.
• Body : Develop your arguments with evidence.
• Conclusion : Summarize key points and explore the implications.
• Revise and Edit : Refine your paper through self-review and peer feedback.

Additionally, leveraging tools like Yomu AI can help with aspects such as paraphrasing, citation management, and plagiarism detection, ensuring your research paper is well-crafted and original.

Brainstorming and Selection

Picking the right topic is key. Here's how to brainstorm:

Write down what you're interested in. It's more fun to research something you like.

Look at recent studies in your area to see what's new or hasn't been covered much.

Talk about your ideas with your teacher or friends. They might help you see things differently.

Think about current events or big issues that could use some academic digging.

After you've got some ideas, think about these things:

Originality: Go for a topic that's fresh and hasn't been done a lot. This makes your work stand out.

Significance: Your research should aim to teach us something new or solve a problem. That's the whole point of doing it.

Feasibility: Be realistic about what you can do with the time and resources you have. Make sure it's something you can actually achieve.

Picking a topic that's new, important, and doable is the first step to a great paper.

Narrowing Down

Start broad, then get specific:

If you're into WWII history, first focus on something like the lives of people in Denmark near the German border during the war (more specific).

Then, zoom in on how German policies affected their daily lives between 1943-1945 (even more specific).

End up with a clear question, like: "What was life like for Danish people near the German border because of German policies from 1943-1945?" (very specific)

Your research question should:

• Look at a specific part of your topic
• Be clear about what you're studying
• Be something you can argue or analyze
• Not be something everyone already knows a lot about

Getting your topic just right and asking a unique question makes your paper focused and interesting.

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research

Identifying sources.

When you start looking for information, try to find reliable and diverse sources that talk about your topic in an unbiased way. Here are some good places to start:

Academic journals : These are articles written by experts that give deep insights. Use websites like JSTOR, Google Scholar, PubMed to find them.

Books : Search for books that give background information or theories about your topic in your library.

News articles : Newspapers and news websites can show you the latest happenings related to your topic.

Websites : Look at educational websites from universities or research groups for straightforward facts. Just make sure the website is trustworthy.

Primary sources : If you're studying history or something similar, look for first-hand accounts like letters, speeches, or data to support your points.

Explore a variety of sources to get a well-rounded view of your topic. Make sure they are detailed, correct, and look at different sides of the story.

Taking Notes and Organizing Information

While you gather information, keeping things organized is key. Here's how to do it:

Record bibliographic details like the author's name, the title, and when it was published for each source. This helps you cite them correctly later. Tools like Zotero, Mendeley, or EndNote can make this easier.

Use your own words to write down the main points. This helps avoid copying someone else's work by mistake.

Highlight direct quotes you might want to use in your paper. Remember to note where you found them.

Sort your notes into groups by topic. This can help you see how everything connects. Using different colors for each group might help too.

Check facts by comparing what you find in different sources. This helps make sure your information is accurate and fair.

Keeping your notes on a computer means you can search, edit, and share them easily. Always back up your files so you don't lose your work.

Getting your notes in order early on makes writing your paper much smoother and helps you build a stronger argument.

Step 3: Develop a Thesis Statement

Understanding thesis statements.

Think of a thesis statement as a one or two-sentence summary of what your paper is all about. It's usually found at the end of the first paragraph. The thesis tells your readers what point you're trying to make and sets up what they can expect from the rest of your paper.

Here's what you should know about thesis statements:

• It tells the main point you're going to argue in your paper
• It's clear about what your paper will focus on
• Usually just 1-2 sentences long
• Answers the main question you're looking into
• It's specific, something people can have different opinions on, and you can show it's true with evidence

A good thesis statement is like a map for your paper. It tells readers where you're going to take them. It should be easy to understand, focused, and lay out your paper's plan.

Formulating Your Thesis

Once you've done some initial research, you can start making your thesis statement. Here's how:

Sum up your main argument in a short, clear way based on what you've found out. Be clear about your point of view.

Make sure it's something people can disagree on . If everyone already agrees, it's not a good thesis.

Be sure you can prove it with the information and sources you have. Don't claim something you can't support.

Keep it focused on your research topic so your thesis is sharp.

Change it if you need to as you write and your ideas grow. It's okay to tweak it.

Here's an example:

Social media makes anxiety and depression worse for teenagers because it hurts their self-esteem and creates pressure about how they look online.

This thesis is good because it clearly says what the paper will argue, picks a side that can be debated, focuses on one specific issue, and outlines a discussion that can be backed up with facts and expert opinions.

With a strong thesis statement as your base, you can shape the rest of your paper around proving and discussing it using facts, expert views, logical thinking, and reliable sources. Let your thesis guide the way your research unfolds.

Step 4: Create an Outline

The role of an outline.

Making an outline before you start writing your research paper is really helpful for organizing your thoughts. Think of an outline as a plan or a map for your paper. It helps you arrange your ideas in a way that makes sense and connects well.

Here's why an outline is important:

• It helps you organize your thoughts in a logical order.
• It shows how different ideas relate to each other.
• It makes the actual writing part easier because you know what you're going to write about.
• It ensures you talk about everything you planned to.
• It stops you from getting off track.
• It keeps your paper focused on your main point.

In short, an outline is a must-have for writing a clear and structured research paper.

Building Your Outline

When you make your outline, start with your main point (thesis statement), then list the big ideas and evidence that support it.

Here's a simple way to make an outline:

• Introduction
• A catchy start to get readers interested
• Background info and why your research is important
• Your main point
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Body Paragraph 3
• Repeat your main point
• Sum up your big ideas
• Your final thoughts

Some tips for making an outline:

• Write down each big idea in a full sentence.
• For each big idea, list 2-3 pieces of evidence.
• Put your ideas in an order that makes sense to build your argument.
• Be open to changing your ideas as you write.

With an outline as your guide, you can start writing your paper knowing exactly what you want to say. It helps make the writing process smoother and keeps your paper organized from the start.

Step 5: Write the Introduction

Hooking the reader.

When you start your research paper, you want to grab the reader's attention right away. Here are some simple ways to do that:

• Start with an interesting fact, number, or quote about your topic. This makes people want to read more because they find out something cool or unexpected.
• Ask a question that makes people think, and that your paper will answer. This gets them curious and keeps them reading.
• Share a short story or example that shows why your topic matters. This helps readers feel more connected to what you're talking about.
• Mention something new or important that's happened recently related to your topic. This shows your paper is up-to-date and relevant.

Pick the best way to start based on what your paper is about. This first impression can make readers want to know more.

Presenting the Thesis

The first paragraph should also tell readers your main point, or thesis, at the end. Your thesis is the big idea your whole paper is about.

When you write your thesis statement:

• Make it clear, to the point, and easy to understand. Stay away from anything too broad or unclear.
• Say what you think or believe about your topic in a way that can be backed up with facts.
• Quickly mention how you'll prove your point in the rest of the paper.

A good thesis makes it clear what you'll be talking about and sets up the rest of your paper. It's like a promise to your readers about what they can expect to learn.

This way, you smoothly lead readers into the main part of your paper.

Step 6: Craft the Body

Developing arguments.

When you're writing the main part of your paper, think of it as explaining your main idea (your thesis) in more detail. Here's how to do it:

• Start each paragraph with a sentence that introduces a new point that helps prove your main idea.
• Then, give 2-3 examples or pieces of information from your research that support this point. This could be things like quotes, numbers, or facts.
• Explain why these examples matter and how they help prove your point. Don't just list facts—make sure to connect them back to your argument.
• Use words like "also", "but", and "because" to link your ideas together smoothly.
• It's important to also talk about other viewpoints briefly. Show why your argument is stronger.

Following this setup helps you make your argument stronger, one paragraph at a time.

Organizing Paragraphs

Here's how to keep your paragraphs well-organized:

Start broad, then get specific: Begin with general points that support your thesis and then dive into the details. Wrap up by connecting the details back to the main argument.

Use transitions: Words like "Next", "Also", or "Another point" help move from one idea to the next smoothly. They remind readers of how everything fits together.

Be consistent: Try to keep the same order—point, evidence, analysis—in each paragraph. This makes your paper easier to follow.

Link ideas together: Mention how the new point relates to what you just talked about. This way, readers can see how all your points build on each other.

Keeping your paragraphs focused and connected makes your paper's argument stronger, step by step.

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Step 7: conclude effectively, summarizing key points.

Your conclusion should quickly go over the main ideas and points you've made in your paper. Here's how to do it:

• Say your main point again, but use different words. This reminds readers what you were arguing.
• Mention the key points and evidence you used, but keep it brief—just 1-2 sentences for each.
• Don't throw in new info or sources here. Just talk about what you've already covered.
• Start wrapping up with phrases like "In summary" or "To conclude" to highlight the main things to remember.
• Finish by talking about why your research and what you found are important. What new thing did you show?

Keeping your conclusion short and straightforward wraps things up nicely without dragging on.

Implications of the Research

The conclusion is also a good place to think about the bigger picture of your research:

• How could your findings help solve real-world problems? Where might they be used?
• What other research areas could use a study like yours? What's the next step that looks good?
• Are there any bigger debates or policy changes related to your findings?
• What new questions have popped up from your work that others could look into?

Thinking about the bigger picture shows readers the value and possible impact of your research. It leaves them thinking about what comes next and the bigger role of your work.

Step 8: Revise and Edit

Self-review and peer feedback.

It's really important to go over your paper again after you've written it. Here's what you should do:

• First, take a short break once you're done writing. This helps you see your work with new eyes when you come back.
• Read your paper slowly to find parts that might be confusing or could be better. Make a note of what to change.
• Check if you have enough evidence supporting your points. If not, add more.
• Make sure your paper's structure makes sense and that your ideas build on each other logically. Rearrange parts if you need to.
• If your argument makes sense
• Parts that are hard to understand or need more details
• Any mistakes in grammar, spelling, or how you've listed your sources
• Ways to make your paper flow better
• Use their suggestions to fix any weak spots. Getting someone else's viewpoint can really help.

Taking time to review your paper and get feedback makes your final version much clearer and stronger.

Final Edits

After you've made big changes, it's time to focus on the small details:

• Go through your paper carefully to correct any spelling or grammar mistakes. Reading out loud can help find errors.
• Double-check your list of sources and the way you've mentioned them in your paper. They need to match the required format.
• Ensure everything like pictures, tables, and section titles look right and follow the guidelines.
• Review the length of your paper and how much attention you've given to each part. Make some parts shorter or longer if needed.
• Make sure your introduction and conclusion match up. Adjust them so they reflect the same ideas.
• Give your paper one last look to catch any minor issues.

Paying attention to these final details makes your paper look polished and professional. It shows you've put in the effort and leaves a good impression on whoever reads it.

Additional Resources

Yomu AI has some great tools to help students and researchers write better academic papers. These tools make it easier to write, make sure you're not copying someone else's work, and keep track of all your sources.

Autocomplete and Paraphrasing

Autocomplete - If you're stuck and can't think of what to write next, Yomu AI can suggest words, phrases, or even sentences to help you keep going. This can save you a lot of time.

Paraphrasing - If you need to use information from somewhere else in your paper, the paraphrasing tool can rewrite it in a new way. This helps you use other people's ideas without copying them directly.

Citation Management

Auto-cite - This feature creates citations automatically for any quotes or references you use, in over 9,000 different styles like APA or MLA.

Citations database - You can save and organize all your sources in one place, along with their citations. This makes it much easier to keep track of everything.

Format checking - This checks to make sure your citations and reference list are done correctly according to the rules of the style you're using.

Plagiarism Detection

Plagiarism checker - This tool looks through billions of pages on the internet to find any text that might be too similar to yours. It helps make sure your work is original.

Similarity reports - You get a report that shows which parts of your paper are original and which parts might need to be changed. It's a quick way to see if there's a problem.

Citation suggestions - If the checker finds parts of your paper that need sources, it will suggest how to cite them properly.

With these tools, Yomu AI helps students write better, more original papers and keep track of all their sources easily.

Writing a research paper is a big task that needs a lot of work and focus. But think of it as more than just homework. See it as a chance to really get into a topic you're interested in, to learn new things, and to share what you find with others.

Doing research lets you follow what you're curious about, read a lot, think carefully about what you find, and come up with answers based on evidence. These skills are important not just for school, but for understanding the world and taking part in discussions throughout your life.

By writing this paper, you've put together your own argument based on your research. You've brought together information from different places to back up your point of view. And you've presented ideas that might make others see things in a new way. That's a big achievement.

Writing papers for school can be tough, but it's also a chance to learn and grow. Let the process of writing a research paper make you ask important questions and keep learning. Appreciate your paper not just for the grade it might get, but for what it teaches you. And most importantly, always keep wanting to learn more about the world. That's what makes research so exciting.

Related Questions

What is a good way to start a research paper.

To start off strong, make sure you have a clear thesis statement. This is a sentence that shows what your paper is about and what side you're on. If you started with a question, your thesis should answer it. Also, hint at the evidence and reasoning you'll use to back up your point. Having a strong thesis helps guide your research and writing, acting like the backbone for your whole paper.

How do you start a research paper with the first sentence?

Here are some good ways to kick off your paper:

• Share an interesting fact or number about your topic
• Ask a question that your paper will answer
• Tell a short story or give an example that shows why your topic is important
• Mention something new or big that's happened recently with your topic

The first sentence should grab the reader's attention, making them want to keep reading to find out what you have to say.

How do you write the introduction of a research paper?

A good introduction should have:

• A brief background of the topic
• A summary of past research that's relevant
• Reasons why your paper is important
• A description of how you did your research
• Your thesis statement, which is your main argument
• A quick look at how your paper is laid out

The introduction sets up the topic for the readers, giving them the context and showing them what to expect from your paper.

What should be on the first page of a research paper?

The first page, or the title page, should include:

• The paper's full title
• The names of the authors and where they work or study
• A note with the authors' contact info and any thank-yous
• A short version of the title at the top of the page

You also need to add things like page numbers and any specific formatting required. The title page gives the basic info about the paper and makes it look professional.

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