Writing the Introduction Section

This guide walks you through the essential components of a strong introduction, provides step-by-step writing strategies, and highlights common mistakes to avoid. Whether you're writing a thesis, dissertation, or journal article, mastering the introduction will significantly enhance your paper’s clarity and impact.

Why the Introduction Matters

The introduction is the gateway to your research paper—it sets the tone and frames the reader’s expectations. Although it appears first in your paper, it’s usually written last, often just before the abstract. However, it’s a good idea to draft a rough version early in the writing process to help clarify your direction.

A well-structured introduction doesn’t just introduce the topic; it also engages the reader, establishes context, identifies gaps in existing knowledge, and clearly states your research objectives.

Purpose of an Introduction

An effective introduction serves three key functions:

1. Contextualizes the Research

Provides background and context.
Explains why the topic is important or timely.

2. Identifies the Research Gap

Summarizes what is already known.
Highlights what remains unclear or unexplored.

3. States the Study’s Objectives

Clearly defines research questions or hypotheses.
Briefly outlines the methodology (if relevant).
Explains the significance of the study.

A strong introduction often follows a funnel structure—starting broadly and gradually narrowing to the specific research focus.

Step-by-Step Structure of an Introduction

1. Begin with a Broad Opening (The Hook)

Start with a compelling statement that captures attention and shows the relevance of the topic.

Example:

Nepal, located in a seismically active region, has a long history of devastating natural disasters. The 1934 Great Nepal-Bihar Earthquake (Mw 8) stands as one of the country’s most catastrophic events (National Planning Commission, 2015). After more than 80 years, Nepal experienced another major shock—the Gorkha Earthquake (Mw 7.8) on April 25, 2015—which, along with its aftershocks, affected 31 out of 75 districts and left 14 districts in crisis (MOHA, 2015). These events highlight Nepal’s ongoing vulnerability to earthquakes and other recurring hazards such as floods, landslides, and storms.

Why it works:

Opens with striking data.
Relates to a real-world issue.
Narrows focus to a specific region and context.

2. Provide Background Information

Introduce key studies, developments, or theoretical perspectives related to your topic. Be selective—focus on the most relevant sources.

Example:

Nepal’s susceptibility to disasters is intensified by its location in the Central Seismic Gap, an area where significant seismic energy remains unreleased (Ghazoui et al., 2019; Bhattarai et al., 2020). In addition to earthquakes, floods, landslides, lightning, and windstorms occur frequently, posing persistent challenges. Historically, disaster response has been reactive, hindered by limited legislation and coordination (MOHA, 2015). The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act (DRRMA) 2017 marked a significant step toward a more proactive and integrated DRR framework.

Tip: Don’t overload this section with citations—save a detailed literature review for later.

3. Identify the Research Gap

Clearly point out what is missing or insufficiently addressed in the existing literature.

Example:

Despite legislative progress, gaps remain in how disaster risk reduction is implemented, especially at the local level. While DRRMA 2017 outlines roles for all levels of government, questions persist regarding the actual capacity of local governments (LGs) to fulfill these mandates. Many LGs focus mainly on disaster response, with limited emphasis on preparedness or mitigation (DRC, 2019). In addition, institutional challenges such as inadequate staffing and unclear roles continue to hinder effective implementation (Bhandari et al., 2020; Shrestha, 2019).

Key phrases to signal gaps:

“However, little attention has been given to...”
“Despite existing research, it remains unclear...”
“A critical unanswered question is...”

4. State Your Research Objectives and Questions

Clearly state what your study aims to achieve.

Example:

This study aims to assess the effectiveness of DRRMA 2017 implementation, identify key challenges, and capture community perspectives to inform future policy and practice in Shankharapur Municipality, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Tip: If your study is hypothesis-driven, include your hypotheses here.

5. Briefly Mention Methodology

Include a sentence or two about your approach—keep it short.

Example:

Using a mixed-methods approach, the study draws on interviews, policy review, and field observations to explore the implementation of DRR policies.

6. Highlight the Study’s Significance

Explain why your study is important—what will it contribute?

Example:

Understanding the challenges local governments face in disaster risk reduction is crucial for building resilient communities in Nepal. This study provides insights that can help strengthen local capacities and improve implementation of DRR policies. By identifying both successes and gaps, the findings can support more effective, community-centered disaster management strategies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overloading with citations – Stick to 3–5 key sources.

❌ Including results or detailed methods – Save these for later sections.

❌ Vague objectives – Be specific; avoid phrases like “This study explores disaster management.”

❌ Neglecting the 'why' – Always explain why your study matters.

Before You Write: Preparation Tips

Conduct a literature review – Identify key studies and gaps.
Define your niche – What unique perspective does your study offer?
Outline your introduction – Use the funnel structure as a guide.
Start with a draft early – Even if rough, it will evolve as your research progresses.

Don’t be afraid of the blank page. Getting started is the hardest part. Familiarizing yourself with existing research will give you clarity on what is known and what remains to be explored. Your job is to show there’s a gap—and how your study helps fill it.

✅ Final Checklist

Is the opening engaging and relevant?
Does the background provide enough context without going into excessive detail?
Is the research gap clearly stated?
Are the objectives or questions specific and focused?
Is the study’s significance clearly explained?
Is the tone academic, clear, and accessible?

Conclusion

A well-crafted introduction is more than a formality—it’s your chance to convince the reader your research matters. By following a structured approach and avoiding common pitfalls, you can ensure clarity, coherence, and impact from the very beginning.

Your introduction should make readers think:
“This study is important—I need to keep reading.”

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