2.4 Introductions

This section covers two forms of introductions:
􀂃 introduction to an article
􀂃 introduction to a research paper

Introductions to articles
The introduction does more than tell the reader what the subject of the paper or article is, though obviously it must do that. It must also capture the reader's attention at the beginning, or they will never continue to the end. A good introduction gets the reader wanting more.

Points to include in an introduction
In the introduction to an article you present your topic in general, then narrow the focus on the topic and make a clear thesis statement. Your thesis statement expresses the central idea of your paper. Everything else you write flows from this and depends on it. The thesis statement needs to be clear, and concisely and precisely stated.
                                Topic, Topic Sentence, Thesis, Hypothesis
These terms are all often associated with introductory paragraphs. They are different and not all are found in every type of paper.
􀂃 Topic
         It is the subject of the paper. Chemistry or Amino Acids, Biology or Aquatic Invertebrates could all be topics.
􀂃 Topic sentence
         It states the topic of the paragraph; in an introduction it states the topic of the paper. It is generally at the beginning of a paragraph.
􀂃 Thesis
         A proposition phrased in a thesis statement. In the thesis statement the whole of what the writer is arguing is said in one clear and concise sentence.
􀂃 Hypothesis
         A conjecture, a tentative or working theory, proposition or explanation used as a premise for reasoning, argument or investigation.
**A hypothesis proved false is as important as one proved true.**

Sample introduction to an article

The Use of Hemp in Reprocessed Paper Manufacture
As recycling paper becomes more common throughout the world, new uses for the reprocessed product are increasing. Paper bags and cardboard boxes, the pages of the latest best-selling paperback, disposable cups, paper towels and toilet paper all use recycled paper with varied effectiveness. The paper bags tear easier than those made of virgin paper. The paperbacks begin to crumble in a few short years, the paper towels break down quickly into mush and the paper cups leak before the coffee has even had a chance to cool. It is the nature of recycled paper. In the recycling process the waste paper is broken down and reformed. A result of the process is that the new paper has shorter fibres and is more brittle, with less tensile strength than the original paper.
Finding ways of adding strength to the recycled product, thereby making it a more usable and reliable material, has given rise to a whole research industry. Scientists are exploring changes to the recycling processes hoping to do less damage to the fibers. Additives to the paper are being tried at different stages of manufacturing with mixed results. The adding of non-recyclable materials to the papers does make them stronger, but defeats the purpose.
Finding suitable materials that meet the structural, recyclable and cost effective requirements are driving more and more researches to marijuana. No, not to smoke but for the fibres found in the marijuana plants. Marijuana, or Hemp (Cannabis sativa), fibres are proving to be one of the most promising recyclable additives. Papers with hemp fibres added in the pulp stage are proving to be stronger and more durable than those made of recycled paper alone. Hemp is the solution for the paper industry, certainly to the structure problems of recycled papers.

Analysis of the introduction
􀂃 The introduction presents the topic Recycled Paper by stating very general information that most readers are already aware of.
􀂃 The topic is narrowed down to a particular problem with recycled paper: its lack of structural strength.
􀂃 This is then further narrowed down to a thesis statement, saying that hemp is the solution to the problem.
􀂃 Note that the writer suggests that hemp may perhaps have something more to offer the paper industry than just its strength
􀂃 Note how the writer goes beyond the basic information in order to capture the reader’s attention by planting a hook. Here the hook was Marijuana. A hook causes the reader to pause and pay attention, here to find out what marijuana has to do with recycled paper. The writer goes on to explain that it is a specific product of the hemp plant, fibre, that is a solution to the problem of weak and brittle recycled paper.

Introductions to research papers
Introductions to scientific research papers differ from those in articles in certain respects:
􀂃 In papers, the introduction is direct and to the point. It is therefore somewhat shorter than in an article, maybe only one paragraph long.
􀂃 In some papers, the introduction is actually a named section of the paper. It follows the title, and in this case it is itself entitled 'Introduction'.
􀂃 It may have additional paragraphs containing a review of the literature and any pertinent background information. Even though it is a section, you should still be brief.
􀂃 Although you need to capture the reader's interest as in an article introduction, you should avoid anecdotes and illustrations. You need to
* tell the reader what the paper is about
* say what the paper contains and says
* explain why what it says is important and worth reading

Points to be covered in the introduction to a research paper
The introduction to a research paper should involve the reader by answering these questions:
􀂃 What was your reason for doing the research? What in general was the research attempting to find out?
􀂃 What was your hypothesis or thesis? What specifically was the research attempting to prove?
􀂃 What background information is pertinent to an understanding of the paper?
􀂃 What literature is pertinent? What other studies have explored the subject? (Note that all literature must be fully documented. See Section 2.10 Referencing)

Example of an introduction to a research paper
As recycling paper becomes more common throughout the world, new uses for the reprocessed product are increasing. In the recycling process the waste paper is broken down and reformed. A result of the process is that the new paper has shorter fibres and is more brittle, with less tensile strength than the original paper. Finding ways of adding strength to the recycled product, therefore making it a more usable material was the purpose behind this research project.
This passage would then be followed by a thesis statement or by a hypothesis.
􀂃 A sample thesis statement for this opening would be:
Recycled paper products with added Hemp (Cannabis sativa) fibres are stronger and more durable than products made of recycled paper alone.
Your thesis statement expresses the central idea of your paper. It is your conclusion, and the rest of the paper has to prove it through evidence and examples. The thesis statement needs to be clearly, concisely and precisely stated.
􀂃 Many research papers propose a hypothesis instead of a thesis statement, especially if they are presenting research and findings and the conclusions are only tentative. The hypothesis states succinctly what the research is attempting to prove and this directs the structure of the experiment.
A hypothesis for the above research might be:
It was hypothesised that the longer fibres of the Hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), when added to the shorter recycled paper fibres during the manufacturing process, will result in stronger recycled paper products.

Sample phrases you can use in introductions
􀂃 Stating your purpose
In this paper, it will be shown that …
In this paper, … will be discussed / are considered.
The present paper examines / presents …
In this article, we report on …
Our / My intention here is to highlight …
In the following pages, we shall propose …
This article will concentrate / focus on the arguments …
The key question that this article will address is whether …
This paper will report on work already carried out in this area.

􀂃 Relating your paper to current work
In recent years, … has become a topic of lively debate.
The issue of … has become controversial recently.
The question of … has been thoroughly researched over the last few years.
􀂃 Indicating the structure of your paper
The article has (6) main sections.
Firstly, we shall examine the question of …
The next section briefly outlines …
After a short discussion of …, an overview of … will be given.
This will be followed by …
The final section will present …
I / We shall then go on to suggest …

Points to check in your own writing
In the introduction to an article
􀂃 Topic – have you made it clear to the reader what the topic of the paper is?
􀂃 Have you captured the reader’s interest by using a 'hook'?
􀂃 Thesis statement – does the reader clearly know the thrust of your argument? Is it stated clearly in one precise sentence?
􀂃 Does the introduction effectively introduce the rest of the article? If not, rewrite it.
In the introduction to a research paper
􀂃 Have you stated the topic and the purpose of the research?
􀂃 Have you expressed your hypothesis or thesis statement clearly, concisely and precisely?
􀂃 Have you eliminated everything, such as anecdotes and illustrations, not specifically to do with the topic.
􀂃 Have you given enough background information or reviewed all the pertinent literature?
􀂃 Have you expressed everything as succinctly and briefly as you can?
􀂃 Finally, after finishing the whole paper, review your introduction. Is it in the right style and tone for the rest of the paper?