Research & Writing Process

It is helpful if you can think of the introduction as a brief guide to your paper. The introduction of your paper should tell the reader:

• the context or focus of your paper—in other words, what it is about.
• the key areas your paper will cover (and in what order).
• the controlling argument, and what conclusion has been reached—this is generally the thesis statement.

The length of an introduction may vary. It is usually one paragraph long in a five-paragraph essay. In a research paper, it may take more than one paragraph or even more than one page to introduce the subject.

In reports, introductory information can be provided in the Executive Summary section. Report introductions should tell readers:

1. what problem you are addressing
2. how you have addressed it
3. what your findings and recommendations are

Introductions should be interesting and catchy and should make the reader want to continue reading the written composition.  

Consider using the following strategies to engage readers:

• start with presenting a dilemma, a paradox, or an unusual comparison
• tell a brief story
• raise a question that needs a solution
• use a striking quotation
• question a universal truth
• provide startling statistics

Remember that while you want to hook the audience, you do not want to spend too long introducing the topic.  Be brief, focus on the subject, and remember to state the relevance and importance of the subject throughout the introduction.

Do not:

• starting an introduction with a dictionary definition (i.e. Webster defines happiness as...)
• starting with a trite statement (i.e. The Internet is vital to everyday life.)
• announcing the purpose in a formal way (i.e. In this paper I will...)
• stating facts or statistics without substantiation (i.e. Millions of people every year rely on landlines...)

The following steps outline the general structure of an introduction:

1. Begin with some brief background or contextual information that provides a focus for your paper.
2. Identify the key areas your paper will focus on to support your argument, and the sequence in which these areas will be discussed. Here you could use statements like:
   • This paper provides a brief summary of…
   • This paper outlines…
   • This paper compares...
3. Articulate what the controlling argument of your paper is, and what conclusion has been reached—this is generally, the thesis statement. It is often placed at the end of your introduction paragraph; however, it can also be placed towards the beginning. Include it where it sits most comfortably to you.

     It is said that what goes around, comes around.  Aristotle and the Stoics were ancient philosophers during the Hellenistic period, who argued that there was a direct link between an ethical life and happiness.  This paper explores the relationship between an ethical life and happiness.  It compares the predominant theories of the Stoics and Aristotle, highlighting the differences between the two schools of thought.  This paper also examines the complexities of the pursuit of happiness.  This paper argues that while an ethical life can certainly contribute to happiness, it does not guarantee it, as there are external circumstances beyond the control of an individual that have the ability to adversely impact happiness.