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As the very first part of a scientific manuscript, the introduction serves as a bridge between the author’s ideas and the reader’s mind. A properly constructed introduction lays the groundwork for a productive engagement with the manuscript by providing context and piquing the reader’s curiosity. In this blog post, we outline four crucial strategies for writing an impactful introduction section, to help researchers create an engaging opening, which is a crucial step in producing high-level papers and increasing the chance of publication.
Locate Your Study Niche
Locate the topic of your research within the broader research field¹. To do this, start with general overarching statements and gradually move to more specialized information. This progression provides context and clarity, helping readers understand the significance of your work.
Example: “As climate change affects agriculture, crop adaptability is crucial. Maize, known for its resistance to various biotic and abiotic stresses, demonstrates high adaptability. This study investigates the influence of gene X on maize’s drought tolerance.”
Do Not Attempt to Build Suspense
Present all necessary information about your study subject upfront without trying to create suspense¹. Delaying vital information in your paper may cause the reader to lose interest and therefore be counterproductive.
Example: “This study evaluated whether better vaccine coverage for rabies reduced mortality in three villages situated close to a wildlife sanctuary. We found that mortality rates reduced by 3.4% per 10% increase in vaccine coverage.”
Explain Why Your Study is Relevant
Identify the knowledge gap that your study aims to address. Explain why the results of your study are relevant and deserving of the reader’s attention¹. Establishing your study’s importance will pique the reader’s interest and encourage further engagement.
Example: “Our study found that retirement funds in Japan fell markedly in purchasing power due to economic inflation in the last decade. This finding is particularly concerning given Japan’s rapidly ageing population, highlighting the urgency of addressing financial challenges in retirement planning.”
Outline Historical and Current Trends with Citation
Describe the historical course of research in your study subject. Conduct a thorough literature review before writing the introduction and cite the relevant studies, highlighting key breakthroughs¹. This ensures your introduction is well-informed and contextualized.
Example: “A study by Jane et al. (2013) demonstrated that gene X plays a role in the immune response to rhinovirus. Building on this, Thomas et al. (2016) illustrated that gene X downregulates the immune response by suppressing the expression of receptor Y. Our investigation aims to determine whether an antagonist targeting receptor Y can reinstate the immune response to rhinovirus.”
Conclusion
Well-crafted introductions skillfully guide the reader’s attention to the intricacies of more detailed and complex ideas in subsequent sections of a paper. By following the tips outlined above, you can guarantee that readers face no obstacles in assessing your ideas from a strong vantage point.
There are several time-tested linguistic techniques for drafting an interesting paper. Experts at Elsevier Language Services masterfully transform each section of the manuscript to prepare it for successful publication. Reach out to us for assistance in creating a clear and captivating manuscript.
References:
- Kallestinova E. D. (2011). How to write your first research paper. The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, 84(3), 181–190. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3178846/
