How to Craft a Winning Dissertation Introduction in 10 Steps

If you plan to start your dissertation, it is important to understand the structure of the paper. One of the most crucial sections you have to write is an introduction as it is the first point of contact with the reader. While this is among the first sections of your paper, you should write it last to ensure it matches other ideas in your paper. In this article, you will learn the importance of writing a powerful dissertation introduction and tips on how to write one.

The role of dissertation introduction:

  • Creating a first impression
  • Convincing the reader about the importance/relevance/value of the research
  • Creating a background of your study
  • Providing objective of your dissertation
  • Clarifying the focus of your study
  • Providing theoretical and practical relevance of the research.
  • A good introduction dissertation section will lay a solid foundation for the paper
  • Outlining the structure of the paper

Tips To Write the Best Dissertation Introduction

Now that you appreciate the importance of a good introduction for your dissertation, it is time to learn how to craft a winning introductory paragraph. The following tips will help you on how to write a dissertation introduction. Read on:

  1. State the thesis clearly and keep it short and concise: Use a sentence to state your thesis in the introduction to limit your study and do justice to the topic.
  2. Keep the introduction simple and avoid fancy techniques: It is tempting for students to go overboard with the introduction to impress. However, this is counterproductive as it turns off the reader. The best introduction for academic papers goes straight to the point and acclimatizes the reader with the ideas they expect.
  3. Use an interesting and captivating introductory sentence that will intrigue the reader to keep going.
  4. Don’t overpromise in your introduction: Your dissertation introduction should only hint to actual content the reader will find. This is one reason you should craft this section as the last.
  5. Avoid saying everything in the introduction: A good introductory paragraph for your dissertation should only highlight the main points. Don’t include everything in the introduction or else the reader will lose interest.
  6. Give a preview of the research: Summarize your paper by indicating the direction you will take. Before a reader goes into depth, they should have a hint of your approach through the introduction.
  7. Explain the methodology: When writing a dissertation introduction, you should consider introducing readers to your methodology. The reader will have an interest in knowing the how of your study and it is good to let them know early enough.
  8. Define key terms: Some terms might require a definition to make things easier for every reader. Defining major terms saves readers time that would have gone to the search for meaning.
  9. Provide a context for your research: The reader wants to know more about the topic and your motivation to pick the same for research. Give a background and contextualize your topic in this section.
  10. Give objectives for your research: It is important to explain to the reader what you wish to achieve with your study.

If stuck with your paper, go online and check a dissertation introduction example to learn how to craft a winning one.