Academic Writing #03: Build an Introduction That Leads Somewhere

An introduction moves from a shared problem to your specific research question. Explain why the topic matters, summarise relevant knowledge, and identify what remains uncertain. Support background claims with appropriate sources.

Then state your aim clearly: “We investigated whether…” A gap can be an untested condition or an unresolved disagreement. Avoid claiming that “no studies exist” unless your search supports this.

Keep only background that helps readers understand the question. Use “however” for a real contrast. The final paragraph should make the study’s purpose easy to find.