An article primarily includes the following sections: introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. Before writing the introduction, the main steps, the heading and the familiarity level of the readers should be considered. Writing should begin when the experimental system and the equipment are available. The introduction section comprises the first portion of the manuscript, and it should be written using the simple present tense. Additionally, abbreviations and explanations are included in this section. The main goal of the introduction is to convey basic information to the readers without obligating them to investigate previous publications and to provide clues as to the results of the present study. To do this, the subject of the article should be thoroughly reviewed, and the aim of the study should be clearly stated immediately after discussing the basic references. In this review, we aim to convey the principles of writing the introduction section of a manuscript to residents and young investigators who have just begun to write a manuscript.
Keywords: Article, introduction, scientific
When entering a gate of a magnificent city we can make a prediction about the splendor, pomposity, history, and civilization we will encounter in the city. Occasionally, gates do not give even a glimpse of the city, and it can mislead the visitors about inner sections of the city. Introduction sections of the articles are like gates of a city. It is a presentation aiming at introducing itself to the readers, and attracting their attention. Attractiveness, clarity, piquancy, and analytical capacity of the presentation will urge the reader to read the subsequent sections of the article. On the other hand as is understood from the motto of antique Greek poet Euripides “a bad beginning makes a bad ending”, ‘Introduction’ section of a scientific article is important in that it can reveal the conclusion of the article.[1]
It is useful to analyze the issues to be considered in the ‘Introduction’ section under 3 headings. Firstly, information should be provided about the general topic of the article in the light of the current literature which paves the way for the disclosure of the objective of the manuscript. Then the specific subject matter, and the issue to be focused on should be dealt with, the problem should be brought forth, and fundamental references related to the topic should be discussed. Finally, our recommendations for solution should be described, in other words our aim should be communicated. When these steps are followed in that order, the reader can track the problem, and its solution from his/her own perspective under the light of current literature. Otherwise, even a perfect study presented in a non-systematized, confused design will lose the chance of reading. Indeed inadequate information, inability to clarify the problem, and sometimes concealing the solution will keep the reader who has a desire to attain new information away from reading the manuscript.[1–3]
First of all, explanation of the topic in the light of the current literature should be made in clear, and precise terms as if the reader is completely ignorant of the subject. In this section, establishment of a warm rapport between the reader, and the manuscript is aimed. Since frantic plunging into the problem or the solution will push the reader into the dilemma of either screening the literature about the subject matter or refraining from reading the article. Updated, and robust information should be presented in the ‘Introduction’ section.
Then main topic of our manuscript, and the encountered problem should be analyzed in the light of the current literature following a short instance of brain exercise. At this point the problems should be reduced to one issue as far as possible. Of course, there might be more than one problem, however this new issue, and its solution should be the subject matter of another article. Problems should be expressed clearly. If targets are more numerous, and complex, solutions will be more than one, and confusing.
Finally, the last paragraphs of the ‘Introduction’ section should include the solution in which we will describe the information we generated, and related data. Our sentences which arouse curiosity in the readers should not be left unanswered. The reader who thinks to obtain the most effective information in no time while reading a scientific article should not be smothered with mysterious sentences, and word plays, and the readers should not be left alone to arrive at a conclusion by themselves. If we have contrary expectations, then we might write an article which won’t have any reader. A clearly expressed or recommended solutions to an explicitly revealed problem is also very important for the integrity of the ‘Introduction’ section.[1–5]
We can summarize our arguments with the following example (Figure 1). The introduction section of the exemplary article is written in simple present tense which includes abbreviations, acronyms, and their explanations. Based on our statements above we can divide the introduction section into 3 parts. In the first paragraph, miniaturization, and evolvement of pediatric endourological instruments, and competitions among PNL, ESWL, and URS in the treatment of urinary system stone disease are described, in other words the background is prepared. In the second paragraph, a newly defined system which facilitates intrarenal access in PNL procedure has been described. Besides basic references related to the subject matter have been given, and their outcomes have been indicated. In other words, fundamental references concerning main subject have been discussed. In the last paragraph the aim of the researchers to investigate the outcomes, and safety of the application of this new method in the light of current information has been indicated.
Apart from the abovementioned information about the introduction section of a scientific article we will summarize a few major issues in brief headings
Important points which one should take heed of:
Abbreviations should be given following their explanations in the ‘Introduction’ section (their explanations in the summary does not count)
Simple present tense should be used.
References should be selected from updated publication with a higher impact factor, and prestigous source books.
Avoid mysterious, and confounding expressions, construct clear sentences aiming at problematic issues, and their solutions.
The sentences should be attractive, tempting, and comjprehensible.
Firstly general, then subject-specific information should be given. Finally our aim should be clearly explained.
1. Day RA. In: How to Write and Publish a Scientific Paper. 4. Edition. Altay Gülay Aşkar., translator. Tübitak Yayınları; 2000. [Google Scholar]
2. Hengl T, Gould M. Enschede. Sep, 2002. Rules of thumb for writing research articles. [Google Scholar]
3. Day AD. How to write a scientific paper. IEEE transactions on professional communication; 1977. pp. 32–7. [Google Scholar]
4. DeMaria AN. How do I get a paper accepted? J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;49:1666–7. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
5. Vernon Booth: Writing a scientific paper. Biochem Soc. 1975;3:1–26. [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
Research paper introduction in academic writing is widely used in the presentation of a thesis and academic work. This article highlights the best ways to go about writing a captivating introduction to help you fine-tune your writing skills at the introductory level.
It establishes the depth, the context, and the importance of the research by summarizing and bringing the reader’s attention to your thesis. The research topic should be clear from the get-go. The introduction needs to draw in the reader whilst summarizing for them what it is that they’re about to read.
You start the introduction of the research paper by presenting what your research paper is about. You’ll need some great sentence starters and transition words because your introduction needs to be well written in order to envoke the reader’s interest. Don’t forget to create some context and inform the reader about the research you have carried out.
Draft your introduction on a piece of paper and edit it extensively before you add it to the final copy of your research paper. Be sure to refer to the research paper outline that you created before you started writing. Your sentences should be short and precise. It’s also important that you do not oversell your ideas at this point- remember that you’re still trying to draw the reader in.
You should highlight the key aspects of your thesis. It’s important that your thesis statement is placed towards the end of your research paper introduction. You are essentially briefly introducing the reader to concepts that they will come across in your research work.
The information included in a scientific research paper introduction is very similar to what you would include in any other research paper. However, the overall structure of a scientific research paper is a bit different as you’ll need to include sections like ‘materials’ and ‘scientific processes’. Your introduction to a scientific research paper should highlight sufficient background information on the experiment that you did, making it easy for readers to understand and evaluate your research work.
The rationale for research is the highlight of why your research topic is worthy of the study and experimentation and how it adds value to already existing research works. You will probably need to bury yourself in books, do your research in the library and undertake descriptive research for your specific field. You need to become an expert in your chosen field and you should know exactly what you are contributing to the academic community with your research.
Tip: Read about the different parts of a research paper for a full rundown of which parts go where.
The structure of a research paper introduction should contain the main goal and the objective of the research. It should be a concise but enlightening outline of the soon-after context. Here you are required to state your rationale or reasons why you want to major into a particular subject or instead what problems you seek to solve in the subject matter.
Therefore, you need comprehensible argumentation to emphasize the importance of your research topic to your reader. In addition, you want to excite the readers curiosity for the subject. Below you will find the prime points to create a convincing research paper introduction.
One of the things that should be evident throughout your research paper introduction is honesty to your readers. This will go a long way in establishing a piece of research work that can be relied on by other students and researchers in the future. You will also not find it hard explaining the rest of the research paper to the panellists.
• Your research paper introduction should be short, accurate and precise. Don´t tell stories at the introductory level of your research.
• Pick-point the ideas you want to talk about and the methodologies that you have derived from the course work for you to solve the hindrances that you encountered on the ground.
• Refer to diverse research paper introduction works and make sure to look for up-to-date researches for your thesis.
• Provide tangible shreds of evidence and supporting arguments to blueprint your findings, and at least prove the fact that what you are presenting is well researched as well as authentic.
• Find it worth to include relevant terms, may it be scientific or mathematical or even theological.
• Always remember to proofread your work.
• Scrutinize your research paper introduction before presentation for reliability and present it with utmost logic to show how it supports your research and not a mere throwing in of figures.
• Do not try explaining ideas that do not answer your research questions. This is a mere waste of time and will not lead to any new conclusion about your research paper introduction work.
• Do not write a lengthy research paper introduction. What will you write in the rest of the paper if you tell it all here?
• Do not state incomplete reasons for carrying out the research. You want to be as convincing as possible in your research paper introduction.
• Do not exceed the stated word limit. It brings about the fact that you do not know what you are talking about, instead, you present yourself as a bluff.
• Do not plagiarize your research paper introduction, just like any other portion of your research work. Check this before any submissions. Make sure all the hypothetical findings are genuine and unique.
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- Research paper introduction introduces the core topic to your thesis.
- The introduction explains where you are coming from concerning your research. Therefore make your research paper introduction precise.
- The research paper introduction should be short, concise, and accurate.
- Your research paper introduction should highlight the rationale of your research, which is the support of the worthiness of your study and research experiments.
- A research paper introduction should be free from plagiarism.