The first chapter in any thesis document starts with an introductory
paragraph that narrows down broad subject matter into something more
specific. Thesis introductions are usually found after the table of contents
page and give a broader context of the research. Remember that a good
opening is essential for capturing the reader's interest.
The following are the key components of an introduction that must be covered.
Topic and Context - What information should a reader have to grasp the
thesis?
Scope and Focus - Which elements of the topic will be covered? It might
be research gaps, queries, or issues.
Importance and Relevance - How your research work will contribute to the
existing work on the same topic?
Objectives and Questions - What are the major research aims and
objectives the and how they will be achieved?
Structure Overview - How will each chapter of the thesis contribute to the
overarching goals?
These steps of writing an introduction are discussed below in detail.
1. 1. Capture the Reader’s Attention
A writer should begin the introduction with a hook sentence to draw the reader's
attention. It can start with a quote, question, or an interesting transition into your
argument.
Make a list of intriguing, present issues or events that are connected to your
theme as well. It will assist in the development of a good opening and thesis
statement.
2. 2. Determine the Research Gap
Examine and evaluate the available literature. It will assist the researcher in
identifying and filling the research gaps.
3. 3. Provide Background Information
An excellent thesis beginning always provides the historical context of the
selected topic. It is generally referenced in the opening paragraph and illustrates
the subject's present status.
4. 4. Use Relevant Literature to Back Up Your Topic
The introduction combines previous research and the literature review. As a
result, the topic should be backed up by relevant resources.
It's also used to explain the context and significance of previous research. It also
acknowledges credible sources of information to back up your argument.
5. 5. Specify the Hypothesis
Create a hypothesis for your research project. It will go through your goals as
well as the options available to you.
6. 6. Explain the Importance of Your Research
The gap will assist in assessing the situation and explaining the relevance of the
current research.
Thus, provide your paper's goal, which explains why the study was conducted. It
will also show the potential future contributions of the study work.
7. 7. Outline the Research Questions
The next step is to compose an outline of your research questions. These should
be relevant to the goal of your research. It will also aid you in discussing the
issues you wish to address.
8. 8. State Your Research Goals
To identify the fundamental purpose of the work, state the research goals and
objectives. It should provide direction for the research by offering an outline of
what it hopes to achieve.
9. 9. Make an Outline
Make a well-structured outline to organize and assemble your ideas. Include a
table of contents at the start of your dissertation as well. It could be used as a
mind map to talk about the structure of your thesis proposal.
10.10. Examine the Research Methodology
In this stage, you have to identify and define the terms and methods you will use
in your study. It is an effective method for making your research authentic,
trustworthy, and valuable.
11.11. Complete Your Introduction
After you've finished writing the introduction, ask yourself the following questions.
Is your introduction concerned with the issue that your thesis seeks
to address?
Does it make a case for the study?
Is this part concerned with the research's contribution?
Is it a thorough review of your thesis?
Is it precise in defining research topics, issues, and hypotheses?
Does it end by briefly addressing the topic of each chapter?
Thesis Introduction Content Checklist
The technical aspects of an introduction should at least observe the
following:
It begins with an eye-catching hook statement about the main
problem or topic of the study
It uses transitional devises to connect one paragraph to another
It observes proper paragraphing (One idea only in one paragraph)
It expresses the primary points of the study
It includes the research questions as well as the objectives
It discusses the research's importance in connection to the current
problems of the study
It describes the research constraints, if any exist.
It logically links all of the concepts.
Content Organization by Paragraph Checklist (The content of the
introduction should not exceed 4 pages of doubled- space text)
1st Paragraph: A definition or a statement about the important term or
topic of the study (an eye-catching hook statement) which connects the
present global issues or scenarios about the main problem of your study
(Title of the Study). Cite author or source with the year at least 2015 to
present.
2nd Paragraph: Discussions of at least 2 specific global issues or
problems in relation to the present study (This can be separated by
paragraph but it depends upon the writer’s way of presentation of ideas).
Properly acknowledged sources.
3rd Paragraph: Discussion of the connection from the global issues or
problem to local. (Citing of existing problems in the
locality/community). Properly acknowledged sources.
4th Paragraph: Justification of the problems to be investigated in the
conduct of the study (Connect this with the Statement of the Problem of
the study).
5th Paragraph: Statement of purpose and interest to conduct the study
(Fundamental of purpose: Research Goals and objectives)
6th Paragraph: Description of the methodology to be utilized in the
conduct of the study to answer the problems of the study.
7th Paragraph: Re-statement of the main problem (Title) of the study
as the main aim to conduct the present study.
-Grand Tour Question
-Scope and Delimitation
-Benefits and Beneficiaries
-Definition of Terms
