How to Write an Introduction for a Paper or Dissertation

Reviewed by Prof. Dr. Alexander Holtermann · Updated 16 October 2026 · 4 min read

A strong introduction moves from context to problem to gap, then states your research question or thesis and previews the structure. Write it last.

Key takeaways

An introduction has four moves: context (why the topic matters), problem or gap, your aim/question/thesis, and a roadmap of the paper.
Typical length: about 10 % of the total word count, so 300–500 words in a term paper and 1,000–2,000 words in a dissertation.
Write the introduction last, or at least revise it last, because only then do you know exactly what your paper does.
Start with a specific, relevant hook: a striking figure, a concrete problem, or a current debate, not a dictionary definition or “Since the dawn of time”.
The CARS model (Create a Research Space) by John Swales describes the same logic: establish a territory, establish a niche, occupy the niche.

What an introduction must do

The introduction is the most-read part of your paper after the abstract. Readers and examiners decide here whether your work is focused and well-planned. In just a few paragraphs, you need to orient the reader, show why the question matters, and make a clear promise that the rest of the paper keeps.

A good introduction answers four questions: What is the topic and why does it matter now? What is the specific problem or gap? What exactly will this paper do (question, aim, or thesis)? How is the paper organized?

The CARS model: three moves

Swales’ CARS model (Create a Research Space) is one of the most widely taught frameworks for academic introductions, especially in graduate writing courses. It describes how successful authors justify their research in three moves.

Move	What you do	Typical phrases
1 Establish a territory	Show the topic is important and summarize what is known	“X has received growing attention…”, “Recent studies have shown…”
2 Establish a niche	Point out a gap, problem, or contradiction	“However, little is known about…”, “These studies have not considered…”
3 Occupy the niche	State your aim, question, or thesis and outline the paper	“This paper examines…”, “The aim of this study is to…”

How to start: hooks that work in academic writing

Your first sentence should be specific and relevant to your question. In academic writing, the hook is not a joke or a dramatic anecdote; it is a fact, a problem, or a tension that makes your question feel necessary.

A striking statistic: “Roughly one in three US undergraduates works more than 20 hours per week.” (Cite it.)
A current problem: a policy change, a crisis, a new technology.
A debate: two positions that contradict each other.
A concrete case: a short example that illustrates the issue.
Avoid: dictionary definitions, “Since the beginning of time…”, rhetorical questions in a row, and claims you cannot support.

Structure by paper type

The four moves stay the same, but the length and detail change with the type of paper.

Paper type	Length	Typical structure
Essay / term paper	1–2 paragraphs (≈ 10 %)	Hook → context → thesis statement or research question → brief roadmap
Empirical journal-style paper	3–6 paragraphs	Context → literature → gap → aim and hypotheses
Dissertation (Chapter 1)	1,000–2,000 words, with subheadings	Background → problem statement → aim and questions → significance → scope → chapter overview

The dissertation introduction chapter

In a dissertation, the introduction is a full chapter, usually with subheadings. Besides the four moves, examiners expect you to explain the significance of your study (theoretical and practical), define its scope (what you deliberately leave out), and give a chapter overview with one or two sentences per chapter.

Keep the background focused: it is not your literature review. Cite only the key sources that establish the problem and save detailed discussion for Chapter 2.

1.1 Background and context
1.2 Problem statement and research gap
1.3 Aim, objectives, and research questions
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Scope and key definitions
1.6 Structure of the dissertation

Common mistakes

Most weak introductions share the same problems. Check yours against this list before submission.

Too long: background turns into a literature review.
No clear question, aim, or thesis, or it is hidden in the middle.
The question in the introduction differs from the one answered in the conclusion.
Promises the paper does not keep (“This paper will also examine…”).
Personal backstory instead of academic relevance (acceptable only if your discipline or instructor asks for a reflective element).
No sources: claims about relevance and prior research must be cited.

Frequently asked questions

How long should an introduction be?

About 10 % of the total word count: 300–500 words for a term paper and 1,000–2,000 words for a dissertation introduction chapter.

Should I write the introduction first or last?

Draft a rough version first to orient yourself, but write the final introduction last, when you know exactly what your paper does.

What should be in the first sentence of an introduction?

A specific, relevant fact, problem, or debate that leads directly to your topic. Avoid dictionary definitions and very general statements.

Do you cite sources in the introduction?

Yes. Claims about relevance, statistics, and the state of research need citations, even in the introduction.

What is the CARS model?

A framework by John Swales describing three moves of research introductions: establish a territory, establish a niche (the gap), and occupy the niche (your study).

Sources and further reading

Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills (3rd ed.). University of Michigan Press.
Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., Williams, J. M., Bizup, J., & FitzGerald, W. T. (2016). The Craft of Research (4th ed.). University of Chicago Press.

Your university’s examination regulations and style guide always take precedence.