11 Smart Tips for Writing a Dissertation Introduction

Making a good first impression is essential in any form of writing. It is essential in academic writing, like a dissertation. Dissertations are usually long essays, and not too many people have the time to dig into an entire 300 pages. But, the introduction of your dissertation could be why they would.

That’s to say; a quality introduction is a key to any form of a dissertation. Your introduction is what sells your work to readers; it should capture the attention and minds of your readers. Since your dissertation introduction is the first thing readers look at, making it perfect is essential.

To help structure and present a compelling dissertation introduction, here are helpful things you need to know and do.

Introduction to dissertation: 11 tips on how to begin a dissertation

Every part of a dissertation has things that should be included to convey a compelling message to readers. To do this, you must understand how to begin the introductory part of the dissertation. Here’s how to start an introduction:

  1. Use the storytelling strategy

People love and enjoy reading stories. Therefore, the first line of your introduction should set a story-like tone. The story-like tone captures readers’ attention and keeps them fixed because they want to understand how the story ends. Aim for a unique storytelling pattern. Find what can serve as a story and still convey your research’s message to readers.

  1. Lay the foundation

Your introduction is not where you feed your readers all the information. What you’re expected to do is lay the foundation of your essay. Whet the readers’ interest by presenting them with information that keeps them hooked to the essay.

  1. State research problem

Your introduction states the research problem. The research problem forms the basis of your research. Include it within your introduction for more context.

  1. Include the research question

Your introduction should include the specific area of your research. It helps readers understand the path of your research.

  1. State the focus & scope of your research

Narrow the area and demographic focus of your research. It informs readers on what your research focuses on.

  1. State research objective

In your introduction, tell the reader what the objective of your research is after identifying the problems, and state how your research addresses these problems briefly.

  1. Give short instances

There should be a dissertation introduction example when you are writing a dissertation introduction. The example is your way of throwing more insights into your topic. Examples help the reader understand and prepare them for what to expect in the rest of the essay.

  1. Use active voice when writing

Avoid passive voices when writing, especially when it’s a dissertation. Convey all your ideas clearly to the readers.

  1. Cite sources

Your introduction should cite one or two relevant sources to corroborate your research ideas. These sources should be the main authority sources that’ll subsequently be buttressed in your essay.

  1. Use an outline

To help you incorporate all the ideas that should be contained in your introduction, draft a dissertation introduction outline as a guide.

  1. Make it brief

While you are expected to include the various ideas in your dissertation introduction, make it brief, so it doesn’t over-explain ideas that’ll appear in the body.

What should be in a dissertation?

When writing a dissertation, several things must be included. These things form the structure and internal layout of every dissertation. They include:

  • Abstract
  • The introduction
  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Results & findings
  • Discussion
  • Conclusion
  • Reference
  • Appendix

How long should dissertation introduction be?

When writing dissertation introduction, it shouldn’t exceed two pages. It should be around 800 to 1,000 words maximum. Use a dissertation introduction template to include all the necessary points. Also, break down the points into short subtopics so they don’t take up the entire page.

Conclusion

Your dissertation introduction should be simple, precise, and easy to read. Also, it should contain all the relevant points that inform the reader about your work. Following the tips we have provided, you will know what should be in a dissertation introduction – this is especially helpful to newbies.

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