Introduction Research Paper Example MLA
Writing a strong introduction for a research paper written in MLA (Modern Language Association) style is crucial. The introduction should accomplish several goals to set up your paper in a clear and concise manner for the reader. This article will go through an example MLA introduction for a research paper and explain each component to help you write an effective introduction.
Setting the Context
The first part of your introduction should introduce your topic and provide necessary context or background information for the reader. For example, if your paper is about how Great Depression era Hollywood films portrayed economic struggles, you could start your introduction like this:
“During the Great Depression of the 1930s, many Americans struggled with financial hardships as the unemployment rate rose to over 25%. To escape their troubles and find brief relief from their struggles, some turned to the movies. Hollywood films of the time often depicted scenes showing characters losing their jobs, homes, and savings while struggling to get by. This helped audiences relate to characters on screen and feel less alone in their suffering.”
This helps set the historical context by giving a brief overview of the economic conditions during the Great Depression and explains how films of that era reflected those hardships. Always make sure to provide enough context that a reader unfamiliar with your topic can understand the relevant background.
Narrowing Your Focus
After providing broader context, the next step is to narrow your focus to your specific research topic. For example:
“While many Depression era films touched on economic struggles, some delved deeper into portrayals of working class Americans struggling to hold onto their livelihoods and maintain a decent standard of living. Specifically, three films from 1939 – The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and They Live by Night – offered particularly vivid depictions of labor issues and the human impact of poverty during the Depression.”
Here you transition from the general context to introducing your specific focus – in this case, analyzing depictions of working class struggles in three 1939 films. Clearly stating your narrowed research focus helps guide the reader.
Thesis Statement
The final part of your introduction should be your thesis statement. The thesis is a single sentence that concisely states the main argument or conclusion you will prove in your paper. For the Depression era film research paper example, the thesis could be:
“Through emotional scenes of hardship, intimate character portrayals, and realistic settings, these three 1939 films – The Grapes of Wrath, Of Mice and Men, and They Live by Night – brought the economic challenges facing America’s working class during the Great Depression into vivid focus through emotionally resonant storytelling.”
This thesis directly states the key point you will analyze and defend in your paper – that these three films powerfully conveyed the hardships of working class Americans during the Depression through engaging storytelling techniques. A well written thesis is clear, focused and outlines the central argument of your paper.
Conclusion
A strong MLA style introduction accomplishes several important goals – it provides necessary context for understanding your topic, clearly introduces your specific research focus or argument, and includes a concise thesis statement. Together, these components set the stage for your paper by orienting the reader and directly stating your main assertion up front. Mastering how to write an effective introduction in MLA style is key for writing successful research papers. Following an outline like the film analysis example can help you craft introductions that accomplish these vital goals.