The introduction of a research paper is one of the most important sections of the entire paper. The introduction serves as the foundation for your entire argument and provides context for your thesis. With MLA style, the introduction section should accomplish several key tasks to set up your paper properly for the reader. This article will explain in detail how to write an effective MLA research paper introduction over 1500 words in length.
The first task of any research paper introduction in MLA style is to provide relevant background information on your topic to give readers context. Context establishes the scope and importance of your topic. Within the first paragraph, you want to define key terms, briefly summarize research trends or events related to your topic, provide statistics, or explain the history leading up to your research question. Supplying readers with context primes them to understand why your research question matters within the broader field of study.
For example, if you were writing a research paper on the portrayal of Asian Americans in Hollywood films from 2000-2010, your introduction might start with some context like: “According to a 2009 survey by the University of Southern California, Asian Americans only comprised 3.5% of leading roles in major Hollywood films released between 2000 and 2009, despite making up over 5% of the United States population. Researchers argue this underrepresentation normalizes the invisibility of Asian Americans in mainstream American culture. My research will analyze the top 50 highest grossing films from 2000 to 2010 to understand how Asian American characters were portrayed within popular American cinema during this period.”
This context lets readers understand there is an issue of Asian American underrepresentation in Hollywood films, establishes the time frame to be analyzed, and hints at why representation matters in terms of cultural normalization. Providing this information early helps readers grasp how your specific research fits within the broader topic area.
The second key task for an MLA introduction is stating your research question and/or thesis. Depending on the type of paper, you may state a general research question you seek to explore rather than a fully formed thesis. Stating your research question introduces the specific aspect of the topic you will investigate within the body of your paper.
For the Asian American film representation example, an introduction may state: “This research paper will explore how Asian American characters were portrayed in popular Hollywood films from 2000 to 2010 to better understand recurring stereotypes or themes in their limited on-screen roles during this era.” Or it could state a more narrow thesis: “This research paper argues that Asian American male characters in Hollywood films from 2000 to 2010 were predominantly portrayed in subordinate or sidekick roles that reinforced their emasculation in American popular culture.”
Clearly stating the research question or thesis helps readers understand the specific aim and argument of the paper from the start. It previews for them what they can expect to learn from reading your analysis within the body paragraphs.
The third key component of an MLA introduction is providing a brief outline of the structure of your paper and scope of analysis. This roadmap lets readers follow along with your overall organization and argumentation. For a longer research paper, you may want to list out the main sections or body paragraphs to come. For a shorter paper, simply giving a high-level overview may suffice.
Continuing the Asian American film example introduction, it could conclude with: “This paper will first review previous research on representation of Asian Americans in films from 1990 to 2000 to establish current scholarly understandings. It will then analyze characters, plot lines, and dialogue of the top 10 Asian American male representations across the highest grossing films from 2000 to 2010. The paper will conclude by discussing the cultural implications of promoting emasculation through subordinate depiction and ways future films could expand representation.”
Providing this structural roadmap orients readers and signals you have a cohesive plan to answer your research question through organized analysis. It establishes credibility that you can methodically argue and support your thesis.
Those are the three main components – context, research question/thesis, and structure – that an effective MLA research paper introduction should address. There are a few additional tips to crafting a strong introduction:
Keep it brief, around 1 dense paragraph for shorter papers and no more than 3 paragraphs or 150-200 words for longer projects. Introductions should entice readers, not bury them in excessive background.
Use clear, concise language avoiding jargon when possible. Save specialized terminology for when it is specifically relevant to the analysis.
Cite credible secondary sources to support any contextual claims using MLA in-text citations. This establishes your research is grounded in the work of experts.
Consider starting with an attention-grabbing quote, statistic, or anecdote to hook readers right away. But be sure it directly connects to your overall point.
Double check that your introduction clearly relates back to the title of your paper to bring full cohesion.
Leave readers excited to delve into your analysis by ending on a note of intrigue rather than repetition. Hint at what is to come without giving everything away.
With practice, developing an effective introduction will become easier. Remember – its core purpose is to set up your research question, contextualize your topic, and orient readers to follow your logical argument. By addressing those key elements in 1-3 concise paragraphs, your paper will get off to a strong start achieving its authoritative MLA research style.
Andrew Stroud