INTRODUCTION
Writing a research paper can seem like a daunting task due to the amount of research and writing involved. Breaking the process down into smaller, more manageable steps can help make it feel less overwhelming. There are three main ways to approach writing a research paper: from the introduction first, from the body first, or section by section. Each approach has its pros and cons, and different strategies may work better depending on the individual and the specific paper assignment. This article will explore the three main approaches to writing a research paper in-depth and provide suggestions on when each method is most effective.
FROM THE INTRODUCTION FIRST
Writing the introduction first is a method that works well for many students. With this approach, the introduction is composed before conducting any in-depth research or writing the body paragraphs. The introduction should accomplish several key tasks, including establishing the topic, providing necessary context/background, stating a thesis, and giving an overview of what will be covered in the paper.
By starting with the introduction, students get a head start on focusing their research and writing. The introduction helps define the specific scope and argument of the paper so research can be conducted efficiently by staying on topic. It also provides a framework for the overall structure from the beginning. Some students find they are able to work more effectively when they have a clear roadmap and destination in mind from the start.
Writing the introduction first does have some potential downsides. Since research likely has not been fully conducted yet, it is possible the thesis or focus may need to be modified as new information is discovered during the research process. This could result in an introduction that is no longer completely accurate or aligned once the full body is written. Additionally, without researching first, there is a risk of composing an introduction that is too broad or vague since the depth of available source material is still unknown.
Overall, starting with the introduction works well for organized students who prefer having an outline ready before conducting deeper research. It provides direction for research and writing while getting preliminary elements of the paper underway. Just be prepared for the possibility of adjustments later based on fully fleshed out research findings.
FROM THE BODY FIRST
An alternative approach is to begin researching and writing the body paragraphs before composing the introduction. With this method, the bulk of the research and analysis is conducted first using available sources on the topic to shape the discussion. Body paragraphs are drafted individually going in-depth on different aspects or subtopics of the overall research area.
Only after completing several body paragraphs does the writer then synthesize an introduction reflecting on what has been addressed in the paper so far. Since the research has been substantially conducted, this late introduction is able to define a more precise thesis and scope fit for the arguments and discussions already laid out. It also prevents broadness found when introducing before knowing research boundaries.
A benefit of starting with the body is having tangible content and analytical work already done that feeds directly into crafting a focused introduction. Additionally, not being constrained early on by a predetermined structure allows for organic development of research findings as new ideas emerge. Fully exploring sources first to discover their argumentative potential is an advantage of this approach.
Disadvantages include facing difficulty providing a clear roadmap or direction to the reader until later in the process. Jumping straight into research without an introductory framework risks potentially useful sources being overlooked or discussions veering off-topic. Revision hurdles may also arise integrating random body paragraphs under a single overarching introduction. Overall organization demands can be greater starting from the middle versus having initial structure from the start.
SECTION BY SECTION
A compromise strategy combines elements of the two methods above by working section by section rather than strictly top to bottom or bottom to top. With this iterative approach, one alternates between researching, drafting, and revising discrete sections of the paper such as the introduction, first body paragraph, second body paragraph, and so on.
For instance, a basic sequence may involve:
Research and write introduction
Research first body section and write draft
Revise introduction based on new insights from body section
Research and write second body section
Revise first body section as needed based on second
Research and draft conclusion
And so on, continuing to go back and refine previously written portions as understanding deepens with each additional section composed.
This section by section strategy has benefits of providing structure from an intro while still allowing for organic development of ideas from explored research. It encourages flexibly revisiting multiple times what has been written already to enhance coherence based on new insights. The paper also comes together piece by piece in a steady, methodical manner versus large shifts after finishing disjoint parts.
Of course, disadvantages relate to demands of continually revisiting prior work and risks of losing overall progression if sections become too isolated from each other. Careful outlining helps mitigate those challenges by maintaining a macro view as micro sections are crafted. Overall, this blended approach leverages advantages of the top-down and bottom-up methods for a balanced research paper composition process.
CONCLUSION
There is no single “correct” way to write a research paper from start to finish. Different sequences offer benefits depending on individual skills, needs, and the specific assignment requirements. The most important things are finding a method you feel comfortable with, staying organized, building upon prior work through revisions, and allowing research to naturally shape focus over time. With practice, elements from multiple approaches can even be combined based on evolutions in understanding as various sections are produced. Selecting between writing from the introduction, body, or section by section first is less important than sticking to a plan and learning from each draft towards an increasingly polished final product. Experimenting with different strategies can also improve versatility across various types of writing projects.
Andrew Stroud