How to Write a Research Paper Introduction in 5 Moves

Write a research paper introduction in five moves: (1) establish the field and why it matters now, (2) summarise what is known, (3) name the gap in current knowledge, (4) state your research question and aims, (5) preview the structure of the paper. Each move is typically one paragraph. The whole introduction is rarely more than 10% of the paper's word count.

Move 1 - Establish the field: open with the broad importance of the area. Why does this matter to readers and to the discipline?

Move 2 - Summarise what is known: a tight synthesis of the most relevant existing work. Cite anchor sources, not every source.

Move 3 - Name the gap: what is missing, contradictory, or untested in the existing literature? This is the sentence that justifies your paper.

Move 4 - State the research question: write it as a question and rephrase as a statement of aims. Be specific - vague aims weaken the rest of the paper.

Move 5 - Preview the structure: 2-3 sentences on what each subsequent section does. Reviewers use this as a roadmap.

Featured-snippet answer: a research paper introduction works in five moves - establish the field, summarise what is known, name the gap, state the research question, and preview the structure.