You are finally sitting in front of the pc to start writing your research, but you realize you are stuck before you even start. This is the biggest obstacle to overcome: writing the introductory paragraph can be a slow and frustrating process, but not necessarily. Here are some ideas to give you the right inspiration.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: With a Quote
Step 1. Connect to the internet
If you don't have a computer at home, go to school or the library and book one of those available. It will be easier to browse the quotes if you use a desktop or laptop; a smaller device could limit the efficiency of your search.
Step 2. Search Google for citations
A whole series of websites will come out. Most will have categories that you can browse to refine your search. Consider the topic to be analyzed to select the quotes.
Step 3. Go to some of the sites found during your search and find one you like
Bookmark it for future use. BrainyQuote and GoodReads are great starting points. You can search for what you need by category or author.
Step 4. Find a quote that captures the topic or meaning of your research
It must allude in an abstract way to the theme or time frame of your work. If you can find one by the same author, so much the better!
Press Ctrl + F to search for specific words; you may find the quote much quicker so if you have something specific in mind
Step 5. Copy the quote into your search
Remember to mention who said or wrote it originally; no plagiarism please! Start with the quote and enter your analysis using it as a bridge.
Briefly analyze the quote. Think about the main words to link to your search. You don't need a very long quote to prove your thesis
Method 2 of 3: With a Question
Step 1. Think about your research thesis
If you are writing it, there is a very specific answer that you will provide. What's the question?
It can be both abstract and concrete, it depends on the meaning you want to give to your work. They could be the direct questions your research asks or those asked directly to the reader, looking for their opinion or thoughts
Step 2. Write a draft of the research
Just because you don't have an introduction yet doesn't mean you can't write a lineup of things to say. Cover the main points and those in support of your thesis; at this point don't worry about the details.
The draft will help you realize what your research will say. This way, you will understand what questions you are asking and their answers
Step 3. Make a list of questions and choose one
Using this draft, write 2 or 3 questions that you will touch in the search. Since it will have at least three points, try to have one question per point.
- Think about what you want to clarify with your research. If you're challenging a common viewpoint, you might ask a question about the common definition of a word, concept, or social norm.
- Choose the question that best expresses your overall work. It will be the one that will allow you to move more easily to the central part of your search.
Method 3 of 3: With Your Thesis
Step 1. Write a first draft of your work
It doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to summarize what you mean. Cover all the main points with the corresponding support tests, but don't worry about how to tie the various points now. You must have a generic idea of your purpose.
- Having a sheet to work on helps you to better see the evolution of your work. Without it, all information floats only in your head, without an organization.
- Keep in mind which are the strong points and which are the weak ones. If something seems not to be consistent with the general idea, exclude it now.
Step 2. Find the connections between all points
Before your research, you had only one pollution is a bad thing. An idea to begin with, but nothing revealing. Now, hopefully, you can elaborate on this concept - Consumption of the world's most developed economies must be halved by 2020 is much better.
Are your points consistent? What does their coherence say, without you necessarily having to write? Does it strengthen your point of view?
Step 3. Start with your thesis
Now that you've figured out what you're going to write about, go. You are in the starting blocks. Your introduction will be direct and concise; you will think about the details later.
Consider this example: The illusion of power leads man to do many things. It drives him mad, it destroys him and makes him suspicious. In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov does all of this on his quest to become an Übermensch and gain the power he believes he deserves.. With this beginning, the reader knows exactly what to expect and what the author of the research thinks. A solid thesis and a solid introduction to research
Advice
- Buying a quote book may come in handy in the future. Especially if you don't always have an internet connection at your disposal. There are tons of them in bookstores and they are often on offer, so you don't have to spend too much.
- The stronger the selection of quotes, the more you will have to say about it. This means having a consistent first paragraph. DON'T forget to give the right credits.
