An introduction that runs for four pages is rarely a sign of a complex topic. It usually signals that the author has not yet identified the gap precisely — so they cover everything known and hope the reader spots the opening.
Three paragraphs, three questions
- What the field knows, and why the problem matters.
- What is not known, stated specifically.
- What you did about it, and what the paper contributes.
- Three is enough for most journals; five is the upper limit.
The second paragraph does the work
- State exactly what is unknown, not that more research is needed.
- Say whether it is a contradiction, a methodological limit, or an untested setting.
- Write this paragraph well and the rest of the paper gets easier.
Common problems
- An opening sentence so broad it applies to any paper.
- The full literature review compressed into the introduction.
- The research question not appearing until page three.
- Results included here, unless the journal asks for them.
The final sentence
- State the aim or question of the paper explicitly.
- The reader must know exactly what the paper attempts before the methods.
- If you cannot write this sentence, the problem is the study, not the prose.
Write it late
- You only know what the paper argues once the discussion exists.
- Introduction and discussion must match as a pair.
- The gap you claim must be addressed in the discussion.
One thing worth remembering
Check that the gap claimed in your introduction is revisited in the discussion.
If it is not, either the paper does not close that gap or you named the wrong gap — and a reviewer reading the two sections together spots the mismatch immediately.
Câu hỏi thường gặp
Why do introductions get too long?
Usually because the gap has not been identified precisely, so the author covers everything known and hopes the reader spots the opening.
What do the three paragraphs answer?
What the field knows and why the problem matters, what is not known stated specifically, and what you did about it.
Why is the second paragraph the key one?
It must state exactly what is unknown and whether it is a contradiction, a methodological limit or an untested setting — write it well and the rest gets easier.
What should the final sentence do?
State the aim or question explicitly — if you cannot write this sentence, the problem is the study rather than the prose.
When should you write the introduction?
Late, once the discussion exists — the two must match as a pair, and the gap you claim must be addressed in the discussion.
