Writing an Effective Introduction for An Article
by Anna M. Welch, M.S., CPT, Exercise Science Doctoral Student
Purpose of the introduction:
Establish the scope, context, and significance of the research being conducted by briefly summarizing current understanding and background information about the topic. The introduction should be written in present tense.

According to Bastek (2012) the introduction should accomplish three things:
1. Introduce your topic: let the reader in on background information specific to the topic and explain the scope of your discussion
2. Address why your research review is relevant; Clearly state your purpose in writing this review?
3. Present your 'Thesis Statement' to reader: statement of what you intend to prove or illustrate by your review.

Rules for an effective introduction
1. Introduce your research topic: Provide a “hook” to grab your reader's attention
For example, a paper that discusses the possible beneficial role of resistance training for people with type 2 diabetes is as follows:
“The prevalence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is rapidly increasing, and effective exercise strategies to manage and prevent this disease are urgently needed. High Intensity Resistance training (HIRT) is a novel effective strategy for managing T2D through increased skeletal muscle mass and qualitative adaptations, such as enhanced glucose transport and mitochondrial oxidative capacity.”

2. Briefly review the pertinent literature to orient the reader:
Let the reader in on background information specific to the topic, define terms that may be unfamiliar to them.

3. Establish the significance of the article: State the importance
Why is it important to address this problem? If possible and appropriate, bring in some statistics to show the importance of the topic or the seriousness of the problem.
Using the previous example in item #1, include the number of people affected by T2D or the cost of treating the disease.

4. State the purpose of the research article:
What is the purpose of this article?
Example: “Therefore, the purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of HIRT protocols on glucose metabolism in obese insulin resistant individuals.”

5. Final Sentence (called the 'Thesis Statement'): This sentence collects all your ideas in a logical and concise sentence and is a transition to your paper. The 'Thesis Statement' should include the subject of your paper and your claim about the topic.
Example: “Previous studies have shown that the implementation of HIRT in an exercise regimen in both short-term and long-term programming is beneficial to people with T2D. High Intensity Resistance training exercise prescriptions should be incorporated into medical or therapy services for treating patients with T2D.”

References
Bastek, N. (2012). Review essays for the biological sciences. Writing@CSU.
https://writing.colostate.edu/guides/page.cfm?pageid=1534&guideid=79
Day, R., & Gastel, B. (2012). How to write and publish a scientific paper 7th ed.