Name: __________________________________
Four Model Introductions:
Effective Ways to Begin the Research Paper
Many writers experience difficulty when creating an introduction for their research papers and essays.
Caught up with the ideas that will be expressed in the paper’s body, many tend to give an introduction
little to no attention.
THIS IS A MAJOR MISTAKE!!!
An introduction is meant to catch a reader’s attention, to make them actually want to continue
reading. A terrible introduction for a paper is like a terrible first impression when meeting a new
person. You never get a second chance to make a first impression; make sure you set the bar high
when you introduce your paper for the first time.
Start with a Question
If we evolved from apes and primates, then why aren’t there any “monkey-men” walking
amongst us today? Though this question seems simple, one that could easily be voiced
by any average third grade student, this naive phrase has been repeated time and time
again by those trying to refute the overwhelming evidence proposed by Darwin’s theory
of evolution. While many scoff at the idea of a large, undiscovered primate living in the
modern world, they consistently deny the truth: “Bigfoot” exists. The easy answer to this
elementary question is clear-cut; while these “ape-men” may not live in the apartment
next door, these elusive creatures do indeed exist. Though ranging from simple country-
folk to scientists, many have claimed to have encountered this large, ape-like primate in
the wild. While some consider the sightings frauds or hoaxes, the overwhelming
evidence proves that the creature actually exists
Start with a Quotation
When considering the existence of extraterrestrial life, Carl Sagan once said that an
“absence of evidence is not evidence of absence.” While many so-called intellectuals
ridicule the possibility of life existing elsewhere in the cosmos, this brilliant astronomer
and astrophysicist recognized one truth: the old adage “seeing is believing” is faulty at
best. As a species we fear, distrust, and deny that which we cannot see or understand.
Five-hundred years ago we believed that the world was flat and that the Earth was the
center of the universe, three-hundred years ago we were burning convicted “witches” at
the stake, and even in this day and age we continue to fear and deny a simple fact of
nature: the creature known as “Bigfoot” exists. For centuries, people have claimed to
have encountered this large, ape-like primate in the wild. While many naysayers dismiss
the creature as a hoax or fraud, overwhelming evidence proves that the creature is indeed
a reality.
Reword the Main Question/Thesis Statement
Since humans first began settling on the North American continent, there have been
stories and tales of a mythical creature of enormous proportions. In the Native American
legends, they speak of a gargantuan hairy man that lived deep within the forest. As
European settlers began their conquest of the American continent, they scoffed at the idea
of a wild monster living in the imposing darkness of America’s untamed forests.
However, they quickly learned of their mistake. As these new citizens explored deeper
and deeper they found, as they had many times before, that the wisdom of the natives
proved correct; there was a beast lurking in the shadows. Though this legend stretches
back to the beginnings of American colonization, it still demands debate even today.
However, when examining the scientific evidence and eyewitness reports only one
definitive conclusion can be reached: “Bigfoot” exists. While some still consider the
reports of the creature to be elaborate hoaxes or frauds, the overwhelming scientific
evidence clearly proves that the creature is a reality.
Tell a Story
Laying snug within the confines of my sleeping bag, I can see the dull glow of the
glowing cinders that was once a raging campfire. Slowly slipping from consciousness, I
hear the night-song of tree frogs and crickets, a peaceful melody that pulls me faster and
faster towards the realm of dreams. As my eyelids flutter for the last time, a sharp snap
pierces the dark and wild air. My senses immediately come to full alert. The song of the
night has shifted; a deafening silence is left in its wake. Huddled in my dome tent, I hear
the unmistakably loud and rapid crunch of footsteps in the brush, yet these are too loud
and hard to be anything human. Fearing the worst, I grope about for my double-barreled
shotgun: my only protection from the bears that roam these woods. Dreading the sharp
incisors of a grisly, I clutch the weapon against my chest. Crouched in shock and fear, I
quietly attempt to wait out the imposing beast. Another snap, another move closer. A
terrifying shadow projects across the polyethylene veneer, one that is in the shape of a
man but is clearly not one. A guttural howl pierces the air, my shotgun blasts through the
tent flap, and the creature flees leaving me alone once again. Disbelief comes across my
terror-stricken, contorted face. I have just had a close encounter with a mythical beast,
one I never even thought existed: “Bigfoot”. For centuries, people have claimed to have
had similar experiences with a large, ape-like primate in the wild. While some dismiss
the creature as a hoax or fraud, the overwhelming evidence that has been collected proves
that this creature actually exists; “Bigfoot” walks amongst us.