How Designing the First paragraph and Conclusion can Make your Research Stands Out..

5/21/20242 min read

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The first sentence of an introduction or conclusion in a research paper serves a different purpose for each section, so the proper way to write them differs. Here's a breakdown:

Introduction:

  • The first sentence should grab the reader's attention and introduce the topic of your research.You can achieve this in several ways:Start with a surprising fact or statistic related to your topic. (e.g., "Did you know that 90% of marine plastic pollution comes from land-based sources?")Ask a thought-provoking question that your research will answer. (e.g., "How can social media be harnessed to promote environmental awareness?")Provide a brief historical context or current event related to your topic. (e.g., "The recent rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria highlights the urgent need for new treatment strategies.")

  • Avoid generic phrases like "This paper is about..." or "In this research..."

  • Be clear and concise, setting the stage for your research question.

Here are some examples of strong opening sentences for introductions:

  • The increasing popularity of online learning platforms has sparked debate about their effectiveness compared to traditional classroom instruction.

  • Despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, metastasis remains a major hurdle to achieving long-term survival rates.

  • While the ethical implications of artificial intelligence have been widely explored, the potential impact on the future of work deserves closer examination.

Conclusion:

  • The first sentence of a conclusion should summarize the main points of your research and restate your thesis.Briefly remind the reader of your research question and the key findings that addressed it.

  • Avoid simply repeating your thesis statement verbatim. Rephrase it to emphasize the significance of your research.

  • You can also use the first sentence to suggest the broader implications of your findings or future research directions.

Here are some examples of strong opening sentences for conclusions:

  • This research has demonstrated the effectiveness of mindfulness-based interventions in reducing stress levels among healthcare professionals.

  • In conclusion, our findings suggest a strong correlation between social media usage and feelings of isolation among teenagers.

  • The results of this study highlight the need for further investigation into the potential applications of nanotechnology in the field of sustainable energy production.