connects the hook to the thesis statement
summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Opening with a Story (Anecdote)
A good way of catching your reader’s attention is by sharing a story that sets up your paper. Sharing a story gives a paper a more personal feel and helps make your reader comfortable.
This example was borrowed from Jack Gannon’s The Week the World Heard Gallaudet (1989):
Astrid Goodstein, a Gallaudet faculty member, entered the beauty salon for her regular appointment, proudly wearing her DPN button. (“I was married to that button that week!” she later confided.) When Sandy, her regular hairdresser, saw the button, he spoke and gestured, “Never! Never! Never!” Offended, Astrid turned around and headed for the door but stopped short of leaving. She decided to keep her appointment, confessing later that at that moment, her sense of principles had lost out to her vanity. Later she realized that her hairdresser had thought she was pushing for a deaf U.S. President. Hook: a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic.
Transition: connects the hook to the thesis statement
Thesis: summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Specific Detail Opening
Giving specific details about your subject appeals to your reader’s curiosity and helps establish a visual picture of what your paper is about.
Hands flying, green eyes flashing, and spittle spraying, Jenny howled at her younger sister Emma. People walked by, gawking at the spectacle as Jenny’s grunts emanated through the mall. Emma sucked at her thumb, trying to appear nonchalant. Jenny’s blond hair stood almost on end. Her hands seemed to fly so fast that her signs could barely be understood. Jenny was angry. Very angry. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with a Quotation
Another method of writing an introduction is to open with a quotation. This method makes your introduction more interactive and more appealing to your reader.
“People paid more attention to the way I talked than what I said!” exclaimed the woman from Brooklyn, New York, in the movie American Tongues. This young woman’s home dialect interferes with people taking her seriously because they see her as a New Yorker’s cartoonish stereotype. The effects on this woman indicate the widespread judgment that occurs about nonstandard dialects. People around America judge those with nonstandard dialects because of _____________ and _____________. This type of judgment can even cause some to be ashamed of or try to change their language identity.* | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with an Interesting Statistic
Statistics that grab the reader help to make an effective introduction.
American Sign Language is the second most preferred foreign language in the United States. 50% of all deaf and hard of hearing people use American Sign Language (ASL).* ASL is beginning to be provided by the Foreign Language Departments of many universities and high schools around the nation. The statistics are not accurate. They were invented as an example. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Question Openings
Possibly the easiest opening is one that presents one or more questions to be answered in the paper. This is effective because questions are usually what the reader has in mind when he or she sees your topic.
Is ASL a language? Can ASL be written? Do you have to be born deaf to understand ASL completely? To answer these questions, one must first understand exactly what ASL is. In this paper, I attempt to explain this as well as answer my own questions. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
Source : *Writing an Introduction for a More Formal Essay. (2012). Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://flightline.highline.edu/wswyt/Writing91/handouts/hook_trans_thesis.htm
The conclusion to any paper is the final impression that can be made. It is the last opportunity to get your point across to the reader and leave the reader feeling as if they learned something. Leaving a paper “dangling” without a proper conclusion can seriously devalue what was said in the body itself. Here are a few effective ways to conclude or close your paper. » Summary Closing Many times conclusions are simple re-statements of the thesis. Many times these conclusions are much like their introductions (see Thesis Statement Opening).
Because of a charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln and because of the work of two men, Amos Kendall and Edward Miner Gallaudet, Gallaudet University is what it is today – the place where people from all over the world can find information about deafness and deaf education. Gallaudet and the deaf community truly owe these three men for without them, we might still be “deaf and dumb.” |
» Close with a Logical Conclusion
This is a good closing for argumentative or opinion papers that present two or more sides of an issue. The conclusion drawn as a result of the research is presented here in the final paragraphs.
As one can see from reading the information presented, mainstreaming deaf students isn’t always as effective as educating them in a segregated classroom. Deaf students learn better on a more one-on-one basis like they can find in a school or program specially designed for them. Mainstreaming lacks such a design; deaf students get lost in the mainstream. |
» Real or Rhetorical Question Closings
This method of concluding a paper is one step short of giving a logical conclusion. Rather than handing the conclusion over, you can leave the reader with a question that causes him or her to draw his own conclusions.
Why, then, are schools for the deaf becoming a dying species? |
» Close with a Speculation or Opinion This is a good style for instances when the writer was unable to come up with an answer or a clear decision about whatever it was he or she was researching. For example:
Through all of my research, all of the people I interviewed, all of the institutions I visited, not one person could give me a clear-cut answer to my question. Can all deaf people be educated in the same manner? I couldn’t find the “right” answer. I hope you, the reader, will have better luck. |
» Close with a Recommendation
A good conclusion is when the writer suggests that the reader do something in the way of support for a cause or a plea for them to take action.
American Sign Language is a fast growing language in America. More and more universities and colleges are offering it as part of their curriculum and some are even requiring it as part of their program. This writer suggests that anyone who has a chance to learn this beautiful language should grab that opportunity. |
202-448-7036
Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Welcome to our blog post on the five essential parts of an introduction! Whether you’re writing an essay, a research paper, or even a thesis, the introduction sets the stage for your reader and provides a roadmap for what’s to come.
In this guide, we’ll explore the key components that make up a strong introduction, answering questions such as how to write a compelling opening, how many sentences should be in an introduction, and what should be included in the first chapter of a research paper. We’ll also touch upon attention-getters and the crucial role they play in engaging your audience right from the start.
So, if you’re ready to master the art of introductions and captivate your readers from the get-go, let’s dive in and discover the five vital parts that will make your writing shine. Remember, a well-crafted introduction can make all the difference in hooking your readers’ attention and setting the stage for a successful piece of writing.
Keywords: How do you write a 5 paragraph essay outline?, How many sentences are in an introduction?, What are the 5 parts of chapter 1 in research?, What are the 5 parts of a paragraph?, What is an introduction and example?, What are the 5 types of attention getters?, What are the four or five components of an introduction quizlet?, What is the most important part of an introduction?, What are the 5 chapters of a thesis?, What 4 things should an introduction do?, What are the 5 parts of research?, What are the parts of an introduction?, What is important in a good introduction?, How do you write a good introduction?, What is the content of introduction in a thesis?, What are the parts of the introduction in research?, How do you write a 5-page essay?, How do you write a thesis introduction?, What are the sections of a thesis?, What is included in an introduction paragraph?, What are the parts of a thesis?, What are the 6 basics of proper introduction?
The hook: start with a bang.
When it comes to writing introductions, you need to grab your reader’s attention right from the start. Think of it as a fishing hook—your goal is to reel them in! So, ditch the boring cliches and instead, surprise them with an unexpected fact or a captivating anecdote. For example, did you know that in 2023, people are more likely to read a blog post if it has a touch of humor? True story!
After hooking your readers, it’s time to provide them with some context. Give them a brief overview of the topic you’re about to dive into. But hold on, don’t go all Wikipedia on them! Keep it concise and focus on the essential details. Imagine you’re explaining it to a friend who has zero background knowledge but possesses a sense of humor as sharp as a New York City cab driver’s wit.
Now that your readers are intrigued and have a basic understanding of the topic, it’s time to unveil your main argument. This is your chance to shine! Craft a clear and concise thesis statement that encapsulates the purpose of your blog post. Think of it as the trailer that makes people want to watch the movie. Make it so compelling that readers can’t help but continue reading to see how you’ll support your point.
Before diving into the meaty paragraphs, briefly outline what you’ll cover in your blog post. It’s like performing a magic trick, but instead of a rabbit, you’re pulling out the promise of valuable information. Break down your subtopics into logical sections and give your readers a sneak peek into what they can expect. This way, they’ll know they’re in good hands and won’t click away in search of a more organized read.
You’ve now set the stage, reeled them in with your hook, provided some background information , stated your thesis, and outlined what’s to come. It’s time to wrap up the introduction with a smooth transition that seamlessly guides your readers into the main body of your blog post. Think of it as passing the baton in a relay race. You want your readers to move forward effortlessly, eager to explore the depths of your captivating content.
And there you have it, the 5 parts of an introduction. Now, buckle up because we’re about to dive into the heart of this blog post. Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster ride of knowledge, humor, and maybe even a sprinkle of GIFs. Let’s get started!
How do you write a 5 paragraph essay outline.
Writing a 5-paragraph essay outline is not as intimidating as it may seem. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you out:
Begin with an attention-grabbing hook that captivates your readers. Then provide some background information about your topic, leading up to your thesis statement.
Devote one paragraph to each supporting point that you mentioned in your thesis statement. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence, followed by relevant evidence and examples to support your claim.
In this final paragraph, summarize your main points and restate your thesis statement. Leave your readers with a thought-provoking statement or call-to-action.
The number of sentences in an introduction can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the length of your essay. Typically, it is recommended to have around 3-5 sentences in an introduction. However, keep in mind that the focus should be on conveying the necessary information effectively rather than obsessing over the exact number of sentences.
When conducting research, Chapter 1 often sets the stage for the entire study. It typically consists of the following five parts:
This part provides an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the purpose of the study.
Here, the researcher explains the theories, concepts, or frameworks that form the foundation of the study.
This section highlights the specific problem or questions that the study aims to address, presenting the rationale behind them.
In this part, the researcher outlines the approach, methods, and techniques used to gather and analyze data.
Finally, the researcher explains the potential impact and contribution of the study to the field, emphasizing its relevance.
A well-structured paragraph typically consists of the following five parts:
The topic sentence introduces the main idea or the central focus of the paragraph.
These sentences provide evidence, examples, or explanations to strengthen the topic sentence and develop the main idea.
A transitional sentence smoothly connects the current paragraph to the next one, ensuring a logical flow of ideas.
The concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph, summarizing the main points or leaving the reader with a thought to ponder.
To ensure the paragraph flows smoothly, it should have unity (all sentences should relate to the main idea) and coherence (ideas should be organized in a logical manner).
An introduction, as the word suggests, introduces the topic and provides readers with an overview of what to expect in the rest of the content. Let’s consider an example to illustrate this:
Suppose you’re writing a blog post about the benefits of yoga. In the introduction, you might start with a captivating hook like, “Picture yourself on a serene beach, feeling the gentle breeze as your body becomes one with the harmonious practice of yoga.” After establishing the setting and engaging the reader’s imagination, you can proceed to provide a brief overview of yoga’s origins, health benefits, and its positive impact on mental well-being. This introduction sets the stage for the rest of the content, enticing readers to continue exploring the topic.
In writing, attention getters are techniques used to capture readers’ interest. Here are five types of attention getters you can employ:
Engage your audience by sharing a short, relevant anecdote or story that relates to your topic.
Introduce your topic with a compelling quote from a renowned individual or a thought-provoking statement.
Present surprising data or statistics that highlight the significance of your topic.
Pose a thought-provoking question that sparks curiosity and encourages readers to continue reading for the answer.
Injecting a touch of humor can instantly grab readers’ attention and set a lighthearted tone for your content.
An introduction typically consists of four or five components, depending on the complexity and length of the content. These components include:
The hook is the opening statement designed to capture the reader’s attention and entice them to continue reading.
Provide relevant context or background information to give readers a clear understanding of the topic.
The thesis statement states the main argument or central idea of the content, guiding the focus of the entire piece.
Briefly outline the main points or subtopics that will be covered in the body of the content, giving readers an overview of what’s to come.
In longer pieces, a transition sentence or paragraph may be included to smoothly lead readers from the introduction to the main body.
The most important part of an introduction is the thesis statement. The thesis statement clarifies the purpose and direction of the content, serving as the backbone of the entire piece. It should be concise, specific, and thought-provoking, providing readers with a clear idea of what to expect and enticing them to continue reading.
A typical thesis consists of five chapters, each serving a specific purpose:
This chapter provides an overview of the research topic, highlights its significance, and introduces the study’s objectives.
Here, the researcher critically examines existing studies, theories, and publications related to the research topic.
The methodology chapter outlines the research design, methods, and procedures employed to collect and analyze data.
In this chapter, the researcher presents and discusses the findings obtained through the research methods.
The final chapter summarizes the main findings, discusses their implications, and suggests areas for future research.
An introduction should accomplish four key things:
Ensure your introduction has a compelling hook that grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to continue reading.
Offer relevant context and background information to establish the foundation and set the stage for the topic.
Clearly state the main argument or central idea of the content, guiding the reader’s understanding and expectations.
Create a sense of curiosity and engagement, motivating readers to explore the rest of the content and delve deeper into the subject matter.
A research study generally consists of five essential parts:
The introduction provides an overview of the research topic, its significance, and the research’s purpose and objectives.
This section involves an in-depth analysis of existing studies and research related to the topic to establish a broader context.
In this part, the researcher outlines the research design, data collection methods, and any other procedures used in the study.
The results section presents the findings obtained from the research, often including statistical analysis and data representation.
Finally, the conclusion summarizes the key findings, discusses their implications, and provides recommendations for future research or action.
An introduction typically consists of the following parts:
The hook grabs the reader’s attention and sparks interest in the topic.
Provide relevant context and background information to give readers a foundation to understand the topic.
The thesis statement succinctly states the main argument or central idea of the content.
Offer a brief overview of the main points or sections that will be addressed in the body of the content.
In longer pieces, a transition sentence or paragraph may be included to smoothly guide readers from the introduction to the main body.
A good introduction sets the tone and foundation for the rest of the content. It should accomplish the following:
Writing a good introduction is essential to engage readers and set the stage for the rest of the content. Here are some tips:
In a thesis, the introduction aims to establish the context, set the objectives, and present the main argument. The key components of an introduction in a thesis include:
In a research paper, the introduction typically includes the following parts:
Provide relevant context and background information to establish the foundation for the research.
Clearly state the specific problem or research question that the study aims to address, explaining its significance.
Present the research objectives or the scope of the study, outlining what will be covered and what will be excluded.
Discuss the reasons behind choosing the research topic and explain its relevance or potential impact.
Provide a brief overview of the research methodology, explaining the approach or methods used.
Writing a 5-page essay may seem like a daunting task, but with the right approach, it becomes manageable. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Plan your essay: Outline the main points or arguments you want to cover in each paragraph.
Introduction (approximately half a page): Start with a catchy hook, provide background information, and end with a thesis statement.
Body paragraphs (about three pages): Dedicate one paragraph to each main point or argument. Start with a topic sentence, provide supporting evidence, and explain how it relates to your thesis.
Counterargument/refutation (half a page): Address potential counterarguments and refute them with evidence.
Conclusion (half a page): Summarize the main points, restate the thesis, and leave the reader with a compelling closing thought.
Proofread and revise: Review your essay for clarity, coherence, and errors in grammar and punctuation.
Writing a thesis introduction involves the following components and steps:
Start with a hook or attention-grabbing statement to capture the reader’s interest.
Provide background information that establishes the context and relevance of your research.
Clearly state the research problem or question your thesis aims to address.
Present the objectives and scope of your research, specifying its significance and potential contributions.
Provide an overview of the research methodology and explain why it is appropriate for your study.
Establish the organization and structure of your thesis, briefly outlining each chapter or section.
Remember to keep your introduction concise, engaging, and focused on setting the stage for your thesis.
A thesis typically includes the following sections:
This page provides the title of your thesis, your name, the degree you are pursuing, the institution’s name, and the year of submission.
The abstract offers a concise summary of the thesis, highlighting the research question, methodology, and main findings.
The table of contents lists all the main sections and subsections of your thesis, including page numbers.
The introduction establishes the background, objectives, scope, and significance of your research.
This section critically analyzes relevant studies, theories, and literature related to your research topic.
The methodology section describes the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques employed.
Here, you present and discuss the findings obtained from your research, often including tables, graphs, or charts.
The discussion section interprets the results, compares them to previous studies, and explains their implications.
The conclusion summarizes the main findings, discusses their broader implications, and suggests areas for future research.
This section lists all the sources cited or consulted during your research, following the appropriate citation style.
Appendices include any additional information or supporting documents that are too extensive to include in the main body.
An introduction paragraph usually includes the following elements:
These elements work together to engage the reader, provide necessary information, and set the stage for the rest of the content.
Unraveling the mystery: the enigmatic tenseigan eye, unraveling the secrets of ctrl alt f6 shortcut, you may also like, which zodiac sign excels in science – unveiling the stars’ aptitude.
Thesis Writing
Thesis Introduction
10 min read
Published on: Oct 22, 2021
Last updated on: Feb 6, 2024
People also read
Thesis Writing 101: Everything You Need to Know
100+ Thesis Topics That Will Make Your Research Stand Out
Thesis Format | Detailed Step-by-Step Guide
Writing a Thesis Proposal - Guide, Outline, Format & Tips
Share this article
Are you struggling with writing an engaging thesis introduction that grabs the attention of your readers?
Do you find yourself unsure of how to effectively introduce your research topic and present its significance?
Look no further!
In this blog, we will go through the complete process of writing the best thesis introduction.
We will also provide examples of some engaging thesis introductions along with expert tips to hook the reader's attention.
So, let's get started!
Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!
On This Page On This Page -->
Writing an introduction for a thesis is one of the most important parts of writing. It sets the stage and direction for your work, and helps you stay focused on whatâs at hand. In addition, it can be used as reference points throughout your research process.
The first chapter in any thesis document starts with an introductory paragraph that narrows down broad subject matter into more specific.
Thesis introductions are usually found after the table of contents page and give a broader research context. Remember that a good opening is essential for capturing the reader's interest.
The following are the important thesis introduction parts that must be covered.
Your introduction is 10% of your paper which makes it the most important part. The PhD. thesis introduction should be between 8000 to 10000 words long. On the other hand, a Masters thesis introduction word count should be between 1500 to 2000.
However, the thesis introduction length might be extended if the writer incorporates photos, diagrams, and explanations.
The format of a thesis introduction chapter outline is as follows.
|
Take a look at the template below to get a sense of how the thesis introduction structure should be.
Thesis Introduction Outline Sample
To begin a thesis introduction appropriately, follow the given steps
To write a successful paper, you must first identify an interesting topic that will keep readers engaged. Second, your introduction should be clear so they can understand what's going on between the text lines.
Brainstorm various thoughts and facts relating to your topic. Then, go through prior literature on the subject to thoroughly research it to grasp that concept or idea.
Choose the type of paper you are most comfortable using in your writing process. Keep in mind that the content should never be written in the first person.
Also, avoid including unnecessary details and be exact by utilizing correct language and grammar. When writing a thesis, using powerful phrases can assist you in defining the study objectives.
It is preferable to be aware of the audience to whom you are speaking. Similarly, work approaches, procedures, and literature should be introduced in accordance with your target audience.
In the following stage, organize and assemble the major arguments, concepts, and claims. A good idea will be useful in describing and presenting the thesis statement in the introduction.
Before beginning your thesis introduction, define the subject and the relevant themes. Going through it would make it easy for the reader to understand and get a decent idea of your topic.
Here is a step-by-step guide to help you write a thesis introduction.
These steps of writing an introduction are discussed below in detail.
1. Capture the Readerâs Attention
A writer should begin the introduction with a hook sentence to draw the reader's attention. It can start with a quote, question, or an interesting transition into your argument.
Make a list of intriguing, present issues or events that are connected to your theme as well. It will assist in the development of a good opening and thesis statement .
2. Determine the Research Gap
Examine and evaluate the available literature. It will assist you in identifying and filling the research gaps.
3. Provide Background Information
An excellent thesis beginning always provides the historical context of the selected topic. It is generally referenced in the opening paragraph and illustrates the subject's present status.
4. Use Relevant Literature to Back Up Your Topic
The introduction combines previous research and the literature review. As a result, the topic should be backed up by relevant resources.
It's also used to explain the context and significance of previous research. It also acknowledges credible sources of information to back up your argument.
You can also check out this video for a better understanding:
5. Specify the Hypothesis
Create a hypothesis for your research paper . It will go through your goals as well as the options available to you.
6. Explain the Importance of Your Research
The gap will assist in assessing the situation and explaining the relevance of the current research.
Thus, provide your paper's goal, which explains why the study was conducted. It will also show the potential future contributions of the study work.
7. Outline the Research Questions
The next step is to compose an outline of your research questions. These should be relevant to the goal of your research. It will also aid you in discussing the issues you wish to address.
8. State Your Research Goals
To identify the fundamental purpose of the work, state the research goals and objectives. It should provide direction for the research by offering an outline of what it hopes to achieve.
9. Make an Outline
Make a well-structured outline to organize and assemble your ideas. Include a table of contents at the start of your dissertation as well. It could be used as a mind map to talk about the structure of your thesis proposal.
10. Examine the Research Methodology
In this stage, you have to identify and define the terms and methods you will use in your study. It is an effective method for making your research authentic, trustworthy, and valuable.
11. Complete Your Introduction
After you've finished writing the introduction, ask yourself the following questions.
Take a look at this example and get a better understanding of writing the thesis introduction.
How to Write a Good Thesis Introduction
The following are examples of an introductory thesis paragraph to assist you in writing effective introductions.
Thesis Introduction Sample
School Canteen Thesis Introduction
Study Habits Thesis Introduction
PhD Thesis Introduction
Master Thesis Introduction Example
Bachelor Thesis Introduction Example
Thesis Defense Introduction Speech Sample
Thesis Chapter 1 Introduction Example
Thesis Introduction About Working Students Example
Here are some useful writing tips for writing a great thesis introduction.
Identify and Specify Research Parameters:
Provide Adequate Information to Back Up Claims:
Compose a Strong Introduction to Establish Scope and Goal:
Solid Opening to Establish Scope and Aim:
Establishing Topic, Terms, and Scope:
Background Information for a Strong Foundation:
Creating a Niche and Restricting Assertions:
Guiding Future Research with Methodology:
Overview of Present Research: Hypothesis, Questions, Aims:
Unique and Plagiarism-Free Content:
Consistent Thesis Format with Clear Facts:
Avoiding Technical Terms and Confusing Language:
Are you stuck on starting an introduction or looking for a thesis paper that will get an A? Get help from our AI writing tool to get started!
We at CollegeEssay.org understand the struggle of writing an introduction or thesis paper. This is why our college paper writing service is affordable and accessible.
We will help you with that! Our writers can produce any type of college essay, thesis , and any other writing assignment for all levels in no time.
So, order now and get help from the best academic writing service.
Nova A. (Literature, Marketing)
As a Digital Content Strategist, Nova Allison has eight years of experience in writing both technical and scientific content. With a focus on developing online content plans that engage audiences, Nova strives to write pieces that are not only informative but captivating as well.
Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!
Legal & Policies
Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.
The past decade has borne witness to a curious tug-of-war between the Government of India (GoI) and the leading research institutions regarding making a digital repository of theses and dissertations. The Ministry of Education has been taking increasingly coercive steps to ensure the timely and compulsory uploading of all the theses materials to its Shodhganga platform but has faced repeated failures in convincing top research institutes to follow through. This article attempts to bridge the two perspectives, bringing forth both the advantages and the perceived disadvantages of the move. The authors particularly focus on the young academic’s point of view, as an under-considered, but critical stakeholder with large stakes in the process and discuss how the use of Shodhganga can be improved to create improved outcomes for all key stakeholders. The article also looks at digital repository implementations in other economies, highlighting key differences between the scenarios and teasing out parallels as well as key institutional differences that necessitate alternative design choices for the platform in the Indian academic context.
In January of 2023, the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the Ministry of Education, Department of Higher Education (Government of India) issued a directive requesting all vice-chancellors of central universities and directors of various centrally funded technical institutes (CFTIs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) to get the full text of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) theses of students uploaded to Shodhganga ( UGC 202 1)—a digital repository of theses and dissertations hosted by the Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET). While the repository has been operational since 2009 when the UGC had first made it mandatory to make theses and dissertations available online ( Reddy 2013 ) on the Shodhganga website, it has received a rather lukewarm reception from students, faculty, and other key stakeholders.
Researchers such as Panda (2016) and Jhamb and Samim (2017) have reported that, of the over 1000 universities operational in India, only about 200 had joined the project as of 2015. As of June 2026, only 787 institutes (of the over 1,161 universities and over 40,000 colleges in the country) have signed the memorandum of understanding with the INFLIBNET Centre to participate in the Shodhganga project ( MoU with Universities, Shodganga 2024 ). Of critical note is the fact that almost every Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) is missing from the list of participating institutes.
As attempts to implement this directive are currently underway at various institutes, the academic community at large and the student community in particular have grown increasingly worried. It is in this context that the directive warrants closer attention. Before we begin exploring the factors contributing to resistance to making PhD theses openly available to the world through Shodhganga, it may be useful to understand why the ministry is keen on maintaining a centralised open-access repository.
There is no denying that making theses and other research articles available online for public consumption can have several positive effects.
First, an online repository that is easily accessible and searchable may help improve the overall research culture in the country. The open-access articles may aid in helping young scholars understand how to draft a good theses and connect with people who have used similar methodological approaches or work in similar areas. Given that India is lagging behind the West and China on most research-related metrics, open access may be the much-needed push to catalyse the creative energies of our scholars. Additionally, inter-disciplinary research may also be facilitated, leading to the creation of more novel theories and methodological approaches to uncover scientific and social phenomena. This may also have the added advantage of helping researchers avoid the duplication of efforts by preventing academics from working on the same idea in parallel.
Second, when multiple competing research papers with similar results are sent for publication, PhD scholars may make use of Shodhganga to receive the advantages of first authorship and/or “stake their claim” for their scholarly work in case of conflicts. This may prove to be especially invaluable in contexts involving patents and trademarks. Further, PhD scholars from Indian institutes may now be able to get citations and possible research collaborations. In a world where scholarly skills are increasingly measured through the number of authorships and citations could, in theory, aid early-stage researchers. Last, making scholarship open to public scrutiny could, in principle, help in improving research quality and utility. For instance, during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, many general audiences began consuming high-quality research articles and theses.
It needs to be highlighted that theses and dissertations in India have always been made available to the general public, albeit in a different form. Typically, the institutions from which the students secure their PhD have a physical copy of the manuscript archived in their library for other students, researchers, and interested parties to peruse. Furthermore, considering PhD research is almost always paid for by the taxpayers in the form of stipends, research grants, and concessions, it may be fair to expect that the generated knowledge be made available to various audiences. It is in this context that it needs to be highlighted that the only difference with the current proposal from the Ministry of Education (MoE) is that these documents would now be made available through the internet, increasing ease of access and reproducibility. In more ways than one, it is precisely these factors that lie at the crux of the resistance from academia.
Given the lofty list of benefits to the researcher and thereby to the institution of joining the platform, prima facie, it is surprising to see that a large share of the institutions has so far failed to comply with the directive. The forbearance, particularly by the IITs, the IIMs, and other high-quality research institutions, is particularly interesting. A closer look at the Indian academic environment and the fears and perceived disadvantages of academics may shed more light on the conundrum. While the academia at large is in agreement that using open-access repositories may be a very good way to facilitate the overall research culture in the country, there are several factors that contribute to a reluctance to accept it, and Shodhganga specifically, in its current form. Before we begin going through the key factors, it may be worthwhile to examine the current scenario of academia in India.
According to the Quacquarelli Symonds(QS) World University Rankings—2022, only 22 Indian institutes figure in the top 1,000 ranks. Within the 34 Indian institutes that are ranked by the survey, key ranking indicators vary vastly. For instance, the Indian Institute of Science-Bengaluru (which ranks first among the institutes located in India) has nearly 100 citations per faculty, while O P Jindal Global University (which secured the 34th rank) scores 1.3 citations per faculty. As far as academic reputation is concerned, IIT Bombay ranks first in the country with a score of 51.3, while Thapar Institute of Engineering and Technology ranks 34th with a score of 1.9 (QS World University Rankings 2022). It is critical to note that the research inclination of these institutes varies vastly and rightly so. While some Indian institutes do compete at an international level in terms of research output, others are more focused on providing high-quality higher education for the millions of students passing out of our schools and colleges. Clearly, this is not a comparison of apples. Once we recognise this wide variation, it is clear that a one-policy-fits-all-all approach in terms of research may prove to be counterproductive. It is in this context that the resistance from the IITs and IIMs needs to be analysed.
The PhD scholars from the more research-focused institutes have several key concerns that may need to be addressed if widespread support for a centralised repository can be garnered.
First and the most critical concern of academicians in India pertains to an inability to compete in the international research stage effectively. While many institutes are inching ahead in terms of research, they simply do not have the same resources to compete internationally. Therefore, care will have to be exercised before adopting “global best practices.” Considering the competitive job market for scholars today that requires publications in top journals in their individual disciplines and the long publication cycles and quality requirements for most high-quality journals, academic publishing has slowly evolved to become a long-drawn-out process. Therefore, making ideas openly available too early for the world puts our academics, especially those who target top journals with stringent quality requirements and longer publication cycles, at a disadvantage when compared to western researchers who may have greater access to resources such as funding, research assistants, time, availability of higher quality data, and better contacts and embeddedness in the research ecosystem. The Indian scholars fear that as a result of putting out their work too early, they become exposed to unscrupulous researchers copying their work. Availability of better resources may enable the hypothesised unscrupulous researcher to submit a document for publication earlier than the researcher who had the original idea, particularly if the hypothesised unscrupulous researcher is targeting a lower-tier journal with a faster publication cycle. These fears are compounded by the general perception that the peer review process in top journals is stacked against researchers from emerging economies (evidenced by the fact that almost every international conference of repute today has some workshop that seeks to help researchers from developing nations to publish in high-quality journals). Most journals also choose not to publish material that is already available in the public domain for free, owing to their own business model requirements that could lead to journals rejecting the papers on account of free and easy availability online in the Shodhganga platform. As a result, students are unsurprisingly unwilling to accept the platform as it is. Further exacerbating the issue is the fact that there has been no discussion about the option to embargo the theses that are made available online. In the developed markets where compulsory uploads of theses are mandated, an embargo option is available to the students, which allows the student to delay the public availability of their work for a period between two and five years, enabling them to overcome most of these concerns. The Indian scholars fear that the lack of such a provision in the Shodhganga platform may potentially lead to the theft of ideas.
The second and more serious issue with regard to making theses openly available on a government-run website is to do with the choice of topics that students choose to research on. It is our view that forcing the compulsory upload of theses may force students to select topics that may be considered acceptable to the broader public. Considering research should be carried out to expand understanding of various social and scientific phenomena regardless of political and social priorities, such self-censoring can have detrimental effects in the long run, leading to not understanding some naturally occurring phenomenon.
A quick look around the world to study the best practices within academia may prove useful in this context.
In the United Kingdom, nearly 87% of all theses titles are listed on the EThOS ( Gould 2013 ). However, only about roughly 60% of the available theses have an abstract and even fewer contain supervisor, funding, and other relevant data. A quick look at the service would reveal that many of the full-text theses from recent years are inaccessible and are available to be downloaded only after an optional embargo period that ranges from one to five years. The United States (US)--based EBSCO Open Dissertations Archive, while providing functionality similar to Shodhganga, offers much greater flexibility to researchers by allowing them the option to remove their theses from the service upon request. In several cases, in other universities in the US, it is customary to maintain repositories of their own where an extended abstract is made freely available and the full text only after an embargo period or the authors’ permission. In India too, the Jawaharlal Nehru University applied an embargo period of one to three years before the theses go online for the world to read. From the students’ point of view, this duration provides them with precious time to compete in the knowledge market and publish their work in journals of repute.
Considering the concerns we highlight in the article, the MoE may have to rethink its stand and create checks and balances that protect research from India. Considering that there are few practising academics at the MoE, it may be useful to engage in a constructive dialogue with the researcher community. The ministry will also have to work on creating suitable grievance redressal mechanisms in case teething issues and conflicts arise at any stage of going open. Doing so may help in building consensus and more fertile pastures for research to flourish here in India.
Gould, Sara (2013): “UK Theses and the British Library EThOS service: From Supply on Demand to Repository Linking,” British Library, https://core.ac.uk/reader/144790090 .
Jhamb, G. & A. Samim (2017): “Contribution to Open Access Repository by the Central Universities of India: A Case Study of Shodhganga,” Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal) , 1559 .
Panda, Saroja Kumar (2016): “Shodhganga – A National Level Open Access ETD
Repository of Indian Electronic Theses: Current Status and Discussions,” Library Hi Tech News , Vol 33, No 1, pp 23–26.
Quacquarelli Symonds Limited (nd): “QS World University Rankings 2022,” https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings/2022 .
Reddy, Ravikanth R (2013): “Universities Shun Shodhganga; Class Goes for a Toss,” The Hindu, 15 June, https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/universities-shun-shodhganga-class-goes-for-a-toss/article4400891.ece .
Shodhganga (nd): “About Shodhganga,” https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/ .
University Grants Commission (2021): “ Uploading of full text Ph.D. Theses in Shodhganga, A Repository of Full Text Theses and Dissertations,” New Delhi.
Image Courtesy: Canva
In light of the triple talaq judgment that has now criminalised the practice among the Muslim community, there is a need to examine the politics that guide the practice and reformation of personal....
320-322, A to Z Industrial Estate, Ganpatrao Kadam Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, India 400 013
Phone: +91-22-40638282 | Email: Editorial - [email protected] | Subscription - [email protected] | Advertisement - [email protected]
Designed, developed and maintained by Yodasoft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .
Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.
The best thesis statements are:
The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
For example, you might ask:
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .
Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.
In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.
The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.
A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.
These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:
If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
College essays
(AI) Tools
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :
The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved September 4, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/
Other students also liked, how to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
Subject: English
Age range: 14-16
Resource type: Lesson (complete)
Last updated
27 August 2024
This lesson introduces students to the historical and social context of the play.
Tes paid licence How can I reuse this?
A bundle is a package of resources grouped together to teach a particular topic, or a series of lessons, in one place.
This series of lessons covers the full play and focuses on developing students' essay writing responses using the provided framework.
Your rating is required to reflect your happiness.
It's good to leave some feedback.
Something went wrong, please try again later.
This resource hasn't been reviewed yet
To ensure quality for our reviews, only customers who have purchased this resource can review it
Report this resource to let us know if it violates our terms and conditions. Our customer service team will review your report and will be in touch.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene. It previews key arguments and findings. And it helps the reader to understand the structure of the thesis. ... Or you can draw attention to the context-specific nature of a phenomenon that is discussed in the international literature.
Thesis Introduction Tips. So far, a good thesis introduction should be able to outline the main topic clearly, present some compelling questions, and provide context and significance for the study. It's definitely not easy, but there are ways to make it more doable. Here are some handy thesis introduction tips to help you out. Know your audience
To write a good thesis introduction, one must carefully describe the background to highlight the context in which the research is grounded. This involves not just a literature review but a strategic presentation of the current state of research, pinpointing where your work will wedge itself into the existing body of knowledge.
Craft an enticing and engaging opening section. Provide a background and context to the study. Clearly define the research problem. State your research aims, objectives and questions. Explain the significance of your study. Identify the limitations of your research. Outline the structure of your dissertation or thesis.
2. Hook the reader and grab their attention. 3. Provide relevant background. 4. Give the reader a sense of what the paper is about. 5. Preview key points and lead into your thesis statement. Frequently Asked Questions about writing a good thesis introduction.
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
7 simple steps to write a thesis/dissertation introduction. 1. Start with a broad context. Begin by giving a short background about your topic and highlighting your topic's importance. Some strategies to create an introduction are: Start with a relevant fact, quotation, question, an existing problem, important news, theories, or a debate ...
5. Keep the Reader in Mind. Always keep the reader in mind when writing your introduction. Consider what they need to know to understand your research and why it is important. Aim to engage and inform your reader, making them interested in your study and eager to read the rest of your dissertation.
Table of contents. Step 1: Introduce your topic. Step 2: Describe the background. Step 3: Establish your research problem. Step 4: Specify your objective (s) Step 5: Map out your paper. Research paper introduction examples. Frequently asked questions about the research paper introduction.
Cite a dramatic fact or statistic. Your introduction also needs to adequately explain the topic and organization of your paper. Your thesis statement identifies the purpose of your paper. It also helps focus the reader on your central point. An effective thesis establishes a tone and a point of view for a given purpose and audience.
Introductions, Thesis Statements, and Roadmaps. The first paragraph or two of any paper should be constructed with care, creating a path for both the writer and reader to follow. However, it is very common to adjust the introduction more than once over the course of drafting and revising your document. In fact, it is normal (and often very ...
An effective PhD thesis introduction does three things: 1. Establish your research territory (by situating your research in a broader context) One of the first things the introduction should do is to provide general statements that outline the importance of the topic and provide enough background information so that the reader can understand ...
Every good introduction needs a thesis statement, a sentence that plainly and concisely explains the main topic. Thesis statements are often just a brief summary of your entire paper, including your argument or point of view for personal essays. For example, if your paper is about whether viewing violent cartoons impacts real-life violence ...
A good introduction chapter should incite the reader to read the rest of the thesis by establishing the context of your topic, the motivation for undertaking your work and the importance of your research. As a lecturer and supervisor, I have read many introductory chapters for research projects such as theses.
Both the introduction and conclusion chapters frame your thesis. The introduction gives a preview of the thesis and often indicates the standard of the thesis. The conclusion gives a convincing summary of the thesis's findings. The introduction allows you to orient the reader to your research project and preview the organisation of your thesis.
A thesis statement is a very common component of an essay, particularly in the humanities. It usually comprises 1 or 2 sentences in the introduction of your essay, and should clearly and concisely summarize the central points of your academic essay. A thesis is a long-form piece of academic writing, often taking more than a full semester to ...
Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3. Hook the Reader: Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. Provide Background: Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
1) Hook: Description, illustration, narration or dialogue that pulls the reader into your paper topic. This should be interesting and specific. 2) Transition: Sentence that connects the hook with the thesis. 3) Thesis: Sentence (or two) that summarizes the overall main point of the paper.
What is the content of an introduction in a thesis. In a thesis, the introduction aims to establish the context, set the objectives, and present the main argument. The key components of an introduction in a thesis include: Background information about the research topic. Explanation of the problem or rationale behind the study.
The PhD. thesis introduction should be between 8000 to 10000 words long. On the other hand, a Masters thesis introduction word count should be between 1500 to 2000. However, the thesis introduction length might be extended if the writer incorporates photos, diagrams, and explanations. Thesis Introduction Outline
The past decade has borne witness to a curious tug-of-war between the Government of India (GoI) and the leading research institutions regarding making a digital repository of theses and dissertations. The Ministry of Education has been taking increasingly coercive steps to ensure the timely and compulsory uploading of all the theses materials to its Shodhganga platform but has faced repeated ...
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
Romeo and Juliet Lesson 1 context and introduction lesson. Subject: English. Age range: 14-16. Resource type: Lesson (complete) Scholaris Learning Resources ... pptx, 19.28 MB. This lesson introduces students to the historical and social context of the play. Tes paid licenceHow can I reuse this? Get this resource as part of a bundle and save up ...
Introduction. In 2018, the Misuse of Drugs (Amendments) Act legalised cannabis prescribing in the UK. This created a contradictory social and criminal justice policy environment, in which those who are prescribed cannabis occupy a liminal position - lawfully medicating in a context where it remains otherwise illegal. The law change has neither ...