How to start a thesis: Writing guide with thesis introduction examples

A thesis introduction is the opening chapter of a study. It identifies the research problem that will be investigated further in the paper and explains why it matters. The introductory section is a great opportunity to define the study's importance and outline its main objectives.

The central goals of a thesis introduction is to:

• State the main subject and its relevance
• Set the importance of your research in the scholarly context
• Outline the research problem addressed in a study
• Describe the thesis structure and subsequent sections.

In order to impress the committee panel, it’s paramount to know how to start a thesis. Your research deserves their full attention, and it would be a pity for your effort to go unnoticed. 

Rather than just overviewing a thesis, an effective introduction should also establish your reliability as a researcher. Here, your task is to link the paper to other authoritative sources and highlight the fresh perspective on a topic.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to write a thesis introduction and what elements should be included. You will also find a free template and thesis introduction example that will help you get started without a fuzz.

How long is a thesis introduction? 

A thesis introduction length primarily depends on the research area and academic level it’s designed for.

The introduction of a thesis should be around 10-15% of the entire work. For example, the opening chapter for a master’s thesis will run approximately 4-8 pages long (1,000-2,000 words). A PhD thesis introduction is usually longer and might take up to 8-15 pages or roughly 2,000-3,000 words.

Sometimes, the introductory section may be either smaller or longer than the recommended length. The key is to include all essential elements and exclude redundant details better suited for other chapters.

What should the introduction of a thesis contain: general structure

It’s important to integrate several essential elements to create a clear thesis introduction structure. These components help to present the core problem and describe your research focus. 

A strong thesis introduction should include the following components:

• Topic context: a succinct overview of the subject matter and its significance 
• Research problem: a clearly articulated issue in the chosen field
• Objectives and questions: the aims and questions you seek to answer
• Relevance: a detailed description of your contributions
• Scope: the central aspect you will address and potential boundaries
• Methodology: the approach(es) you have utilized to study the problem
• Hypotheses (if applicable): assumptions that are going to be tested 
• Structure overview: a brief synopsis of the subsequent chapters.

Below we have attached a template so you don’t forget what to write in a thesis introduction. Feel free to download it in the most convenient document format. It’s already formatted in line with the standard requirements and can be easily adjusted.

How to write a thesis introduction: 7 simple steps

It’s better to start a thesis paper intro as the last step of the whole writing process. By the time you’ve completed the other sections, you’ll be able to piece the puzzle together and construct a strong introductory chapter. 

Below are the exact steps on how to write a good thesis introduction.

1. Introduce a topic and background

Begin your thesis paper introduction with a captivating opening that presents your research area. 

There are a few effective ways to start a thesis introduction. You can introduce a striking statistic or identify a knowledge gap. It’s also a good idea to challenge a popular assumption or integrate a relevant case study.

Next, you need to provide some background details to help readers understand the research problem. Here’s how to do it:

• Explain the field or area of research
• Mention recent studies or key developments
• Explain how the topic is connected to academic discourse.

Example

Over the past decade, there has been a growing emphasis on the importance of patient-centered care in healthcare systems worldwide. This paradigm shift underscores the value of understanding patients' experiences and perspectives. However, in the realm of mental health, risk assessment remains a predominantly clinician-driven process, often overlooking the insights that patients themselves could provide. Addressing this gap could not only enhance the accuracy of risk assessments but also empower patients as active participants in their care journey.

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2. State the research problem

A research problem statement shapes the core of your thesis introduction. It needs to pinpoint explicitly what you're investigating and why it requires attention. Consider what practical problem needs to be resolved. Who's affected by this issue and why existing solutions or explanations fall short?

Ultimately, your problem statement should naturally lead to research questions and methodology, showing readers why your thesis matters.

Example 

While risk assessment is a critical component of mental health care, current models largely rely on clinical observations and standardized tools. This approach fails to account for the nuanced and subjective experiences of patients. For instance, studies reveal that patient-reported factors such as perceived stress or early warning signs often precede clinical observations of relapse. Yet, these insights are rarely formalized into risk frameworks. This oversight represents a critical gap in both research and practice, necessitating an approach that integrates patient perspectives.

3. Define your objectives

To make your thesis introduction stand out, be sure to clarify what your research is set to accomplish. This is where you need to list the objectives in a hierarchical order:

• Show how you plan to address the gap
• Be specific and avoid vague structures 
• Indicate whether your focus is theoretical, practical, or both.

Good objectives combine action verbs with measurable outcomes. For instance, instead of "study patient perspectives," write "evaluate how incorporating patient self-reported risk assessments influences the accuracy of clinical risk evaluations in outpatient mental health settings." This precision helps readers understand both your goals and how you'll assess success.

Remember that your objectives set expectations for what your research will deliver. Despite sharing an ambitious vision, you need to sound realistic about what you can attain within your constraints.

Example 

The primary objective of this thesis is to explore the role of patient involvement in mental health risk assessment processes. Specifically, this research seeks to (1) identify patient-reported factors that influence risk assessment outcomes, (2) evaluate the feasibility of integrating these factors into existing models, and (3) propose a participatory framework that enhances collaboration between clinicians and patients.

4. Highlight the importance of your work

A good thesis introduction chapter is not complete without the explanation of the study importance. 

Research significance goes beyond just filling a knowledge gap – it needs to demonstrate tangible value. Show how your findings could improve either theoretical or practical outcomes, or both. 

For example, your mental health research could enhance clinical risk assessments, potentially leading to better patient outcomes and a more collaborative care model.

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5. Describe your methodology

When writing a thesis introduction, don’t forget to go through your methods. 

The methodology overview should:

• State your research approach (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed)
• Briefly describe data collection methods
• Explain participant selection/sampling
• Note key analysis techniques.

If your methods are standard for your field, a 1-2 paragraph mention of your research approach is sufficient.

Example

This study employs a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 30 adult patients and 15 clinicians. Thematic analysis will help to extract the patterns in patient experiences with risk assessment. This methodology allows exploring subjective experiences while sustaining systematic analysis.

6. Identify the scope and limitations

The next step is to define the scope of your study in the intro of a thesis. Rather than attempting to cover every aspect of your topic, focus on details that lie within your study. 

Acknowledge limitations transparently, but frame them as intentional choices that strengthen your research focus rather than weaknesses. This helps readers understand both the depth and boundaries of your investigation.

Example

This thesis focuses on adult patients with diagnosed mood disorders, such as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, as these populations are particularly vulnerable to relapse and require definite risk management strategies. Data will be gathered through qualitative interviews and clinical observations, emphasizing the subjective experiences of patients. While the study does not aim to produce new diagnostic tools, it seeks to enrich existing risk assessment models by incorporating patient input into decision-making processes.

6. Present hypotheses (if applicable)

If your research is hypothesis-driven, make sure to state the hypotheses (predicted outcomes) in the thesis introduction. Place them after your research questions and before methodology.

Each hypothesis should be:

• Directly linked to research questions
• Testable through your methods
• Specific enough to be proven or disproven
• Focused on expected relationships or outcomes.

Example

Primary hypothesis: "Patient self-reported risk assessments will identify additional risk factors not captured in traditional clinician-only evaluations."
Secondary hypothesis: "Integrating patient perspectives in risk assessment will lead to higher patient satisfaction with their treatment plan."

7. Outline the structure

If your thesis introduction is lengthy, consider ending it with a brief preview of your whole work. Keep this section concise – no more than 1-2 paragraphs. Your task is to show a logical flow between chapters and demonstrate how each section builds your argument.

Example

The structure of this thesis is as follows: Chapter 2 reviews existing studies on risk assessment in mental health care, highlighting the gap in patient involvement. Chapter 3 outlines the research methodology, including data collection and analysis methods. Chapter 4 presents the findings, emphasizing patient-reported factors. Finally, Chapter 5 introduces the implications of these findings for clinical practice and offers recommendations for future research.

Thesis introduction format

If not stated otherwise, your introduction in a thesis should follow standard academic formatting:

• Label the introductory chapter as "Introduction" without extra formatting. Some institutions may require it to be numbered (e.g., "Chapter 1: Introduction").
• If your introduction includes subsections (e.g., "Research Problem," "Objectives"), apply uniform formatting that aligns with the style guide (e.g., APA, MLA, or Chicago).
• Follow a predetermined hierarchy for subheadings.
• Use a readable font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri (12-point).
• Apply double-spacing to your paper.
• Indent the first line of each paragraph by 0.5 inches (1.27 cm), unless specified otherwise.
• Some institutions allow tables, charts, or figures in the introduction, but this should be minimal. Ensure all visuals are clearly labeled and cited.

Pitfalls to avoid while writing a thesis introduction

Writing a thesis introduction requires much concentration on details. Some researchers make typical mistakes that can weaken their opening chapter. Make sure you don’t:

• Include irrelevant details that better fit other chapters.
• Make vague or unsupported claims.
• Use too many references in the introduction.
• Write too informally or too technically.
• Make poor signposting between sections.

Final thoughts on how to write thesis introduction

Now you know how to write an introduction for a thesis and what to include to make your opening strong. Remember to keep it precise and pertinent to your study objectives.