An introduction to a research paper of about fifteen to twenty pages should be two to four paragraphs long. A successful introduction will

• Describe the theme of the paper to the reader. If the assignment asks you to make an argument about a particular topic, be sure to state your position clearly in your introduction.
• Give the reader some idea of why your theme is worth reading about.
• Explain the organization of your paper, and introduce the reader to the evidence that you will present to support your theme or argument.