How to Write Chapter One; the Introduction of Thesis. 
In “Chapters of a Ph.D. and master’s thesis” we discussed every five chapters of a thesis briefly. Now we are going to talk about chapter one deeper.

Chapter one of a thesis acts as a funnel. It begins with a broad subject related to the title of thesis, then narrows down to the variables and the questions/problems which are going to be solved in the research.

Generally, in introduction you need to explain what the reader is going to read about.

The introduction chapter has some subtitles which are:

1. Chapter One: Introduction
   1. 1 Introduction
   1. 2 Statement of the Problem
   1. 3 The Significance of the Study
   1. 4 Purpose of the Study
   1. 5 Research Questions
   1. 6 Research Hypothesis
   1. 7 Definition of the Keywords
   1. 8 Limitations and Delimitations

You should adhere to the format of numbering subtitles.

Now take a look at the content of each section:

Introduction

In this section, introduce the subject you have studied. Start with the broad topic and limit it to the title of the thesis. By doing so, you establish your research territory.

Then provide some quotes or paraphrase other researches that emphasis on importance of the title. Show that according to other researches and papers there was a gap and you tried to fill that gap.

Statement of the Problem

Statement of the problem (SOP) has fiver smaller parts which are:

• Topic: in this paragraph you need to state the problem, from theoretical and practical points of view.
• Gap: state that this specific problem was not solved in previous researches.
• The evidence: write one or two paragraphs on some parts of other papers that the researcher indicates that the problem exists.  
• Deficiencies: demonstrate that how you solved the problem and how the gap was filled.
• Audience: whom your study is precious to, and where it would be useful.

As you can see, SOP would be five to six paragraphs, and each paragraph has a clear aim.

Unlike the introduction section, you do not need to provide resources for every single statement in SOP, except for evidence section.

Note: remember that in the introduction you talked about the gap, too. There is a difference between the two gaps in SOP and in the introduction. The gap in the introduction is a broader gap, while in SOP you need to clarify it in details.

 

Significance of the Study

In this part, you should write in details. Prove that your study is significant for the major, other researches, and some other specific people related to the field of study (name them).

To do so, you may ask yourself these questions that how and why this study would be important.

Also usually the researchers state some gaps that they have found in the field during their research, in chapter five (conclusion) of papers and theses. You can use them as a proof of the significance of your study.

Purpose of the Study

State that by this research what you are looking for, and what you expect to reveal.

Research Questions

After a brief introduction, write down some questions which you aim to answer during your research.

In fact, the research questions are the same as the purpose of the study in the form of questions.

Research Hypothesis

In this section, answer to the research questions which are stated in the previous part.

For example, if one of the questions is “Is there any statistically significant relationship between TCK and IS of Iranian EFL learners?” then the hypothesis would be “There is no statistically significant relationship between TCK of Iranian EFL learners and their ICS.”

Only use null hypotheses.

Definition of the Keywords

Keywords are the variables of the thesis. Define them theoretically and operationally.

In order to write a theoretical definition, you need to scan related papers and find the definition of the keywords as they defined. Write several theoretical definitions quoted by several researchers.

After theoretical definition, open a new paragraph and state how the keywords are defined in your research. It would be called “empirical definition”.

Limitation and Delimitation

Every researcher face some limitation during the research process.

Limitation could be the limit number of samples, being a sample out of reach, and so on.

Limitation is out of researcher’s control, while delimitation is chosen by the researcher. For example, a researcher chooses to distribute the questionnaire among women, and not men.

Note that the explained format works in writing chapter 1 of proposals, too. The only difference is in the number of pages. Proposals have less number of pages in comparison to theses.

 

Questions and Answers about Writing Chapter One: The Introduction of a Thesis

What is the purpose of Chapter One: Introduction?

• Set the Stage: It introduces the reader to the research topic, providing necessary background information.
• State the Problem: It clearly defines the research problem or question that the thesis aims to address.
• Justify the Research: It explains the significance and relevance of the research, highlighting its contribution to the field.
• Outline the Structure: It provides a roadmap of the entire thesis, outlining the subsequent chapters and their content.

What are the key components of a strong Introduction?

• Engaging Introduction: Grab the reader’s attention with a compelling opening statement or a thought-provoking question.
• Background Information: Provide a concise overview of the relevant literature and research.
• Research Problem: Clearly articulate the specific problem or question that the research will address.
• Research Objectives: State the specific goals of the research.
• Research Questions or Hypotheses: Formulate clear and concise research questions or hypotheses.
• Significance of the Study: Explain why the research is important and how it will contribute to the field.
• Scope and Limitations: Define the boundaries of the research and acknowledge any limitations.
• Organization of the Thesis: Briefly outline the structure of the remaining chapters.

How can I write a clear and concise Introduction?

• Use Clear and Concise Language: Avoid jargon and technical terms unless necessary.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Create a logical flow of ideas, moving from general to specific.
• Use Strong Verbs: Use active voice and strong verbs to convey your ideas effectively.
• Proofread Carefully: Ensure that your writing is free of errors in grammar and punctuation.

When should I write the Introduction?

• After Research: It’s generally recommended to write the Introduction after completing the literature review and data analysis. This allows you to have a clear understanding of the research landscape and your findings.

How do I avoid common pitfalls in writing the Introduction?

• Avoid Rambling: Keep the Introduction focused and concise.
• Don’t Overstate the Significance: Be realistic about the impact of your research.
• Avoid Overusing Jargon: Use plain language whenever possible.
• Don’t Repeat Yourself: Avoid repeating information from other chapters.

Can you provide some tips for writing a strong thesis statement?

• Be Clear and Concise: State your main argument in a clear and concise manner.
• Be Specific: Avoid vague or general statements.
• Be Arguable: Your thesis statement should present a claim that can be supported with evidence.
• Be Relevant: Ensure that your thesis statement is relevant to your research question.

By following these guidelines, you can write a strong and effective Introduction that sets the stage for your entire thesis.