Some of the things your background information can include are:
Another point worth mentioning is that length is perhaps a proxy of the breadth and depth of the introduction, but I think the overall structure of the arguments surpasses length. Generally, I'd focus on an engaging opening that summarizes what is known. Use proper languages here to hint the level of the article. Then, discuss the problems or challenges. Afterwards, how would your work act to address the aforementioned problems and challenges. And lastly, how would your work resolve the suggested problems.
Here at the WIU Libraries we have several resources suited for the task. Some common resources include dictionaries and encyclopedias, almanacs, and bibliographies. The library has these in both print and electronic forms. Some databases provide background information. Some of these resources can be found in magazines and newspapers in large general databases like Academic Search Complete, ProQuest, and Nexis Uni.
After readers understand why you’re doing the research, including filling the missing gaps or providing solutions to some challenges, the next step is to formulate relevant research questions and a summary or description of what you’ll do next.
Here is an example of an introductory paragraph:
There are also specialized databases with articles and reports with good background information on various topics. These include America's Newspapers, Opposing Viewpoints, and CQ Researcher.
But you need to be careful! Some of this information is often vetted (peer-reviewed, scholarly, and written by experts). Just as often you will find background in news and magazine articles, opinion pieces, and editorials, some of it written by experts, some written by reporters that may not be experts, and in some cases, (like the blog comments on news web sites), you may not even know who wrote it.
When writing the background information, you should pay attention by ensuring the information presented defines the topic, is related to current events, provides some historical context, and even passages/ quotes from experts.
“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”
Background Information Examples for Essays and Papers
The first place to start your paper is by looking for background information. There are tools to help you understand the major points of your topic, what is known about it, and how it relates to other topics.
What is the background of an essay? - Quora
An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.
What Is Background Information? Writing Instructions
The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.
For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”
How can I write background information effectively? | Academic Marker
Using background information is important when writing an essay or paper because it provides context, establishes the significance of the topic, and helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the discussion. It allows the writer to build a strong foundation for their arguments and analysis, which strengthens the overall quality and persuasiveness of the work.
Organizing Academic Research Papers: Background Information
For example: You want to convince your reader that the forces of industry did not shape American foreign policy from the late 19th century through 1914, and you plan to do this by showing that there were other factors which were much more influential in shaping American foreign policy. Both of these elements can be synthesized into a thesis sentence: