How to Write a Background Paragraph

While a research paper mainly focuses on the study’s results, it is as crucial to describe the study’s background. A compelling background will give readers a foundation for the study and encourage them to read the remainder of the document.

However, outlining the study’s background presents a challenge for most scholars. Differentiating between the background and the literature review, two crucial components of every scientific paper, is another frequent issue authors face. Even though the two phrases are sometimes used synonymously, they play distinct roles.

Therefore, this article explains the meaning and how to write a background paragraph in a research paper, scientific report, or article. Please read comprehensively to the end.

How to Write a Background Paragraph

The intro of longer research papers sometimes lacks the necessary details to completely inform the reader about the subject at hand. For example, the reader needs to know whether you’re putting up an argument, outlining an issue, or outlining your analysis. When this occurs, you must provide a background paragraph, which is often the second paragraph of your paper and comes after the thesis statement.

It is the background paragraph that provides the reader with the crucial background information they need to have a deeper comprehension of your overall topic. It outlines the research’s background and describes why this particular research issue is significant and necessary to comprehend the study’s core aspects.

Also see: How to write a multiple-paragraph essay 

Components of a Background Paragraph

The following are the main components that an author should include in their background paragraph.

• Historical Context of the Study

In this part, the author often provides a brief history of the literary trends that inspired the current research topic. You should describe the nature of the issue being explored, its breadth, and the degree to which earlier studies were successful in doing so, highlighting, in particular, any shortcomings that your paper aims to address and the significance of addressing these shortcomings.

The author provides summaries of crucial and relevant research studies that either back or refute your study thesis. This is achieved by examining the foundational research literature [with citations] that details results that inform the goals and objectives of your investigation.

• Definitions of Various Essential Terms

This section involves defining terms that are important for a better comprehension of your topic of study, terms the reader would deem as key. In addition, it is vital to define words that have a bias. In this case, you can define your personal bias in how you view the words individually.

Note that definitions may also cover crucial concepts, ideas, and theories you deem unfamiliar to your readers.

• The Current Events Concerning Your Topic

Here, you describe the status quo of your topic of study; the current situation with the topic. An excellent example of a status quo about a topic on cell phones in a particular high school may be: Cell phones are currently not allowed in the classrooms of Oakland High School. Some teachers opt not to follow the rule, while others are pretty strict with the policy.

Tips on How to Write a Good Background Paragraph

Your paper’s background paragraph can make or break it, so how you write it and where you write it are equally crucial. Keep in mind that a solid background paragraph can assist you in developing or reformulating your subject to make it more viable and understandable to readers. Therefore, below is a list of several tips to help you compose a good background paragraph that serves its purpose excellently.

• Only Provide the Background Details Your Reader Requires.

If you give the reader too much info, you risk losing them and going off-topic. On the other hand, if you provide insufficient information, your reader may become unconnected. The trick is to pay close attention to the audience and provide what they need. You might consider asking yourself the following questions before writing the background paragraph.

• What is the reader already aware of regarding your subject?
• Will you use technical terms or jargon that your reader might not be familiar with?
• Does your reader require further context to grasp your points fully?
• What background information must you include to present your reader with the required facts

• Be Organized

Try to organize your background information in the background paragraph properly. If you don’t cover the themes in chronological order, the reader may become confused about the developments in the field. Each concept should flow into the subsequent so that readers can follow the story and recognize the deficiencies that your study will cover.

• Only Write the Background Paragraph After the Hook.

Usually, the background material comes after the hook in the opening of an essay or research paper. First, you must grab the reader’s attention using eye-catching information or quotes. You can only afford to give the background information once you have the audience’s attention. Your reader might stop reading if you give them all the information upfront.

Nevertheless, it’s also crucial to ensure you briefly cover the background in the introductory paragraph. Your reader might not understand your argument properly if you wait to state it in the essay’s main body.

• Be Aware of When and Where to Include the Background Paragraph

Remember that your topic will determine how much and what kind of material you present in your background paragraph. Not every background information is necessary for every discussion. Additionally, starting with a brief outline paragraph may be more acceptable, and then include background info necessary to the body paragraphs when discussing a complex subject that calls for a lot of previous knowledge.

• Include Your Key Sources

Always keep in mind that references should be cited when giving background information, especially when giving important figures, definitions, or theoretical analyses. Including such sources helps the reader locate the sources easily and avoid plagiarism.

Conclusion

This article has covered pretty much to help you compose better background paragraphs and research papers in general. For example, it has addressed how to write a background paragraph, its components, and the tips for writing an effective one.

As an author, please utilize this information to better position you in writing an excellent background paragraph the next time you compose a research paper or essay.