Writing an introduction for a research paper should have many of the same elements that an introduction to an essay would have. You should start out with a hook which includes an interesting fact or anecdote as well as a little bit of background information on the topic. Background information does not need to be too detailed because you will explore specifics later in the body of the paper. Aligned with your background information should be the questions that you seek to answer through your research. Then, don't forget to have a strong thesis statement that provides the reader with your opinion about the subject. Be careful, though, that you don't use first or second person in your thesis statement or throughout the paper. Research papers are academic and professional papers written for formal audiences. Only use third person (he, she, it, they, one) when needing to use pronouns. Within the thesis statement, it is wise to use words such as "must" or "should be" to create strength. For example, "Abortion should be globally legalized for the benefit of all women around the world." Another example might be, "Abortion must be legalized around the world in order to secure the rights of all women." Notice that third person is used, your opinion is presented, and the thesis uses strong wording like "must" and "should be."