Introduction: Sequence Checklist and Suggestions for Organization:

1. “Hook”—Begin with a statement or question that engages the audience.

2. Problem: State the problem or question—what is the main idea of this project and literature

review?

3. Define ALL important basic terms—within the sentences, provide appropriate definitions of

all terms needed to understand the project.

4. Funnel—use a funneling structure to narrow the focus from general information towards

specific information about this project. Organize facts, examples, and information to follow a

funnel format at the beginning.

5. Connect—Use your writing to explain the CONNECTIONS between the defined terms and

how they work TOGETHER.

6. Relate—Use your writing to explain how definitions and topics are RELATED to the

RESEARCH QUESTION of this experiment.

7. Flow—Work to make transitions between topics as smooth as possible. Search for methods

to move from one topic to another in a natural and easy to follow manner.

8. Samples—Be sure to discuss how previous similar projects approached this research

question or similar questions. Give SPECIFIC important details from these projects that will

help to guide this project.

9. Experts—provide appropriate quotations or citations from one or more primary experts in

this field.

10. Direction- Explain how the literature has helped to show the direction that this project should

take to obtain quality data. Explaining all of the variables, controls, and constants as well as

elimination of potential errors should be primary goals of the Literature Review.

Write this report using facts, evidence, explanations, statistics, quotations, and examples. The
Research/Introduction portion of the paper will report the background information and/or work done
in the past that pertains to your project. The report will not talk about your experiment in any way. It
will be minimally two pages in length and will be minimally five paragraphs. It should contain
information from at least two previous similar projects that are directly related to your experiment or
research. Use a “hook” and introduction and then narrow the discussion from general knowledge
towards the specific topic of your project. Be sure to define all important terms related to your
project as you proceed with your writing. Cite all quotations and specific knowledge appropriately.

1. First paragraph:
• Will state the topic sentence
• Will state the main ideas of the paper
• Will have an engaging opening (a “hook” to make the reader want to read more)
2. First main idea: (2nd paragraph)
• Will have a topic sentence
• Will have at least three supporting details
3. Second main idea: (3rd paragraph)
• Will have a topic sentence
• Will have at least three supporting details
4. Third main idea: (4th paragraph)
• Will have a topic sentence
• Will have at least three supporting details
5. Conclusion: (Last paragraph)
• Will reiterate the topic
• Will reiterate main ideas
• Will have a closing that ends the paper and ties it all together