How to Write the Introduction of an Economics Paper

How to Write the Introduction of an Economics Paper

You win or lose your readers with the introduction. Research shows that economics papers with more readable introductions get cited more. The introduction is where you lay out your research question, your empirical strategy, your findings, and why it all matters - succinctly.

This skill is based primarily on David Evans' analysis of introductions in top economics journals (AER, QJE, AEJ: Applied, etc.), supplemented by Keith Head's "Introduction Formula," Claudia Sahm's advice for job market papers, and Marc Bellemare's "Middle Bits Formula."

The Core Structure

Papers in top journals largely follow this pattern. There is variation, but the skeleton is remarkably consistent:

1. Motivate with a puzzle or a problem (1-2 paragraphs)
2. Clearly state the research question (1 paragraph)
3. Describe the empirical approach (1 paragraph)
4. Present detailed results (3-4 paragraphs)
5. Establish value-added relative to related literature (1-3 paragraphs)
6. Optional extras: robustness checks, policy relevance, limitations
7. Roadmap of the paper (1 paragraph)

A typical introduction in a top journal runs about 10-15 paragraphs. It front-loads the paper's own contribution and pushes detailed literature discussion toward the end.

Section-by-Section Guidance

1. The Motivation (1-2 paragraphs)

Open by convincing the reader that the topic matters. The first paragraph should hook the reader with one of the following strategies:

A big development or economic problem, then a specific angle:

• Start with a broad fact or policy issue, then narrow to the specific aspect you study.
• Example pattern: "X is a widespread problem affecting Y. Yet we know surprisingly little about Z."

A puzzle or tension in existing evidence:

• Present two facts or findings that seem at odds.
• Example pattern: "Standard models predict A. But empirical evidence shows B. This paper helps reconcile..."

A policy-relevant fact or debate:

• Open with a concrete policy that is being debated or scaled.
• Example pattern: "Governments across N countries have adopted X policy, spending $Y annually. Yet evidence on its effectiveness is..."