Which statement best describes the introduction of an academic paper? the introduction sets up the topic and grabs readers’ attention. the introduction makes a final attempt to influence readers. the introduction provides evidence to support the thesis statement. the introduction reminds readers of the main points of the essay.

The first option

Explanation:

The introductory paragraph of an essay or academic paper serves the purpose of setting up the topic and grabing the audience's attention. The reader of the paper has to be engaged in the topic you are going to write about. In order to attract the attention of the reader there are several strategies to do so. For instance it is possible to write an appealing opening line or formulate a rhetorical question to give some food for thought.

a.) it provides a clue to solve the mystery.

can you give me a hint