The Introduction

Know the purpose of an Introduction to a report

Identify the elements of an Introduction Plan how to write an introduction Write an Introduction

Reports generally include these sections in this order:

Abstract

Introduction

Literature Review

Methodology

Results

Discussion

Conclusion

Provides an orientation to the reader about

WHAT you are researching WHY it is worthy of research HOW the research is to be conducted

What?

My research question is…. e.g. To what extent could non-plastic

campaign be implemented in UTP?

You can outline your purpose with: The development of …has led to the hope

that…. A central issue in … is…. The increasing interest in … has heightened

the need for….

The … has been extensively studied in recent years.

Recently, there has been a growing interest in….

Many recent studies have focused on….

What? Should provide a short review of the

literature; a background to the report and attract the reader’s attention.

It should also clarify an existing gap in knowledge and what needs to be achieved or implemented.

Why? Researchers who have looked at this

subject are…. They argue that… Debate centres on the issue of….

You can develop these questions using: The research has tended to focus

on…rather than on…. These studies have emphasised…,as

opposed to…. The previous research…has concentrated

on…. So far, investigations have been confined

to….

How?

There is still work to be done on…. My contribution will be….

You can develop these questions using: This study was designed to…. The purpose of this investigation is to…. The aim of this paper is to…. This paper reports on the results

obtained…. This paper argues that….

As the Introduction is intended to orientate the reader, a map can be provided e.g.

This thesis/paper is structured as follows…. The remainder of this thesis/paper is

divided into five sections….

The opening paragraph provides the initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work.

A vague, disorganized, error-filled, off-the-wall, or boring introduction will create negative impression

A concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing and your paper