How to write an Introduction(tutorial)

Dr. Armen Torchyan, MD, MPH

slides from Dr Hafsa Raheel, PhD

Oct 2012

Objectives of the session By the end of the session the students should

be able to:

Understand the structure of an introduction to a manuscript\report

Structure of a manuscript/report

AbstractIntroductionMaterials and methodologyResultsDiscussionConclusion AcknowledgementReferences

Skeleton of an introductionBackground

Importance of the topicGlobal, regional and local data (magnitude)Build up a convincing argument

ObjectivesHypothesis Rational

Frequently asked questions1. How long should my introduction be?

One common mistake is to write an introduction that is too

long; the introduction is so detailed that it isindistinguishable from the body of the essay!

As a rule, an introduction should not be longer than about

8% (about 1/4th) of the length of the essay. For example,the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty- page essay should be a maximum of about a page, a page and a

quarter, and one and an half pages respectively.

Frequently asked questions

2. How detailed should the introduction be?

Another common mistake is that the introduction is so

detailed that it fails to indicate the topic of the paper in a

Clear way!

The introduction only needs to state the topic, general

structure, and thesis of the paper.

Frequently asked questions

3. Why am I finding it hard to write the introduction?

Its absolutely normal to be worried as this may be your first time

Language barrierWrite at least a draft of the body and redefine it

later on

Frequently asked questions

4. What is an introduction for? Is it a summary?

An introduction is not a summary. A summary repeats

the main ideas of an essay.

An introduction introduces the reader to the topic of the

essay, and explains the point of the essay

Frequently asked questions

6. How many paragraphs should I usefor the introduction?

Introductions vary in length according to your purpose,

writing style, the complexity of your topic, and the

length of your essay

Frequently asked questions

7. How do I write the references?

Vancouver reference styling is the preferred

But its wise to refer to the author's guidelines of the journal you intend to submit to (or your course guideline)

How to evaluate your introduction draft

Ask a friend to read it and then tell you what he or she expects the paper will discuss

If your friend is able to predict the rest of your paper accurately, you probably have a good introduction

Examples of introduction

Comments and discussion?

References

The writing center. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online resources at: http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/resources.html