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