Writing the parts of scientific reports
17 Writing the introduction
General
The purpose of the introduction is to introduce the paper. If the problem of the investigation is not clearly stated readers will not be interested in your solutions. You should also aim at gaining the reader’s attention. Why did you choose this topic, why is it important.
An introduction is like a roadmap from problem to solution (Gastel & Day, 2017), and has a ‘funnel’ shape, moving from broad and general to narrow and specific. Introductions are written in a flowing, reader-friendly style.
Many guides recommend writing your introduction when you have completed your research, similar to the abstract. However, since writing helps to focus your work it is a good idea to draft your introduction early and then to rewrite it as your project progresses. This helps you to remain focused and to establish the logical connections between the various parts of your research and the writing about it.
Length: Some guides provide an estimate of 10% of the total length of a paper for the introduction. In comparison to the other sections, the introduction is typically a much shorter chapter. However, if the introduction includes the project’s background and/or the literature review as this is done in some disciplines, it will be much longer.
Overall structure und useful phrases
| Why? | Rationale/ nature of problem/ scope
Begin your introduction by explaining the importance of your research by providing some context. Provide the reader with a brief description of the background, which can include some details of past investigations. In a project report this can already lead to a problem in the field of your topic. Useful phrases
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| So what? | Scope
The above is often followed by outlining current research, what has been done so far and what is missing. This missing part is often referred to as the ‘gap’ in research (e.g. Swales & Feak, 2009), which then is the reason for you to carry out a certain project or to fill this gap with your research. State a clear focus, which can be formulated as a research question. In a project report or bachelor/master thesis of engineering students: state the aim or objectives, and why they are necessary. State the limitations of your research to clarify the focus. This part also often includes information on methods used to carry out your research. In some disciplines it is standard practice to inform the reader about the principal results and conclusions. Useful phrases:
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| Where? | Final part of introduction
At the end present the logical structure of the report/ thesis, including chapter numbers/titles, how these parts are connected, and a very brief description – 2-3 sentences of their content. Useful phrases: “The objectives are defined in Chapter 2. In Chapter 3 the relevant theory is described, with supporting details provided in Appendix A. Chapter 4 deals with the experimental procedure and has five main elements, which are…” (Young, 2009, p.109). |
Language focus
Tenses used in introductions:
Use past tense, present perfect for providing the context.
Use present tense or past tense for the focus.
Use present tense for the organization of the paper.
For useful phrases to introduce the reader to your text go to the Academic Phrasebank, Introducing Work.