How to Write An Introduction Section/Chapter

Haven’t you struggled with what to include in your introduction section, or whether it should be written first or last? Here is a quick guide on how to write an introduction section or chapter.

Generally, an introduction begins any piece of work.  It contains the raison d’etre or purpose, the scope and overview, and is arguably the most delicate portion of the work. The introduction creates a first impression which would determine the attitude of the audience. If anything, the intro should ignite interest and keep the audience/reader/reviewer focused.

The length of your introduction will vary depending on the type of research paper you are writing and, on the purpose-a college thesis, report, or journal publication.

The material flow of the introduction should be “funnel-shaped” or patterned like an “inverted triangle”, establishing context broadly, then specifically, outlining a thesis statement– or statement of the problem or gap, moving on to justifying solutions to the problem, and ends with the proposed solution that would be elucidated in the body of the work. However, the thesis statement may end the introduction if the overall purpose of the work is to create awareness or describe the problem.

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Classically, the introductory section in a research paper would comprise four paragraphs.

1. Magnitude of the problem, and gap:

Points to explore for magnitude include; incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality. A maximum of 3 points should be elaborated upon. Make sure to mention keywords in your writing, defining or explaining them as you write.

2. Why should the gap be investigated?

Clues or evidence from basic sciences, or clinical sciences which may have particular limitations in methods-sample size or technique; or study type and analysis, or involving certain populations. Link the evidence to the gap.

3. Literature for the gap:

State the inadequacies or limitations of previous studies to explain the gap which will be addressed in the present study. Link the gap to the objectives.

4. Objectives responding to the gap

Finally, the introduction section must be short enough to keep the attention of the reader, succinct and coherent enough to include all the necessary parts required.

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About the authors

Epie Njume, MD