introduction

Language

2022

We explain what an introduction is, its elements, characteristics and how to write it. Also, what is the development and conclusion.

With the introduction, the reader becomes familiar with the topic.

What is an introduction?

The introduction is the initial part of a text, either in arehearsal, a book, a monograph or an article. In this first part the text is placed in a context determined and usually expresses aresume of what will be explained or developed in the body of the text. In the introduction the reader becomes familiar with the subject.

The introduction corresponds to the action and effect of introducing something or getting into something. In a cientific text, technical or divulgation the introduction is likely to take other names such as resume, synthesis or preface. The introduction always precedes chapter one.

After the introduction, the body of the text is developed (also called "development") and, finally, the denouement, end or conclusion, depending on the type of text in question.

Characteristics of an introduction

  • Together with the development and the conclusion, it is one of the three main parts of a text.
  • It offers a summary that details the contents to be developed in the document.
  • It is found in essays, academic papers, books, and articles.
  • It can include an abstract and a preface, foreword, or acknowledgments.
  • It should be brief, in relation to the body of the document.
  • It must be synthetic and explanatory.
  • It should not be repetitive.
  • It must be written in the same tone, register and with the same type of language to be used throughout the document.
  • It is used to capture the attention of the reader and guide him about the writing that he is going to read.
  • Introductions can be found in the music and in oral discourse.
  • In a literary work, the introduction places inweather Y space and presents the characters.

Elements of an introduction

Within the introduction of a text of research There are certain elements that should be included as they will facilitate the understanding of the topic and will give the reader a glimpse of the research.

Any introduction should describe:

  • What? Brief description of the subject of the work, so that the reader knows what to find in the text.
  • Why? And for what? The reason and importance of the research on that topic or phenomenon and what are the purposes and expected scope. You can include the antecedents that exist on the subject that is being studied.
  • How? The methodology and the way the investigation was done.

How to make an introduction?

The most relevant information is selected in the introduction.

When writing the introduction of a text, it is advisable to know all the information and the data available from research. It is important to choose the most relevant information and discard the one that does not respond to the objectives Of the investigation.

The introduction marks the guidelines and the path on which to write all the content (the development and the conclusion). A clear introduction will help the understanding and writing of all the research work, although modifications can be made as the writing of the work progresses.

To introduce an academic or research text, you can follow a series of steps:

  • First prayer. A rhetorical quote, anecdote, or question that captures the reader's attention.
  • Description. The simple and concise explanation of the topic to be discussed (also in the first paragraph).
  • Background. The starting point from which the investigation starts. What has been written or researched on the question? The theoretical framework It will allow to know the originality and novelty (or not) of the investigation.
  • goals. The purpose of the research and the writing (generates expectations and captures the reader's attention). Rhetorical questions can be included that will later be answered throughout the document.
  • Chained ideas. A list or a paragraph with the topics or subtopics on which the work is going to deal. You should always go from the general to the particular and you can use resources such as bullets, rhetorical questions, quotes from authors.
  • Method. The methodology and procedures that were used for the investigation. Can include bibliography or a quote from a recognized author on the subject of study.
  • Closing. The passage to the body of the text. It should leave an open scenario and questions in the reader that encourage them to continue with the reading.

Development and conclusion

An introduction should always be understood in the context of a larger structure. The other two basic elements of a text, the development and the conclusion, are what give meaning to the introduction.

In the development, also called the body, the topics anticipated in the introduction are exposed and an attempt is made to reach the stated objectives. It is the central part of the investigation.

You can develop examples, fieldwork, and results with graphs, statistics, cause-consequence explanations. Usually includes quotes or references to authors. The findings and the methods used to arrive at them should be stated.

The development can be organized in different paragraphs or chapters depending on the length of the final text. It is essential that the information is expressed in a clear and organized manner. Subtitles, bullets or images can be used to help and facilitate reading.

The conclusion is the final part of the research work and must be clear and concrete (and not repetitive). In it, the discoveries that have been reached through research (previously detailed in development) are exposed. It marks the close and end of the study. In addition, it determines the importance and contribution of the research.

!-- GDPR -->