Introductions

An introduction is different from an abstract, but is no less important.

The main differences between abstracts and introductions are as follows:

Introduction: This introduces the field and creates a setting for the research.
Abstract: This is a separate, self-contained summary; it focuses on providing a representation of the whole article, thesis or dissertation.

Introductions provide reference to previous research.

Abstracts have a common structure; they comment on background, and state the purpose, methods, results and conclusion.

Introductions serve as a continuous link with other sections of the writing. An introduction connects the present research with what has gone before; justifies present research; identifies the aims of the present research; and leads into the main text.

Abstracts may stand alone: as a unit of text, it serves as a separate summary. The elements in the statement include a precise and clear description of the research and it highlights the results or outcomes.

• A good introduction clearly states the topic area
• It can introduce the context and importance of the topic
• It may provide a definition or definitions of the key terms in the title
• The aim or purpose of the writer is clearly described
• An introduction may indicate a gap in the existing literature or area of study, or a specific problem
• The structure of the writing is clearly indicated with a sequenced overview of the content

If clearly structured, the introduction will create a positive impression on the reader. The length of the introduction will vary according to the type of writing. For example, an essay introduction may consist of several paragraphs and be up to half a page in length. But an introduction to a dissertation may be several pages long.