PROBLEM SOLVING TEACHING
SERVICES
STUDY AIDS NINE: INTRODUCTIONS
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Contents
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Section One: Core Concept
Section Two: Effective Introductions
Section Three: Six Ways To Kill A Good Introduction
Section Four: Types Of Introduction
Section Five: Introducing Arguments
Section Six: Concluding Comments
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Aims |
Having completed this document, the student should be in a position to make a good start to any written work. In particular, he/she should be able to:-
1. Understand The Role Of Introductions
2. Write Out Effective Introductions
3. Introduce Arguments
4. 'Grasp' The Reader's Attention.
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Section
One: |
Introductions are paragraphs that mark the beginning of a written assignment. In essays they usually consist of an opening paragraph, whilst in larger works they merit a separate section all of their own.
Their main role is to:-
1.1 Define Any Key Terms
1.2 Give Reasons Over Why A Particular Subject Is Being Addressed
1.3 Outline Any Limitations In The Written Work
1.4 Present The Main Subject, As Distinct From Subsidiary Subjects
1.5 State Any Key Assumptions Or Prejudices
1.6 Thankfully Acknowledge Any Outside Help Given, (In Large Works This May Go Under A Separate Heading 'Acknowledgements').
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Section
Two:
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In order to write an effective introduction, the writer should:-
2.1 Relate It To The Title
2.2 Allow It To 'Set The Scene' For The Rest Of The Work
2.3 Make It As Brief And As Concise As Possible
2.4 Attempt To Create A Favourable Impression
2.5 Distinguish, Or Set It Apart From The Main Body Of An Assignment, (Often By A Missed Line)
2.6 Give A Clear Impression That The Subject In Hand, Has Been Understood
2.7 Entice The Audience To Read Further, By:-
2.7.1 Employing A Startling Quote Or Expression
2.7.2 Employing A Topical Sentence
2.7.3 Striking A Note Of Controversy
When preparing a first draft it is often helpful to write out the main body of the essay and its conclusion BEFORE writing out the introduction. This would help ensure that when the introduction is eventually written, it would flow naturally from the already accumulated thoughts and ideas of the writer. No ‘fitting together problem’ would arise as the introduction would now form a naturally flowing component to the rest of the essay.
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Section Three: Six Ways to Kill a Good Introduction |
3. At Least Six Ways Exist To Kill A Good Introduction. These Are:-
3.1 Not To Have One In The First Place
3.2 The Adoption Of A Vague Generalised, Woolly Stance
3.3 Cramming Too Much Of The Main Body Into The Introduction
3.4 Simply Not Relating It To:-
3.4.1 The Main Question Or Title
3.4.2 The Main Body Or Conclusion
3.5 The Taking Of An Apologetic Stance Which Stresses What The Student Has Not Been Able To Accomplish In A Given Piece Of Work. (All This Would Do Is To Give Unnecessary Publicity To The Students' Own Faults And Shortcomings).
3.6 An Unwillingness To Define Any Key Terms.
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Section
Four: |
Other Types Of Introduction Include:-
4.1 An Executive Summary: One That Places All Of The Main Points Together. (These Are Becoming Increasingly Popular).
4.2 A Foreword That Introduces Someone Else's Work.
4.3 A List Of Key Definitions,
(Especially
In Technical Subjects).
4.4 A Preface - Which Usually Contains More Personal Comments.
4.5 A Synopsis - Which Gives A Brief Outline Of The Whole Work.
Personal Dedications To Family, Friends And Colleagues Are Becoming Increasingly Rare.
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Section
Five:
Introducing
Arguments |
Specific Arguments Should Ideally Be Introduced With A Short, Snappy Sentence, Which:-
5.1 Immediately Attracts The Reader's Attention
5.2 Helps Direct The Reader's Train Of Thought
5.3 Prepares The Way For Further Supporting Evidence
5.4 Sums Up The Central Theme.
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Section Six: Concluding Comments |
A good introduction is important in creating a good impression. The writer must avoid the two extremes of plunging into an essay or of meandering aimlessly. Good introductions should be distinct from the main body, whilst simultaneously leading naturally on to it.