Phyllis Creme and Mary R. Lea, in their book Writing at University, a guide for students, [Open University Press, 2003] describes it as "a clear signpost to where the whole piece is going".
When do You Write the Introduction?
There is no hard and fast rule. Some writers do this at the beginning as it helps them shape their writing. If you choose to write it up front, then always go back at the end and refine and update; it's possible that once you've written the body of your piece that aspects of the introduction will change.
Other writers prefer to wait until they have written the body of their assignment. This gives them the opportunity to consider what is an appropriate introduction given that the body is known and understood.
What is the Purpose of the Introduction?
The introduction of your assignment provides an overview of what your work is about. It may present a central idea around which the body of the assignment will focus. In your introduction you may decide to provide reasons for an approach you have taken or explain choices that you made. It is also an opportunity where you can explain how you interpreted the question.
Depending on your assignment question, you may decide to introduce any questions that will be addressed in the body of your work.
The introduction can provide some background to the main topic, however this should be brief. Any detailed background information should be in the body of the work.
What Makes a Good Introduction?
A great introduction ignites the reader's interest and leaves him wanting to know more; you want your reader to be eager to read the remainder of your work.
It's also the place where you can set the scene, explaining to the reader, as a brief overview, what your assignment is about and why you made any choices that you did. By the time your reader gets to the main body of your work he is comfortable and has some knowledge of what you will be writing about.
But that doesn't mean that you have to give everything away in your introduction. You may choose to make a bold statement that will later be explained and supported in the body of the writing. It's just enough to whet the appetite.
The introduction may also provide some connection between with this work and other writings (by the writer or by other writers).
The Writer's Voice
The reader should also get a feel for what the remainder of the writing is like. This may be the assignment style, the writer's approach, the language and the general tone of the work. It introduces the writer's "own voice".
The introduction to your assignment is an important element that influences how the body of your work will be read and interpreted. While it is, in percentage of words, a small proportion of your overall assignment, in terms of impact and influence, it is of great importance. Make sure your introduction compliments the body of your work and appropriately prepares the reader for the detail that follows.
See also Writing Essay Introductions and Conclusions, Writing an Essay, and Top Tips for Essays and Papers.
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