Introductions

Which of the following should you include in an introduction? Tick all that apply.

  1. Your understanding of the topic (background, context, key terms)

  2. A thesis statement

  3. A summary of supporting arguments

  4. Your conclusion

  5. Extensive evidence to support the arguments

  6. Implications of the findings

  7. A counter-argument

The following is an example of an introduction with its key elements identified in the right-hand column:

Topic: "Industry assistance has been described as 'complex' and 'problematic' and many have called for its removal. Discuss."
In Australia, the extent of assistance, via both direct financial assistance and protection, varies greatly between industries and between specific sectors of industries. In its broadest sense assistance is given to industries in order to attempt to stabilize the industry during difficult periods or to enable the industry to adapt to long term changes in the economy. Due to changes in agriculture worldwide, caused by the price squeeze and volatile world export markets, assistance has been given to Australian agriculture. During the period 1982-83 the direct cost of this assistance was just under $500 million (Johnson, et al., 1983). General background material. Indicator of specific focus.
In this essay the forms of agricultural assistance will be discussed in terms of the type of assistance, the rates of assistance to agriculture in comparison with those of other industries, the effects of assistance, and finally, whether assistance can be justified. Issues which will be covered and indication of the order.
It will be argued throughout the paper that, despite the complex nature of the issue, there should be assistance of several kinds so that the agricultural sector is able to maintain its economic viability. Thesis Statement.
In particular, it will be argued that this assistance is at its most effective when it is target specific. Indication of conclusion.

Further Reading

Index