The introduction plays a vital role in any academic paper. Its central function is to create an entry to the topic of discussion by providing relevant context (Day, 2018). A well-written introduction is supposed to spark a reader’s interest and create a ‘hook’ that aids in achieving that. Importantly, it serves to present the aim of the paper and justification for the chosen topic. In academic essays, the introduction tends to include the thesis statement supported by evidence in the main body. Besides, the introduction provides a brief overview of the ideas covered in the piece to ensure clarity of the work’s structure for the reader. In a dissertation or PhD thesis, the introduction may include another crucial element to the research project. It can mention the gap in the wider scientific literature on a given topic and briefly state some of the sources on the topic (Day, 2018). Hence, the introduction performs multiple roles depending on the type of work.
Similar to the introduction, the concluding paragraph is critical for academic works. It reiterates and summarizes the key findings and concepts that were mentioned in the main body. By doing this, the conclusion restates the purpose and the results of the essay (Day, 2018). In the end, the conclusion extends the scope and relates the findings to the broader context. In a dissertation, it focuses on the implications of the study’s results. The conclusion discusses how the findings can address the problems discussed in the introduction. Lastly, it states the study’s limitations and the ideas for further research (Day, 2018). Generally, the conclusion’s role is to logically complete the discussion and remind the reader of the work’s main points.
Reference
Day, T. (2018). Success in academic writing. Macmillan.