What is the purpose of an introduction

The purpose of an introduction is to provide the reader or listener with a brief overview of what they can expect in the main body of a piece of writing or a presentation. It serves as an opportunity to grab the attention of the audience, set the tone, and establish the main focus or thesis statement.

To craft an effective introduction, consider the following steps:

1. Hook the reader or listener: Start with an attention-grabbing statement, such as a compelling fact, an intriguing question, or a relevant anecdote. This helps to engage the audience right from the beginning.

2. Provide background information: Give a brief context or background related to the topic you're addressing. This helps readers or listeners understand the significance or relevance of the subject matter.

3. State the purpose or thesis: Clearly state the main purpose or thesis statement of your piece. This provides a roadmap for the rest of your writing or presentation, letting readers or listeners know what to expect and helping them to follow your ideas.

4. Preview the main points: Provide a concise summary of the main points you will be discussing in the body of your work. This gives the audience a glimpse of the structure and content to come.

Remember that an introduction should be concise, clear, and compelling. It's often a good idea to write the introduction after you have planned the main body of your work, as this will help you to include all the relevant information and structure your introduction effectively.