 Introduction – assemble RELEVANT body of knowledge – start broad and narrow

focus to area embodied by project – end with a presentation of objectives or hypothesis

statement(s) to be tested (~2 pp target, double or 1.5-line spacing) – make greatest use of
your literature here. List references cited on a separate page(s). Cite references using a
format that one of your papers uses.

The intent of the Introduction is to orient and prepare the reader for what type of
information will follow. A common structure (and one that you should use) is the
“funnel” type of introduction. Three paragraphs would be helpful in progressing
through the three commonly constructed sections (USE your papers you accessed as
models for Introductions – they virtually all have the same structure and format)

The first section provides or explains a broad view or presentation of the area embodied
by the work. This places the work in the appropriate context relative to existing
knowledge. What are spoke of the basic principles or foundations of te area you are
getting into?

The next section serves to provide greater focus, by identifying a specific problem, need
or opportunity, and taking the time to concisely describe this need. This requires
selective and almost critical assessment of current knowledge based on the citation of
specific findings, in appropriate balance. This is also where the scientific and technical
foundation of the problem/need should be identified. A good way to approach this
section is to identify in some specific ways the knowledge that has already been obtained
and balance that with the type of knowledge that is not available (and which you will try
to seek). This section will focus on some aspect of the general area you described in the
first paragraph. Is there a critical gap in existing knowledge you wish to fill? Is there a
need to extend application of current knowledge to other areas? Why are either of these
(or other issues) necessary?

The last section should describe for the reader the nature of the principles you will
exploit in addressing this opportunity. What chemical aspects or principles do you
intend to exploit? What new approach or angle (scientific basis) do you think may be
effective (especially in view of where previous failings may be noted)? Your approach
can be crafted in a general sense now, as you will be able to be more specific later in the
semester. DO NOT go into detail about the nature of your analytical methods (that is
covered elsewhere in your final report). How do you imagine or predict your approach
will be successful? End with a brief statement (one sentence) of what your objectives are.

The purpose of drafting an introduction now is:

1) start working on your report early in the semester
2) draft this section when you are most familiar with background literature in your area
3) this draft can be modified throughout the semester as your project comes more into focus
and you become aware of literature that is more relevant than some that you are relying
on now.