How to write the Introduction by R. A. Day

"The purpose of the Introduction should be to supply sufficient background information to allow the reader to understand and evaluate the results of the present study without needing to refer to previous publications on the topic. The Introduction should also provide the rationale for the present study. Choose references carefully to provide the most salient background rather than an exhaustive review of the topic."

Rules:
1. It should present first, with all possible clarity, the nature and scope of the problem investigated
2. To orient the reader, the pertinent literature should be reviewed
3. The method of investigation should be stated
4. The principal results of the investigation should be stated

"If the problem is not stated in a reasonable, understandable way, readers will have no interest in your solution. Even if the reader labours through your paper, which is unlikely if you haven't presented the problem in a meaningful way, he will be unimpressed by the brillance of your solution."

"The lit review and choice of method should be presented in such a way that the reader will understand what the problem was and how you attempted to resolve it."