Scientific Introductions and Conclusions

A scientific introduction

 
1. states the SUBJECT (start at the edge of what your readers know)

 
2. might include (depending on the readers' knowledge) a small amount of BACKGROUND information about the history or theory of the subject (most often use a general-to-specific organization for this), definitions of key terms the readers might not know, explanations of the technical principles, basic laws, formulas, equations, and the like.

 
3. states the PURPOSE of the document clearly ("The purpose of this report is --"); this should tell them WHY you are writing about this subject and whether your material will provide a new perspective or clarify an existing one.

 
4. defines the PROBLEM to be addressed (readers must understand how you view the problem to understand your approaches, solutions)

 
5. explains the SCOPE of the document (the emphasis, boundaries, organization, the amount of detail readers can expect -- e.g., a broad survey of the topic, or a concentrated analysis of one facet of that topic). Keep this section brief (don't turn it into an abstract of your report).

 
• in feasibility reports, the scope section includes a statement of the alternatives you consider and your criteria for judging them

 
• in other kinds of reports, the scope section includes a forecast (the main sections or topics of the report and their sequence)

 
6. gives a quick overview of the material (in longer reports, it might explain how the subject will be developed -- e.g., analysis of the component parts, chronological sequence, inductive approach)

 
7. doesn't include information that is too general or that is peripheral to your purpose. Ask yourself, do my readers need to know this in order to understand this report?

 
8. fulfills its purpose of preparing readers to use the material in the technical discussion.

A scientific conclusion

 
1. emphasizes the document's most significant data and ideas (usually summarizes the most important information in each section)

 
2. often offers an evaluation or judgment

 
3. usually recommends a course of action (or offers a challenge)

 
4. often speculates about the implications of your ideas

 
5. if possible, returns to your opening to establish a sense of unity and of closure

 
6. is usually effective when limited to the most important information

 
7. avoids ending with a cliche or introducing a new idea

 
8. doesn't apologize for the report's weakness (if you see a weakness, fix it before you submit the report).

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