Which of the following is included in the introductory or opening paragraph?

Introductions and conclusions are important components of any academic paper. Introductions and conclusions should also be included in non-academic writing, such as emails, webpages, or business and technical documents. 

The following provides information on how to write introductions and conclusions in both academic and non-academic writing. 

Introductions for academic papers

An introduction is the first paragraph of your paper. The goal of your introduction is to let your reader know the topic of the paper and what points will be made about the topic. The thesis statement that is included in the introduction tells your reader the specific purpose or main argument of your paper. These can be achieved by taking your introduction from "general" to "specific."

Think of an introduction paragraph in an academic paper as an upside-down triangle, with the broadest part on top and the sharpest point at the bottom. It should begin by providing your reader a general understanding of the overall topic. The middle of the introduction should narrow down the topic so your reader understands the relevance of the topic and what you plan to accomplish in your paper. Finally, direct your reader to your main point by stating your thesis clearly. 

By moving from general subject to specific thesis, your audience will have a more concrete understanding of what your paper will focus on. 

1. General

   This refers to the broader topic you will address in your paper and its significance for the reader. For example, it might let your reader know you are writing about "climate change." Example: Climate change caused by humans is having a drastic effect on the world. 

2. Narrowing

   This is where you guide your reader to see your purpose for this particular paper. These sentences should give the reader an idea of what the context is for the topic. For example, it's not that you want to merely discuss climate change in general, but instead want to discuss the effects on yearly temperatures and how citizens can act. Example: However, the damage is not only affecting glaciers and rivers. Temperatures are starting to noticeable shift in cities and neighborhoods that have been otherwise consistent for centuries. Addressing the issue may require challenging decisions by individuals who have grown comfortable with their lifestyles and my be unaware of how their choices contribute to climate change. 

3. Specific

   This is where you narrow the focus to your argument, or your Thesis Statement. It is no longer about "climate change" or "human action," for example, but taking the argument all the way to your specific point. Example: While it has long been convenient to ignore how small changes may have a compounding effect on slowing climate change, it is vital to consider the extent to which measures such as eliminating single-use plastics can provide meaningful help. 

Sample Academic Introduction

Introductions for non-academic writing (emails, webpages, business and technical documents, etc.)

Introduction paragraphs are also used in non-academic writing, but these introductions take on a different format. Rather than developing a fully developed paragraph of 5 or more sentences, these introductions are much shorter in length and they go directly to the main point or the specific information or purpose for the written communication.

When writing an introduction for an email, business or technical document, or webpage, keep the following principles in mind:

• State the specific point or purpose as early as possible. In some communications, you may need to introduce the topic in the first sentence, but in others where the topic may be included in the subject line or the title of the document, you may not need to open by presenting the overall topic.
• Keep the paragraph short and direct. It can be a single sentence or just a few but avoid using more than 4 sentences.

  Your introductory paragraph is extremely important. It sets the tone for the entire paper and introduces your reader to your argument. In almost all cases, you want to be sure the paragraph has the following components: a thesis statement and a preview of how you will make your argument.

  Some of the most common problems with introductory paragraphs are:

  1) No thesis statement. Remember that your thesis statement needs to be an argument, not simply a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response to the question. What will you argue? Within the thesis statement or in the next sentence you must say something about why you are making that argument. Also, be bold and direct about your thesis. OWN it. Don’t beat around the bush with lots of qualifying statements.

  2) No indication to the reader how the argument will be made. In addition to the WHAT question (what will you argue?), there is the HOW question. How will you make your argument? Your introductory paragraph should say something about the logic, evidence or points you will present in support of your thesis.

  3) Opening the paper with a discussion of the nature of the universe. Don’t start your paper with huge, sweeping statements about the world. Cut to the chase. What material are you engaging? Who is making what arguments? What do you have to say about those arguments?

  4) Sloppy punctuation. Don't frustrate your reader by forgetting to proofread for basic grammar problems. USE THE APOSTROPHE for possessives (i.e., Thompson's book, not Thompsons book). But don’t use apostrophes to say the possessive "its." LEARN HOW TO USE THE COMMA. If you aren’t sure when to use a comma, refer to a style manual or go to the Writing Center technical assistance website.

  5) Imprecise word choices. You always want to avoid words that are vague (such as "problematic") but this is particularly true for the introductory paragraph. Your reader will immediately have questions about your meaning. Be as specific as possible. Instead of writing, "Foster’s argument is problematic," (which doesn’t tell your reader very much) think about what aspect of Foster’s argument has a problem and what sort of problem it is. Is it inaccurate? Is it na�ve? inconsistent? incoherent? ridiculous?

  6) Overuse of quotations. It is usually best not to begin or end your introductory paragraph with a quotation. You weaken your argument by relying on someone else’s words so early on in the paper. If you do quote in the first paragraph, make sure it is short and to the point.

  Which of the following is included in the introductory paragraph or opening paragraph of the auditor's report?

  The introductory paragraph of the standard audit report states that the auditor is: responsible for the opinion on the financial statements.

  What is included in the introductory paragraph of an audit report?

  The introductory paragraph would include details about the entity being audited, statement that the financials have been audited, title of each financial statement, and the timeline that the audit report covers.

  Which of the following is included in the opinion paragraph of the auditor's report?

  The opinion paragraph of the auditor's report should clearly state the auditor's opinion as to whether the financial statements are presented fairly, in all material respects, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and, where appropriate, whether the financial statements comply with statutory ...

  Which of the following phrases is the correct way to start writing a qualified opinion?

  A qualified opinion phrase is, 'in our opinion, except for [explanation of problem] as discussed in the preceding (nonissuer)/following (issuer) paragraph..."