Writing in the Disciplines Knowledge Base

Writing the Introduction

The introduction to a Review article has 5 steps.  The most successful introductions have all 5 steps in the order presented below!  This particular format accomplishes the two functional objectives of the introduction:

• inform the reader about the topic;
• persuade the reader that the author’s perspective is valuable.

1. Topic — a general statement of what the Review is about;
2. Significance or Topic — practical, clinical, or research significance of topic;
3. Background of Problem — a brief background framing the review, usually just a few sentences providing key definitions or concepts;
4. Gap — what’s missing in the literature (the motivation for the review);
5. Overview Statement — usually has 2 parts
   • Focus — the critical perspective the reviewer is using to organize the body;
   • Preview — roadmap of body sections so that reader knows what’s coming up.

Let’s take a look at an example. The first image below identifies the article to be a review by examining the outline — it consists of topical subheadings, so we know we are not reading experimental research.  The images below this one show a typical Review Introduction in medicine. It is brief and leads the reader quickly to where the information in the paper happens: the body. A second annotated example is also provided.

 

Outlines: Introduction to Medical Reviews [link to doc]

Back Map Content

Go to Rev Body