Introduction What to write in an introduction to report writing ? Statement of the problem Research objectives Definition of the terms used Research questions and or hyphothesis

how to write an introduction for report writing ? one method that can be used is : the Pieter – funnel method Begin : something general on the topic/ category/ theme Be more specific: discuss the issue Most specific : mention the research objective(s)

The method starts with a general statement about the title/topic Moves to more specific ideas/ statement about the topic/title

In your introduction you must also include : The issue in general (refer to statement of the problem) The statement of the problem in general (refer to statement of the problem) At the end of your introduction you must mention : Objective of the study in general (refer to objective of the study)

Statement of the problem You need to discuss in detail : The issue of the problem (e.g. the dumping of garbage) The problem(s) arising from the issue (e.g. land pollution, the problem of the smell to nearby communities) The focus (the problem) you want to investigate (your research)

Criteria of a good research statement : The problem is clearly stated and explained The problem is significant (important) A researchable problem The problem is interesting and suitable to the researchers’ time, skills and available resources The problem is ethical ( would not cause harm to the subjects in anyway) Can lead to further research

Research objectives Why are you doing this research Research objectives Why are you doing this research ? The purpose of this research: you must explain the objectives, aims, goal or mission of your research.

The purpose of this research is to : To examine. To describe The purpose of this research is to : To examine ? To describe ? To evaluate ? To analyse ? To investigate ? Infinitive To + simple form of verbs + the objective e.g. To identify student’s leisure activities

Definition of terms What are the terms that is important and recurring in the research ? You need to define and explain : The variables of your study ( independent and dependent) Other important terms that is also unfamiliar to the reader

Research questions What are the aspects of the issue or the topic you would like to investigate in depth? Questions you develop and need to answer through the research (findings)

Why write an introduction Why write an introduction ? The introduction gives an overview of the research you are doing It provides readers with an understanding of your report It provides readers an understanding of the series of events or ideas which leads to the development of problem of the research It shows the need for an investigation of the problem