Introduction

An introduction should:

• Capture the reader’s attention.
• Describe what the answer will cover.
• State how the answer is structured and define its parameters.  
• Set a clear direction in response to the question – ie, your thesis statement should be stated.

An introduction should not:

• Ramble.
• Start a discussion (body paragraphs will do this where necessary).
• Ignore the terms of the question.
• Include irrelevant information.