Nearly all introductions perform three functions:

• Hook readers and convince them to take the time to read the essay
• Giving background information may be necessary to understand the article
• State the information/argument the reader will find in the essay, and sometimes how it will be organised

The end of the introduction contains a mission statement. This is a sentence that identifies the purpose of the paper or previews its main ideas. It performs several functions:

• Tests your ideas by distilling them into one or two sentences
• Help you organise and develop your argument
• Provides the reader with a guide to your argument