INTRODUCTION FUNCTIONS Introduction is the initial part of a text, whether in an essay, a book, a monograph or an article. Its main function is to INFORM the reader or the listener of the conditions that originate the text, of the environment and the time, of the main characters and of all the details of interest to maximize the understanding of what will be read or heard next. The introduction also has, and sometimes, the function of warning the reader of situations that might not be to his liking, such as bloody war scenes, or scenes of high sexual erotic content. Another function is to explain desirable prior knowledge, such as having read previous installments, technological or scientific information. It could include historical background or refer the auditor or reader to review a document or map. Sometimes it is interesting to know why and for what it has been written. Finally the introduction can include references, acknowledgments and dedications, although when the references are voluminous the custom is to place a separate chapter at the end of the text in which those who were consulted are honored. Sometimes the author makes a (deep or extensive) philosophical or political analysis that clarifies the line of thought and other details that allow us to better understand where he is going, what is the objective of the writer and his message. "The functions of the introduction are always around pre-informing, contextualizing and warning the reader"