What should the introduction of a technical report include?

The introduction of a technical report plays a crucial role in setting the stage for the reader. It should provide a clear overview of the purpose, scope, and structure of the report. By defining the purpose, the introduction clarifies why the report is being written and what it aims to achieve. This sets expectations for the reader.

Additionally, outlining the scope informs the reader about the specific topics and limitations being addressed in the report, helping them understand the context and boundaries of the discussion. Lastly, a concise summary of the structure guides the reader on how the report is organized, making it easier to navigate through different sections.

Other choices, while important components of reports, do not fit the primary function of the introduction. Detailed explanations of technical terms would typically belong to a glossary or a definition section, references belong in a bibliography or reference section, and summaries of the main findings should generally be included in the conclusion or executive summary, not the introduction.