This document provides guidelines for writing the general introduction section of an internal assessment portfolio for Communication Studies. It explains that the introduction should have 5 paragraphs addressing the theme, purpose, treatment of the theme in the reflective and analytical sections, and how the theme relates to academic, work-related, and personal interests. It provides two sample general introductions as examples.

1. COMMUNICATION STUDIES
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT- THE
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
MRS. MOTIRAM

2. WHAT DOES YOUR IA GENERAL INTRODUCTION
CONTAIN?
• 1st paragraph: Explain your theme and purpose
• 2nd paragraph: Explain how your theme will be treated in the Reflective and
Analytical sections
• 3rd paragraph: Explain how your theme relates to your academic interests
• 4th paragraph: Explain how your theme relates to your work- related interests
• 5th paragraph: Explain how your theme relates to your personal interests

3. INTERNAL ASSESSMENT- THE INTRODUCTION

4. PARAGRAPH 1- GUIDELINES
• Paragraph 1
 Give a brief background on the topic: history /relevance/prevalence/Caribbean connection
(approx. 2 sentences);
 State the purpose of your portfolio (think about how someone reading your portfolio would
benefit) e.g. to gain more knowledge on the issue/to have a more balanced view/to highlight
areas not commonly acknowledged to express your opinion etc.

5. PARAGRAPH 2- GUIDELINES
• Paragraph 2
• Explain how you will use the exposition and reflection to fully develop your theme
 You can write that your exposition will be based on research, interviews, factual evidence
etc., that supports your views/made you more aware of the issues involved/raises questions
on the topic etc.;
 To explore the theme in your reflection section you must write that this section is more
expressive and employs description/emotive language/figurative language to appeal to your
selected audience;
 The way in which you develop your theme must be clearly related to your stated purpose in
paragraph 1.

8. PARAGRAPH 3- GUIDELINES
• Paragraph 3- conclusion
• Explain how your theme relates to your academic interests, work related interests and
personal interests
 Academic interests- your chosen theme must allow you to show what you are studying is
related to it, e.g. a specific subject area ( Sciences, Geography, Art, Entrepreneurship, Art,
Physical education, Sociology, Mathematics)
 Work related interests- future career(medicine/health; environment; finance/economics;
sport; research)
 Personal interests-how are you personally invested in the theme? Hobbies, extracurricular
activities, family life, friendships

9. IA SAMPLE #1- GENERAL INTRODUCTION
• The theme of my study is ‘The Attitudes of Society towards Water Pollution’. My study
aims to raise awareness on the severity of water pollution and to emphasize that a
change in the attitudes of society members towards the environment is necessary.
• My reflective piece will be based on a dialogue between two residents of
Barrackpore whereby one individual lives near a river and the other in the town. These
individuals were chosen to demonstrate the contrasting attitudes society has towards
the environment.
• For my exposition, I will discuss the relationship between the environment and
society in relation to water pollution, the problems that are harming the environment
as a result of this and possible solutions to mitigate the effects of water pollution.

10. GENERAL INTRODUCTION CON’D:
• As an environmental science student, this study will raise awareness to this issue and
the necessary changes to mitigate it. Additionally, technology and the environment
have in recent years been closely related through the development of devices to aid in
preservation of the environment.
• As an aspiring software engineer, the information gained from this study can be useful
in the development of new technologies to possibly combat water pollution.
• Personally, I have observed many waterbodies filled with garbage and various
wastes. This study is necessary to stress the issue of water pollution, the long-term
damages it inflicts on our environment and will benefit myself and future generations.

11. SAMPLE #2: IA GENERAL INTRODUCTION
• The theme of this portfolio is the Negative Effects of Crime on the Residents of
Princes Town. My aim is to promote the development of a more crime free
community in Princes Town by highlighting the negative effects of crime with a view
to developing relevant crime reducing strategies.
• In my Exposition, the negative effects of crime on the residents and country will be
discussed with the use of supporting statistical data from accredited publishers. I will
also examine the role of the residents, businessmen and police in reducing these
effects. For my Reflective piece, I will employ a short dialogue where the views of all
the stakeholders will be explored. The views of households and businessmen will be
compared with that of the police and their interaction will provide insights into
relevant crime reducing strategies.

12. GENERAL INTRODUCTION CON’D
• As a student of Applied Mathematics, the application of statistical methods to the
study of Crime is of particular importance to me. As an aspiring Applied Mathematics
Research Consultant, the present research will also provide me with the opportunity
to gain first-hand experience and knowledge of the application of mathematical
methods to the social issue of crime as well as lay the foundation for higher level
research.
• Personally, given the unabatingly high levels of crime at the national and community
levels and the loss of my uncle to aggravated murder, I will be better positioned to
advise my family and fellow residents on relevant and sustainable crime reducing
measures. To do otherwise would be contributing to the failure and moral decay of
my community and society as a whole.