In an essay, article, or book, an introduction (also known as a prolegomenon) is a beginning section which states the purpose and goals of the following writing. This is generally followed by the body and conclusion.

Description is one of four rhetorical modes, along with exposition, argumentation, and narration. Each of the rhetorical modes is present in a variety of forms and each has its own purpose and conventions. The act of description may be related to that of definition.

Description is also the fiction-writing mode for transmitting a mental image of the particulars of a story.

The pattern of development that presents a word picture of a thing, a person, a situation, or a series of events.

The most appropriate and effective techniques for presenting description are a matter of ongoing discussion among writers and writing coaches.

The word communication is derived from the Latin root communicare. This was due to the Roman Empire also devising what might be described as a mail or postal system, in order to centralize control of the empire from Rome. This allowed for personal letters and for Rome to gather knowledge about events in its many widespread provinces. More advanced postal systems later appeared in the Islamic Caliphate and the Mongol Empire during the Middle Ages.