In academic papers the introduction usually contains a description of the outline of the paper, i.e. a description of the structure of the paper, such as a description of what goes in what section. In writing such a description one might want to interpose the cross references to sections instead of having them in the main flow of sentences, e.g. to write "I will start out with an introduction (section 1)" instead of "I'll start out with an introduction in section 1". What are the proper/best ways to do this?
Here's two examples. If parentheses are used to interpose the cross references to sections, then the parentheses might be distracting (especially if they occur frequently):
I will start out with an introduction (section 1). After that I'll present some additional background (section 2). Then I'll present my position (section 3), argue for it (section 4) and present some of its applications (section 5). Finally, I'll sum up the main points (section 6).
If commas are used, then the disposition might get confusing (e.g. by confusing the list and the interpositions in the second sentence):
I will start out with an introduction, section 1. After that I'll present some additional background, section 2. Then I'll present my position, section 3, argue for it, section 4, and present some of its applications, section 5. Finally, I'll sum up the main points, section 6.
There might be other possible constructions, e.g. by use of semicolons or dashes.