How to Write an Introduction Paragraph
An introduction paragraph is the opening section of an essay, report, or any other composition. It should start with an attention-grabbing sentence to capture the readers’ attention from the start of the essay. Apart from informing the audience about the main topic, it also adds a touch of curiosity to read the essay further.
This article discusses how you can compose a great essay introduction to keep your readers hooked.
How to Write an Introduction
It is imperative to understand what an introduction paragraph is and what it entails. The introduction paragraph is the first section that introduces your paper to the readers. It could be an essay, proposal, report, dissertation, or any other academic paper. This paragraph allows the writer to make a good impression on the audience.
When writing an introduction, you must include three fundamental parts to make your paper effective.
Let us explore the three parts in detail:
Hook
A hook is a crucial sentence that makes an introduction section more effective. It serves the goal of grabbing the interest of readers in one sentence. How do you engage your readers with a hook sentence?
There are several ways you can use to formulate a great hook:
- An authoritative fact
- An alarming question
- A striking quote
- An anecdote
You can be sure of piquing the interest of your audience with the above tactics. Also, avoid using clichés, generalizations, and blanket statements when writing a hook. Proceed to provide a piece of background information about the topic to let the readers know more about the subject.
Connections
Now that the readers have an idea about your topic, explain further what you intend to cover in the essay. You should present your main ideas in a similar order that you will discuss in the essay body.
The connections section has some essential questions the writer must answer related to the topic – the five W’s and an H (who, what, where, when, why, and how). These answers will make your introduction more specific, and readers will better understand your research topic and its direction. But you must maintain brevity and clarity to drive your point home.
Thesis Statement – Definition
Developing a powerful thesis is vital when introducing your essay. You must include it in the introduction section since it rotates around the entire analysis. A thesis statement offers your readers a summary of the essay’s main argument. Thus, it should be brief, clear, and accurate. It is usually one sentence that appears nearly at the end of the introduction section.
Essay Introduction Examples
Below are a few examples of strong essay introductions:
- Striking fact:
Example:
“The life expectancy of an average dog owner is 24% higher than those people without a canine companion. Dogs have numerous health benefits to human beings, both physically and mentally. These include companionship, active lifestyle, and a sense of fulfillment.”
- Question
Example:
“Cancer is a deadly crisis that impacts everyone globally, young and old. From genetically modified foods to sedentary lifestyles, humanity is under attack as the world changes. How will you make lasting lifestyle decisions in the coming years?
What Is an Introduction Essay
When you start your essay, you must compose a captivating introduction to capture your readers’ attention. Thus, the introduction is a vital paragraph that sets the pace for your entire writing process.
The introduction is a vital section with important functions. One main objective is to inform the audience about what you will discuss in your essay. In short, it defines the topic of interest and sheds some light on the main point or argument of the essay. Another reason you need an interesting introduction is to hook the audience to continue reading your paper.
In terms of length, there are no strict parameters to follow. It usually depends on your paper’s length and complexity. For instance, if your paper has five paragraphs, you should maintain your introduction to one paragraph. But your introductory section can be several paragraphs or pages if you write an extensive dissertation.
However, experienced academicians and writers advise learners that the introduction should take up around 8% to 9% of the paper’s word count.
Introduction Essay Examples
The following are examples of introductions:
- “The rise of social media networks is causing serious mental health problems globally. Many young people develop negative experiences due to feelings of inadequacy in their lives. Social media platforms allow users to share information, interact and connect virtually. However, overuse of social media results in depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.”
- “About 25% of college students suffer from alcohol addiction, which negatively affects their academics. Most people aged 19-29 abuse alcohol globally. Learners in college indulge in heavy drinking, which causes poor performance, resulting in a desolate future. Excessive consumption of alcohol can impact a student’s performance in college.
How to Start an Introduction for an Essay
While you continue to research and compose your essay, you might encounter new information and change the focus of your argument. Thus, expert writers often say that it is wise to wait until you complete writing your paper before you craft the introduction section.
After composing the main body and conclusion, you can review the introduction to check if it aligns with the essay’s content. It is imperative to ensure the thesis statement accurately expresses your discussion in the paper. When you realize your arguments are off-topic, change your thesis to reflect the content.
Below is a checklist for a powerful essay introduction:
- Include a hook sentence to engage the audience.
- Introduce relevant background information about your topic.
- It should present the main points or argument.
- Include all necessary information the readers should know.
- Add a thesis statement that reveals the main essay idea.
It is imperative to keep in mind the structure of the introduction section. It consists of a hook sentence, connections, and a thesis statement.
If you still grapple with crafting a perfect introduction, you can contact our professional writers to help you with your compositions.
FAQ
What is an introduction in an essay?
An introduction is the first paragraph in an essay that gives the readers an idea of what the paper will cover. It offers background information on a specific research issue that will be addressed in the essay. The introduction should be brief with clear communication to the readers.
How to start an introduction for an essay?
When starting your essay introduction, you must incorporate three main aspects: a striking hook sentence to catch readers’ attention, a piece of background information about the topic, and a thesis statement that presents your main points. Keep in mind the introduction lets the reader know about the topic and what to expect in the essay.
How to write an informative essay introduction?
The introduction of your informative essay should be captivating, with a hook sentence to motivate the audience to continue reading. Include the context of the main subject and a clear thesis statement. You should also inform the readers about the topic and purpose of your research. You can use shocking statistics to blow the readers’ minds.
How to write an introduction for an argumentative essay?
Start the introduction of your argumentative essay with a quote or interesting question to trigger readers’ curiosity. Review the subject generally and tell the audience why you think the issue is important by writing a background of the topic. Finally, present your thesis statement and disclose your position on the argument.
How to write an introduction for a persuasive essay?
Your introduction should immediately capture the audience and provide relevant background information about the subject. Include a thesis statement that shows your stand on the issue and the main points you will use to argue your position. Remember, the argument present should aim to convince the audience to accept your standpoint.
