tips to write an introduction for an essay

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

How to Write an Excellent Essay Introduction

• 3-minute read
• 27th September 2022

Love it or hate it, essay writing is a big part of student life. Writing a great essay might seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re staring at a blank document, but there are formulas you can follow to make sure your paper hits the mark.

When you plan your essays , don’t neglect your introduction! It might seem like a trivial part of the paper, but it can make it or break it. A badly written introduction can leave your reader feeling confused about the topic and what to expect from your essay.

To help your writing reach its full potential, we’ve put together a guide to writing an excellent essay introduction.

How to Write an Essay Introduction

An essay introduction has four main steps:

●  Hook your reader

●  Provide context

●  Present your thesis statement

●  Map your essay

Hook Your Reader

The first part of your introduction should be the hook. This is where you introduce the reader to the topic of the essay. A great hook should be clear, concise, and catchy. It doesn’t need to be long; a hook can be just one sentence.

Provide Context

In this section, introduce your reader to key definitions, ideas, and background information to help them understand your argument.

Present Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the reader the main point or argument of the essay. This can be just one sentence, or it can be a few sentences.

Map Your Essay

Before you wrap up your essay introduction, map it! This means signposting sections of your essay. The key here is to be concise. The purpose of this part of the introduction is to give your reader a sense of direction.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction:

Hook: Suspense is key for dramatic stories, and Shakespeare is well-known and celebrated for writing suspenseful plays.

Context: While there are many ways in which Shakespeare created suspension for his viewers, two techniques he used effectively were foreshadowing and dramatic irony. Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at an event or situation that is yet to happen. Dramatic irony is a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character’s words or actions is clear to the audience or reader, although it is unknown to the character.

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Thesis statement: Foreshadowing and dramatic irony are two powerful techniques that Shakespeare used to create suspense in literature. These methods have been used to keep the reader intrigued, excited, or nervous about what is to come in many of his celebrated works.

Essay mapping: In this essay, I will be detailing how Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and dramatic irony to create suspense, with examples from Romeo and Juliet and Othello.

Pro tip: Essays take twists and turns. We recommend changing your introduction as necessary while you write the main text to make sure it fully aligns with your final draft.

Proofread and Editing

Proofreading is an essential part of delivering a great essay. We offer a proofreading and editing service for students and academics that will provide you with expert editors to check your work for any issues with:

●  Grammar

●  Spelling

●  Formatting

●  Tone

●  Audience

●  Consistency

●  Accuracy

●  Clarity

Want 500 words of your work proofread completely free of charge?

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

5-minute read

Free Email Newsletter Template (2024)

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

6-minute read

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

Paperpal is a comprehensive AI writing toolkit that helps students and researchers achieve 2x the writing in half the time. It leverages 21+ years of STM experience and insights from millions of research articles to provide in-depth academic writing, language editing, and submission readiness support to help you write better, faster.  

Get accurate academic translations, rewriting support, grammar checks, vocabulary suggestions, and generative AI assistance that delivers human precision at machine speed. Try for free or upgrade to Paperpal Prime starting at US$19 a month to access premium features, including consistency, plagiarism, and 30+ submission readiness checks to help you succeed.  

Experience the future of academic writing – Sign up to Paperpal and start writing for free!  

Related Reads:

• What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
• How to Paraphrase Research Papers Effectively
• How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing? 
• How Long Should a Chapter Be?

Similarity Checks: The Author’s Guide to Plagiarism and Responsible Writing

Types of plagiarism and 6 tips to avoid it in your writing , you may also like, how to write a research proposal: (with examples..., how to write your research paper in apa..., how to choose a dissertation topic, how to write a phd research proposal, how to write an academic paragraph (step-by-step guide), maintaining academic integrity with paperpal’s generative ai writing..., research funding basics: what should a grant proposal..., how to write an abstract in research papers..., how to write dissertation acknowledgements, how to structure an essay.

How to Write an Introduction to an Essay

#scribendiinc

Written by  Scribendi

An Introduction to How to Write an Introduction

I once had a professor tell a class that he sifted through our pile of essays, glancing at the titles and introductions, looking for something that grabbed his attention. Everything else went to the bottom of the pile to be read last, when he was tired and probably grumpy from all the marking.

"Don't get put at the bottom of the pile," he said.

We don't want you, intrepid essay writer, to end up at the bottom of the pile because of poor essay writing. We want you to know how to write an introduction that grabs attention and gets noticed. 

An essay introduction does exactly what its name implies: it introduces the subject of the paper to readers. Most importantly, it provides readers with a map of the overall paper. A good introduction captures readers' attention, tells them what the paper is about, and provides an outline of what is to come. 

The introduction is quite possibly the most important part of an essay, but it can also be the hardest for some writers. Don't fret; we're here to provide you with some tips and guidelines for writing introductions and staying on top of the pile.

Elevate Your Writing with Professional Editing

Hire one of our expert editors , or get a free sample, conventional introduction structure.

Your essay introduction should follow a specific structure , which should be helpful in guiding your writing. When thinking about how to write an introduction, remember that it will be structured into three parts: 

The background information

Your hook will be what grabs your reader (and keeps you from the bottom of that pile we mentioned earlier). The background information will give context to your topic or argument in a broad but relevant way. Finally, your thesis will summarize your overall argument in a sentence or two. 

Hook Your Reader

To really draw readers into the introduction to an essay , start with something attention grabbing. This can be a startling fact, an interesting anecdote, or a relevant quote from an expert. 

Try not to lead with bland, factual statements or long, dry sentences when writing an introduction. The goal is to write something catchy and clear that will make the reader curious to read more. 

For example, instead of saying

A gig economy is a labor market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors . 

say something like

Most people would rather work to live than live to work, and the gig economy makes this possible .

Refer to our article about front matter for more ideas on how to write an introduction to your work. You can even present the point you are going to argue against.

Provide Background Information

In the introduction to an essay, provide readers with a little background or basic information about the topic you are covering. Start with the broader subject, and lead your readers to your specific topic. This is especially important when writing a book report. Show them how your topic relates to the bigger picture.

The background information you provide may vary, depending on the subject of your essay. If your essay is argumentative, for example, the background information in your introduction could be an outline of the argument you're positing. If your paper is more research oriented, this could mean a summary of theories that are relevant to the research you are presenting. 

Overall, the background information should include broad information that provides context to help your reader understand the point you're trying to make in your essay. Effective introduction writing means always keeping the reader in mind! 

Perfect Your Thesis Statement

The most important thing to include when writing an introduction is your thesis. A thesis statement is the main point of your paper; it is narrow, focused, and specific and very clearly explains your paper's topic. 

Essentially, a thesis functions as a brief summary of your essay. It can be something you are arguing for or against. However, when writing your thesis, try to avoid including all of your topic's information at once. Keep it succinct: it's a claim you are making. Save the additional details to develop the rest of your essay.  

In terms of positioning, the thesis should go at the very end of your essay introduction—don't forget to include it! Knowing how to write an introduction requires knowing that there's always a thesis at the end of it. 

Outline Your Essay

After providing your readers with some background and a thesis in your essay introduction, an easy way to flesh out the rest of your essay is with an outline . Outlines are a useful way to organize your ideas and form connections between them. They can act as an essay blueprint to guide your writing, so you never have to wonder what to write next.

There are two types of common outlines you can use to organize your essay: an alphanumeric outline or a decimal outline. An alphanumeric outline combines letters and numbers, with each category being a single idea (I. Idea #1, A. Sub-idea #1, 1. Sub-sub-idea #1, etc.). A decimal outline is used the same way, but it uses numbers to differentiate the sections (1, 1.1, 1.1.1, etc.). 

Whichever outline you choose after finishing your introduction writing, lay out your main points and arguments, preferably in the order in which you are going to discuss them. This is going to help you bring everything you outlined in your introduction together. 

Essay Introduction Examples

To get a good sense of how to write an introduction, it helps to look at examples. Check out the following essay introduction example to get a sense of a good essay hook, the type of background information to include, and a good thesis statement.

Societies have long believed that if a black cat crosses one's path, one might have bad luck—but it was not until King Charles I's black cat died that the ruler's bad luck began (Pemberton, 2018). Indeed, for centuries, black cats have been seen as the familiars of witches—as demonic associates of Satan who disrespect authority (Yuko, 2021). Yet, they have also been associated with good luck, from England's rulers to long-distance sailors (Cole, 2021). This essay shows how outdated the bad luck superstition really is. It provides a comprehensive history of the belief and then provides proof that this superstition has no place in today's modern society. It argues that despite the prevailing belief that animals cause bad luck, black cats often bring what seems to be "good luck" and deserve a new reputation.

Use the structure above to help with writing an introduction, and check out more essay introduction examples here .

While introduction writing can seem tough at the outset, a good structure, like the one we've mentioned in this post, will guide your thinking as you write your essay. 

Don't feel the need to write your introduction first if you're drawing a blank. Often, writers find it helpful to start with the body of their essay first so they know how to clearly convey their argument or topic in the introduction. For others, writing the introduction to an essay first helps guide the rest of their paper. 

Regardless of how you write your introduction, as long as you remember the key elements (hook, background information, and thesis), you're sure to keep your paper from the bottom of your professor's pile! 

Should I Write My Essay Introduction First?

Since some writers find introductions extremely hard to write, the simple answer to knowing when to start your introduction writing is to write it when it's easiest for you. 

As we mentioned earlier, it may be easier to write the introduction last (and maybe even write the conclusion and back matter first). On the other hand, other writers find that writing introductions first helps them set the direction of their paper. 

If you are struggling with how to write an introduction to your essay, put it aside for a while and continue with the body or conclusion of the paper. If you've written a good outline, you'll already know what topics you need to discuss, and your introduction will become clearer as you write. 

What Is the Purpose of a Thesis Statement?

The purpose of a thesis statement in your essay introduction is to share your interpretation of the subject you're discussing. It's a one-sentence statement that acts as a road map, signaling to the reader what you're going to argue or explain in your essay. A thesis statement also offers a way for your reader to understand your subject, whether it be smoking, social media, or the Civil War. 

Thesis statements are important given that the majority of writing in college involves some form of persuasion. Your goal is to convince readers that your point is logical and interesting enough to warrant attention. The good news is that once you've come up with your thesis statement, you can use it to settle on the evidence you'll need to develop and explain your argument throughout the rest of your essay. You won't be able to escape writing an introduction without it! 

How Long Should My Essay Introduction Be?

When it comes to introduction writing, there is no rule for exactly how long an introduction should be. When writing your essay introduction, you have to consider the length of your overall paper, per your professor.

An appropriate length for your introduction in a five-page essay is about half a page, but if you are writing a 40-page paper, your introduction will span several pages and multiple paragraphs. It comes down to what's expected of you, and not every essay introduction will be the same length. 

If you're still not sure how to write an introduction or determine its length, stick to the structure we've mentioned in this post: hook, background information, and thesis. It's a sure way to get your introduction finished and set your entire essay in motion.

Polish Your Conclusion to Leave an Impact on Your Reader

About the author.

Scribendi's in-house editors work with writers from all over the globe to perfect their writing. They know that no piece of writing is complete without a professional edit, and they love to see a good piece of writing transformed into a great one. Scribendi's in-house editors are unrivaled in both experience and education, having collectively edited millions of words and obtained numerous degrees. They love consuming caffeinated beverages, reading books of various genres, and relaxing in quiet, dimly lit spaces.

Have You Read?

"The Complete Beginner's Guide to Academic Writing"

Related Posts

How to Improve Essay Writing Skills

How to Write a Great Thesis Statement

How to Write an Outline

Upload your file(s) so we can calculate your word count, or enter your word count manually.

We will also recommend a service based on the file(s) you upload.

English is not my first language. I need English editing and proofreading so that I sound like a native speaker.

I need to have my journal article, dissertation, or term paper edited and proofread, or I need help with an admissions essay or proposal.

I have a novel, manuscript, play, or ebook. I need editing, copy editing, proofreading, a critique of my work, or a query package.

I need editing and proofreading for my white papers, reports, manuals, press releases, marketing materials, and other business documents.

I need to have my essay, project, assignment, or term paper edited and proofread.

I want to sound professional and to get hired. I have a resume, letter, email, or personal document that I need to have edited and proofread.

 Prices include your personal % discount.

 Prices include % sales tax ( ).

Awesome Guide on How to Write an Essay Introduction

The introduction of your essay is important because it hooks your audience, and lays out your ideas. If it fails to engage, your hard work might go unnoticed. But, how can you create an introduction that successfully sets the tone for your entire paper? Well, you need to follow these key steps:

• Start with a compelling hook—an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, or a brief story.
• Give some background information to help readers understand the topic.
• Clearly state your thesis, outlining the main points you’ll discuss in your essay. 

Now, let’s read on for more detailed explanations and tips on building a strong introduction.

What is Essay Introduction

The essay introduction is the first thing your reader sees, setting the tone and style of your writing. More importantly, it gives background information to explain what your essay is about.

Structurally, the introduction does three main things. First, it explains why your topic is important and gets your reader interested. Then, it states your thesis—the main point you're making in your essay. Finally, it outlines what you'll talk about in the rest of your essay.

Usually, your opening hooks your reader and keeps them engaged by including a surprising fact, an interesting question, or a story. This keeps your reader focused and ready to understand your ideas.

How Long Should an Introduction Be?

There's usually no strict rule on its length. You can adjust it based on the total length of the paper. For example, in a shorter essay with five paragraphs, keep the introduction concise, fitting it into one section. However, for a longer paper, such as a 40-page essay, the introduction may span several paragraphs or even pages.

While there are no exact rules, experienced writers suggest that your introduction should typically be around 8% to 9% of your essay's total word count.

If you order our coursework writing services , we'll definitely meet your requirements for the length of the introduction.

What Makes a Good Introduction

An effective introduction goes beyond the essential elements. Here's how to write yours:

• Specificity: Instead of generic hooks, use details directly related to your topic. A surprising statistic, a relevant historical event, or even a thought-provoking quotation can grab the reader's attention and establish your focus.
• Clarity: Strive for conciseness and precision. Avoid overly complex sentences or jargon. Aim for clear, direct language that immediately conveys your meaning.
• Intrigue: Don't simply announce your thesis. Instead, build anticipation. Phrase it in a way that sparks curiosity and compels the reader to continue reading to discover your analysis.

Read a detailed guide on how to critique an article to gain more academic insight.

Still Can't Think of a Perfect Intro?

Let’s ditch the tired "In this essay..." openers and spark some fireworks, not trigger yawns!

Essay Introduction Techniques - How to Write Essay Introduction

Here are five key steps from our custom writer to guide you in crafting a strong introduction:

• Engage Your Reader from the Start - Instead of a predictable opening, capture your reader's interest with these techniques:
• Challenge assumptions. For instance, "Can democracy survive in the digital age if social media platforms prioritize engagement over truth?"
• Use a relevant statistic to highlight the significance of your essay's theme. For example, "Did you know 80% of online information is demonstrably false?"
• Personalize your topic with a compelling story. For instance, "The image of a lone polar bear on a shrinking ice floe symbolizes the urgency of climate change."
• Provide Meaningful Background: Briefly explain why your topic matters and its broader implications:
• Historical Context: "Privacy rights debates trace back to John Locke's arguments for personal autonomy."
• Social Context: "Automation raises concerns about job displacement and the need for workforce retraining."
• Craft a Focused Thesis Statement - Your thesis should clearly state your main argument:
• Clear and Direct: Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating what you aim to prove or analyze.
• Consider a Counterintuitive Thesis: Challenge common beliefs to offer a fresh perspective. For example, "Globalization can exacerbate inequalities between nations, despite its economic benefits."
• Map Your Argument Clearly - Provide a concise preview of your main points:
• Outline the key points you'll explore in a logical order. For example, "First, we'll discuss the psychological effects of social media addiction. Then, we'll analyze its economic factors. Finally, we'll propose solutions to mitigate its impact."
• Revise Thoroughly - After drafting your introduction, revise for clarity and conciseness:
• Ensure every word contributes to clarity.
• Identify and refine awkward phrasing or unclear sections.

If you are struggling with demanding subjects in the legal field, you can always get professional assistance from our law essay writing service .

Essay Introduction Example

Here's an example that demonstrates how to put the tips we discussed into action. Drawing inspiration from this example can help create introductions that inform and captivate.

"Did you know that studies predict robots could replace up to 80% of jobs in the next two decades? This rapid automation offers both opportunities and challenges. While some view it as a path to a more efficient future, others fear widespread job loss and increased inequality. This essay explores automation's impact on the workforce, discussing economic benefits and social concerns. We'll examine how technology can create new jobs and support workers facing displacement. Ultimately, can we use automation to build a future that benefits everyone?"

Explanation:

• Surprising Fact: The statistic about job replacement grabs attention.
• Context: Briefly explains automation's importance and potential impact.
• Counterintuitive Thesis: Challenges the idea that automation is universally beneficial.
• Preview: Outlines key arguments on economic benefits and social concerns.
• Engaging Question: Encourages readers to consider the essay's exploration.

Find out how to write a term paper in our separate article.

What is a Good Introduction Example?

Here are some more examples illustrating the key elements that contribute to a strong introduction:

Intriguing Question : "Has social media become a breeding ground for misinformation, eroding trust in traditional news sources?"

Providing Context: "The ongoing debate about gun control in the United States is a complex issue with deep historical roots and far-reaching social implications. On one hand, proponents of gun rights emphasize the importance of self-defense and Second Amendment protections. On the other hand, advocates for stricter gun control measures highlight the alarming rise in mass shootings and the need to prioritize public safety."

Delivering a Clear Thesis: "While the Second Amendment guarantees the right to bear arms, stricter gun control regulations, including background checks and limitations on assault weapons, are essential to curb gun violence in the United States."

Essay Introduction Checklist

Follow this checklist from our custom dissertation writing service to make sure your introduction is well-developed. Aim for a score of 9 points or higher for a technically strong introduction. 

Get Help With Your ESSAY INTRO!

Address to our professional writers to get help with your homework.

What is Short Essay Introduction?

How is a good introduction, how do i start my essay introduction.

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

• Updated writing techniques, examples and definitions
• Added FAQs and checklist
• LibGuides: Essay writing: Introductions . (2019). Hull.ac.uk. https://libguides.hull.ac.uk/essays/intros  
• Essay Introductions | UMGC . (n.d.). University of Maryland Global Campus. https://www.umgc.edu/current-students/learning-resources/writing-center/writing-resources/writing/essay-introductions  

Choose Your Test

• Search Blogs By Category
• College Admissions
• AP and IB Exams
• GPA and Coursework

How to Write an Introduction Paragraph in 3 Steps

General Education

It’s the roadmap to your essay, it’s the forecast for your argument, it’s...your introduction paragraph, and writing one can feel pretty intimidating. The introduction paragraph is a part of just about every kind of academic writing , from persuasive essays to research papers. But that doesn’t mean writing one is easy!

If trying to write an intro paragraph makes you feel like a Muggle trying to do magic, trust us: you aren’t alone. But there are some tips and tricks that can make the process easier—and that’s where we come in.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info:  

• A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its purpose in an essay
• An overview of the most effective introduction paragraph format, with explanations of the three main parts of an intro paragraph
• An analysis of real intro paragraph examples, with a discussion of what works and what doesn’t
• A list of four top tips on how to write an introduction paragraph

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

What Is an Introduction Paragraph? 

An introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay , paper, or other type of academic writing. Argumentative essays , book reports, research papers, and even personal  essays are common types of writing that require an introduction paragraph. Whether you’re writing a research paper for a science course or an argumentative essay for English class , you’re going to have to write an intro paragraph. 

So what’s the purpose of an intro paragraph? As a reader’s first impression of your essay, the intro paragraph should introduce the topic of your paper. 

Your introduction will also state any claims, questions, or issues that your paper will focus on. This is commonly known as your paper’s thesis . This condenses the overall point of your paper into one or two short sentences that your reader can come back and reference later.

But intro paragraphs need to do a bit more than just introduce your topic. An intro paragraph is also supposed to grab your reader’s attention. The intro paragraph is your chance to provide just enough info and intrigue to make your reader say, “Hey, this topic sounds interesting. I think I’ll keep reading this essay!” That can help your essay stand out from the crowd.

In most cases, an intro paragraph will be relatively short. A good intro will be clear, brief, purposeful, and focused. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s common for intro paragraphs to consist of three to five sentences . 

Effectively introducing your essay’s topic, purpose, and getting your reader invested in your essay sounds like a lot to ask from one little paragraph, huh? In the next section, we’ll demystify the intro paragraph format by breaking it down into its core parts . When you learn how to approach each part of an intro, writing one won’t seem so scary!

Once you figure out the three parts of an intro paragraph, writing one will be a piece of cake!

The 3 Main Parts of an Intro Paragraph

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement . Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay. 

Below, we’ll explain how to start an introduction paragraph by writing an effective hook, providing context, and crafting a thesis statement. When you put these elements together, you’ll have an intro paragraph that does a great job of making a great first impression on your audience!

Intro Paragraph Part 1: The Hook

When it comes to how to start an introduction paragraph, o ne of the most common approaches is to start with something called a hook. 

What does hook mean here, though? Think of it this way: it’s like when you start a new Netflix series: you look up a few hours (and a few episodes) later and you say, “Whoa. I guess I must be hooked on this show!” 

That’s how the hook is supposed to work in an intro paragrap h: it should get your reader interested enough that they don’t want to press the proverbial “pause” button while they’re reading it . In other words, a hook is designed to grab your reader’s attention and keep them reading your essay! 

This means that the hook comes first in the intro paragraph format—it’ll be the opening sentence of your intro. 

It’s important to realize  that there are many different ways to write a good hook. But generally speaking, hooks must include these two things: what your topic is, and the angle you’re taking on that topic in your essay. 

One approach to writing a hook that works is starting with a general, but interesting, statement on your topic. In this type of hook, you’re trying to provide a broad introduction to your topic and your angle on the topic in an engaging way . 

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the role of the government in the American healthcare system, your hook might look something like this: 

There's a growing movement to require that the federal government provide affordable, effective healthcare for all Americans. 

This hook introduces the essay topic in a broad way (government and healthcare) by presenting a general statement on the topic. But the assumption presented in the hook can also be seen as controversial, which gets readers interested in learning more about what the writer—and the essay—has to say.

In other words, the statement above fulfills the goals of a good hook: it’s intriguing and provides a general introduction to the essay topic.

Intro Paragraph Part 2: Context

Once you’ve provided an attention-grabbing hook, you’ll want to give more context about your essay topic. Context refers to additional details that reveal the specific focus of your paper. So, whereas the hook provides a general introduction to your topic, context starts helping readers understand what exactly you’re going to be writing about

You can include anywhere from one to several sentences of context in your intro, depending on your teacher’s expectations, the length of your paper, and complexity of your topic. In these context-providing sentences, you want to begin narrowing the focus of your intro. You can do this by describing a specific issue or question about your topic that you’ll address in your essay. It also helps readers start to understand why the topic you’re writing about matters and why they should read about it. 

So, what counts as context for an intro paragraph? Context can be any important details or descriptions that provide background on existing perspectives, common cultural attitudes, or a specific situation or controversy relating to your essay topic. The context you include should acquaint your reader with the issues, questions, or events that motivated you to write an essay on your topic...and that your reader should know in order to understand your thesis. 

For instance, if you’re writing an essay analyzing the consequences of sexism in Hollywood, the context you include after your hook might make reference to the #metoo and #timesup movements that have generated public support for victims of sexual harassment. 

The key takeaway here is that context establishes why you’re addressing your topic and what makes it important. It also sets you up for success on the final piece of an intro paragraph: the thesis statement.

Elle Woods' statement offers a specific point of view on the topic of murder...which means it could serve as a pretty decent thesis statement!

Intro Paragraph Part 3: The Thesis

The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way . The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph. 

Whether it’s making a claim, outlining key points, or stating a hypothesis, your thesis statement will tell your reader exactly what idea(s) are going to be addressed in your essay. A good thesis statement will be clear, straightforward, and highlight the overall point you’re trying to make.

Some instructors also ask students to include an essay map as part of their thesis. An essay map is a section that outlines the major topics a paper will address. So for instance, say you’re writing a paper that argues for the importance of public transport in rural communities. Your thesis and essay map might look like this: 

Having public transport in rural communities helps people improve their economic situation by giving them reliable transportation to their job, reducing the amount of money they spend on gas, and providing new and unionized work .

The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay!

So let’s review: Your thesis takes the idea you’ve introduced in your hook and context and wraps it up. Think of it like a television episode: the hook sets the scene by presenting a general statement and/or interesting idea that sucks you in. The context advances the plot by describing the topic in more detail and helping readers understand why the topic is important. And finally, the thesis statement provides the climax by telling the reader what you have to say about the topic. 

The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. Without it, your reader won’t know what the purpose of your essay is! And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. Your thesis statement conveys that purpose , so it’s important to put careful thought into writing a clear and compelling thesis statement. 

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph: Example and Analysis

Now that we’ve provided an intro paragraph outline and have explained the three key parts of an intro paragraph, let’s take a look at an intro paragraph in action.

To show you how an intro paragraph works, we’ve included a sample introduction paragraph below, followed by an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Example of Introduction Paragraph

While college students in the U.S. are struggling with how to pay for college, there is another surprising demographic that’s affected by the pressure to pay for college: families and parents. In the face of tuition price tags that total more than $100,000 (as a low estimate), families must make difficult decisions about how to save for their children’s college education. Charting a feasible path to saving for college is further complicated by the FAFSA’s estimates for an “Expected Family Contribution”—an amount of money that is rarely feasible for most American families. Due to these challenging financial circumstances and cultural pressure to give one’s children the best possible chance of success in adulthood, many families are going into serious debt to pay for their children’s college education. The U.S. government should move toward bearing more of the financial burden of college education. 

Example of Introduction Paragraph: Analysis

Before we dive into analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of this example intro paragraph, let’s establish the essay topic. The sample intro indicates that t he essay topic will focus on one specific issue: who should cover the cost of college education in the U.S., and why. Both the hook and the context help us identify the topic, while the thesis in the last sentence tells us why this topic matters to the writer—they think the U.S. Government needs to help finance college education. This is also the writer’s argument, which they’ll cover in the body of their essay. 

Now that we’ve identified the essay topic presented in the sample intro, let’s dig into some analysis. To pin down its strengths and weaknesses, we’re going to use the following three questions to guide our example of introduction paragraph analysis: 

• Does this intro provide an attention-grabbing opening sentence that conveys the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide relevant, engaging context about the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide a thesis statement that establishes the writer’s point of view on the topic and what specific aspects of the issue the essay will address? 

Now, let’s use the questions above to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this sample intro paragraph. 

Does the Intro Have a Good Hook? 

First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook . The writer starts by presenting  an assumption (that the U.S. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education), which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education. 

The hook then takes a surprising turn by presenting a counterclaim : that American families, rather than students, feel the true burden of paying for college. Some readers will have a strong emotional reaction to this provocative counterclaim, which will make them want to keep reading! As such, this intro provides an effective opening sentence that conveys the essay topic. 

Does the Intro Give Context?

T he second, third, and fourth sentences of the intro provide contextual details that reveal the specific focus of the writer’s paper . Remember: the context helps readers start to zoom in on what the paper will focus on, and what aspect of the general topic (college costs) will be discussed later on. 

The context in this intro reveals the intent and direction of the paper by explaining why the issue of families financing college is important. In other words, the context helps readers understand why this issue matters , and what aspects of this issue will be addressed in the paper.  

To provide effective context, the writer refers to issues (the exorbitant cost of college and high levels of family debt) that have received a lot of recent scholarly and media attention. These sentences of context also elaborate on the interesting perspective included in the hook: that American families are most affected by college costs.

Does the Intro Have a Thesis? 

Finally, this intro provides a thesis statement that conveys the writer’s point of view on the issue of financing college education. This writer believes that the U.S. government should do more to pay for students’ college educations. 

However, the thesis statement doesn’t give us any details about why the writer has made this claim or why this will help American families . There isn’t an essay map that helps readers understand what points the writer will make in the essay.

To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:

The U.S. government should take on more of the financial burden of college education because other countries have shown this can improve education rates while reducing levels of familial poverty.

Check out the new section in bold. Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map!  

So, let’s recap our analysis. This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work ! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work. Doing this will help ensure you’ve covered all of your bases and written an intro that your readers will find interesting!

4 Tips for How To Write an Introduction Paragraph

Now that we’ve gone over an example of introduction paragraph analysis, let’s talk about how to write an introduction paragraph of your own. Keep reading for four tips for writing a successful intro paragraph for any essay. 

Tip 1: Analyze Your Essay Prompt

If you’re having trouble with how to start an introduction paragraph, analyze your essay prompt! Most teachers give you some kind of assignment sheet, formal instructions, or prompt to set the expectations for an essay they’ve assigned, right? Those instructions can help guide you as you write your intro paragraph!

Because they’ll be reading and responding to your essay, you want to make sure you meet your teacher’s expectations for an intro paragraph . For instance, if they’ve provided specific instructions about how long the intro should be or where the thesis statement should be located, be sure to follow them!

The type of paper you’re writing can give you clues as to how to approach your intro as well. If you’re writing a research paper, your professor might expect you to provide a research question or state a hypothesis in your intro. If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you’ll need to make sure your intro overviews the context surrounding your argument and your thesis statement includes a clear, defensible claim. 

Using the parameters set out by your instructor and assignment sheet can put some easy-to-follow boundaries in place for things like your intro’s length, structure, and content. Following these guidelines can free you up to focus on other aspects of your intro... like coming up with an exciting hook and conveying your point of view on your topic!

Tip 2: Narrow Your Topic

You can’t write an intro paragraph without first identifying your topic. To make your intro as effective as possible, you need to define the parameters of your topic clearly—and you need to be specific. 

For example, let’s say you want to write about college football. “NCAA football” is too broad of a topic for a paper. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! It would be tough to write an intro paragraph that’s focused, purposeful, and engaging on this topic. In fact, if you did try to address this whole topic, you’d probably end up writing a book!

Instead, you should narrow broad topics to  identify a specific question, claim, or issue pertaining to some aspect of NCAA football for your intro to be effective. So, for instance, you could frame your topic as, “How can college professors better support NCAA football players in academics?” This focused topic pertaining to NCAA football would give you a more manageable angle to discuss in your paper.

So before you think about writing your intro, ask yourself: Is my essay topic specific, focused, and logical? Does it convey an issue or question that I can explore over the course of several pages? Once you’ve established a good topic, you’ll have the foundation you need to write an effective intro paragraph . 

Once you've figured out your topic, it's time to hit the books!

Tip 3: Do Your Research

This tip is tightly intertwined with the one above, and it’s crucial to writing a good intro: do your research! And, guess what? This tip applies to all papers—even ones that aren’t technically research papers. 

Here’s why you need to do some research: getting the lay of the land on what others have said about your topic—whether that’s scholars and researchers or the mass media— will help you narrow your topic, write an engaging hook, and provide relatable context. 

You don't want to sit down to write your intro without a solid understanding of the different perspectives on your topic. Whether those are the perspectives of experts or the general public, these points of view will help you write your intro in a way that is intriguing and compelling for your audience of readers. 

Tip 4: Write Multiple Drafts

Some say to write your intro first; others say write it last. The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong time to write your intro—but you do need to have enough time to write multiple drafts . 

Oftentimes, your professor will ask you to write multiple drafts of your paper, which gives you a built-in way to make sure you revise your intro. Another approach you could take is to write out a rough draft of your intro before you begin writing your essay, then revise it multiple times as you draft out your paper. 

Here’s why this approach can work: as you write your paper, you’ll probably come up with new insights on your topic that you didn’t have right from the start. You can use these “light bulb” moments to reevaluate your intro and make revisions that keep it in line with your developing essay draft. 

Once you’ve written your entire essay, consider going back and revising your intro again . You can ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your intro: 

• Is my hook still relevant to the way I’ve approached the topic in my essay?
• Do I provide enough appropriate context to introduce my essay? 
• Now that my essay is written, does my thesis statement still accurately reflect the point of view that I present in my essay?

Using these questions as a guide and putting your intro through multiple revisions will help ensure that you’ve written the best intro for the final draft of your essay. Also, revising your writing is always a good thing to do—and this applies to your intro, too!

What's Next?

Your college essays also need great intro paragraphs. Here’s a guide that focuses on how to write the perfect intro for your admissions essays. 

Of course, the intro is just one part of your college essay . This article will teach you how to write a college essay that makes admissions counselors sit up and take notice.

Are you trying to write an analytical essay? Our step-by-step guide can help you knock it out of the park.

Trending Now

How to Get Into Harvard and the Ivy League

How to Get a Perfect 4.0 GPA

How to Write an Amazing College Essay

What Exactly Are Colleges Looking For?

ACT vs. SAT: Which Test Should You Take?

When should you take the SAT or ACT?

Get Your Free

Find Your Target SAT Score

Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect SAT Score, by an Expert Full Scorer

Score 800 on SAT Math

Score 800 on SAT Reading and Writing

How to Improve Your Low SAT Score

Score 600 on SAT Math

Score 600 on SAT Reading and Writing

Find Your Target ACT Score

Complete Official Free ACT Practice Tests

How to Get a Perfect ACT Score, by a 36 Full Scorer

Get a 36 on ACT English

Get a 36 on ACT Math

Get a 36 on ACT Reading

Get a 36 on ACT Science

How to Improve Your Low ACT Score

Get a 24 on ACT English

Get a 24 on ACT Math

Get a 24 on ACT Reading

Get a 24 on ACT Science

Stay Informed

Get the latest articles and test prep tips!

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

Ask a Question Below

Have any questions about this article or other topics? Ask below and we'll reply!

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write an Essay Introduction

Last Updated: January 15, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams and by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 4,236,472 times.

The introduction of your essay serves two important purposes. First, it gets your reader interested in the topic and encourages them to read what you have to say about it. Second, it gives your reader a roadmap of what you're going to say and the overarching point you're going to make – your thesis statement. A powerful introduction grabs your reader's attention and keeps them reading.

Sample Essay Hooks & Introductions

Hooking Your Reader

• If you're writing a paper for a class, don't automatically assume your instructor is your audience. If you write directly to your instructor, you'll end up glossing over some information that is necessary to show that you properly understand the subject of your essay.
• It can be helpful to reverse-engineer your audience based on the subject matter of your essay. For example, if you're writing an essay about a women's health issue for a women's studies class, you might identify your audience as young women within the age range most affected by the issue.

• For this hook to be effective, your fact needs to be sufficiently surprising. If you're not sure, test it on a few friends. If they react by expressing shock or surprise, you know you've got something good.
• Use a fact or statistic that sets up your essay, not something you'll be using as evidence to prove your thesis statement. Facts or statistics that demonstrate why your topic is important (or should be important) to your audience typically make good hooks.

• For example, if you were writing an essay proposing a change to drunk driving laws, you might open with a story of how the life of a victim was changed forever after they were hit by a drunk driver.

• For example, if you're writing an essay about a public figure, you might include an anecdote about an odd personal habit that cleverly relates back to your thesis statement.
• Particularly with less formal papers or personal essays, humorous anecdotes can be particularly effective hooks.

• For example: "What would you do if you could play God for a day? That's exactly what the leaders of the tiny island nation of Guam tried to answer."
• If your essay prompt was a question, don't just repeat it in your paper. Make sure to come up with your own intriguing question.

• Broad, sweeping generalizations may ring false with some readers and alienate them from the start. For example, "everyone wants someone to love" would alienate someone who identified as aromantic or asexual.

Creating Your Context

• Use an appropriate transitional word or phrase, such as "however" or "similarly," to move from your specific anecdote back out to a broader scope.
• For example, if you related a story about one individual, but your essay isn't about them, you can relate the hook back to the larger topic with a sentence like "Tommy wasn't alone, however. There were more than 200,000 dockworkers affected by that union strike."

• For example, if your thesis relates to how blackface was used as a means of enforcing racial segregation, your introduction would describe what blackface performances were, and where and when they occurred.
• If you are writing an argumentative paper, make sure to explain both sides of the argument in a neutral or objective manner.

• Definitions would be particularly important if your essay is discussing a scientific topic, where some scientific terminology might not be understood by the average layperson.
• Definitions also come in handy in legal or political essays, where a term may have different meanings depending on the context in which they are used.

• If you're using 2 or 3 sentences to describe the context for your thesis, try to make each sentence a bit more specific than the one before it. Draw your reader in gradually.
• For example, if you're writing an essay about drunk driving fatalities, you might start with an anecdote about a particular victim. Then you could provide national statistics, then narrow it down further to statistics for a particular gender or age group.

Presenting Your Thesis

• For example, a thesis for an essay on blackface performance might be "Because of its humiliating and demoralizing effect on African American slaves, blackface was used less as a comedy routine and more as a way of enforcing racial segregation."
• Be assertive and confident in your writing. Avoid including fluff such as "In this essay, I will attempt to show...." Instead, dive right in and make your claim, bold and proud.
• Your outline should be specific, unique, and provable. Through your essay, you'll make points that will show that your thesis statement is true – or at least persuade your readers that it's most likely true.

• If you've created an outline for your essay, this sentence is essentially the main subjects of each paragraph of the body of your essay.
• For example, if you're writing an essay about the unification of Italy, you might list 3 obstacles to unification. In the body of your essay, you would discuss details about how each of those obstacles was addressed or overcome.
• Instead of just listing all of your supporting points, sum them up by stating "how" or "why" your thesis is true. For example, instead of saying, "Phones should be banned from classrooms because they distract students, promote cheating, and make too much noise," you might say "Phones should be banned from classrooms because they act as an obstacle to learning."

• To figure out if you need a transition sentence, read the introduction and the first paragraph out loud. If you find yourself pausing or stumbling between the paragraphs, work in a transition to make the move smoother.
• You can also have friends or family members read your easy. If they feel it's choppy or jumps from the introduction into the essay, see what you can do to smooth it out.

Bringing It All Together

• If you're writing your essay for a class assignment, ask your instructor for examples of well-written essays that you can look at. Take note of conventions that are commonly used by writers in that discipline.
• Make a brief outline of the essay based on the information presented in the introduction. Then look at that outline as you read the essay to see how the essay follows it to prove the writer's thesis statement.

• For shorter essays under 1,000 words, keep your introduction to 1 paragraph, between 100 and 200 words.
• Always follow your instructor's guidelines for length. These rules can vary at times based on genre or form of writing.

• As you write your essay, you may want to jot down things you want to include in your introduction. For example, you may realize that you're using a particular term that you need to define in your introduction.

• Delete any filler or unnecessary language. Given the shortness of the introduction, every sentence should be essential to your reader's understanding of your essay.

• The first sentence or two should be your hook, designed to grab your reader's attention and get them interested in reading your essay.
• The next couple of sentences create a bridge between your hook and the overall topic of the rest of your essay.
• End your introduction with your thesis statement and a list of the points you will make in your essay to support or prove your thesis statement.

Expert Q&A

• If you are answering or responding to an assigned question, make sure you've interpreted the question correctly. The quality of your writing is irrelevant if your essay doesn't answer the question. Thanks Helpful 7 Not Helpful 1
• Have friends or family members read your essay and provide you with feedback. If you're writing for a class, you might want to exchange essays with another classmate and give each other feedback on your work. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1

Tips from our Readers

• Reread your intro after writing each section to make sure both the intro and section are relevant to each other and to the paper.
• A sharp, descriptive title is sometimes just as important as an intro!

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/audience/
• ↑ http://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/planning/intros-and-conclusions/
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/how-to-write-an-introduction/
• ↑ https://www.esu.edu/writing-studio/guides/hook.cfm
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/introductions/
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/cliches/
• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185917
• ↑ https://writingcenter.uagc.edu/introductions-conclusions
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-write-an-intro--conclusion----body-paragraph.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/transitions/
• ↑ https://advice.writing.utoronto.ca/planning/intros-and-conclusions/

About This Article

Start your introduction with a relevant story, fact, or quote that will engage readers. Then, add 2-3 sentences of background information to give your essay context, and include important dates, locations, or historical moments where applicable. Finally, include your thesis statement, which is a specific, arguable, and provable statement that answers a question about your essay topic. For example, your thesis might read: "In the modern age, online dating apps like Tinder provide a wider variety of romantic options than young people have ever had before." For more tips and examples on how to craft your thesis and put your introduction together, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Dec 11, 2016

Did this article help you?

Jul 11, 2020

Teighan Vickrey

Mar 18, 2018

Apr 27, 2017

Arturo Rueda

Mar 21, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Home / Guides / Writing Guides / Parts of a Paper / How to Write an Introduction

How to Write an Introduction

Essays, as you know, contain an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Each element functions in a unique, yet unified way. For example, the body of the essay contains all of the important evidence that supports your thesis. However, it won’t make any sense unless the introduction first sets the stage. Clearly, a great introduction is important.

Strong introductions should present the main idea, as well as set the tone, the style, and the voice of the entire essay. Here are a few tips to help make that happen.

Guide Overview

• Prepare before you write
• Determine your thesis
• Build around your thesis

Spring is here—a good time for beginnings (and introductions)! The resources at EasyBib.com can help you with research paper ideas and a free grammar check to make sure your paper starts off on the right foot. There are also free guides if you need help with helping verbs , are curious about gender neutral pronouns , or have other grammar questions.

1. Prepare before you write

In the same way that an architect wouldn’t break ground for a new building without a blueprint, you shouldn’t write the intro until you have a solid idea of your topic and information you’ll be introducing. This could mean first doing preliminary research, an outline, and, most importantly, choosing a thesis that you can state in one or two sentences.

2. Determine your thesis

You thesis is the center of your entire paper. It should concisely and clearly communicate the main idea and purpose of your paper.

For those stuck on building your thesis, here’s a template to help you focus:

This essay about __________ will [argue/illustrate/defend/support/etc.—you choose the verb] the following main ideas; __________, __________, and __________.

It’s also a good idea to write many different drafts until you have a concise statement that sums up what you want your essay to accomplish. Feel free to experiment with the template, and to edit it for flow or continuity once you have the basic ideas in place:

This essay will illustrate that the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is the quintessential coming of age story, that it’s still relevant over 50 years later, and finally, that Salinger remains an important voice in American literature.

3. Build around your thesis

Now imagine that, like an architect, it’s time to lay the foundation. The thesis statement, or the foundation, is the final sentence(s) of the introduction. It works as a bridge to the body of the essay, and informs your reader what to expect.

But what comes before the thesis? Obviously, the intro is more than just one or two sentences, so what else is in the first paragraph? Here’s the trick. Ask yourself: What is the best introduction to my thesis, or what is the best context for it?

You have many ways to do this. For example, using the Catcher in the Rye example above, you could provide a:

• Brief definition of the genre “coming of age stories”
• Short FAQ about the widespread influence of Salinger
• Brief summary of a movie that is also a coming of age story

Use your imagination and try different approaches! It doesn’t hurt to do several drafts before you discover the perfect introduction for your thesis.

Coming of age is often defined as crossing the threshold from childhood to adulthood. In literature and in film, it is often a very fraught process—after all, it’s a defining moment of our lives. It is usually accompanied by a loss of some kind, but also a gain of wisdom. We see this in our own lives; our first kiss, our first job, or even experiencing grief for the first time. Since coming of age is a universal experience, it helps us, as a culture, to have narratives that explain the process as a kind of guide or template, or even to just let us know we aren’t alone. This essay will illustrate that the novel, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, is still the quintessential coming of age story, that it’s still relevant over 50 years later, and finally, that Salinger remains an important voice in American literature.

Be sure to allow yourself the luxury of time to be creative, and experiment until you have the perfect introduction to your essay.

Your intro is strong, your body is on point, and your conclusion rocks—don’t forget to cite your sources! EasyBib.com offers free guides on the MLA bibliography format , how to create an APA citation , and what a Chicago in-text citation is.

EasyBib Writing Resources

Writing a paper.

• Academic Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• College Admissions Essay
• Expository Essay
• Persuasive Essay
• Research Paper
• Thesis Statement
• Writing a Conclusion
• Writing an Introduction
• Writing an Outline
• Writing a Summary

EasyBib Plus Features

• Citation Generator
• Essay Checker
• Expert Check Proofreader
• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tools

Plagiarism Checker

• Spell Checker

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Grammar and Plagiarism Checkers

Grammar Basics

Plagiarism Basics

Writing Basics

Upload a paper to check for plagiarism against billions of sources and get advanced writing suggestions for clarity and style.

Get Started

How To Write An Essay

Essay Introduction

Writing an Essay Introduction - Step by Step Guide

Published on: Dec 26, 2020

Last updated on: Jul 23, 2024

People also read

How To Write An Essay - "The Secret To Craft an A+ Essay"

Learn How to Title an Essay Like a Professional Writer

How to Write an Essay Outline Like a Pro

Essay Format - An Easy Guide & Examples

What is a Thesis Statement, and How is it Written? - Know Here

Arguable and Strong Thesis Statement Examples for Your Essay

200+ Creative Hook Examples: Ready, Set, Hook

A Guide to Writing a 1000 Word Essay for School or College

All You Need to Know About a 500-word Essay

Different Types of Essay: Definition With Best Examples

Transition Words for Essays - An Ultimate List

Jumpstart Your Writing with These Proven Strategies on How to Start an Essay

Learn How to Write a Topic Sentence that Stands Out

A Guide to Crafting an Impactful Conclusion for Your Essay

Amazing Essay Topics & Ideas for Your Next Project (2024)

Explore the Different Types of Sentences with Examples

Share this article

Many students struggle with writing essay introductions that grab the reader's attention and set the stage for a strong argument.

It's frustrating when your well-researched essay doesn't get the recognition it deserves because your introduction falls flat. You deserve better results for your hard work!

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create engaging essay introductions that leave a lasting impression. From catchy opening lines to clear thesis statements, you'll learn techniques to hook your readers from the very beginning.

So, read on and learn how to write the perfect catchy introduction for your essay.

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Good Essay Introduction?

An introduction is good if it gives a clear idea of what an essay is about. It tells the reader what to expect from the type of academic writing you are presenting. 

However, it should strike a balance between being informative and engaging, avoiding excessive detail that may lead to confusion.

A strong introduction is engaging, attractive, and also informative. It’s important to note that an essay introduction paragraph should not be too short or too long.

Remember, the introduction sets the stage for the body of your essay. So, keep it concise and focused while hinting at the critical elements you'll explore in more depth later.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

How to Write an Essay Introduction?

Crafting an effective essay introduction is essential for capturing your reader's attention and setting the tone for your entire piece of writing. To ensure your introduction is engaging and impactful, you can follow an introduction format.

Here is the essay introduction format that will help you write an introduction for your essay easily. 

1. Hook Sentence 

A hook sentence is a must for the introductory part of an essay. It helps to keep the reader engaged in your content and seek the reader’s attention.  It is an attention-grabbing sentence that develops the interest of the reader. It develops the anxiousness of reading the complete essay.

You can use the following as the hook sentence in your essay introduction:

• A famous quotation
• An interesting fact
• An anecdote

All of the above are attention-grabbing things that prove to be perfect for a hook sentence.

Not sure how to create an attention-grabbing hook statement? Check out these hook statement examples to get a better idea!

2. Background Information 

Once you have provided an interesting hook sentence, it's time that you provide a little background information related to your essay topic.

The background information should comprise two or three sentences. The information should include the reason why you chose the topic and what is the expected scope of the topic. 

Also, clarify the theme and nature of your essay. 

3. Thesis Statement 

A thesis statement is a significant element of not just the introduction but also the whole essay. It is a statement that gives an overview of your complete essay. 

It should be written in such a way that the reader can have an idea about the whole purpose of your essay. 

Before you write a thesis statement for your essay, try looking into some thesis statement examples. It will help you write a meaningful statement for your essay. 

A thesis statement is mentioned after the background information and before the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. The last sentence of the introduction is a transitional sentence. 

Need more information on crafting an impactful thesis statement? Read this insightful guide on writing a thesis statement to get started!

4. Transition Sentence 

To end the introduction paragraph in a good way, a transition sentence is used. This sentence helps to relate the introduction to the rest of the essay. 

In such a sentence, we mention a hint about the elements that we will be discussing next.

Check out this list of transition words to write a good transition sentence.

Essay Introduction Template

Essay Introduction Starters

The introduction of your essay plays a crucial role in captivating your readers and setting the tone for the rest of your paper. 

To help you craft an impressive introduction, here are some effective essay introduction phrases that you can use:

• "In today's society, [topic] has become an increasingly significant issue."
• "From [historical event] to [current trend], [topic] has shaped our world in numerous ways."
• "Imagine a world where [scenario]. This is the reality that [topic] addresses."
• "Have you ever wondered about [question]? In this essay, we will explore the answers and delve into [topic]."
• "Throughout history, humanity has grappled with the complexities of [topic]."

Here are some more words to start an introduction paragraph with:

• "Throughout"
• "In today's"
• "With the advent of"
• "In recent years"
• "From ancient times"

Remember, these words are just tools to help you begin your introduction. Choose the words that best fit your essay topic and the tone you want to set.

Essay Introduction Examples

To help you get started, here are some examples of different essay types:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Examples

In an argumentative essay, we introduce an argument and support the side that we think is more accurate. Here is a short example of the introduction of a short argumentative essay. 

Reflective Essay Introduction Examples

A writer writes a reflective essay to share a personal real-life experience. It is a very interesting essay type as it allows you to be yourself and speak your heart out.

Here is a well-written example of a reflective essay introduction.

Controversial Essay Introduction Examples

A controversial essay is a type of expository essay. It is written to discuss a topic that has controversy in it. 

Below is a sample abortion essay introduction

Here are some more examples:

Essay introduction body and conclusion

Heritage Day essay introduction

Covid-19 essay introduction body conclusion

Tips for Writing an Essay Introduction

The following are some tips for what you should and should not do to write a good and meaningful essay introduction.

• Do grab the reader's attention with a captivating opening sentence.
• Do provide a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument of your essay.
• Do give a brief overview of the key points you will discuss in the body paragraphs.
• Do use relevant and engaging examples or anecdotes to support your introduction.
• Do consider the tone and style that best suits your essay topic and audience.
• Do revise and edit your introduction to ensure it flows smoothly with the rest of your essay.
• Don't use clichés or overused phrases as your opening line.
• Don't make your introduction overly lengthy or complex .
• Don't include unnecessary background information that doesn't contribute to the main idea.
• Don't introduce new information or arguments in the introduction that will be discussed later in the body paragraphs.
• Don't use informal language or slang unless it aligns with the essay's purpose and audience.
• Don't forget to proofread your introduction for grammar and spelling errors before finalizing it.

Remember to follow the do's and avoid the don'ts to create an impactful opening that hooks your readers from the start.

Now you know the steps and have the tips and tools to get started on creating your essay’s introduction. However, if you are a beginner, it can be difficult for you to do this task on your own. 

This is what our professional essay writing service  is for! We have a team of professional writers who can help you with all your writing assignments. Also, we have a customer support team available 24/7 to assist you. 

Place your order now, and our customer support representative will get back to you right away. Try our essay writer ai today!

Barbara P (Literature, Marketing)

Barbara is a highly educated and qualified author with a Ph.D. in public health from an Ivy League university. She has spent a significant amount of time working in the medical field, conducting a thorough study on a variety of health issues. Her work has been published in several major publications.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

Essay Papers Writing Online

Mastering the art of captivating readers – how to write an introduction that hooks your audience in an essay.

When it comes to writing an essay, the introduction plays a crucial role in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the tone for the rest of the paper. It is in the opening paragraph that you have the opportunity to engage your readers, making them curious and eager to read on.

One way to make your introduction captivating is to start with a compelling anecdote or a thought-provoking question. By presenting a relatable story or posing an intriguing query, you can instantly connect with your audience and make them want to explore further.

Another strategy to create a captivating opening is to use a strong and concise statement that highlights the main theme or argument of your essay. This can be done by presenting a surprising fact, a controversial statement, or a relevant quote. By doing so, you can immediately grab your readers’ attention and make them interested in what you have to say.

Engage your readers with a captivating narrative

Capturing the attention of your readers from the start is essential when crafting a compelling essay. While there are various strategies to achieve this, one effective approach is to engage your readers with a captivating narrative. By weaving a story into your introduction, you can immediately draw your readers in and create a sense of curiosity and intrigue.

Instead of diving straight into the main topic or stating factual information, consider starting your essay with a personal anecdote or a fictional scenario. This will allow your readers to emotionally connect with the story, making them more invested in the rest of your essay. Whether it’s recounting a personal experience or introducing a fictional character, the narrative element will add depth and relatability to your introduction.

Furthermore, using descriptive language and vivid imagery can enhance the impact of your narrative. Paint a picture with words, allowing your readers to visualize the scene and immerse themselves in the story. By appealing to their senses and emotions, you can create a strong connection between your readers and your essay.

In addition to engaging your readers, a captivating narrative can also serve as a bridge between your introduction and the main argument of your essay. As you progress from the narrative to the body of your essay, make sure to transition smoothly and establish a clear link between the two. This will help to maintain the attention and interest of your audience, ensuring that they stay engaged throughout your entire essay.

To summarize, incorporating a captivating narrative into your essay introduction is an effective way to engage your readers from the beginning. By sharing a personal anecdote or creating a fictional scenario, you can create an emotional connection and immediately draw your readers into your essay. Utilizing descriptive language and imagery will further enhance the impact of your narrative, allowing your readers to visualize the story. Finally, ensuring a seamless transition from the narrative to the main argument of your essay will maintain the interest of your audience and set the stage for the rest of your paper.

Start with a thought-provoking question

One effective technique to engage readers right from the beginning of an essay is to start with a thought-provoking question. By posing a question that sparks curiosity or challenges commonly held beliefs, you can capture the attention of your readers and make them eager to explore your essay further.

Consider opening your essay with a question that taps into the topic or theme you will be discussing. The question should be relevant and meaningful, aiming to stimulate readers’ minds and encourage them to think critically about the subject. Avoid using generic or rhetorical questions that do not add value to the essay but instead opt for ones that prompt readers to reflect on their own perspectives or assumptions.

When crafting a thought-provoking question, it is essential to strike a balance between being intriguing and clear. The question should not be overly complex or confusing, as it may discourage readers from engaging with your essay. Additionally, ensure that the question relates directly to the essay’s main idea or argument, providing a clear direction for the subsequent discussion.

By starting your essay with a thought-provoking question, you can immediately captivate your readers and set the tone for the rest of your writing. This approach invites readers to actively participate in the exploration of your essay’s topic and encourages them to develop their own insights and interpretations. Remember, a well-crafted question acts as a doorway that entices readers to enter into the rich world of your essay, establishing a strong foundation for a captivating introduction.

Capture your readers’ attention from the very beginning

Engaging your readers from the start is crucial in crafting an impactful essay introduction. The opening lines of your essay set the tone for the rest of your piece, so it’s important to create a strong initial impression. By employing various techniques and strategies, you can hook your readers and ensure their continued interest throughout your essay.

One effective way to capture your readers’ attention is by posing a compelling question that relates to the topic of your essay. By making them curious about the answer, you stimulate their anticipation and motivate them to keep reading. Another approach is to start with a relevant anecdote or a captivating story that creates an immediate emotional connection. This allows your readers to connect with the subject matter on a personal level, making them more likely to stay engaged.

Using striking statistics or surprising facts is another method to grab your readers’ attention from the outset. By presenting them with information that challenges their preconceived notions or highlights the importance of your essay’s topic, you can pique their curiosity and encourage them to delve deeper into your writing. Additionally, utilizing a thought-provoking quote or a thought-provoking statement can help captivate your readers’ attention and prompt them to reflect on the significance of your essay.

Creating an intriguing and engaging opening line is also advantageous when attempting to capture your readers’ attention. By starting with a powerful and memorable statement, you make an immediate impact and entice your readers to continue reading. This can be achieved through the use of vivid imagery, a play on words, or an attention-grabbing metaphor that sparks their imaginations and promises an engaging journey throughout your essay.

In conclusion, capturing your readers’ attention from the very beginning is essential for crafting an effective essay introduction. By using techniques such as posing questions, sharing anecdotes, presenting surprising facts, or starting with a powerful statement, you can create an engaging opening that captivates your readers and lays the foundation for a compelling essay.

Use a relevant and surprising statistic

One effective way to grab the reader’s attention and make your essay introduction captivating is by using a relevant and surprising statistic. Statistics help to provide a factual foundation for your essay and can make your argument more persuasive.

When selecting a statistic, it’s important to choose one that is directly relevant to your topic. This will help to establish the significance of your essay’s subject matter and demonstrate why it is important for the reader to continue reading. For example, if you are writing an essay about the dangers of distracted driving, you might start with a statistic like “In 2019, distracted driving was responsible for 2,841 deaths in the United States alone.”

In addition to being relevant, the statistic should also be surprising or unexpected. This helps to grab the reader’s attention and create a sense of curiosity. Using a surprising statistic can also convey the urgency or seriousness of your topic, making it more compelling. For instance, you could start an essay about the impact of plastic pollution with the statistic “Every minute, one garbage truck worth of plastic is dumped into the ocean.”

When incorporating a statistic into your essay introduction, it’s important to provide the necessary context and explain why it is significant. This will help the reader understand the relevance and impact of the statistic in relation to your essay’s topic. Additionally, you may also want to consider using visuals, such as graphs or charts, to further illustrate the statistic and make it more memorable.

Overall, using a relevant and surprising statistic in your essay introduction can pique the reader’s interest and set the stage for a captivating and persuasive essay. By choosing a statistic that is directly connected to your topic and offers a unique perspective, you can effectively engage your audience and make them more receptive to your arguments.

Impress your readers with a surprising fact or figure

What if I told you that a single surprising fact or figure has the potential to captivate your readers’ attention right from the beginning of your essay? By incorporating an unexpected statistic or piece of information in your introduction, you can instantly grab the interest of your audience and make them curious to read more.

Humans are naturally drawn to novelty and the element of surprise. When we encounter something unexpected, our brains are wired to pay attention and seek out more information. This is why starting your essay with a surprising fact or figure can be an effective way to engage your readers.

For example, did you know that over 70% of students in the United States experience high levels of stress? This shocking statistic immediately grabs the reader’s attention and sets the stage for a discussion on the impact of stress on students’ mental health. By starting with a surprising fact or figure, you create a sense of urgency and relevance that compels your readers to continue reading.

When choosing a surprising fact or figure to include in your essay introduction, it’s important to ensure that it is directly relevant to your topic. This will help you maintain the focus and cohesiveness of your essay, while still capturing your readers’ attention.

Remember, the goal of your introduction is to hook your readers and make them want to keep reading. By incorporating a surprising fact or figure, you can instantly captivate your audience and set the stage for an engaging and informative essay.

Create a powerful and memorable opening statement

When starting an essay, it is crucial to grab the reader’s attention right from the beginning. One effective way to do this is by crafting a powerful and memorable opening statement. This initial sentence or paragraph sets the tone for the entire essay and entices the reader to continue reading. By making a strong first impression, you increase the likelihood of capturing the reader’s interest and keeping them engaged throughout your essay.

Provide an intriguing anecdote or personal experience

Engaging readers from the start is essential when crafting an impactful essay introduction. One effective way to accomplish this is by incorporating an intriguing anecdote or personal experience into your opening paragraph. By sharing a relatable story or personal reflection, you can immediately capture your reader’s attention and create a connection that draws them into your essay.

This anecdote paints a vivid picture for the reader and immediately grabs their attention. They are now invested in hearing more about the author’s connection to the environment and why it is important to preserve it.

Anecdotes and personal experiences can be powerful tools in essay writing because they add a personal touch and make your writing more relatable. Whether you’re discussing a personal triumph, a challenging experience, or a moment of revelation, sharing your story can help engage your readers and make them more receptive to your argument or message. Just be sure to tie your story back to the main topic or thesis of your essay to maintain coherence and relevance.

Incorporating anecdotes or personal experiences into your essay introduction can set the tone for the rest of your writing and create a strong emotional connection with your readers. By sharing a relatable story or personal reflection, you not only capture their attention but also establish credibility and empathy. So, the next time you begin writing an essay, consider opening with a compelling anecdote or personal experience to make your introduction more captivating.

Related Post

How to master the art of writing expository essays and captivate your audience, convenient and reliable source to purchase college essays online, step-by-step guide to crafting a powerful literary analysis essay, unlock success with a comprehensive business research paper example guide, unlock your writing potential with writers college – transform your passion into profession, “unlocking the secrets of academic success – navigating the world of research papers in college”, master the art of sociological expression – elevate your writing skills in sociology.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base

The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay | Steps & Examples

An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using evidence, analysis, and interpretation.

There are many types of essays you might write as a student. The content and length of an essay depends on your level, subject of study, and course requirements. However, most essays at university level are argumentative — they aim to persuade the reader of a particular position or perspective on a topic.

The essay writing process consists of three main stages:

• Preparation: Decide on your topic, do your research, and create an essay outline.
• Writing : Set out your argument in the introduction, develop it with evidence in the main body, and wrap it up with a conclusion.
• Revision:  Check your essay on the content, organization, grammar, spelling, and formatting of your essay.

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

Table of contents

Essay writing process, preparation for writing an essay, writing the introduction, writing the main body, writing the conclusion, essay checklist, lecture slides, frequently asked questions about writing an essay.

The writing process of preparation, writing, and revisions applies to every essay or paper, but the time and effort spent on each stage depends on the type of essay .

For example, if you’ve been assigned a five-paragraph expository essay for a high school class, you’ll probably spend the most time on the writing stage; for a college-level argumentative essay , on the other hand, you’ll need to spend more time researching your topic and developing an original argument before you start writing.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

Before you start writing, you should make sure you have a clear idea of what you want to say and how you’re going to say it. There are a few key steps you can follow to make sure you’re prepared:

• Understand your assignment: What is the goal of this essay? What is the length and deadline of the assignment? Is there anything you need to clarify with your teacher or professor?
• Define a topic: If you’re allowed to choose your own topic , try to pick something that you already know a bit about and that will hold your interest.
• Do your research: Read  primary and secondary sources and take notes to help you work out your position and angle on the topic. You’ll use these as evidence for your points.
• Come up with a thesis:  The thesis is the central point or argument that you want to make. A clear thesis is essential for a focused essay—you should keep referring back to it as you write.
• Create an outline: Map out the rough structure of your essay in an outline . This makes it easier to start writing and keeps you on track as you go.

Once you’ve got a clear idea of what you want to discuss, in what order, and what evidence you’ll use, you’re ready to start writing.

The introduction sets the tone for your essay. It should grab the reader’s interest and inform them of what to expect. The introduction generally comprises 10–20% of the text.

1. Hook your reader

The first sentence of the introduction should pique your reader’s interest and curiosity. This sentence is sometimes called the hook. It might be an intriguing question, a surprising fact, or a bold statement emphasizing the relevance of the topic.

Let’s say we’re writing an essay about the development of Braille (the raised-dot reading and writing system used by visually impaired people). Our hook can make a strong statement about the topic:

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

2. Provide background on your topic

Next, it’s important to give context that will help your reader understand your argument. This might involve providing background information, giving an overview of important academic work or debates on the topic, and explaining difficult terms. Don’t provide too much detail in the introduction—you can elaborate in the body of your essay.

3. Present the thesis statement

Next, you should formulate your thesis statement— the central argument you’re going to make. The thesis statement provides focus and signals your position on the topic. It is usually one or two sentences long. The thesis statement for our essay on Braille could look like this:

As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness.

4. Map the structure

In longer essays, you can end the introduction by briefly describing what will be covered in each part of the essay. This guides the reader through your structure and gives a preview of how your argument will develop.

The invention of Braille marked a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by blind and visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

Write your essay introduction

The body of your essay is where you make arguments supporting your thesis, provide evidence, and develop your ideas. Its purpose is to present, interpret, and analyze the information and sources you have gathered to support your argument.

Length of the body text

The length of the body depends on the type of essay. On average, the body comprises 60–80% of your essay. For a high school essay, this could be just three paragraphs, but for a graduate school essay of 6,000 words, the body could take up 8–10 pages.

Paragraph structure

To give your essay a clear structure , it is important to organize it into paragraphs . Each paragraph should be centered around one main point or idea.

That idea is introduced in a  topic sentence . The topic sentence should generally lead on from the previous paragraph and introduce the point to be made in this paragraph. Transition words can be used to create clear connections between sentences.

After the topic sentence, present evidence such as data, examples, or quotes from relevant sources. Be sure to interpret and explain the evidence, and show how it helps develop your overall argument.

Lack of access to reading and writing put blind people at a serious disadvantage in nineteenth-century society. Text was one of the primary methods through which people engaged with culture, communicated with others, and accessed information; without a well-developed reading system that did not rely on sight, blind people were excluded from social participation (Weygand, 2009). While disabled people in general suffered from discrimination, blindness was widely viewed as the worst disability, and it was commonly believed that blind people were incapable of pursuing a profession or improving themselves through culture (Weygand, 2009). This demonstrates the importance of reading and writing to social status at the time: without access to text, it was considered impossible to fully participate in society. Blind people were excluded from the sighted world, but also entirely dependent on sighted people for information and education.

See the full essay example

Prevent plagiarism. Run a free check.

The conclusion is the final paragraph of an essay. It should generally take up no more than 10–15% of the text . A strong essay conclusion :

• Returns to your thesis
• Ties together your main points
• Shows why your argument matters

A great conclusion should finish with a memorable or impactful sentence that leaves the reader with a strong final impression.

What not to include in a conclusion

To make your essay’s conclusion as strong as possible, there are a few things you should avoid. The most common mistakes are:

• Including new arguments or evidence
• Undermining your arguments (e.g. “This is just one approach of many”)
• Using concluding phrases like “To sum up…” or “In conclusion…”

Braille paved the way for dramatic cultural changes in the way blind people were treated and the opportunities available to them. Louis Braille’s innovation was to reimagine existing reading systems from a blind perspective, and the success of this invention required sighted teachers to adapt to their students’ reality instead of the other way around. In this sense, Braille helped drive broader social changes in the status of blindness. New accessibility tools provide practical advantages to those who need them, but they can also change the perspectives and attitudes of those who do not.

Write your essay conclusion

Checklist: Essay

My essay follows the requirements of the assignment (topic and length ).

My introduction sparks the reader’s interest and provides any necessary background information on the topic.

My introduction contains a thesis statement that states the focus and position of the essay.

I use paragraphs to structure the essay.

I use topic sentences to introduce each paragraph.

Each paragraph has a single focus and a clear connection to the thesis statement.

I make clear transitions between paragraphs and ideas.

My conclusion doesn’t just repeat my points, but draws connections between arguments.

I don’t introduce new arguments or evidence in the conclusion.

I have given an in-text citation for every quote or piece of information I got from another source.

I have included a reference page at the end of my essay, listing full details of all my sources.

My citations and references are correctly formatted according to the required citation style .

My essay has an interesting and informative title.

I have followed all formatting guidelines (e.g. font, page numbers, line spacing).

Your essay meets all the most important requirements. Our editors can give it a final check to help you submit with confidence.

Open Google Slides Download PowerPoint

An essay is a focused piece of writing that explains, argues, describes, or narrates.

In high school, you may have to write many different types of essays to develop your writing skills.

Academic essays at college level are usually argumentative : you develop a clear thesis about your topic and make a case for your position using evidence, analysis and interpretation.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

A topic sentence is a sentence that expresses the main point of a paragraph . Everything else in the paragraph should relate to the topic sentence.

At college level, you must properly cite your sources in all essays , research papers , and other academic texts (except exams and in-class exercises).

Add a citation whenever you quote , paraphrase , or summarize information or ideas from a source. You should also give full source details in a bibliography or reference list at the end of your text.

The exact format of your citations depends on which citation style you are instructed to use. The most common styles are APA , MLA , and Chicago .

Is this article helpful?

Other students also liked.

• How long is an essay? Guidelines for different types of essay
• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples
• How to conclude an essay | Interactive example

More interesting articles

• Checklist for academic essays | Is your essay ready to submit?
• Comparing and contrasting in an essay | Tips & examples
• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks
• Generate topic ideas for an essay or paper | Tips & techniques
• How to revise an essay in 3 simple steps
• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips
• How to write a descriptive essay | Example & tips
• How to write a literary analysis essay | A step-by-step guide
• How to write a narrative essay | Example & tips
• How to write a rhetorical analysis | Key concepts & examples
• How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples
• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips
• How to write an essay outline | Guidelines & examples
• How to write an expository essay
• How to write the body of an essay | Drafting & redrafting
• Kinds of argumentative academic essays and their purposes
• Organizational tips for academic essays
• The four main types of essay | Quick guide with examples
• Transition sentences | Tips & examples for clear writing

Get unlimited documents corrected

✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts

Introduction Generator

Empowering Thousands of Scholars

The trusted AI partner delivering results for students, researchers, and academic professionals seeking to make a strong first impression.

Master the Art of the Opening Paragraph

Harness the power of AI to craft introductions that grab attention, provide context, and clearly state your thesis. Our Introduction Generator ensures your essays start on a compelling note.

Hook Your Readers Instantly

Blainy’s Introduction Generator excels at creating attention-grabbing first sentences. By analyzing your topic and target audience, our AI crafts hooks that intrigue readers and compel them to dive deeper into your essay.

Say goodbye to generic openings and hello to introductions that spark curiosity. Whether you’re writing a persuasive essay or an analytical paper, our tool helps you make a memorable first impression that sets the tone for your entire work.

Create Your Hook Now

Seamless Context Integration

A great introduction provides essential background information without overwhelming the reader. Our AI strikes the perfect balance, offering just enough context to orient your audience and establish the importance of your topic.

Experience the ease of presenting complex ideas in an accessible manner. Blainy’s Introduction Generator ensures your readers have the necessary framework to fully engage with your arguments, setting the stage for a compelling essay.

Set the Perfect Context

Clear and Concise Thesis Statements

The cornerstone of any strong introduction is a well-crafted thesis statement. Our AI excels at distilling your main argument into a clear, concise, and impactful sentence that guides your entire essay.

Let Blainy help you articulate your position with confidence. Our Introduction Generator creates thesis statements that are specific, debatable, and perfectly aligned with your essay’s purpose, ensuring your readers know exactly what to expect.

Craft Your Thesis

How to get started with Blainy

Follow these simple steps to create compelling introductions that captivate your readers from the first sentence.

01/ Sign up for Free

Create your account in seconds and gain instant access to Blainy's innovative Introduction Generator.

02/ Add your Title

Provide your essay prompt, main arguments, and any specific requirements for your introduction.

03/ Start Writing

Let our AI craft your introduction, then review and refine it to perfectly match your voice and style.

Optional Subtitle

Testimonials.

Discover how Blainy's Introduction Generator is helping scholars make unforgettable first impressions.

I have utilized Blainy summarizer and paraphrasing tool in my research papers, and I must say that it has been a useful tool in avoiding plagiarism and ensuring the accuracy of my summaries. It has saved me a significant amount of time and effort. I would recommend it to my colleagues who are looking for ways to streamline their writing process.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen

Research Scientist

Blainy is a solid tool for anyone looking to improve their writing. I used it for my last paper, and it helped me clarify my thoughts and create a strong thesis statement. The interface is user-friendly, and the results are instantaneous. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to take their writing to the next level.

Learn how this innovative tool can elevate your essay openings and set the stage for academic success.

How does the Introduction Generator ensure originality?

Our AI creates unique introductions based on your specific input. While it provides structure and phrasing suggestions, the core ideas come from you. We recommend reviewing and personalizing the output to fully align with your voice and academic integrity standards.

Can I use the generated introduction without any modifications?

While our AI produces high-quality introductions, we strongly advise using them as advanced drafts. Review and refine the content to ensure it perfectly matches your essay’s tone and meets all your specific requirements.

Is the Introduction Generator suitable for all types of essays?

Yes, our tool is versatile and can generate introductions for various essay types, including argumentative, expository, and analytical papers across different academic disciplines.

How long are the generated introductions?

The length can be customized, but typically our AI generates introductions between 100-200 words. This is usually sufficient to include a hook, context, and thesis statement.

Can I specify the type of hook I want for my introduction?

Absolutely. You can indicate your preferred hook type (e.g., question, statistic, anecdote) in your input, and our AI will tailor the introduction accordingly.

How does the AI ensure the introduction aligns with the rest of my essay?

The Introduction Generator bases its output on the essay topic and key points you provide. To ensure perfect alignment, we recommend inputting a brief outline of your entire essay when generating your introduction.

Can the Introduction Generator help with thesis statement formation?

Yes, our AI is adept at crafting clear and concise thesis statements based on your main argument and key points. You can further refine the generated thesis to perfectly capture your essay’s focus.

Ready to Make a Lasting First Impression?

Join thousands of satisfied scholars and start your essays with impact. Craft compelling, engaging introductions that set the stage for academic success with Blainy's Introduction Generator.

Unlock effortless writing excellence with the world's #1 AI-powered essay and research paper writer. Experience instant research paper perfection and elevate your writing to the next level.

AI Essay Writer

Essay Expander

Sentence & Paragraph Expansion

AI Essay Outline Generation

AI Summarizer

Paragraph Generator

Paraphrasing Tool

Literature Review Generator

Thesis Statement Generator

Terms & Condition

Privacy Policy

✉ [email protected]

✆ +971 50 760 0820

📍190 Hackett Inlet, Eastern Region, Dubai, UAE.

Copyright © 2024 Blainy

• Tin tức & bài viết
• Văn phòng Tìm văn phòng IDP gần nhất IDP Australia IDP Bahrain IDP Bangladesh IDP Cambodia IDP Canada IDP China IDP Egypt IDP Ghana IDP Hong Kong IDP India IDP Indonesia IDP Iran IDP Jordan IDP Kenya IDP Korea IDP Kuwait IDP Lebanon IDP Malaysia IDP Mauritius IDP Middle East IDP Nepal IDP New Zealand IDP Nigeria IDP Oman IDP Pakistan IDP Philippines IDP Saudi Arabia IDP Singapore IDP Sri Lanka IDP Taiwan IDP Thailand IDP Turkey IDP UAE IDP Corporate
• Vietnamese Vietnamese English
• Các bước để du học
• Tại sao nên đi du học?
• Học ở đâu và học ngành gì?
• Làm thế nào để nộp hồ sơ?
• Sau khi nhận thư mời nhập học
• Chuẩn bị lên đường
• Sự kiện và hỗ trợ cho tân du học sinh khi đến nơi
• Du học Canada
• Du học New Zealand
• Du học Ireland
• Tìm khóa học
• Tư vấn khóa học
• Các khóa học có tính năng Fastlane
• Tìm kiếm học bổng
• Xếp hạng các trường Đại Học -THE
• Xếp hạng các trường Đại Học - CUG
• IELTS là gì?
• Đăng ký thi IELTS
• Lịch thi IELTS
• Lệ phí thi IELTS
• Thi thử IELTS
• Chương trình ưu đãi IELTS
• Tải các mẫu đơn IELTS
• Các câu hỏi thường gặp IELTS
• Dịch vụ sinh viên
• Chuyển tiền
• Bảo hiểm y tế dành cho du học sinh
• Dịch vụ ngân hàng dành cho du học sinh
• Mạng di động
• Dịch vụ giám hộ và phúc lợi xã hội
• Giới thiệu về IDP
• Lịch sử hình thành
• Tại sao chọn IDP
• Chính sách bảo mật
• Tìm kiếm văn phòng gần nhất
• Tìm văn phòng IDP gần nhất
• IDP Australia
• IDP Bahrain
• IDP Bangladesh
• IDP Cambodia
• IDP Hong Kong
• IDP Indonesia
• IDP Lebanon
• IDP Malaysia
• IDP Mauritius
• IDP Middle East
• IDP New Zealand
• IDP Nigeria
• IDP Pakistan
• IDP Philippines
• IDP Saudi Arabia
• IDP Singapore
• IDP Sri Lanka
• IDP Thailand
• IDP Corporate
• English - US

Du học giúp bạn khám phá thế giới, mở rộng tầm nhìn và nâng cao cơ hội nghề nghiệp trong tương lai.

Đừng lo lắng nếu bạn đang băn khoăn về lựa chọn du học! IDP sẵn sàng hỗ trợ bạn tìm kiếm chương trình du học phù hợp.

Một khi đã tổng hợp danh sách các chương trình học và trường đại học mơ ước. Hãy sử dụng các công cụ và hỗ trợ chuyên môn của chúng tôi để tăng tốc quá trình đăng ký của bạn.

Chúc mừng bạn đã nhận được thư mời học từ ngôi trường mơ ước! Để biến giấc mơ du học thành hiện thực, IDP sẽ đồng hành cùng bạn qua từng bước tiếp theo để biến giấc mơ du học của bạn thành hiện thực.

Bạn đã sẵn sàng cho hành trình du học của mình chưa? Để biến ước mơ thành hiện thực, IDP sẽ đồng hành và giúp bạn chuẩn bị cho chặng đường phía trước.

Đặt chân đến một đất nước mới và đặt những viên gạch đầu tiên trên con đường thành công của bạn. Khám phá ngay những bí quyết tận dụng tối đa trải nghiệm du học của bạn.

• IDP Education /
• Writing Task 2: How to writ...

Writing Task 2: How to write a good introduction

Trên trang này, strategies for writing a good introduction, casual language, abbreviations/contractions, quantifiers, phrasal verbs, sentence structures.

Chủ đề được đề cập

Introductions can be difficult to write. Usually, when candidates analyze the topic they have to write about in Writing Task 2, they have at least some sense of what they want to say in the body of the essay. They may think of an example or two they want to use or have a few ideas to help them answer the questions in the prompt. But what many candidates struggle with is introducing these ideas in a way that makes sense to their readers, so that these middle parts of the essay don’t seem to just come out of thin air.

Your introduction in Writing Task 2 will create the initial impression on the examiner in terms of your ideas, your writing style, and the overall quality of your writing. An error-filled, confusing, or disorganized introduction will most certainly create a negative first impression. On the other hand, a well-written, engaging and concise introduction will have the opposite effect, which is exactly what you want to achieve. As a result, it’s important that you have strategies for writing a good introduction for Writing Task 2 in order to achieve this desired effect.


An effective introduction conveys substantial important information clearly but briefly. Think of your introduction as a roadmap for the rest of your essay. This roadmap should let the examiner know what the topic of discussion is, as well as your position in relation to the topic, and you may also choose to briefly explain how you plan to develop the essay. Below are some strategies for writing an effective introduction: • Read and analyze all the information provided to you. Your entire essay will respond to the question(s) in the prompt and your introduction is the first step towards doing so. Therefore, it is important that you know exactly what you’re being asked to discuss and that you introduce your answer to all of the parts of the prompt. • Do NOT copy material from the prompt. While the prompt can give you some clues about how to approach your opening paragraph, make sure you use your own words when writing your introduction. Using the same words or phrases from the prompt can show limitations in your range of vocabulary, which can affect your band score. Instead, use synonyms, put the information in a new order, and break down more complex ideas into smaller ones, while making sure you’re accurately stating the topic. To illustrate this, take a look at the following example Writing Task 2 prompt, and notice how the initial statement has been paraphrased so that it can be used as part of an effective introduction: Prompt: The first car appeared on British roads in 1888. By the year 2020 there may be as many as 29 million vehicles on British roads. Alternative forms of transport should be encouraged, and international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. To what extent do you agree or disagree? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Paraphrase:“It is evident that there has been a massive growth in car ownership in Great Britain since the first car arrived on British roads in the year 1888.” • Start off with a ‘big picture’ sentence and then focus in on the details of the prompt. Task 2 prompts normally begin with a broad statement and then narrow to focus on more specific points or questions on the topic. As such, it’s a good idea for you to use a similar model in your own introduction: start off with a ‘big picture’ sentence (or two) and then focus in on the details of the prompt. If you do choose to start your introduction with a ‘big picture’ opening, make sure that it’s closely related to your topic and it’s not too broad. In the prompt presented above, the paraphrased statement is the perfect example of a ‘big picture’ statement, and the details of the prompt would be 1) alternative forms of transport should be encouraged and 2) international laws introduced to control car ownership and use. The following sentence is a good example of focusing in on the details of the prompt:“Some people believe that encouraging other forms of transport and introducing international regulations are necessary to keep future growth in car ownership under control.” • Make your position clear. Writing Task 2 prompts will always include questions or statements that will encourage you to give your opinion on a topic, agree or disagree with a statement or address specific questions (e.g. What do you think are the advantages of elderly care facilities? Do these outweigh the disadvantages?) Your position then, will come as a direct response to these questions or statements. Given that you’ll be expected to present a clear position throughout your response, you should state it at the beginning of your essay as part of your introduction. In the example prompt above, you’re expected to indicate the degree to which you think the statement is true or untrue (e.g. “I completely agree with the mentioned argument, as new rules and regulations would ensure order in our communities and a better quality of life for all.”) . • Re-read your introduction once you’ve finished writing your essay. Because the writing process in itself is a way to organize your ideas and refine your thoughts, as you develop the body of the essay in Writing Task 2, you may find that you started out thinking about arguing a particular point but ended up arguing something different. This is why it’s important for you to revise your introduction after completing your essay, to make sure it matches your final thoughts and arguments.Just as a good introduction will help to prepare your examiner for the content of your essay, an effective conclusion will help to remind them of the strength of your main arguments. Stay tuned for our next post on how to write a good conclusion for Writing Task 2!

There are some words and phrases that we use in our speaking that sound great, however, sound very informal in our writing. Different types of casual language should be avoided so that Task 2 doesn’t seem informal.

It's always beneficial to use vocabulary in full form as it looks more formal, and it counts towards your word count. Insert table here

Although quantifiers such as ‘a lot of’ and ‘lots of’ are used frequently in English speaking, it is again very informal to do so in the writing section of the IELTS test. Insert table here

We use phrasal verbs all the time when we are speaking. Even though the first column of sentences is correct, there are more academic ways to say these phrases. Insert table here

Along with using basic and casual language, some simple grammatical structures in your writing could hurt you as well. Do not state, ‘we can clearly see’ and ‘it is obvious that’ when doing the writing section of the IELTS test. Also, keep your linking words and phrases accurate but natural. Finally, try to write your sentences in different ways, so that it’s accurate and natural sounding. Insert table here When writing Task 1 and Task 2 on the IELTS test, make sure your writing is concise, accurate, and fully answers the question. If you can do this, your writing band score will thank you for it. If you're looking for more helpful tips visit our Prepare for IELTS page.

Giải quyết mọi nhu cầu du học chỉ với một tài khoản

Bạn hãy tạo hồ sơ để khám phá nhiều tính năng tuyệt vời, bao gồm: gợi ý dành riêng cho bạn, xét duyệt hồ sơ nhanh chóng và nhiều hơn thế nữa!

Book your IELTS test

Watch the story of lifelong dreams, passion and determination that truly reflects the journey of our IELTS test takers. IELTS is the breakthrough to a world of full of incredible.

Những bài viết liên quan

[CẬP NHẬT] Trọn bộ 30+ topic thi IELTS SPEAKING part 1, 2, 3 MỚI NHẤT giúp bạn ăn điểm tuyệt đối

Cấu trúc bài thi IELTS giúp bạn nắm lợi thế khi làm bài

Nên thi IELTS vào thời điểm nào là tốt nhất? Thời điểm vàng để thi IELTS

Từ vựng theo chủ đề thường gặp trong IELTS General Reading

Cập nhật trọn bộ câu hỏi ielts speaking part 1.

Chủ đề Talk about your dream/future job - IELTS Speaking Part 2

Các cụm từ ăn điểm trong ielts speaking và quy tắc sử dụng.

Bao nhiêu tuổi được thi IELTS? Thi IELTS có giới hạn độ tuổi không

Bật mí cách tạo ấn tượng giới thiệu bản thân trong ielts speaking.

Nên thi IELTS ở đâu dễ hơn? Có bao nhiêu đơn vị tổ chức thi IELTS?

Search for articles.

Dive into our extensive collection of articles by using our comprehensive topic search tool.

Cảm thấy bế tắc? Hãy để chuyên gia tư vấn của chúng tôi giúp bạn

Bạn đang phân vân giữa các trường và ngành học? Đội ngũ chuyên viên tư vấn giàu kinh nghiệm của IDP luôn sẵn sàng đồng hành và hỗ trợ bạn trong suốt hành trình du học. Liên hệ ngay

9 Styles for Writing a Blog Post Introduction [+Examples]

• In Uncategorized
• Updated on August 6, 2024

Getting started writing to publish online is easier than it seems, but you need a certain structure, a format, and a guide to help you create better content.

That’s why in this post I’m going to share with you 9 of the styles that I use the most to start many of my articles and capture the reader’s attention in just a few lines.

Let’s see  how to write the (perfect) introduction to a post .

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. PPP system

I want to start by mentioning this method because it is one of the ones I use the most for those posts that I consider most important.

I generally use this tactic to ensure that the reader finds my article relevant, interesting, and authoritative.

Especially if I’m going to write an article for a keyword  or a competitive keyword.

It’s a system I learned from  Brian Dean , an SEO giant and very effective copywriter.

Without further ado:

What is the PPP system?

The acronyms stand for:

• Previous. 
• Step into action.

Let me explain how it works:

What you do is capture the reader’s interest in three simple steps.

The first line of your article makes it clear that they have come to the right place, offering a “preview” of what they will find next.

Let’s use an article on  how to lose weight  as an example:

“I’ve been trying different methods to lose weight for a while now, but nothing seems to work.”

Then we offer a test, results obtained with the tips or advice that we will soon teach in the post:

“In this article, I will show you the 3 steps I took to lose 5 kgs in 2 weeks”

We are perhaps accompanied by a photo or illustration that gives greater emphasis to what we say.

What this image could look like:

A powerful way to convince the user that they have found what they were looking for.

Finally, you give way to action by saying something like:

“Let’s go with the first step, which is…”

“Beginning with…”

This way you end up telling the reader that they should keep scrolling down to read the next line and find out what those tips, steps, or advice are.

Thanks to this type of introduction, I was able to GREATLY increase the effectiveness of my posts when it came to retaining the reader.

2. Analyze the Competition

A tactic that you could apply, in one way or another, to any of the other methods I mention in this article.

Knowing how to analyze WHAT your competition is doing can be key to the success of your blog.

A typical example that led me to make my intros much shorter is the fact that many of my competitors used to make the beginning of the article too long.

Especially when they could get straight to the point and give the reader/user exactly what they were looking for much sooner.

Something that, at the time, I saw as an opportunity to take advantage of.

And that’s what I did!

That’s why I started creating simpler and much shorter introductions.

I will go into more detail on this in point 4.

What I’m getting at is that analyzing what your competition is doing is key.

Who are your competitors?

Simple, other websites and/or blogs within your same market niche, industry, or topic.

Notice what they do differently, what tactics they use, how they introduce the user to reading, etc.

Above all, try to analyze what the largest websites in your niche are doing, those that have already proven to be leaders in Google results.

If we take the same example from the first point, and we want to write an article on  how to lose weight…

This could be a website to analyze:

Of course, this can go much further than just analyzing the introduction to your articles and you could end up (easily) with a whole list of new ideas to try.

This happened to me more than once when analyzing what my competition was doing.

So I recommend you try it!

3. The Mini Story

If you have been writing articles for the Internet for a while, you may have already heard about  storytelling .

It is said that human beings are nothing more than a bundle, a set of stories.

We are nourished by stories, tales, and anecdotes, both our own and those of others, and we cannot help but be drawn to them.

A blockbuster movie, an entertaining story, or a best-selling book, they are just that:

Stories well told.

That’s why sharing your story, in an abbreviated form, at the beginning of your article can be a great way to make the reader identify with you and feel that there is a “real” person behind the content they are reading.

Which can be (and often is) a pretty effective way to grab a user’s attention.

Maybe you can share your experience with the product you are reviewing in your article or tell a personal anecdote that happened to you and that gave you the idea to write the post.

It doesn’t matter as long as there’s some authenticity involved.

Now when I say mini story, I mean MINI story.

Don’t write 4 or 5 introductory paragraphs, keep it a couple of lines, or as short as possible.

Continuing with the previous example you could start by writing something like:

“When I was at the gym for the fourth time last week I thought to myself that there must be a better way to lose weight, that’s when it occurred to me…”

4. Short and to the Foot

This is probably the technique I use most often.

As I told you before, one of the methods you can use to create an effective introduction that will grab the reader’s attention is by analyzing what the competition in your specific market niche is doing.

This is how I concluded that when it comes to digital marketing and SEO, it’s better to get straight to the point.

Seeing how my competition was taking too long to get to the important things, I deduced that this could be an opportunity for me.

And it seems that it was not bad at all!

My dwell times in Google Analytics show that my readers stay an average of 1:39 minutes per page:

Which is NOT good 😢, but approx 5 minutes is pretty good.

Sometimes, keeping your introduction short and getting straight to the point is better.

Especially if your competitors take too long to do so.

Keep this in mind for your next article, as it could be the difference between a reader who decides not to read beyond the first line and someone who stays until the end of the post.

Just check out the intro I used for this article if you’re looking for an example. 👆

In summary:

If you think it makes sense or might be better for the experience of each user who comes to your post, keep your introduction short.

There is no need to write several lines of meaningless text, perhaps just to pad out your article and make it long, in the hope that this will make the user stay longer.

The introduction is nothing more than that, an introduction to the text, to the content for which your reader came.

That’s where you can improve your dwell times to climb in Google, in the content that comes AFTER your intro.

5. The “Why” Before the “How”

Oftentimes, offering the “why” before the “how” works quite well.

For example, if you’re writing a tutorial-type article, perhaps a step-by-step guide describing what a person should do to get what they want, you could start your post by detailing  why  it’s important to get it right.

In turn, you can delve deeper into the topic or take the direction that seems best to you.

That said, and as I always tell you, don’t make it too long.

The only purpose of describing the  why  of something is to motivate the reader and better understand the importance of what will come next.

It serves as a stimulus to awaken their interest in the content you are going to share with them.

This way you will be able to catch their attention and make them read your post until the end.

Which, as I mentioned above:

It will benefit you a lot in the long run.

The longer users stay on your articles, the better your search engine rankings will be.

It’s that simple.

5. Ask a Question

Starting with a question is (almost) always a great way to begin an article.

Simply because it is an effective way to do two things:

It can cause intrigue and/or curiosity, which generates interest.

And readers know that they will find answers to what they were looking for.

The information you want is in the article you just discovered.

It’s a great way to attack your audience’s “pain points” and get them curious about what you’re about to share.

What is a Pain Point?

In marketing, we call  pain  points the most common problems that your audience faces and that your products/services could solve, in this case, your article and the information you have to share in it.

Plus, you’ll be making it clear from the start that your content is relevant and that the person has come to the right place.

The better the question is formulated (depending on how well you know your audience and their problems), the more effective this strategy will be.

Start some of your articles with a question or two, and see how well that works for you.

6. Use a Quote

It is something like the perfect alternative to using evidence or proven facts.

How is that?

Well, people like to be able to read articles where there is some kind of backing from an “official” source or scientific studies that corroborate the information.

By using a quote or phrase from a celebrity or authority within your industry that is relevant to the topic you are discussing in your article, you achieve something similar.

Although it is not the same as linking to a study or statistic, it does produce a similar effect.

Within neuromarketing, this has its name:

The Authority Bias.

Simply put, it is using authority, expertise, or reputation to give greater legitimacy and strength to what we say.

In this case, it would be using a well-known figure, with some authority within your niche or industry, to support the information you would be sharing.

And it can be a great way to start some of your posts!

Let’s take the example of the article where you provide tips and advice for losing weight.

You could “use” a quote from a famous doctor or nutritionist, perhaps someone who has lost a lot of weight by following this advice.

You can even use the testimony of people who have tried the product or service, although in this case, we would no longer be talking about authority bias but rather social proof.

Anyway, that’s a topic for another article, for now, we’ll leave it here and move on to the next point.

7. Invite the Reader

Well, maybe you’re not going to invite the reader, but rather, tell him specifically what you want him to do.

There are times when being direct works better than anything else.

Similar to what I was telling you when I referred to my favorite method:

Be specific and get to the point.

Inviting the reader is another good way to introduce him or her to the text quickly and effectively.

And you can achieve this in different ways:

Using what are known as calls  to  action .

The main thing this technique is based on is not resting on your laurels and telling the reader what to do.

Instead of waiting for the user to make a decision and decide whether to stay and read your post or not, you TELL them to continue reading if they want to find what they are looking for.

Some examples of calls to action that have worked quite well for me would be:

• Find out how below. 👇
• Let’s start!
• Continue reading.
• Let’s get started.
• Starting with the first step which is…

and other things like that.

Anything can work as long as you are direct and “invite” the user to read the next line.

Be creative, try to combine this method with some of the ones I have already mentioned.

It’s going to work out great for you.

Even more so if you pair it with the following tip, which is…

7. The “Hook” Image 🧷

As you may already know, the image is the first thing you see along with the first few lines of your introduction.

That is why it is so important to pay special attention to it.

Instead of using what is known as a stock image, i.e. something you have downloaded from Google or an image site (such as Pixabay or Unsplash) and just putting it in your article, try using something more custom.

Avoid doing what the majority does!

I have seen tremendous results just by starting to use better images in my articles.

In my case, I am the one in charge of creating most of the images you see in my posts.

Using Photoshop I can give them any  look  or style I want, and I take my time.

Just like I did for this post:

The best platform to create a website .

Now, you don’t have to go to extremes to achieve this.

Instead of using something professional like Photoshop, you could opt for a more user-friendly option like  Canva.

This is a free platform, you don’t need to download or install anything, and it allows you to create cool images in just a few minutes.

It is one of the platforms that I most often recommend for those who are just starting in the world of blogging to customize their images.

You can do everything, upload and edit your images, add text, style them, change the background, etc.

The hook image does exactly THAT, hook the reader.

You don’t always have to get it with the most elaborate image, sometimes just getting the right photo is enough.

What I mean by this is to take the time to find the right image or photograph for your post, as it could make a huge difference.

At least, that’s what I’ve seen happen with many of my articles.

It’s like they say: “ A picture is worth a thousand words”. 

BONUS #1: SEO Optimize your Intro

The words you use to start your introduction matter.

They matter A LOT.

It has been proven through various marketing studies that the first 100 words of every post you publish tell Google what your article is about.

That is to say, including your main keyword or phrase in your introduction is an effective way to improve your website’s organic positioning.

This way, more people will be able to discover your articles and get to know the content you share.

What should you do?

It’s simple, just make sure to include your main keyword or phrase within the first 100 words of your post.

For example:

If you wanted to rank for “  how to lose weight in 2 weeks”  then you would start your article by including that phrase in the first paragraph.

Something I do in the vast majority of the posts I publish.

A really easy way to optimize my content to rank higher, right?

BONUS #2:  Above the Fold

It is vitally important that the text and the content are seen first.

What do I mean by this?

Look, the user experience that reaches your website is EVERYTHING for Google.

Therefore, if you fill your site with advertisements or put a huge header, pop-ups, or an image that is too big, and you take too long to get to what is important, to what the user has come to find, then you will be shooting yourself in the foot.

You want to edit your header to make it smaller, avoid intrusive ads, and try to make sure your images don’t take up too much space when someone lands on your site.

Your introduction text should be visible without having to  scroll  down the page.

Based on the metrics I typically see in Google Analytics and various heatmap tools I use, this is what makes people decide to stay rather than leave my site.

Give them what they are looking for, and give it to them fast! 😉

That’s what above the fold means.

It is the part of the website that users see first, without having to scroll with the mouse or thumb.

Final Words

I hope this information is helpful to you and that you apply these tips in future articles.

I assure you that you will see great results once you master the art of copywriting.

Now I would like to know from you, what you think about these styles, which one catches your attention, and which one you could put into practice immediately.

Leave me a comment below, and I will reply as soon as possible.

See you soon!

• Vishal Meena

Hey! I'm Vishal Meena from Rajasthan, India. A Digital Marketer and founder of WayToidea. I Share Strategies Related to Blogging, SEO and Digital Marketing.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Related Posts

7 Best WordPress Membership Plugins Compared (Free + Paid) – 2023

• January 29, 2023

How To Choose a Right Domain Name (12 Tips) – 2021

• February 9, 2021

Creating Private Blog Networks (PBN) for Quality Link Building – 2023

• January 5, 2023

Top 8 WordPress Plugins To Insert Header And Footer Scripts

• May 10, 2023

How to Select the Perfect SEO Expert for Your Dental Marketing Needs

• March 23, 2023

[Updated] Best Keyword Research Tools (Free or Paid) In 2020

• January 13, 2021

15 Features To Look For In A Workflow Automation Software

• July 9, 2024

Differences Between WordPress.com and WordPress.org (Pros and Cons) 2021

• February 5, 2021