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• October 21, 2019
• By Homework Help Global
• In Blog , Essay Writing , The Homework Help Show

How to Write an Introduction That Will Hook Your Reader Instantly

You’ve got your evidence ready to go, your body paragraphs planned out, and your thesis statement built. Now it’s time to work on an introduction to everything that transitions properly into your work. This part is often overlooked and more often than not, students get stuck throwing in generic statements and sensational narratives that might hook the reader, but they don’t communicate your arguments. Sometimes they just aren’t relevant at all.

If this sounds like your typical writing process, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here to help you out. So, without further adieu, let’s dig deep into the lesson and learn how to write an introduction.

Introductions Matter

When you’re learning how to write an introduction, it’s important to start with the why. Sure, you know every paper needs a good introduction, but you may be wondering why it really matters. The more you understand that, the stronger your writing becomes.

This is where you introduce your topic and give the reader a sense of what you’re going to talk about. Think of it like a first impression for your assignment. Just like first impressions matter in a job interview, the first impression of your paper matters, too. You don’t usually get a second chance to make them, so nail it the first time.

Simply put, without an introduction to your paper, how is your reader going to know what they’re getting themselves into? Would you really want to read an essay that didn’t really explain what it was about and expected you to just figure it out in the body paragraphs? You wouldn’t, and neither does your reader.

Why Learning How to Write an Introduction is Vital For Any Assignment

Your introduction indicates the position you’re going to take in the paper. It provides context to set up all of the points you’ll make in your body paragraphs. Think of it like a map to your paper that shows the reader where they’re going. No surprises, no roadblocks – just solid arguments and evidence about the main point.

So, when it comes to figuring out how to write an introduction, make sure you remember this above everything else. A weak introduction sets the tone that the rest of your paper is going to be dull. If you don’t nail this, the rest of your paper will seem bleak and uninteresting. Not to mention, everything won’t flow the way you think it will and that could lose you some marks.

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How Long Should My Intro Be?

This is a great question, and one of the first things you consider when learning how to write an introduction that fits in properly. Sometimes students will try to stuff the introduction with more words to take up more space so they can reach the page count, but we assure you that your professors know when you do this.

The length of an essay introduction should be relative to the length of your paper. If your paper is, say, five pages, your introduction paragraph should be no more than about half a page. Likewise, if your paper is twenty pages, it can be one or two pages long.

Your introduction paragraph should be long enough to answer some of the following questions (they may vary depending on the type of assignment you’re writing):

● Why are you writing this paper?

● Why should your reader care about this paper?

● What arguments are you going to make?

● What is your position on the topic (if you need to make one)?

● How will you capture the reader’s attention long enough to get them to pay attention?

The answers to these questions will help you formulate your introduction paragraph, from that catchy first line to a strong thesis statement.

Elements of an Essay Introduction

In episode 69 of The Homework Help Show below, Cath Anne is going to go through more details to show you how to write an introduction. But before we get there, let’s dissect the basics.

A typical essay introduction structure should resemble an upside down triangle. You start broad (but not too broad), and then narrow down to eventually get to your specific thesis statement. Need help with that thesis statement? Check out our blog on how to write a thesis statement , where we go more in depth with our best tips and tricks.

Start with broad context that gives the reader some background information they’ll need to know to understand the topic. This part should include only relevant information that will relate to the arguments you’re going to make. Depending on the topic of your paper, you could choose to provide some historical background, social context, or explanation of specific keywords that will appear when you discuss your evidence. Save the deep dive for your body paragraphs. Then, narrow it down to get to the point, which leads directly into your thesis.

Most importantly, your introduction needs to be interesting. Write something that inspires your reader to keep going.

Avoid These Overrated Intro Lines

Before you go and look for some generic quote to throw in as your opening line, stop and think. Your professors are sick of seeing the same lines over and over again being used as the hook of your introduction.

The key to learning how to write an introduction is avoiding overrated, overused intro lines that will only make your professor or your reader roll their eyes.

● Dictionary definitions: Anyone can Google the dictionary definition of something. When you start your introduction paragraph this way, it looks like you didn’t put any thought into it.

● Quotes: Avoid those motivational quotes, popular quotes, and Additionally, quotes are lazy. They might work for a blog post, but they’re not going to cut it for an academic assignment that’s worth a large part of your grade.

● Cliches: As New York Times writer Leslie Jamison puts it, cliches are “substitutes for exploration.” Sure, they sound great in personal narratives, but leave them out of your academic work. It makes it look like you’re avoiding doing research and are taking a shortcut with an overused phrase your professor has heard millions of times before.

● Sweeping phrases or claims like “Throughout history,…” These are very general, sound like cliches, and most professors find these statements more annoying than anything else.

● Research questions based on the essay prompt: Your professor assigned this question, and is going to receive a ton of different answers to it. They want to see something new and original in your assignment.

Sometimes these items can be okay depending on the specific context of your assignment, but it’s best to avoid them whenever you can. For example, a quote might work if it comes from an expert in the field that reveals something new or shocking about your topic.

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So, What Does Make an Interesting Introduction Paragraph?

If you looked at the above list of intro no-nos, you’re probably wondering, “What does make a good introduction, then?” And that’s a fair question.

Here’s the real secret to determining how to write an introduction that really catches your professor’s eye from the very first line: nail down that hook. Don’t just jam it with something you think would be fun. Use something you know will work. Put a little bit of effort into it.

Here are some ideas to try:

● A particularly interesting or startling statistic

● An anecdote or narrative

● Make a statement or misconception that you’re going to take a position against

● A thought-provoking question or scenario (that you will answer in the paper)

● Make an observation that leads into your thesis

The point is to write something that will catch the eye before you get into the meat of your material. Make it really stand out and everything else will fall into place. Stuck getting the rest of your paper to fall into place? Read our ultimate guide to writing a good essay for more of our expert tips and tricks.

It’s Time to Learn How to Write an Introduction That Will Hook Your Reader From The Start

Now that we’ve prepared you to learn how to write an introduction, it’s time to dive in. Our top writer and Homework Help Show host, Cath Anne, is going to give you all the information you need to know for crafting an amazing essay introduction.

Remember, if you’re not sure about your introduction paragraph and need a new one written, or if you could just use some pointers, Homework Help Global has your back. We provide custom essay writing services for students that can help you take your academic success to the next level, and save you tons of time in a pinch.

Watch Episode 69 of The Homework Help Show Now

One of the hardest part in writing an essay is knowing what to write and how to start. Students often think that you have to always start writing the introduction first but that’s not always true.

In this episode of the Homework Help Show, our top writer & host, Cath Anne, discusses some tips that can help you to write an introduction.

Looking for study tips, help with essay writing, or advice on how to be a better student? Welcome to The Homework Help Show, a weekly show where we teach, assist, and offer valuable insights for student life. From study hacks to writing tips, discussions about student mental health to step-by-step guides on academic writing and how to write a resume, we’ve got you covered. Want your questions answered? Write them below or join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #askHHG

TRANSCRIPT:

Cath Anne: [00:00:00] Introductions are one of the most important components of an essay. And because they are the first thing that many readers write, you want to make sure that you start off with a bang. Last week we discussed how to start an essay this week. Let’s get a little bit more specific and talk about how to write an introduction. Hi, guys, and welcome back to our channel.

Cath Anne: [00:00:34] My name is Cath Anne and this is The Homework Help Show hosted by Homework Help Global here on the show. We provide you with valuable content for your academic and student life. Now, before we jump into the content, I wanted to remind you to hit that notification bell so that you can be reminded every time we post you academic content. Also, if you do like our content, make sure to subscribe to our channel. So you still get reminders when we are posting new academic content. And as always, make sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook as well for updates and information on new collaborations and new information on our organization.

Cath Anne: [00:01:24] OK, let’s jump in. Now, a good strong introduction provides a broad overview of what you will discuss in your essay. It also helps the reader to learn about what you’re going to be discussing and hopefully it will keep them wanting to read more. Now let’s discuss some tips on how to write a strong introduction and keep our professors from banging their head against the wall.

Cath Anne: [00:01:51] Tip number one, begin broad but not too broad. Sometimes students think that it is a good idea to delve in and discuss everything that revolves around a certain topic that has ever been researched or discussed. Now this approach might become a little too confusing for your reader. It is better to narrow your topics specifically in the introduction. The introduction should provide your reader with a sense of what they should expect on the topic and not discuss every little thing that has ever been written on your topic. In particular begin broad, but then and narrow into your thesis and keep it specific as you move into your essay.

Cath Anne: [00:02:38] Tip number two, discuss a relevant background information, but don’t delve in to the full content of your essay. It is OK to offer some context to your essay. However, the main meat of your essay should be throughout your body paragraphs. You can hint to what you’ll be discussing in your introduction and give your reader a sense of what they can expect in the essay. But make sure that you don’t give it all away because remember, you want them to continue reading the essay in order to decide how to incorporate things into your introduction or into your body paragraph. Consider whether it is context or evidence. True evidence should go in your body paragraphs and leave the context for your introduction.

Cath Anne: [00:03:30] Tip number three, write a thesis statement. In general, a thesis statement should go towards the end of your introduction. Now, I’m not going to go in-depth into a thesis statements because we’ve talked about it a lot here on our channel. We will link a video here so you can check out a video specifically related to writing a thesis statement. Remember, a thesis statement gives the overall idea, an argument that you’re presenting in your essay.

Cath Anne: [00:04:00] Tip number four, provide only helpful, relevant information. Now, anecdotes can be an interesting opener to your essay and you might want to include one. However, only if it is relevant to your topic. Are you writing an essay about Maya Angelou? Perhaps an anecdote about her childhood and how she got into writing might be an interesting way to open the essay that is relevant. Are you writing an essay about the book Moby Dick? Perhaps it’s not the best idea to provide an anecdote about how your friend read Moby Dick and they really didn’t like it. Keep in mind whether the information or the anecdote is relevant to your topic. Keep this in mind with statistics, definitions, facts, or any other little tidbits of information that you think might make your introduction a little bit more interesting. Just make sure that it’s relevant to the rest of your essay.

Cath Anne: [00:05:00] Tip number five, try to avoid clichés. Sometimes cliches can work. They might pack a punch, however, sometimes they are also overdone. One of these cliches is starting your essay with a definition. Starting an essay with the definition is an example of one of these conventions. Think about Michael Scott in The Office, you know how he always begins his speeches with, “according to Oxford English Dictionary” or “according to Webster’s English Dictionary”, and everyone always laughs or rolls her eyes. “Webster’s dictionary defines wedding as the fusing of two medals with a hot torch.” That’s because opening an essay or a speech with a quotation or a definition is a little bit overdone and tired at this point. Because it has been overdone it might come across as a little boring to your reader and cause your reader to tune out. Think of a more creative, engaging way to start your introduction.

Cath Anne: [00:06:12] Tip number six don’t feel pressured to write your introduction first. Personally, I find that my writer’s block is strongest when I am first beginning an essay. I find that it can help to get myself writing first, fill out some of the body paragraphs, complete the outline, even work on the conclusion, and then come back to the introduction. Once you’ve written the remainder of your essay, you’ll have a stronger sense of how you want to start your essay, and you’ll be more likely to start off with a really strong introduction.

Cath Anne: [00:06:47] Tip number seven Convince your reader that your essay is worth reading. A good introduction will really grab your reader and make them feel engaged. From the get go. The purpose of an introduction is to grab the reader, suck them in, and let them know that you have something interesting to say. Essentially, you want to hook your reader so that they’re interested in learning how you are going to make your argument on a really relevant and interesting topic. A good way to engage your reader off the get go is to provide information that perhaps they disagree with, or perhaps you present something a little controversial. This will help them to feel engaged in the material and make them want to keep reading. Once they are thinking about the topic, they are more likely to become engaged and they’ll want to know how you’ll make your argument.

Cath Anne: [00:07:45] Basically, a good introduction provides your reader with an overview of your topic. A good introduction is interesting, engaging and to the point. A great introduction doesn’t provide irrelevant information, doesn’t rely on cliches. It’s direct, concise and on topic.

Cath Anne: [00:08:07] Okay, guys, that is it for me this week. I hope this episode was a benefit. As always, we always love to hear from you. So please jump into the comments section below and let us know if these videos have been helpful for you. We’d also love to see if you would like any other content from us. As always, you can connect with us on social media. All of our platforms are linked and listed in the description box below. So make sure to check us out on Instagram, Facebook and all of our other social media platforms. If you like this video and found it helpful. Make sure to give it a thumbs up and subscribe to our channel so you don’t miss out on any of our future content. Okay, guys, thank you guys so much for joining me. Talk soon and take care.

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Top 10 Ideas to Write a Good Essay Introduction

Every decent essay begins with an introduction. And since there is never a second chance to make a first impression, make sure that your essay introduction is perfect.

Especially for you, I have synthesized years of writing experience to suggest ten working ideas for writing a good intro to an essay.

Idea 1: Mind an Essay Introduction Structure

A convincing introduction is a structured piece of writing. The key elements to be included in your introduction are:

• A brief background of the topic.
• Thesis statement.
• Summary of the main topics and/or arguments made.

I’ll return to these elements later in the article. Meanwhile, you can refresh your knowledge about the key components of an essay by consulting some credible sources on the internet.

Idea 2: Great Essay Introduction Contains a Nice Topic Sentence

A good way to start an essay introduction is with a topic sentence. The main purpose of a topic sentence is to develop the key idea without getting off the track in your introduction.

In fact, your professors frequently recommend that you use topic sentences, so it is time to clarify which ways to start an intro are good and which are not.

A good topic sentence:

• Explains subsequent introduction paragraph.
• States a topic and an author’s opinion.

Remember!  A  good topic sentence does not simply announce the theme, but rather adds the direction of the introduction .

Below are two topic sentences for comparison.

BAD: “This essay is about leadership.”

When reading such an introduction, you are likely to think “So, what?”, “Who cares?” or “What a nonsense.” Thus, every time your essay introduction causes these or similar thoughts, consider rewriting it.

GOOD: “This essay examines the phenomenon of leadership that has become the driving force of the organization’s sustainable competitiveness and success.”

Surprisingly, a 20-words introductory paragraph not only explains what the essay is about but also states the author’s attitude to the topic under study.

Idea 3: Good Introduction  May Begin With a Quote Or a Catchy Fact

Of course, you do not want to lose the audience’s attention from the very introduction. So, use a quote or some fact to hook your reader.

Preferably, the quote/phrase is a thought-provoking. To have a better idea of an engaging introductory phrase, consider the quote:

“Education and slavery were incompatible with each other” taken from Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglas, an American Slave .

I can guarantee your audience will continue reading the essay, seeking to understand how the outlined concepts are interrelated.

Idea 4: A Good Introduction To an Essay Includes an Incident Relevant To Subsequent Discussion

“A 12-year old M., studying at a boarding school in England, was sexually abused by two peers. It has been 24 hours since M.’s parents, who do not live in the United Kingdom, learned about the tragedy. Parents found out what had happened not through their son, who was scared to death, or his teachers, who took an indifferent position, but through one of the school students who reported the incident…”

I believe that the incident description is a great way to start an essay discussing the problem of school bullying. In just four lines of text, the author not only uncovers the problem that could happen to anyone, but also outlines the key themes to be covered in the essay :

• School bullying is not a myth.
• Members of the staff lack skills to respond to the problem.
• Empathy is a way to live school bullying out.

Idea 5: Good Introduction Paragraph Includes a Thesis Statement In The Form Of Discovery Or Revelation

People are in constant search of fresh ideas. So, give them some insight by presenting your topic as a discovery or revelation.

Have a difficulty with writing a revealing introduction? Then, consider an example taken from Suzanne Britt’s essay Neat People vs. Sloppy People :

“I’ve finally figured out the difference between neat people and sloppy people. The distinction is, as always, moral. Neat people are lazier and meaner than sloppy people.”

Did you know that Homework Lab is a student task sharing platform? You can work on tasks on your own or ask professional Geeks for help. Join anytime, anywhere for free.

Idea 6: Relevant Statistics Makes a Good Introduction To an Essay

“ According to CDC (2017) stroke kills 140,000 Americans each year. It means that every 4 minutes, someone in the country dies of stroke. ”

While at first glance, such introduction may seem boring, it performs one of its most important functions – that is to provide a background orientation to the topic. You are also welcome to use statistics every time you want to outline the scope of the problem under study or to validate an assumption made.

Idea 7: There’s Always a Place For a Good Joke

…Well, almost always. Still, it is hard to deny that a nice joke helps to win the reader’s loyalty and to come up with a good intro.

“In college I’m studying Pharmacy – because I’ve always wanted to be a farmer.”

I really like this pun taken from FUNNP because it reveals the essence of modern education: young people choose specialties they do not understand to gain knowledge that they won’t apply.

Idea 8: A Contrast Between The Past and The Present Results In an Insightful Essay Intro

A great example of such contrast is found in Betty G. Farrell’s (1999) book The Making of an Idea :

“As a child, I was made to look out the window of a moving car and appreciate the beautiful scenery, with the result that now I don’t care much for nature. I prefer parks, ones with radios going chuckawaka and the delicious whiff of bratwurst and cigarette smoke.”

Idea 9: An Opposition Between Image and Reality Makes a Good Introduction To an Essay

To put it simple, your task is to introduce a topic by stating what it is and what it is not.

Here are some examples in which a contrast between image and reality makes a good essay introduction.

“They aren’t what most people think they are. Human eyes, touted as ethereal objects by poets and novelists throughout history, are nothing more than white spheres, somewhat larger than average marble, covered by a leather-like tissue known as sclera and filled with nature’s facsimile Jell-O” (Keillor, G. (2000). Walking down the canyon. Time . ).

“A news photograph is not just an interesting picture used to highlight a story, sometimes a mode of storytelling that incorporates ideas of truth, reality, cultural value systems, and perception” (Mullen, L. (1998). Truth in photography: perception, myth and reality in the postmodern world. Uneersity of Florida).

Idea 10: Quote a Reliable Source(s) To Write a Trustworthy Essay Introduction

If you want your readers to believe your essay, make sure to quote reliable sources in the introduction.

The aim of quoting external sources is twofold:

• To show your scrupulous work on the topic.
• To assist your audience’s inquiry in case they want to learn more about what you write.

Consider the introductory passage below as an example of quoting reliable sources:

“ Obesity has become a serious problem in the United States. Presently, 36.5% of U.S. adults are obese (CDC, 2017). Evidently, people encounter with overeating and obesity for various reasons, including lack of food culture and opportunities for the active lifestyle, chronic conditions and poverty (Hruby & Hu, 2015; Tompson et al., 2013). Society should take actions to respond to the antecedents of obesity. ”

Well, that it is — now you are ready to write an introduction. Drop into comments to get help from the community — my peer Geeks and I are looking forward to hearing from you!

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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.

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.

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Awesome Guide on How to Write an Essay Introduction

'I'd like to recall the day I nearly burned myself in flames in my automobile while going 250 mph and escaping the police'. – Thankfully, we don't have a story like that to relate to, but we bet we piqued your interest.

That's what we refer to as an efficient hook. Fundamentally, it's an attention-grabbing first sentence that piques an audience's interest and encourages them to keep reading. While writing an essay, a strong hook in essay introductions is essential.

Delve into the article if you're wondering how to start an essay with a strong introduction. This is the ultimate guide for writing the parts of a introduction paragraph from our custom dissertation writing service to engage your readers.

Introduction Definition

The introduction paragraph, to put it simply, is the first section of an essay. Thus, when reading your essay, the reader will notice it right away. What is the goal of an opening paragraph? There are two things that an excellent introduction achieves. It initially informs the reader on the subject of your work; in other words, it should describe the essay's topic and provide some background information for its main point. It must also spark readers' interest and persuade them to read the remainder of your article.

To provide you with essay writing services , we only need your paper requirements to create a plagiarism-free paper on time.

How Long Should an Introduction Be

Typically, there are no strict restrictions on how long an opening paragraph should be. Professional essay writers often shape the size of it with the paper's total length in mind. For instance, if you wonder how to make introduction in essay with five paragraphs, keep your introductory sentence brief and fit it inside a single section. But, if you're writing a longer paper, let's say one that's 40 pages, your introduction could need many paragraphs or even be pages long.

Although there are no specific requirements, seasoned writers advise that your introduction paragraph should account for 8% to 9% of your essay's overall word length.

And, if you place an order on our coursework writing services , we will certainly comply with your introduction length requirements.

What Makes a Good Introduction

All of the following criteria should be fulfilled by a strong opening sentence:

• Start your introduction on an essay with a catchy sentence that draws the reader in.
• It needs to include baseline information about your subject.
• This should give readers a sense of the main argument(s) that your essay will address.
• It must include all necessary information on the setting, locations, and chronological events.
• By the end of your introduction, make a precise remark that serves as your essay's thesis.

What Are the 3 Parts of an Introduction Paragraph

So, what should be in a introduction paragraph? The introduction format essay has three sections: a hook, connections, and a thesis statement. Let's examine each component in more depth.

Part 1: Essay Hook

A hook is among the most effective parts of a introduction paragraph to start an essay. A strong hook will always engage the reader in only one sentence. In other words, it is a selling point.

Let's now address the query, 'how to make an essay introduction hook interesting?'. Well, to create a powerful hook, you can employ a variety of techniques:

• A shocking fact
• An anecdote 
• A short summary

And here is what to avoid when using a hook:

• Dictionary definitions
• Generalizations
• Sweeping statements that include words like 'everywhere,' 'always,' etc.

Once you've established a strong hook, you should give a general outline of your major point and some background information on the subject of your paper. If you're unsure how to write an introduction opening, the ideal approach is to describe your issue briefly before directing readers to particular areas. Simply put, you need to give some context before gradually getting more specific with your opinions.

The 5 Types of Hooks for Writing

Apart from the strategies mentioned above, there are even more types of hooks that can be used:

• A Common Misconception — a good trick, to begin with, to claim that something your readers believe in is false.

Example: 'Although many falsely believe that people working from home are less productive – employees who get such work-life benefits generally work harder.'

• Statistics — Statistical facts may provide a great hook for argumentative essays and serious subjects focusing on statistics.

Example: 'A recent study showed that people who are satisfied with their work-life balance work 21% harder and are 33% more likely to stay at the same company.'

• Personal Story — sometimes, personal stories can be an appropriate hook, but only if they fit into a few brief sentences (for example, in narrative essays).

Example: 'When I had my first work-from-home experience, I suddenly realized the importance of having a good work-life balance; I saw plenty of the benefits it can provide.'

• Scenes — this type of hook requires making the readers imagine the things you are writing about. It is most suitable when used in descriptive and narrative essays.

Example: 'Imagine you could have as much free time as you wish by working or studying from home—and spend more time with your loved ones.'

• Thesis Statement — when unsure how to do an essay introduction, some writers start directly with their thesis statement. The main trick here is that there is no trick.

Example: 'I strongly believe there is a direct correlation between a healthy work-life balance and productivity in school or at work.'

Part 2: Connections

Give readers a clearer sense of what you will discuss throughout your article once you have given a hook and relevant background information about your essay topic. Briefly mentioning your main points in the same sequence in which you will address them in your body paragraphs can help your readers progressively arrive at your thesis statement.

In this section of your introduction, you should primarily address the following questions:

You may make sure that you are giving your readers all the information they need to understand the subject of your essay by responding to each of these questions in two to three lines. Be careful to make these statements brief and to the point, though.

Your main goal is gradually moving from general to specific facts about your subject or thesis statement. Visualize your introduction as an upside-down triangle to simplify the essay writing process. The attention-grabbing element is at the top of this triangle, followed by a more detailed description of the subject and concluding with a highly precise claim. Here is some quick advice on how to use the 'upside-down triangle' structure to compose an essay introduction:

• Ensure that each subsequent line in your introduction is more focused and precise. This simple method will help you progressively introduce the main material of your piece to your audience.
• Consider that you are writing a paper on the value of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. In this situation, you may start with a query like, 'Have you ever considered how a healthy work-life balance can affect other areas of your life?' or a similar hook. Next, you could proceed by giving broad factual information. Finally, you could focus your topic on fitting your thesis statement.

Part 3: The Thesis Statement

If you're unsure of the ideal method to create an introduction, you should be particularly attentive to how you phrase your thesis statement.

The thesis of your work is, without a doubt, the most crucial section. Given that the thesis statement of your piece serves as the foundation for the entire essay, it must be presented in the introduction. A thesis statement provides readers with a brief summary of the article's key point. Your main assertion is what you'll be defending or disputing in the body of your essay. An effective thesis statement is often one sentence long, accurate, exact, unambiguous, and focused. Your thesis should often be provided at the end of your introduction.

Here is an example thesis statement for an essay about the value of a proper work-life balance to help you gain a better understanding of what a good thesis should be:

Thesis Statement Example: 'Creating flexible and pleasant work schedules for employees can help them have a better work-life balance while also increasing overall performance.'

Catchy Introductions for Different Essay Types

Although opening paragraphs typically have a fixed form, their language may vary. In terms of academic essays, students are often expected to produce four primary intro to essay examples. They include articles that are analytical, argumentative, personal, and narrative. It is assumed that different information should appear in these beginning paragraphs since the goals of each sort of essay change. A thorough overview of the various paper kinds is provided below, along with some good essay introduction samples from our argumentative essay writers:

Narrative Introduction

• The writer of a narrative essay must convey a story in this style of writing. Such essays communicate a story, which distinguishes them from other essay types in a big way.
• Such a paper's hook will often be an enticing glimpse into a specific scene that only loosely links to the thesis statement. Additionally, when writing such an essay, a writer should ensure that every claim included in the introduction relates to some important moments that have significantly impacted the story's outcome.
• The thesis in narrative writing is usually the theme or main lesson learned from the story.

Narrative introduction example: 'My phone rang, and my mother told me that Dad had suffered a heart attack. I suddenly experienced a sense of being lifted out from under me by this immaculately carpeted flooring. After making it through, Dad left me with a sizable collection of lessons. Here are three principles that I know dad would have wanted me to uphold...'

Still Can't Think of a Perfect Intro?

When assigned to write an essay, students end up with a ton of questions, including 'How to structure an essay?', 'How to choose a good topic?'. Here at EssayPro, we employ only the best essay writers who are committed to students’ success.

Analytical Introduction

• Analytical essay introduction format is another popular type. In contrast to a narrative paper, an analytical paper seeks to explore an idea and educate the reader about a topic.
• Three important facts that support the analytical premise should be included in the middle section of the introduction.
• A well-researched and well-thought-out claim will form a wonderful thesis because the main goal of this paper is to study the topic and educate readers. It's crucial to remember that this assertion shouldn't initially have any real weight. Although it will still be theoretical, it has to be articulated practically.

Analytical introduction example: “... Hence even though presidents, CEOs, and generals still have their daily schedules full of economic crises and military conflicts, on the cosmic scale of history humankind can lift its eyes up and start looking towards new horizons. If we bring famine, plague, and war under control, what will replace them at the top of the human agenda? Like firefighters in a world without fire, so humankind in the twenty-first century needs to ask itself an unprecedented question: what are we going to do with ourselves? What will demand our attention and ingenuity in a healthy, prosperous, and harmonious world? In a healthy, prosperous, and harmonious world, what will demand our attention and ingenuity? This question becomes doubly urgent given the immense new powers that biotechnology and information technology are providing us with. What will we do with all that power? ...” Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, Yuval Noah Harari

Persuasive Introduction

• To persuade readers of anything is the sole goal of persuasive essay writing. This may be accomplished using persuasive strategies like ethos, pathos, and logos.
• A hook statement for this paper may be anything from a fascinating fact to even comedy. You can use whatever technique you choose. The most crucial advice is to ensure your hook is in line with your thesis and that it can bolster further justifications.
• Generally speaking, a persuasive essay must include three supporting facts. Hence, to gradually lead readers to the major topic of your paper, add a quick summary of your three arguments in your introduction.
• Last, the thesis statement should be the main claim you will be disputing in this paper. It should be a brief, carefully thought-out, and confident statement of your essay's major argument.

Persuasive introduction example: 'Recycling waste helps to protect the climate. Besides cleaning the environment, it uses waste materials to create valuable items. Recycling initiatives must be running all around the world. ...'

Personal Introduction

• The final sort of academic writing that students frequently encounter is a personal essay. In principle, this essay style is creative nonfiction and requires the author to reflect on personal experiences. The goals of such a paper may be to convey a story, discuss the lessons that certain incidents have taught you, etc. This type of writing is unique since it is the most personal.
• Whatever topic you choose can serve as the hook for such an essay. A pertinent remark, query, joke, or fact about the primary plot or anything else will be acceptable. The backdrop of your narrative should then be briefly explained after that. Lastly, a thesis statement can describe the impact of particular experiences on you and what you learned.

Personal introduction example: 'My parents always pushed me to excel in school and pursue new interests like playing the saxophone and other instruments. I felt obligated to lead my life in a way that met their standards. Success was always expected on the route they had set out for me. Yet eight years after my parents' separation, this course was diverted when my dad relocated to California...'

Tips for Writing a Winning Introduction Paragraph

You now understand how to do introduction and have specific intro example for essays to help you get going. Let's quickly examine what you should and shouldn't do during the writing process.

• Keep the assignment's purpose in mind when you write your introduction, and ensure it complies with your instructor's requirements.
• Use a compelling and relevant hook to grab the reader's attention immediately.
• Make sure your readers understand your perspective to make it apparent.
• If necessary, establish key terms related to your subject.
• Show off your expertise on the subject.
• Provide a symbolic road map to help readers understand what you discuss throughout the post.
• Be brief; it's recommended that your introduction make up no more than 8 to 9 percent of the entire text (for example, 200 words for a 2500 words essay).
• Construct a strong thesis statement.
• Create some intrigue.
• Make sure there is a clear and smooth transition from your introduction to the body of your piece.
• If you're looking for a custom writer , request assistance from the EssayPro team. We know how to write a term paper along with many other types of essays.

Don'ts

• Provide too much background information.
• Use sentences that are off-topic or unnecessary.
• Make your opening paragraph excessively long.
• Keep some information a secret and reveal it later in conclusion.
• Employ overused phrases or generalizations.
• Using quotation marks excessively

Now that you know what is in the introduction of an essay, we recommend reading the information on how to critique an article to gain more academic insight.

If you are still struggling with that, keep in mind that you can always send us your request to get professional assistance from our law essay writing service .

Get Help With Your ESSAY INTRO!

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

How To Write An Essay Introduction?

What is the purpose of the introduction in an essay, how to start an essay introduction, related articles.

• If you are writing in a new discipline, you should always make sure to ask about conventions and expectations for introductions, just as you would for any other aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.  
• In some disciplines (Government, Economics, and others), it’s common to offer an overview in the introduction of what points you will make in your essay. In other disciplines, you will not be expected to provide this overview in your introduction.  
• Avoid writing a very general opening sentence. While it may be true that “Since the dawn of time, people have been telling love stories,” it won’t help you explain what’s interesting about your topic.  
• Avoid writing a “funnel” introduction in which you begin with a very broad statement about a topic and move to a narrow statement about that topic. Broad generalizations about a topic will not add to your readers’ understanding of your specific essay topic.  
• Avoid beginning with a dictionary definition of a term or concept you will be writing about. If the concept is complicated or unfamiliar to your readers, you will need to define it in detail later in your essay. If it’s not complicated, you can assume your readers already know the definition.  
• Avoid offering too much detail in your introduction that a reader could better understand later in the paper.
• picture_as_pdf Introductions

Why Homework Is So Important Essay

Education plays an important role in ensuring children are taught career, survival and intellectual skills that will enable them to live comfortably in the future. Learning institutions have been established to ensure everyone goes to school and gets the required knowledge essential for human survival.

These learning institutions have come up with various programs aimed at ensuring that students make good use of their time while attending schools and also when out of classes. Homework and holiday assignments are the most common tasks that students are given when they are not in school to enhance their learning.

However, the debate continues to rage on regarding the importance of homework to students. The discussion below outlines the significance of homework to the development of the learning process of a student. Every human being has a unique ability to grasp various ideas and information depending on their age, exposure to different environments and levels of interests.

This makes it very impossible for every student to grasp all concepts being taught in class by their teachers. Therefore, when students are given homework, they can take time and study the concepts they did not understand during normal class time, and this makes them be at the same level with other students (Bader 12). Homework plays an important role in ensuring that students can learn at the same pace.

The fact that students have different abilities to memorize what they were taught means that their levels of learning differences and when they are given the same homework slow learners can catch up with fast learners, and this ensures they all stand equal chances of competing effectively.

Also, ninety percent of students are in their active stages of life, and therefore they like playing very much. These plays make students forget what they were taught during the day as their minds are occupied with games and other entertainment activities. When these students are given homework, they have limited time to attend to other activities like games and sports.

It is well known that all children and young adults like playing very much and when left idle they can spend the whole day playing at the expense of their education. Homework plays an important role in ensuring they are kept very busy and indulge in games only after they have finished their work.

Furthermore, homework enables students to make their studies and identify areas they did not understand very well. Sometimes students tend to cheat in their examinations and other class assignments by coping from others, and this earns them false grades.

However, when they are given homework they are not able to copy from their friends and in fact, they make all efforts to ensure they put their brains at work to answer all questions assigned (Bader 134). Therefore, teachers can identify areas that their students did not understand well and go over them again by organizing remedial classes.

Students are also able to identify topics that were not understood and seek the necessary assistance from their teachers. Moreover, homework enables students to be busy during their free time and avoid indulging in bad behavior. The fact that an idle mind gives way to irrational thinking should sound an alarm bell to all parents and students who shy away from homework.

When students are kept busy with homework, they will be in a position to avoid indulgence in bad behavior like drug abuse and premarital sex. When students are given homework, they get prepared for future career obligations that involve assignments and duties out of office.

This offers them an opportunity to develop the flexibility to time schedules and roles assigned in the future when they are employed. Also, they will be in a position to schedule their work programs effectively to meet all the demands of their jobs.

Lastly, homework enables students to read widely regarding other topics to be covered by their teachers. Assignments that are designed to give students an insight into their forthcoming topics makes them mentally prepared for other “hard topics,” and this makes them understand the concepts of such topics with ease (Bader 134).

Some homework is meant to break down complicated topics into subtopics that are easily covered and understood by students within the shortest time possible. Therefore, homework enables teachers and students to take the shortest time possible to handle complicated topics.

However, despite the above benefits associated with homework, there are other factors that make them ineffective in performing their intended roles in students’ developments. The first reason that disqualifies the suitability of homework to access student’s intelligence is the fact that in most cases homework assigned to students is not done by them.

Students ask their elder siblings to do their assignments for them as they sit and chat while watching television. When the teachers mark the assignments, they are pleased to note the outstanding performance by their students. However, the same students register low grades when examinations and assignments are done within the school compound.

Therefore, homework does not help teachers in assessing students’ understanding of various concepts. Also, it does not offer reliable criteria to test the students’ ability to remember and present the ideas learned from teachers. Secondly, students are usually very tired after spending the whole day in class and require time to relax and think of other things that may distract their attention from books for a while.

Over concentration on books and academic materials exposes the students to risks like developing obesity due to their inactiveness. It is known the world over that too much work without play or exercise makes an individual very dull and thus ineffective. Most students are usually between the ages of five years and twenty-seven, and they are still growing and developing (Bader 134).

For them to develop their physical fitness, they need time to indulge in sports and games to ensure their bodies get enough exercise. Moreover, the mind needs some time to reflect on other things and enable the brain and the blood vessels to relax as the student reduces pressure from thinking about school assignments and tests.

It is estimated that homework and other assignments are responsible for a huge percentage of causes of stress and depressions in many youths. This is due to the pressure to finish their homework in time and deliver quality results that drive most students to concentrate on them and ignore meals and stay awake the whole night.

Human beings have varying degrees of learning and memorizing, and thus homework helps students to ensure they do not forget what they were taught. It enables students and teachers to identify the study areas that need more attention. However, it should not compromise the students’ time to indulge in other equally beneficial activities like sleeping and exercising.

Works Cited

Bader, John. Dean’s List: Eleven Habits of Highly Successful College Students. Maryland: The Johns Hopkins University Press, 2011. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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How to write a great Introduction of An Essay: Comprehensive Guide

The introduction of an essay highlights the topic and serves as a guide for the rest of the paper; it should attract readers’ attention and provide them with enough context to understand what is talked about in the body paragraphs.

When it comes to setting up your essay for success, a great introduction makes all the difference– so how can you write one?

This comprehensive guide from our  homework help  team will discuss key elements of effective introductions, offer examples from literature, provide guidelines on designing engaging intros.

It also discusses ways to structure your intro depending on its intent, cover grammar basics for perfectionists who want their essays to distinguish themselves from others’ and finally conclude by summarizing major points made in this article.

Table of Contents

What is an essay.

An essay is a piece of writing that presents and advocates for a viewpoint or argument. It normally follows a structure that includes an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion..

Essays are written pieces presented by authors that support arguments or opinions about topics.

In most circumstances, they are structured as follows: an introduction (which includes background information), multiple body paragraphs that address proof backing up the author’s position(s) on a particular topic, and a conclusion.

With regard to essays written at  my homework help  conclusion connects everything together and brings resolution to the stated problem, argument, idea, and so on.

They differ from other types of writing such that their goal: whilst research papers specialize more on obtaining data and providing facts without personal bias, essays have a certain compelling element in them and are usually keen on “winning” readers over through well-developed thoughts and a proper presentation style and structure.

The conclusion, links everything together and provides resolution to the stated problem, debate, idea, and so on.

For more info, you can refer to our previous guide on  how to write an argumentative essay .

Why Writing a Great Introduction Matters

• Writing fantastic introductions is crucial because they set the tone for the entire paper; if productive readers are participating and fascinated right away, chances are they will maintain interest throughout the reading process, offering the writer a greater opportunity of persuading them to his point of view even if the thesis statement is not convincing enough at first glance.
• Poorly organized introductions tend to be ignored quickly since lack of engagement usually leads to misunderstanding between writer and reader—the author’s point may seem irrelevant after seeing incorrect structures that make the entire text difficult to comprehend.
• This significantly reduces its overall quality and effectiveness. Consequently, it is vital to focus efforts on creating a distinct connection between the writer’s viewpoint and the audience’s interest early in the reading process, ensuring that each sentence builds upon the previous one and successfully delivers the intended message.

Elements of a Great Introduction for Essay

Great introductions, for any form of essay, should contain a few essential aspects focused around the respective objective:

• Hooking Reader’s Attention:  This could mean anything as from a silly joke or provoking inquiry related to the topic up until a dramatic statement demonstrating something worth bearing in mind.
• Providing Background Information:  depending on the degree of complexity level of the subject matter, some data should be provided prior to examining the text to enable the reader to comprehend the idea behind the concept under discussion.
• Clearly Stating the Thesis Statement:  the ending attracting attention section initializing the logical path description addressing major points described in the specified section.

Examples of Effective Introductions

A. anecdote.

Beginning with an anecdote or a short story related to the topic is one method to effectively capture the reader’s attention. An effective introduction should spark reader’s interest, keep them engaged, and excited about what is to follow.

A brilliant essay on the establishment of sustainable cities, for example, might begin with: “She had been fantasizing about this day for years – she could at last be able to move into her own home, in the city she had desired to reside in since childhood.” This concise story establishes a connection between reader and author while generating anticipation around what will be discussed next.

B. Start with a Question or Statement that Elicits an Emotional Response

When it comes to introductions questions are particularly significant since they compel readers into actively analyzing what is being asked before providing any background information on the topic at hand. Making statements that trigger an emotional response from audience is similar.

These can add a lot of value to the discussion if done appropriately, enabling the writer to go deeper into the topic much faster than normal. As a great illustration technique, consider the following example:  Can You Imagine Living without Access Clean Water?”

It immediately triggers certain emotions, centering the discussion on the need of a healthy environment and sustainability without the need for additional clarification.

Tips for Crafting Engaging Introductions

A. avoid clichés and overused phrases/expressions.

Clichés are overused phrases or expressions that lack originality and can make your essay unoriginal and boring. To avoid this, try to use new ways of expressing ideas or specific words instead of relying on clichés like “it was the best of times” or “a diamond in the rough.”

Similarly, it is important to avoid using phrases that have been overused so much they have lost their original meaning, such as “thinking outside the box”; instead, come up with an inventive way to convey your message without resorting to these stale phrases.

B. Eliminate Unnecessary Words/Phrases

Brevity is crucial when it comes to writing perfect introductions. They should be concise but still give the reader a solid idea of what is to come next. Ensure to include all the vital details on your first draft. Then, go through the text and eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases. This will make the introduction shorter and more fascinating.

For instance, while describing a certain point, a writer might end up repeating himself a few times just because he has not taken time to go back and peruse and identify errors like those. By reading the text severally, the author can easily identify duplicate sections, thus minimizing bulk paper considerably and adding value presentation quality-wise.

Grammar & Punctuation Basics for Writing the Perfect Intro

A. commas, periods, apostrophes and quotation marks.

It is vital to employ commas, periods, apostrophes, and quotation marks correctly while writing a great introduction, since they can assist in making your sentences clearer and more effective.

For example, if you want to introduce a quote or list things in a sentence, using commas appropriately will make it easy for the reader to comprehend your thought process.

Additionally, appropriately employing apostrophes is crucial, as this helps differentiate possessive nouns from plurals, which could result in confusion about what is being referred to, for example, “The cat’s toys” vs. “The cats’ toys.”

Finally, ensure you employ quotation marks correctly around quotes. This will help you know when the speaker said something directly and when they were paraphrasing it, which can be useful in understanding the author’s point of view on certain topics.

B. Semicolons & Colons

When writing a perfect introduction semicolons and colons can be useful structuring sentences in a more sophisticated and fascinating way than just employing simple sentence structures or commas to split ideas.

For example, when presenting background information on your topic, a semicolon might be useful in making it clear why this information is important. According to  science.org  “The global population has risen greatly over the past century; this growth has had major repercussions on our environment and resources.”

Similarly, colons can be beneficial in this scenario since they are typically used to introduce lists or related phrases or clauses such as “This population increase comes with several challenges: increasing competition for limited resources, increase in pressure on ecosystems, and overcrowding of cities.”  National Library or medicine .

As a result, you should practice to learn how various punctuation marks relate and how to write good introductions. This is because studying basic grammar rules helps making text flow better and maintaining the reader’s attention the whole time.

C. Using Parentheses

Another perfect method to enhance your introduction is by using parentheses correctly when necessary. Mostly, parentheses are used in adding extra information or a side note. It is vital to utilize them intelligently and not overuse them, because that can make your introduction difficult to follow.

For example, if you want to give a fascinating fact about a topic that does not necessarily require its own paragraph, utilizing parentheses might be of help in clarifying this (e.g., “The number of endangered species has risen substantially since 2000 (more than 1000 new species were added in 2019 alone)”).

This makes it simpler for readers to comprehend what is being discussed because they will not be distracted by unnecessary details or explanation, which would complicate reading.

Additionally, use of parentheses helps show readers that you have done extensive research on the topic while maintaining the focus on the key points discussed in the introduction. Balancing both aspects result in a well-crafted text, offering the author a better chance of creating a strong impression early in the essay presentation process.

Conclusion – Sum Up Main Points, Restate Thesis

To appropriately conclude your essay, go over the key points you made in the body of the paper. This instructs the reader on what was most vital in each section and how it relates to the thesis statement at the beginning.

For instance, if your essay focused on global warming, then a great conclusion might be something like this: “In conclusion, our study has indicated that global warming is an urgent issue affecting humanity currently.”

“Not only does it affect our environment, but it also jeopardizes future generations by making harsh weather events occur more often and by raising sea levels.” You are not only reminding readers of what you have already talked about, but also emphasizing why this is so vital at the moment.

This enables the writer create a compelling justification for his point of view, ensuring that the audience understands the significance of the text and goes on to do more research or discuss it.

Hire Cheap Essay Writing Services

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So why delay? Get in touch with us today for help crafting your perfect essay!

Frequently Asked Questions

An essay is a piece of writing that defends the author’s ideas or arguments about a particular topic. It usually follows a traditional structure of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion, which links everything and brings solutions to the presented problem/debate/idea etc.

Essays normally attempt to convince readers to side with the author’s point of view, while research papers are more concerned about gathering data and providing facts without any bias.

Furthermore, essays sometimes use rhetorical devices such as anecdotes or questions that make the reader feel something, while research papers should adhere to a stricter structure and stick to facts rather than making statements of opinion.

The writer makes his sentences more interesting by using semicolons and colons more regularly and fixing apostrophes. This enhances the text flow and improves the overall quality of the presentation.

They also use less paper in bulk by making better use of the paper they have and need. They also use less paper in bulk, which adds to the discussion without substantially diminishing the quality of the content.

To appropriately conclude your essay, you should go over the main points you made in the body, restate your thesis statement, explain why this is significant, and tie everything together in a way that assists the reader comprehend what you have been saying.

Also, explaining what the topic means for the future can be beneficial here because it lends the reader a motive to conduct more research once they have completed reading. If it is done properly, this offers the whole text a slightly different perspective and allows the writer discuss things even better than before if it’s done right.

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Essay on Homework

Homework has been a topic of debate in educational circles for many years. While some argue that it is an essential tool for reinforcing learning outside the classroom, others believe it puts unnecessary pressure on students. This essay aims to delve into the significance of homework, exploring its benefits and challenges, and providing tips for students to manage it effectively.

The Purpose of Homework

Homework serves several key purposes in a student’s academic journey. Firstly, it reinforces the concepts learned in class. When students practice what they have learned through homework, it aids in retaining information and understanding the subject matter deeply. Secondly, homework encourages the development of self-discipline and time management skills. It requires students to plan and allocate time outside of school hours, fostering a sense of responsibility.

Benefits of Homework

Homework offers numerous advantages. It provides an opportunity for individual learning, where students can explore topics at their own pace. This individualized approach caters to different learning styles and paces. Homework also fosters parental involvement in education. Parents can monitor their child’s progress and understand what is being taught in school, leading to better parent-teacher-student relationships. Additionally, homework prepares students for upcoming classes, giving them a head start on new topics and ensuring they are ready for future lessons.

• Reinforcement of Learning
• Independent Learning
• Preparation for Assessments
• Critical Thinking
• Time Management
• Communication Skills
• Parental Involvement
• Reinforcement of Responsibility
• Customized Learning
• Preparation for Real-Life Skills
• Review and Reflection
• Preparation for Higher Education
• Satisfaction of Accomplishment
• Continuity of Learning
• Practice for Time Management

Challenges and Concerns

Despite its advantages, homework is not without its challenges. One major concern is the stress and anxiety it can cause. Excessive homework can lead to burnout and reduce the time available for other important activities like sports, hobbies, and family time. There is also the issue of equity; not all students have the same resources or support at home, which can widen the achievement gap.

Strategies for Effective Homework Management

To make the most of homework, students should adopt effective strategies. Time management is crucial; creating a homework schedule can help in allocating adequate time for each assignment. Finding a quiet and well-lit workspace is also important for concentration. Breaking down larger assignments into smaller tasks can make homework seem less daunting. Seeking help when needed, whether from teachers, parents, or peers, is also a key part of managing homework effectively.

• Set Clear Goals: Understand the objectives of your homework. What do you need to achieve? Having a clear goal will help you stay focused.
• Prioritize Tasks: Identify which assignments are most urgent or have the nearest deadlines. Prioritize them to ensure you tackle the most important ones first.
• Create a Schedule: Allocate specific time slots for homework in your daily or weekly schedule. Consistency helps build a routine.
• Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Divide complex assignments into smaller, manageable tasks. This prevents feeling overwhelmed and helps you make steady progress.
• Set Time Limits: Assign a specific amount of time to each task. This prevents spending too much time on one assignment and allows for better time management.
• Minimize Distractions: Find a quiet, well-lit workspace away from distractions like phones, TV, and social media. Silence notifications to maintain focus.
• Gather Necessary Materials: Before starting, ensure you have all the required materials, such as textbooks, notes, and stationery, to avoid interruptions.
• Use Technology Wisely: Utilize digital tools and apps, like task managers and calendar apps, to organize assignments and deadlines.
• Take Short Breaks: Break your work into intervals with short breaks in between. This can improve concentration and prevent burnout.
• Stay Organized: Maintain a homework folder or digital system to keep track of assignments, due dates, and completed work.
• Seek Help When Needed: Don’t hesitate to ask teachers, peers, or parents for help or clarification if you’re stuck on a problem or concept.
• Stay Healthy: Prioritize your well-being. Get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise regularly to maintain physical and mental health.
• Avoid Procrastination: Start tasks promptly rather than delaying them. Procrastination can lead to stress and rushed work.
• Review and Revise: After completing your homework, review it for errors or areas of improvement. Edit and revise as necessary.
• Reward Yourself: Celebrate your accomplishments with small rewards or treats. Positive reinforcement can motivate you to stay on track.
• Plan Ahead: Anticipate busy periods and plan your schedule accordingly. Avoid leaving assignments until the last minute.
• Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude toward homework. Recognize that it’s an opportunity to learn and reinforce your knowledge.
• Learn Time Management Skills: Develop time management techniques that work best for you, such as the Pomodoro Technique or the Eisenhower Matrix.
• Communicate with Teachers: If you’re struggling with a heavy workload, communicate with your teachers to discuss options and seek assistance.
• Reflect on Progress: Periodically assess your homework management strategies. Adjust them as needed to improve efficiency and productivity.

The Role of Teachers and Parents

Teachers play a vital role in assigning appropriate amounts of homework. They should consider the age and developmental stage of their students and ensure that homework is meaningful and complements classroom learning. Parents, on the other hand, should provide a supportive environment. They can assist with homework but should avoid doing it for their children. Encouraging and motivating students, especially when they encounter challenges, is also part of the parents’ role.

In conclusion, Homework, when used effectively, can be a powerful tool in education. It reinforces learning, develops key skills, and involves parents in their children’s education. However, it is essential to strike a balance to avoid overburdening students. With proper strategies and support from teachers and parents, homework can contribute significantly to a student’s academic success. In conclusion, homework is not just a task to be completed; it is an integral part of the learning process that prepares students for future challenges and opportunities.

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• How to write an argumentative essay | Examples & tips

How to Write an Argumentative Essay | Examples & Tips

Published on July 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

An argumentative essay expresses an extended argument for a particular thesis statement . The author takes a clearly defined stance on their subject and builds up an evidence-based case for it.

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Table of contents

When do you write an argumentative essay, approaches to argumentative essays, introducing your argument, the body: developing your argument, concluding your argument, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about argumentative essays.

You might be assigned an argumentative essay as a writing exercise in high school or in a composition class. The prompt will often ask you to argue for one of two positions, and may include terms like “argue” or “argument.” It will frequently take the form of a question.

The prompt may also be more open-ended in terms of the possible arguments you could make.

Argumentative writing at college level

At university, the vast majority of essays or papers you write will involve some form of argumentation. For example, both rhetorical analysis and literary analysis essays involve making arguments about texts.

In this context, you won’t necessarily be told to write an argumentative essay—but making an evidence-based argument is an essential goal of most academic writing, and this should be your default approach unless you’re told otherwise.

Examples of argumentative essay prompts

At a university level, all the prompts below imply an argumentative essay as the appropriate response.

Your research should lead you to develop a specific position on the topic. The essay then argues for that position and aims to convince the reader by presenting your evidence, evaluation and analysis.

• Don’t just list all the effects you can think of.
• Do develop a focused argument about the overall effect and why it matters, backed up by evidence from sources.
• Don’t just provide a selection of data on the measures’ effectiveness.
• Do build up your own argument about which kinds of measures have been most or least effective, and why.
• Don’t just analyze a random selection of doppelgänger characters.
• Do form an argument about specific texts, comparing and contrasting how they express their thematic concerns through doppelgänger characters.

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An argumentative essay should be objective in its approach; your arguments should rely on logic and evidence, not on exaggeration or appeals to emotion.

There are many possible approaches to argumentative essays, but there are two common models that can help you start outlining your arguments: The Toulmin model and the Rogerian model.

Toulmin arguments

The Toulmin model consists of four steps, which may be repeated as many times as necessary for the argument:

• Make a claim
• Provide the grounds (evidence) for the claim
• Explain the warrant (how the grounds support the claim)
• Discuss possible rebuttals to the claim, identifying the limits of the argument and showing that you have considered alternative perspectives

The Toulmin model is a common approach in academic essays. You don’t have to use these specific terms (grounds, warrants, rebuttals), but establishing a clear connection between your claims and the evidence supporting them is crucial in an argumentative essay.

Say you’re making an argument about the effectiveness of workplace anti-discrimination measures. You might:

• Claim that unconscious bias training does not have the desired results, and resources would be better spent on other approaches
• Cite data to support your claim
• Explain how the data indicates that the method is ineffective
• Anticipate objections to your claim based on other data, indicating whether these objections are valid, and if not, why not.

Rogerian arguments

The Rogerian model also consists of four steps you might repeat throughout your essay:

• Discuss what the opposing position gets right and why people might hold this position
• Highlight the problems with this position
• Present your own position , showing how it addresses these problems
• Suggest a possible compromise —what elements of your position would proponents of the opposing position benefit from adopting?

This model builds up a clear picture of both sides of an argument and seeks a compromise. It is particularly useful when people tend to disagree strongly on the issue discussed, allowing you to approach opposing arguments in good faith.

Say you want to argue that the internet has had a positive impact on education. You might:

• Acknowledge that students rely too much on websites like Wikipedia
• Argue that teachers view Wikipedia as more unreliable than it really is
• Suggest that Wikipedia’s system of citations can actually teach students about referencing
• Suggest critical engagement with Wikipedia as a possible assignment for teachers who are skeptical of its usefulness.

You don’t necessarily have to pick one of these models—you may even use elements of both in different parts of your essay—but it’s worth considering them if you struggle to structure your arguments.

Regardless of which approach you take, your essay should always be structured using an introduction , a body , and a conclusion .

Like other academic essays, an argumentative essay begins with an introduction . The introduction serves to capture the reader’s interest, provide background information, present your thesis statement , and (in longer essays) to summarize the structure of the body.

Hover over different parts of the example below to see how a typical introduction works.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

The body of an argumentative essay is where you develop your arguments in detail. Here you’ll present evidence, analysis, and reasoning to convince the reader that your thesis statement is true.

In the standard five-paragraph format for short essays, the body takes up three of your five paragraphs. In longer essays, it will be more paragraphs, and might be divided into sections with headings.

Each paragraph covers its own topic, introduced with a topic sentence . Each of these topics must contribute to your overall argument; don’t include irrelevant information.

This example paragraph takes a Rogerian approach: It first acknowledges the merits of the opposing position and then highlights problems with that position.

Hover over different parts of the example to see how a body paragraph is constructed.

A common frustration for teachers is students’ use of Wikipedia as a source in their writing. Its prevalence among students is not exaggerated; a survey found that the vast majority of the students surveyed used Wikipedia (Head & Eisenberg, 2010). An article in The Guardian stresses a common objection to its use: “a reliance on Wikipedia can discourage students from engaging with genuine academic writing” (Coomer, 2013). Teachers are clearly not mistaken in viewing Wikipedia usage as ubiquitous among their students; but the claim that it discourages engagement with academic sources requires further investigation. This point is treated as self-evident by many teachers, but Wikipedia itself explicitly encourages students to look into other sources. Its articles often provide references to academic publications and include warning notes where citations are missing; the site’s own guidelines for research make clear that it should be used as a starting point, emphasizing that users should always “read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says” (“Wikipedia:Researching with Wikipedia,” 2020). Indeed, for many students, Wikipedia is their first encounter with the concepts of citation and referencing. The use of Wikipedia therefore has a positive side that merits deeper consideration than it often receives.

An argumentative essay ends with a conclusion that summarizes and reflects on the arguments made in the body.

No new arguments or evidence appear here, but in longer essays you may discuss the strengths and weaknesses of your argument and suggest topics for future research. In all conclusions, you should stress the relevance and importance of your argument.

Hover over the following example to see the typical elements of a conclusion.

The internet has had a major positive impact on the world of education; occasional pitfalls aside, its value is evident in numerous applications. The future of teaching lies in the possibilities the internet opens up for communication, research, and interactivity. As the popularity of distance learning shows, students value the flexibility and accessibility offered by digital education, and educators should fully embrace these advantages. The internet’s dangers, real and imaginary, have been documented exhaustively by skeptics, but the internet is here to stay; it is time to focus seriously on its potential for good.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

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An argumentative essay tends to be a longer essay involving independent research, and aims to make an original argument about a topic. Its thesis statement makes a contentious claim that must be supported in an objective, evidence-based way.

An expository essay also aims to be objective, but it doesn’t have to make an original argument. Rather, it aims to explain something (e.g., a process or idea) in a clear, concise way. Expository essays are often shorter assignments and rely less on research.

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 .

The majority of the essays written at university are some sort of argumentative essay . Unless otherwise specified, you can assume that the goal of any essay you’re asked to write is argumentative: To convince the reader of your position using evidence and reasoning.

In composition classes you might be given assignments that specifically test your ability to write an argumentative essay. Look out for prompts including instructions like “argue,” “assess,” or “discuss” to see if this is the goal.

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Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

A conversation with a Wheelock researcher, a BU student, and a fourth-grade teacher

“Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives,” says Wheelock’s Janine Bempechat. “It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.” Photo by iStock/Glenn Cook Photography

Do your homework.

If only it were that simple.

Educators have debated the merits of homework since the late 19th century. In recent years, amid concerns of some parents and teachers that children are being stressed out by too much homework, things have only gotten more fraught.

“Homework is complicated,” says developmental psychologist Janine Bempechat, a Wheelock College of Education & Human Development clinical professor. The author of the essay “ The Case for (Quality) Homework—Why It Improves Learning and How Parents Can Help ” in the winter 2019 issue of Education Next , Bempechat has studied how the debate about homework is influencing teacher preparation, parent and student beliefs about learning, and school policies.

She worries especially about socioeconomically disadvantaged students from low-performing schools who, according to research by Bempechat and others, get little or no homework.

BU Today  sat down with Bempechat and Erin Bruce (Wheelock’17,’18), a new fourth-grade teacher at a suburban Boston school, and future teacher freshman Emma Ardizzone (Wheelock) to talk about what quality homework looks like, how it can help children learn, and how schools can equip teachers to design it, evaluate it, and facilitate parents’ role in it.

BU Today: Parents and educators who are against homework in elementary school say there is no research definitively linking it to academic performance for kids in the early grades. You’ve said that they’re missing the point.

Bempechat : I think teachers assign homework in elementary school as a way to help kids develop skills they’ll need when they’re older—to begin to instill a sense of responsibility and to learn planning and organizational skills. That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success. If we greatly reduce or eliminate homework in elementary school, we deprive kids and parents of opportunities to instill these important learning habits and skills.

We do know that beginning in late middle school, and continuing through high school, there is a strong and positive correlation between homework completion and academic success.

That’s what I think is the greatest value of homework—in cultivating beliefs about learning and skills associated with academic success.

You talk about the importance of quality homework. What is that?

Quality homework is engaging and relevant to kids’ lives. It gives them autonomy and engages them in the community and with their families. In some subjects, like math, worksheets can be very helpful. It has to do with the value of practicing over and over.

What are your concerns about homework and low-income children?

The argument that some people make—that homework “punishes the poor” because lower-income parents may not be as well-equipped as affluent parents to help their children with homework—is very troubling to me. There are no parents who don’t care about their children’s learning. Parents don’t actually have to help with homework completion in order for kids to do well. They can help in other ways—by helping children organize a study space, providing snacks, being there as a support, helping children work in groups with siblings or friends.

Isn’t the discussion about getting rid of homework happening mostly in affluent communities?

Yes, and the stories we hear of kids being stressed out from too much homework—four or five hours of homework a night—are real. That’s problematic for physical and mental health and overall well-being. But the research shows that higher-income students get a lot more homework than lower-income kids.

Teachers may not have as high expectations for lower-income children. Schools should bear responsibility for providing supports for kids to be able to get their homework done—after-school clubs, community support, peer group support. It does kids a disservice when our expectations are lower for them.

The conversation around homework is to some extent a social class and social justice issue. If we eliminate homework for all children because affluent children have too much, we’re really doing a disservice to low-income children. They need the challenge, and every student can rise to the challenge with enough supports in place.

What did you learn by studying how education schools are preparing future teachers to handle homework?

My colleague, Margarita Jimenez-Silva, at the University of California, Davis, School of Education, and I interviewed faculty members at education schools, as well as supervising teachers, to find out how students are being prepared. And it seemed that they weren’t. There didn’t seem to be any readings on the research, or conversations on what high-quality homework is and how to design it.

Erin, what kind of training did you get in handling homework?

Bruce : I had phenomenal professors at Wheelock, but homework just didn’t come up. I did lots of student teaching. I’ve been in classrooms where the teachers didn’t assign any homework, and I’ve been in rooms where they assigned hours of homework a night. But I never even considered homework as something that was my decision. I just thought it was something I’d pull out of a book and it’d be done.

I started giving homework on the first night of school this year. My first assignment was to go home and draw a picture of the room where you do your homework. I want to know if it’s at a table and if there are chairs around it and if mom’s cooking dinner while you’re doing homework.

The second night I asked them to talk to a grown-up about how are you going to be able to get your homework done during the week. The kids really enjoyed it. There’s a running joke that I’m teaching life skills.

Friday nights, I read all my kids’ responses to me on their homework from the week and it’s wonderful. They pour their hearts out. It’s like we’re having a conversation on my couch Friday night.

It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Bempechat : I can’t imagine that most new teachers would have the intuition Erin had in designing homework the way she did.

Ardizzone : Conversations with kids about homework, feeling you’re being listened to—that’s such a big part of wanting to do homework….I grew up in Westchester County. It was a pretty demanding school district. My junior year English teacher—I loved her—she would give us feedback, have meetings with all of us. She’d say, “If you have any questions, if you have anything you want to talk about, you can talk to me, here are my office hours.” It felt like she actually cared.

Bempechat : It matters to know that the teacher cares about you and that what you think matters to the teacher. Homework is a vehicle to connect home and school…for parents to know teachers are welcoming to them and their families.

Ardizzone : But can’t it lead to parents being overbearing and too involved in their children’s lives as students?

Bempechat : There’s good help and there’s bad help. The bad help is what you’re describing—when parents hover inappropriately, when they micromanage, when they see their children confused and struggling and tell them what to do.

Good help is when parents recognize there’s a struggle going on and instead ask informative questions: “Where do you think you went wrong?” They give hints, or pointers, rather than saying, “You missed this,” or “You didn’t read that.”

Bruce : I hope something comes of this. I hope BU or Wheelock can think of some way to make this a more pressing issue. As a first-year teacher, it was not something I even thought about on the first day of school—until a kid raised his hand and said, “Do we have homework?” It would have been wonderful if I’d had a plan from day one.

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Senior Contributing Editor

Sara Rimer A journalist for more than three decades, Sara Rimer worked at the Miami Herald , Washington Post and, for 26 years, the New York Times , where she was the New England bureau chief, and a national reporter covering education, aging, immigration, and other social justice issues. Her stories on the death penalty’s inequities were nominated for a Pulitzer Prize and cited in the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision outlawing the execution of people with intellectual disabilities. Her journalism honors include Columbia University’s Meyer Berger award for in-depth human interest reporting. She holds a BA degree in American Studies from the University of Michigan. Profile

She can be reached at [email protected] .

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There are 81 comments on Does Homework Really Help Students Learn?

Insightful! The values about homework in elementary schools are well aligned with my intuition as a parent.

when i finish my work i do my homework and i sometimes forget what to do because i did not get enough sleep

same omg it does not help me it is stressful and if I have it in more than one class I hate it.

Same I think my parent wants to help me but, she doesn’t care if I get bad grades so I just try my best and my grades are great.

I think that last question about Good help from parents is not know to all parents, we do as our parents did or how we best think it can be done, so maybe coaching parents or giving them resources on how to help with homework would be very beneficial for the parent on how to help and for the teacher to have consistency and improve homework results, and of course for the child. I do see how homework helps reaffirm the knowledge obtained in the classroom, I also have the ability to see progress and it is a time I share with my kids

The answer to the headline question is a no-brainer – a more pressing problem is why there is a difference in how students from different cultures succeed. Perfect example is the student population at BU – why is there a majority population of Asian students and only about 3% black students at BU? In fact at some universities there are law suits by Asians to stop discrimination and quotas against admitting Asian students because the real truth is that as a group they are demonstrating better qualifications for admittance, while at the same time there are quotas and reduced requirements for black students to boost their portion of the student population because as a group they do more poorly in meeting admissions standards – and it is not about the Benjamins. The real problem is that in our PC society no one has the gazuntas to explore this issue as it may reveal that all people are not created equal after all. Or is it just environmental cultural differences??????

I get you have a concern about the issue but that is not even what the point of this article is about. If you have an issue please take this to the site we have and only post your opinion about the actual topic

This is not at all what the article is talking about.

This literally has nothing to do with the article brought up. You should really take your opinions somewhere else before you speak about something that doesn’t make sense.

we have the same name

so they have the same name what of it?

lol you tell her

totally agree

What does that have to do with homework, that is not what the article talks about AT ALL.

Yes, I think homework plays an important role in the development of student life. Through homework, students have to face challenges on a daily basis and they try to solve them quickly.I am an intense online tutor at 24x7homeworkhelp and I give homework to my students at that level in which they handle it easily.

More than two-thirds of students said they used alcohol and drugs, primarily marijuana, to cope with stress.

You know what’s funny? I got this assignment to write an argument for homework about homework and this article was really helpful and understandable, and I also agree with this article’s point of view.

I also got the same task as you! I was looking for some good resources and I found this! I really found this article useful and easy to understand, just like you! ^^

i think that homework is the best thing that a child can have on the school because it help them with their thinking and memory.

I am a child myself and i think homework is a terrific pass time because i can’t play video games during the week. It also helps me set goals.

Homework is not harmful ,but it will if there is too much

I feel like, from a minors point of view that we shouldn’t get homework. Not only is the homework stressful, but it takes us away from relaxing and being social. For example, me and my friends was supposed to hang at the mall last week but we had to postpone it since we all had some sort of work to do. Our minds shouldn’t be focused on finishing an assignment that in realty, doesn’t matter. I completely understand that we should have homework. I have to write a paper on the unimportance of homework so thanks.

homework isn’t that bad

Are you a student? if not then i don’t really think you know how much and how severe todays homework really is

i am a student and i do not enjoy homework because i practice my sport 4 out of the five days we have school for 4 hours and that’s not even counting the commute time or the fact i still have to shower and eat dinner when i get home. its draining!

i totally agree with you. these people are such boomers

why just why

they do make a really good point, i think that there should be a limit though. hours and hours of homework can be really stressful, and the extra work isn’t making a difference to our learning, but i do believe homework should be optional and extra credit. that would make it for students to not have the leaning stress of a assignment and if you have a low grade you you can catch up.

Studies show that homework improves student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college. Research published in the High School Journal indicates that students who spent between 31 and 90 minutes each day on homework “scored about 40 points higher on the SAT-Mathematics subtest than their peers, who reported spending no time on homework each day, on average.” On both standardized tests and grades, students in classes that were assigned homework outperformed 69% of students who didn’t have homework. A majority of studies on homework’s impact – 64% in one meta-study and 72% in another – showed that take home assignments were effective at improving academic achievement. Research by the Institute for the Study of Labor (IZA) concluded that increased homework led to better GPAs and higher probability of college attendance for high school boys. In fact, boys who attended college did more than three hours of additional homework per week in high school.

So how are your measuring student achievement? That’s the real question. The argument that doing homework is simply a tool for teaching responsibility isn’t enough for me. We can teach responsibility in a number of ways. Also the poor argument that parents don’t need to help with homework, and that students can do it on their own, is wishful thinking at best. It completely ignores neurodiverse students. Students in poverty aren’t magically going to find a space to do homework, a friend’s or siblings to help them do it, and snacks to eat. I feel like the author of this piece has never set foot in a classroom of students.

THIS. This article is pathetic coming from a university. So intellectually dishonest, refusing to address the havoc of capitalism and poverty plays on academic success in life. How can they in one sentence use poor kids in an argument and never once address that poor children have access to damn near 0 of the resources affluent kids have? Draw me a picture and let’s talk about feelings lmao what a joke is that gonna put food in their belly so they can have the calories to burn in order to use their brain to study? What about quiet their 7 other siblings that they share a single bedroom with for hours? Is it gonna force the single mom to magically be at home and at work at the same time to cook food while you study and be there to throw an encouraging word?

Also the “parents don’t need to be a parent and be able to guide their kid at all academically they just need to exist in the next room” is wild. Its one thing if a parent straight up is not equipped but to say kids can just figured it out is…. wow coming from an educator What’s next the teacher doesn’t need to teach cause the kid can just follow the packet and figure it out?

Well then get a tutor right? Oh wait you are poor only affluent kids can afford a tutor for their hours of homework a day were they on average have none of the worries a poor child does. Does this address that poor children are more likely to also suffer abuse and mental illness? Like mentioned what about kids that can’t learn or comprehend the forced standardized way? Just let em fail? These children regularly are not in “special education”(some of those are a joke in their own and full of neglect and abuse) programs cause most aren’t even acknowledged as having disabilities or disorders.

But yes all and all those pesky poor kids just aren’t being worked hard enough lol pretty sure poor children’s existence just in childhood is more work, stress, and responsibility alone than an affluent child’s entire life cycle. Love they never once talked about the quality of education in the classroom being so bad between the poor and affluent it can qualify as segregation, just basically blamed poor people for being lazy, good job capitalism for failing us once again!

why the hell?

you should feel bad for saying this, this article can be helpful for people who has to write a essay about it

This is more of a political rant than it is about homework

I know a teacher who has told his students their homework is to find something they are interested in, pursue it and then come share what they learn. The student responses are quite compelling. One girl taught herself German so she could talk to her grandfather. One boy did a research project on Nelson Mandela because the teacher had mentioned him in class. Another boy, a both on the autism spectrum, fixed his family’s computer. The list goes on. This is fourth grade. I think students are highly motivated to learn, when we step aside and encourage them.

The whole point of homework is to give the students a chance to use the material that they have been presented with in class. If they never have the opportunity to use that information, and discover that it is actually useful, it will be in one ear and out the other. As a science teacher, it is critical that the students are challenged to use the material they have been presented with, which gives them the opportunity to actually think about it rather than regurgitate “facts”. Well designed homework forces the student to think conceptually, as opposed to regurgitation, which is never a pretty sight

Wonderful discussion. and yes, homework helps in learning and building skills in students.

not true it just causes kids to stress

Homework can be both beneficial and unuseful, if you will. There are students who are gifted in all subjects in school and ones with disabilities. Why should the students who are gifted get the lucky break, whereas the people who have disabilities suffer? The people who were born with this “gift” go through school with ease whereas people with disabilities struggle with the work given to them. I speak from experience because I am one of those students: the ones with disabilities. Homework doesn’t benefit “us”, it only tears us down and put us in an abyss of confusion and stress and hopelessness because we can’t learn as fast as others. Or we can’t handle the amount of work given whereas the gifted students go through it with ease. It just brings us down and makes us feel lost; because no mater what, it feels like we are destined to fail. It feels like we weren’t “cut out” for success.

homework does help

here is the thing though, if a child is shoved in the face with a whole ton of homework that isn’t really even considered homework it is assignments, it’s not helpful. the teacher should make homework more of a fun learning experience rather than something that is dreaded

This article was wonderful, I am going to ask my teachers about extra, or at all giving homework.

I agree. Especially when you have homework before an exam. Which is distasteful as you’ll need that time to study. It doesn’t make any sense, nor does us doing homework really matters as It’s just facts thrown at us.

Homework is too severe and is just too much for students, schools need to decrease the amount of homework. When teachers assign homework they forget that the students have other classes that give them the same amount of homework each day. Students need to work on social skills and life skills.

I disagree.

Beyond achievement, proponents of homework argue that it can have many other beneficial effects. They claim it can help students develop good study habits so they are ready to grow as their cognitive capacities mature. It can help students recognize that learning can occur at home as well as at school. Homework can foster independent learning and responsible character traits. And it can give parents an opportunity to see what’s going on at school and let them express positive attitudes toward achievement.

Homework is helpful because homework helps us by teaching us how to learn a specific topic.

As a student myself, I can say that I have almost never gotten the full 9 hours of recommended sleep time, because of homework. (Now I’m writing an essay on it in the middle of the night D=)

I am a 10 year old kid doing a report about “Is homework good or bad” for homework before i was going to do homework is bad but the sources from this site changed my mind!

Homeowkr is god for stusenrs

I agree with hunter because homework can be so stressful especially with this whole covid thing no one has time for homework and every one just wants to get back to there normal lives it is especially stressful when you go on a 2 week vaca 3 weeks into the new school year and and then less then a week after you come back from the vaca you are out for over a month because of covid and you have no way to get the assignment done and turned in

As great as homework is said to be in the is article, I feel like the viewpoint of the students was left out. Every where I go on the internet researching about this topic it almost always has interviews from teachers, professors, and the like. However isn’t that a little biased? Of course teachers are going to be for homework, they’re not the ones that have to stay up past midnight completing the homework from not just one class, but all of them. I just feel like this site is one-sided and you should include what the students of today think of spending four hours every night completing 6-8 classes worth of work.

Are we talking about homework or practice? Those are two very different things and can result in different outcomes.

Homework is a graded assignment. I do not know of research showing the benefits of graded assignments going home.

Practice; however, can be extremely beneficial, especially if there is some sort of feedback (not a grade but feedback). That feedback can come from the teacher, another student or even an automated grading program.

As a former band director, I assigned daily practice. I never once thought it would be appropriate for me to require the students to turn in a recording of their practice for me to grade. Instead, I had in-class assignments/assessments that were graded and directly related to the practice assigned.

I would really like to read articles on “homework” that truly distinguish between the two.

oof i feel bad good luck!

thank you guys for the artical because I have to finish an assingment. yes i did cite it but just thanks

thx for the article guys.

Homework is good

I think homework is helpful AND harmful. Sometimes u can’t get sleep bc of homework but it helps u practice for school too so idk.

I agree with this Article. And does anyone know when this was published. I would like to know.

It was published FEb 19, 2019.

Studies have shown that homework improved student achievement in terms of improved grades, test results, and the likelihood to attend college.

i think homework can help kids but at the same time not help kids

This article is so out of touch with majority of homes it would be laughable if it wasn’t so incredibly sad.

There is no value to homework all it does is add stress to already stressed homes. Parents or adults magically having the time or energy to shepherd kids through homework is dome sort of 1950’s fantasy.

What lala land do these teachers live in?

Homework gives noting to the kid

Homework is Bad

homework is bad.

why do kids even have homework?

Comments are closed.

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Short Essay on Importance of Homework [100, 200, 400 Words] With PDF

Our today’s session is targeted to discuss writing essays on the topic of the ‘Importance of Homework.’ Here, you will have a holistic idea after going through three different sets of essays on this topic covering different word limits.

Table of Contents

Short essay on importance of homework in 100 words, short essay on importance of homework in 200 words, short essay on importance of homework in 400 words.

Homework is the work that students get assigned to do at home. It can often include going through the chapters that have already been taught at school, answering questions related to those chapters as well as writing assignments to increase one’s knowledge. Doing homework is very important because it helps students understand chapters better.

It makes them memorise important details and realise if they have any doubts regarding the chapters. It can also improve their reading and writing skills. If students don’t practice at home, they may forget whatever they have been taught in class. However, it is important to not give students too much homework. Excessive homework can burden young kids, making them lose their interest in learning. When given in the right amount, homework helps a student learn and perform better. 

Students often get a lot of classwork as well as homework to do. Classwork is the work students do in class while homework is the work that students are asked to do at home. Usually, homework includes going through whatever has been taught in class and answering questions related to the same. It can also include making students read a chapter that is meant to be taught in class next.

This helps students understand the chapter better and see if they are able to understand new concepts by themselves. Practising at home also improves their reading and writing skills. It makes them memorise important details and realise if they have any doubts regarding the chapters. 

Sometimes, students complain about getting too much homework. Excessive homework can burden young kids and make them lose interest in learning. Even if they finish all the work, they may do it just for the sake of finishing it instead of trying to learn in the process. It is important to give students the right amount of homework that may help them learn better without burdening them or stressing them out.

Students also must understand that doing homework is important and benefits them. It makes them memorise important details and realise if they have any doubts regarding the chapters. Homework makes students learn and perform better. This in turn helps them secure good grades. 

When students go to schools or colleges to study, they are often given a lot of classwork and homework. Classwork is the work students do in class while homework is the work that students are assigned to do at home. Teachers usually explain new chapters to students in class and show them how to solve problems. But a class is at most an hour long and one cannot practice a lot in an hour.

For this reason, students are given assignments to do at home. Homework can include going through the chapters that have already been taught at school, answering questions related to those chapters as well as writing assignments to increase one’s knowledge. Sometimes, teachers also ask students to read a chapter at home before it is taught in class. This helps students understand the chapter better and see if they are able to understand new concepts by themselves. 

Practising at home improves the reading and writing skills of students. It also helps them memorise important details and understand if they have any doubts regarding the chapters. At times, students complain about getting a lot of homework and do not want to do it. Too much homework can often burden children and make them lose interest in learning new things.

Even if they finish all the work, they may do it just for the sake of doing it instead of trying to learn something from it. This would then make homework meaningless. Students should have the time to play and engage in other fun activities apart from studying, or else they may feel dull and sad. It is important to give students the right amount of homework so that it doesn’t burden them. 

Students must also understand that doing homework is important for them and benefits them. If they want to understand and learn a chapter better, they must do their homework diligently. If they want to perform well in tests and examinations, homework prepares them for that as well. Since there is no teacher to discipline the student when he does the homework given to him, it also develops a sense of personality responsibility and discipline in the student.

He must control his urges to go play outdoors or get busy on his computer and focus on doing the homework. It also helps him develop time management skills as he needs to finish the work assigned to him in a limited amount of time. All of these things help students develop good habits and skills that help them throughout their lives. 

In this session, I have tried to write the essays in very simple language that all kinds of students can easily understand. If you still have any doubts post them in the comment section below. Keep browsing our website for more such sessions. 

Connect us on Telegram to get all the latest updates on our upcoming sessions. Thank you. 

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