components of an essay introduction

What are the elements of an effective essay introduction?

This is the second of four chapters about Introductory Paragraphs . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.   

– Introduce the concept of elements in an introduction

– Describe the seven key introductory elements

– Provide examples of each element to guide the learner

Chapter 1: What is the purpose of an academic essay introduction?

Chapter 2: What are the elements of an effective essay introduction?

Chapter 3: What are some possible introductory paragraph structures?

Chapter 4: What academic language may be useful in an introduction?

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Effective introductions are often composed of a number of identifiable elements that can be used to the advantage of both the reader and the writer. It’s important that as an academic you’re able to recognise and use these elements in your own writing for the purpose they are intended. We’ve isolated seven different introductory elements that can be exemplified with the following essay question:

1. The Opening Sentence

One of the most important elements of an introduction is its very first sentence. This sentence must both interest and inform your reader, as well as encourage them to keep reading and point them towards the topic of your essay . Consider the following opening sentence in relation to our essay question. This sentence works to introduce and contextualise the topics of ‘technology’ and ‘education’:

2. Background Information

Once the reader has been introduced to the basic topics of the essay , the use of background information will help to inform the reader of any critical dates or statistics which are needed to better understand the content of the essay. Background information may be composed of many sentences , and we’ve provided one example sentence for you below:

3. Defining Key Terms

Some essay topics will also require the introduction and explanation of particular subject-specific terms , such as ‘blended learning’ in the previous example. These definitions should be clear and concise , and introduced early on to the reader:

4. Topic Importance

Sometimes, a writer may also wish to signify essay  purpose to the reader by highlighting or explaining the importance of the topic being discussed:

By highlighting such importance, the writer hopes to encourage the reader to feel confident about spending the time necessary to read that essay . Indeed, a reader that feels they may learn something significant about that topic, or perhaps something enlightening or relevant to their own research or daily life is much more likely to read on. 

5. Thesis Statements

One aspect of an introduction that you may hear your tutor mention often is the inclusion of a thesis statement . Because a thesis statement should first explain to the reader the purpose and direction of the essay, many basic thesis statements may be very similar to the original essay question :

However, in some essay types (such as evaluative essays ), the writer may be required to also provide stance in their essay – which means clearly indicating to the reader the writer’s opinion on that topic. This stance is usually an aspect of the thesis statement previously mentioned:

Finally, one element of introductory paragraphs worth including is the outline . The aim of an outline is to not only inform the reader of the main ideas of the body section , but to also provide the reader with the order of such ideas or arguments. As can be seen in the example below, an outline may be part of the thesis statement or provided directly after it.

Once you’re able to recognise these seven different elements, the next step is to consider their arrangement in the introduction . Should you include each element every time for example, and are there any overall structures which may help you when writing essay  introductions?

To reference this reader:

Academic Marker (2022) About Introductory Paragraphs . Available at: https://academicmarker.com/essay-writing/introductory-paragraphs/about-introductory-paragraphs/ (Accessed: Date Month Year).

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• Example of a great essay | Explanations, tips & tricks

Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks

Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes.

This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction , focused paragraphs , clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion .

Each paragraph addresses a single central point, introduced by a topic sentence , and each point is directly related to the thesis statement .

As you read, hover over the highlighted parts to learn what they do and why they work.

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Table of contents

Other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about writing an essay, an appeal to the senses: the development of the braille system in nineteenth-century france.

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

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

In France, debates about how to deal with disability led to the adoption of different strategies over time. While people with temporary difficulties were able to access public welfare, the most common response to people with long-term disabilities, such as hearing or vision loss, was to group them together in institutions (Tombs, 1996). At first, a joint institute for the blind and deaf was created, and although the partnership was motivated more by financial considerations than by the well-being of the residents, the institute aimed to help people develop skills valuable to society (Weygand, 2009). Eventually blind institutions were separated from deaf institutions, and the focus shifted towards education of the blind, as was the case for the Royal Institute for Blind Youth, which Louis Braille attended (Jimenez et al, 2009). The growing acknowledgement of the uniqueness of different disabilities led to more targeted education strategies, fostering an environment in which the benefits of a specifically blind education could be more widely recognized.

Several different systems of tactile reading can be seen as forerunners to the method Louis Braille developed, but these systems were all developed based on the sighted system. The Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris taught the students to read embossed roman letters, a method created by the school’s founder, Valentin Hauy (Jimenez et al., 2009). Reading this way proved to be a rather arduous task, as the letters were difficult to distinguish by touch. The embossed letter method was based on the reading system of sighted people, with minimal adaptation for those with vision loss. As a result, this method did not gain significant success among blind students.

Louis Braille was bound to be influenced by his school’s founder, but the most influential pre-Braille tactile reading system was Charles Barbier’s night writing. A soldier in Napoleon’s army, Barbier developed a system in 1819 that used 12 dots with a five line musical staff (Kersten, 1997). His intention was to develop a system that would allow the military to communicate at night without the need for light (Herron, 2009). The code developed by Barbier was phonetic (Jimenez et al., 2009); in other words, the code was designed for sighted people and was based on the sounds of words, not on an actual alphabet. Barbier discovered that variants of raised dots within a square were the easiest method of reading by touch (Jimenez et al., 2009). This system proved effective for the transmission of short messages between military personnel, but the symbols were too large for the fingertip, greatly reducing the speed at which a message could be read (Herron, 2009). For this reason, it was unsuitable for daily use and was not widely adopted in the blind community.

Nevertheless, Barbier’s military dot system was more efficient than Hauy’s embossed letters, and it provided the framework within which Louis Braille developed his method. Barbier’s system, with its dashes and dots, could form over 4000 combinations (Jimenez et al., 2009). Compared to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, this was an absurdly high number. Braille kept the raised dot form, but developed a more manageable system that would reflect the sighted alphabet. He replaced Barbier’s dashes and dots with just six dots in a rectangular configuration (Jimenez et al., 2009). The result was that the blind population in France had a tactile reading system using dots (like Barbier’s) that was based on the structure of the sighted alphabet (like Hauy’s); crucially, this system was the first developed specifically for the purposes of the blind.

While the Braille system gained immediate popularity with the blind students at the Institute in Paris, it had to gain acceptance among the sighted before its adoption throughout France. This support was necessary because sighted teachers and leaders had ultimate control over the propagation of Braille resources. Many of the teachers at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth resisted learning Braille’s system because they found the tactile method of reading difficult to learn (Bullock & Galst, 2009). This resistance was symptomatic of the prevalent attitude that the blind population had to adapt to the sighted world rather than develop their own tools and methods. Over time, however, with the increasing impetus to make social contribution possible for all, teachers began to appreciate the usefulness of Braille’s system (Bullock & Galst, 2009), realizing that access to reading could help improve the productivity and integration of people with vision loss. It took approximately 30 years, but the French government eventually approved the Braille system, and it was established throughout the country (Bullock & Galst, 2009).

Although Blind people remained marginalized throughout the nineteenth century, the Braille system granted them growing opportunities for social participation. Most obviously, Braille allowed people with vision loss to read the same alphabet used by sighted people (Bullock & Galst, 2009), allowing them to participate in certain cultural experiences previously unavailable to them. Written works, such as books and poetry, had previously been inaccessible to the blind population without the aid of a reader, limiting their autonomy. As books began to be distributed in Braille, this barrier was reduced, enabling people with vision loss to access information autonomously. The closing of the gap between the abilities of blind and the sighted contributed to a gradual shift in blind people’s status, lessening the cultural perception of the blind as essentially different and facilitating greater social integration.

The Braille system also had important cultural effects beyond the sphere of written culture. Its invention later led to the development of a music notation system for the blind, although Louis Braille did not develop this system himself (Jimenez, et al., 2009). This development helped remove a cultural obstacle that had been introduced by the popularization of written musical notation in the early 1500s. While music had previously been an arena in which the blind could participate on equal footing, the transition from memory-based performance to notation-based performance meant that blind musicians were no longer able to compete with sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997). As a result, a tactile musical notation system became necessary for professional equality between blind and sighted musicians (Kersten, 1997).

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

Bullock, J. D., & Galst, J. M. (2009). The Story of Louis Braille. Archives of Ophthalmology , 127(11), 1532. https://​doi.org/10.1001/​archophthalmol.2009.286.

Herron, M. (2009, May 6). Blind visionary. Retrieved from https://​eandt.theiet.org/​content/​articles/2009/05/​blind-visionary/.

Jiménez, J., Olea, J., Torres, J., Alonso, I., Harder, D., & Fischer, K. (2009). Biography of Louis Braille and Invention of the Braille Alphabet. Survey of Ophthalmology , 54(1), 142–149. https://​doi.org/10.1016/​j.survophthal.2008.10.006.

Kersten, F.G. (1997). The history and development of Braille music methodology. The Bulletin of Historical Research in Music Education , 18(2). Retrieved from https://​www.jstor.org/​stable/40214926.

Mellor, C.M. (2006). Louis Braille: A touch of genius . Boston: National Braille Press.

Tombs, R. (1996). France: 1814-1914 . London: Pearson Education Ltd.

Weygand, Z. (2009). The blind in French society from the Middle Ages to the century of Louis Braille . Stanford: Stanford University Press.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Bryson, S. (2023, July 23). Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks. Scribbr. Retrieved April 2, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/example-essay-structure/

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Shane Bryson

Shane finished his master's degree in English literature in 2013 and has been working as a writing tutor and editor since 2009. He began proofreading and editing essays with Scribbr in early summer, 2014.

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9.4 Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

Learning objectives.

• Recognize the importance of strong introductory and concluding paragraphs.
• Learn to engage the reader immediately with the introductory paragraph.
• Practice concluding your essays in a more memorable way.

Picture your introduction as a storefront window: You have a certain amount of space to attract your customers (readers) to your goods (subject) and bring them inside your store (discussion). Once you have enticed them with something intriguing, you then point them in a specific direction and try to make the sale (convince them to accept your thesis).

Your introduction is an invitation to your readers to consider what you have to say and then to follow your train of thought as you expand upon your thesis statement.

An introduction serves the following purposes:

• Establishes your voice and tone, or your attitude, toward the subject
• Introduces the general topic of the essay
• States the thesis that will be supported in the body paragraphs

First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader’s mind, which is why the introduction is so important to your essay. If your introductory paragraph is dull or disjointed, your reader probably will not have much interest in continuing with the essay.

Attracting Interest in Your Introductory Paragraph

Your introduction should begin with an engaging statement devised to provoke your readers’ interest. In the next few sentences, introduce them to your topic by stating general facts or ideas about the subject. As you move deeper into your introduction, you gradually narrow the focus, moving closer to your thesis. Moving smoothly and logically from your introductory remarks to your thesis statement can be achieved using a funnel technique , as illustrated in the diagram in Figure 9.1 “Funnel Technique” .

Figure 9.1 Funnel Technique

On a separate sheet of paper, jot down a few general remarks that you can make about the topic for which you formed a thesis in Section 9.1 “Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement” .

Immediately capturing your readers’ interest increases the chances of having them read what you are about to discuss. You can garner curiosity for your essay in a number of ways. Try to get your readers personally involved by doing any of the following:

• Appealing to their emotions
• Using logic
• Beginning with a provocative question or opinion
• Opening with a startling statistic or surprising fact
• Raising a question or series of questions
• Presenting an explanation or rationalization for your essay
• Opening with a relevant quotation or incident
• Opening with a striking image
• Including a personal anecdote

Remember that your diction, or word choice, while always important, is most crucial in your introductory paragraph. Boring diction could extinguish any desire a person might have to read through your discussion. Choose words that create images or express action. For more information on diction, see Chapter 4 “Working with Words: Which Word Is Right?” .

In Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , you followed Mariah as she moved through the writing process. In this chapter, Mariah writes her introduction and conclusion for the same essay. Mariah incorporates some of the introductory elements into her introductory paragraph, which she previously outlined in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” . Her thesis statement is underlined.

If you have trouble coming up with a provocative statement for your opening, it is a good idea to use a relevant, attention-grabbing quote about your topic. Use a search engine to find statements made by historical or significant figures about your subject.

Writing at Work

In your job field, you may be required to write a speech for an event, such as an awards banquet or a dedication ceremony. The introduction of a speech is similar to an essay because you have a limited amount of space to attract your audience’s attention. Using the same techniques, such as a provocative quote or an interesting statistic, is an effective way to engage your listeners. Using the funnel approach also introduces your audience to your topic and then presents your main idea in a logical manner.

Reread each sentence in Mariah’s introductory paragraph. Indicate which techniques she used and comment on how each sentence is designed to attract her readers’ interest.

Writing a Conclusion

It is not unusual to want to rush when you approach your conclusion, and even experienced writers may fade. But what good writers remember is that it is vital to put just as much attention into the conclusion as in the rest of the essay. After all, a hasty ending can undermine an otherwise strong essay.

A conclusion that does not correspond to the rest of your essay, has loose ends, or is unorganized can unsettle your readers and raise doubts about the entire essay. However, if you have worked hard to write the introduction and body, your conclusion can often be the most logical part to compose.

The Anatomy of a Strong Conclusion

Keep in mind that the ideas in your conclusion must conform to the rest of your essay. In order to tie these components together, restate your thesis at the beginning of your conclusion. This helps you assemble, in an orderly fashion, all the information you have explained in the body. Repeating your thesis reminds your readers of the major arguments you have been trying to prove and also indicates that your essay is drawing to a close. A strong conclusion also reviews your main points and emphasizes the importance of the topic.

The construction of the conclusion is similar to the introduction, in which you make general introductory statements and then present your thesis. The difference is that in the conclusion you first paraphrase , or state in different words, your thesis and then follow up with general concluding remarks. These sentences should progressively broaden the focus of your thesis and maneuver your readers out of the essay.

Many writers like to end their essays with a final emphatic statement. This strong closing statement will cause your readers to continue thinking about the implications of your essay; it will make your conclusion, and thus your essay, more memorable. Another powerful technique is to challenge your readers to make a change in either their thoughts or their actions. Challenging your readers to see the subject through new eyes is a powerful way to ease yourself and your readers out of the essay.

When closing your essay, do not expressly state that you are drawing to a close. Relying on statements such as in conclusion , it is clear that , as you can see , or in summation is unnecessary and can be considered trite.

It is wise to avoid doing any of the following in your conclusion:

• Introducing new material
• Contradicting your thesis
• Changing your thesis
• Using apologies or disclaimers

Introducing new material in your conclusion has an unsettling effect on your reader. When you raise new points, you make your reader want more information, which you could not possibly provide in the limited space of your final paragraph.

Contradicting or changing your thesis statement causes your readers to think that you do not actually have a conviction about your topic. After all, you have spent several paragraphs adhering to a singular point of view. When you change sides or open up your point of view in the conclusion, your reader becomes less inclined to believe your original argument.

By apologizing for your opinion or stating that you know it is tough to digest, you are in fact admitting that even you know what you have discussed is irrelevant or unconvincing. You do not want your readers to feel this way. Effective writers stand by their thesis statement and do not stray from it.

On a separate sheet of a paper, restate your thesis from Note 9.52 “Exercise 2” of this section and then make some general concluding remarks. Next, compose a final emphatic statement. Finally, incorporate what you have written into a strong conclusion paragraph for your essay.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers

Mariah incorporates some of these pointers into her conclusion. She has paraphrased her thesis statement in the first sentence.

Make sure your essay is balanced by not having an excessively long or short introduction or conclusion. Check that they match each other in length as closely as possible, and try to mirror the formula you used in each. Parallelism strengthens the message of your essay.

On the job you will sometimes give oral presentations based on research you have conducted. A concluding statement to an oral report contains the same elements as a written conclusion. You should wrap up your presentation by restating the purpose of the presentation, reviewing its main points, and emphasizing the importance of the material you presented. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Key Takeaways

• A strong opening captures your readers’ interest and introduces them to your topic before you present your thesis statement.
• An introduction should restate your thesis, review your main points, and emphasize the importance of the topic.
• The funnel technique to writing the introduction begins with generalities and gradually narrows your focus until you present your thesis.
• A good introduction engages people’s emotions or logic, questions or explains the subject, or provides a striking image or quotation.
• Carefully chosen diction in both the introduction and conclusion prevents any confusing or boring ideas.
• A conclusion that does not connect to the rest of the essay can diminish the effect of your paper.
• The conclusion should remain true to your thesis statement. It is best to avoid changing your tone or your main idea and avoid introducing any new material.
• Closing with a final emphatic statement provides closure for your readers and makes your essay more memorable.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

What are the essential parts of an introduction?

Follow these guidelines when writing an introduction:

Determine your purpose

Define your purpose . Depending on the style of the paper the introduction will need to reflect the proper tone. Is your paper:

Descriptive

Pick a topic 

Introduce what the topic of the paper will be and why it is important. TIP:  The development of your introduction can make or break your paper. However, you can make the process feel smoother by choosing a topic that you’re familiar with or excites you to learn more about.  Here are a few brainstorming tips that can help you to narrow your topic:

Free write  – Sit down and just start writing. Forget about grammar, and formatting. Just write about whatever comes to mind. How long you spend on this technique is up to you, but soon you will notice all sort of potential ideas.

Listing  – Make a list of many different topics that come to mind. Choose the one that interests you most.

Clustering/Mapping/Webbing  – Start with a keyword(s) then branch out with other ideas that compare/contrast, support or disagree with the main idea(s). Take it as far as you can.

• Ask journalist questions  –When you come up with an idea, ask yourself who, what, when, where, why, and how.

Attract your reader's attention

A bold statement: George Washington was the greatest American president.

Use a rhetorical question: Will America spiral into the depth of Hell because of the 2010 health  re-form ?

Define the problem: The problem with women is men, because …

A personal experience: Last year I went on a trip to Washington D.C. While there I took a tour of the White House. It was beautiful. …

An interesting quote: “The trouble with Socialism is that eventually you run out of others people’s money.” – Margaret Thatcher

• Start with a statistic: In  2009  nearly 1 in 5 children  were  considered obese.

How important is an attachment?  It is said that without a secure attachment, human development can be severely impaired, and in extreme cases death can occur (Huffman, 2009). Different aspects of attachment have been studied by many researchers, like John Bowlby, and Mary Ainsworth, and through their research and an experiment of my  own  I will show how important attachment is to human development.

Share your thesis (Paper's organization)

The purpose of the thesis statement is to inform the audience, in one sentence, how the chosen topic will develop throughout the entire paper. If you list three points that will support your thesis, you will address each of those three point in your paper in the same order you listed them.  (If you find that after you start writing the paper, you have added ideas that were not stated in your thesis you will have to revise your thesis to mirror your paper.)

How important is an attachment? It is said that without a secure attachment, human development can be severely impaired, and in extreme cases death can occur (Huffman, 2009). Different aspects of attachment have been studied by many researchers, like John Bowlby, and Mary Ainsworth, and through their research and an experiment of my  own  I will show how important attachment is to human development.

The introduction of any paper should normally:

• Not start with a definition
• Not provide a lot of background or factual information (that should be saved for the body of the paper)
• Not be more than one paragraph long
• Not be convoluted or confusing
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Jun 17, 2023

How to Write Essay Introductions: Techniques and Tips for Crafting Engaging Openings

Ever wanted to grab your readers' attention from the get-go? Discover the secrets of crafting irresistible essay introductions that leave a lasting impression. Join us on a journey to master the art of captivating openings, as we unveil techniques and insider tips to elevate your writing game. Get ready to intrigue, persuade, and engage your readers like never before.

When it comes to essay writing, the introduction structure is key. The first few sentences of an essay can determine the reader's interest and engagement, making it crucial to use effective writing techniques. Crafting an engaging opening can be challenging, but studying well-written introduction samples can provide essay inspiration and guidance. 

By carefully considering the purpose and audience of your essay, you can choose an introduction structure that will effectively set the tone for the rest of your writing. Whether you're taking a test, applying to college, or simply practicing your essay writing skills, mastering the art of the introduction is essential.

What is an Introduction?

The opening paragraph of an essay is called the introductory paragraph. As a result, it will jump out at the reader as soon as they start reading your article. Why do we need an introductory paragraph, exactly? The best introductions accomplish two goals. Its primary function is to introduce the topic of your paper to the reader; in other words, it should provide a general overview of the subject matter and some context for your central argument. It should also pique the reader's curiosity and encourage them to continue reading.

How long is an appropriate introduction?

There are no hard and fast rules about the length of an introduction paragraph. Essays by experts are usually tailored to the specified word count. For instance, an introductory line should be short enough to fit within the first paragraph of a five-paragraph essay. The opening to a lengthier paper, say 40 pages, may require many paragraphs or even a whole page.

While there are no hard and fast rules, most experts agree that the first paragraph of your essay should make up between 8 and 9 percent of the total words you use.

How to Start an Essay Introduction

A good opening sentence should meet all of the following requirements:

An engaging hook sentence should open an essay's beginning.

Your introduction should have some introductory material about your topic.

This should give the reader an idea of your essay's central claim or claims.

All pertinent details regarding time, place, and action must be included.

Make a succinct observation that will function as your essay's thesis statement at the end of your introduction.

Guide to Writing an Effective Essay Introduction

An essay's beginning should tell the reader everything they need to know to understand its argument or goal. An essay's introduction can be written in a variety of ways. Each has pros and cons, and some types of essays are better suited to one than another. Each of these essay beginnings uses a unique combination of rhetorical strategies to do the same thing: entice the reader to keep reading.

Here are some examples of writing an introduction for an essay:

Create an intriguing opening

When writing an introduction, an attention-grabbing hook can make all the difference in capturing the reader's interest. The purpose of a hook is to draw in the reader and make them want to continue reading your essay. There are many techniques for crafting an engaging introduction, but one of the most effective is using attention-grabbing hooks. 

These hooks can take many forms, from a surprising fact or statistic to a thought-provoking question or quote. By using attention-grabbing hooks, you can make your introduction more compelling and set the stage for a successful essay. However, it is important to remember to use appropriate language and avoid being overly informal, even when using attention-grabbing hooks.

Make a surprising statement: Draw the reader in with a stunning statement or a controversial claim, and then go right into the meat of your argument.

Question the subject: Begin your introduction with a question that gets readers thinking about your topic and draws them in immediately.

Insert a quote: If you can find a quote that is both memorable and relevant to your subject, use it as the first sentence of your introduction.

For Example:

Braille was a fundamental invention. It helped blind people read. (Wrong)

The invention of Braille was a significant turning point in the history of disability. It allowed visually impaired individuals to read and write independently, opening up a world of knowledge and communication that was previously inaccessible. (Correct)

A dry fact is presented in the first sentence, but a fascinating point is made in the second.

After catching the reader's interest with your hook, you should provide background information about the subject. To contextualize your paper's topic, provide some background information. While the hook gives readers a broad overview of your subject, the context sets the stage for a deeper understanding of your argument.

Depending on your instructor's guidelines, the length of your paper, and the complexity of your topic, your introduction may require as few as one phrases or as many as several. To achieve this, explain what problem or question your essay will solve related to your topic. It is a great way to get your readers interested in what you say and the topic.

To what extent, then, does an introductory paragraph's context matter? The context of your essay can be anything from the prevailing opinions and cultural attitudes to the exact circumstance or dispute you are discussing. Issues, questions, or occurrences that prompted you to write an essay on the topic that the reader should be familiar with to grasp your thesis should be included as context.

The message here is that you must provide some background information to explain why and how your issue is relevant. In addition, it prepares you to write the thesis statement, the third component of an introductory paragraph.

In the world of disability and accessibility, one invention that stands out as a game-changer is Braille. The Braille system is a tactile reading and writing system that has allowed visually impaired individuals to read and write independently for nearly two centuries. In the nineteenth century, the invention of Braille by Louis Braille, a Frenchman who himself was blind, was a significant turning point in the history of disability.

Thesis Statement

The third element of a practical introduction is a clear thesis statement. The thesis statement is the central idea of your first paragraph and should be written in whole sentences.

Your essay's thesis statement should inform the reader of the central argument or questions you will answer in your paper. Your thesis statement should be concise, easy to understand, and draw attention to your main argument.

In addition to the thesis, your professor may require an essay map. An essay's "map" is an introduction summarising the paper's main points.

The most crucial element of an introduction is the thesis statement. The point of your essay will be lost on your reader if you do not state it clearly. Moreover, for writing to be effective, it must serve a specific function. Because of its significance, your thesis statement warrants careful consideration as you craft it.

Create an outline for your essay

In longer articles, concluding the opening by briefly outlining the following sections is beneficial. Stay short, but convey the main points of your argument to the reader.

The blind community in nineteenth-century Europe is the initial focus of this article. The subsequent text elaborates on the background of Braille's development and its eventual adoption by the blind education community. The article then delves into how this innovation has altered the social and cultural landscape for people who are blind.

What to Avoid When Writing Essay Introductions

Understanding what not to include in your introduction is just as crucial as knowing how to write an excellent introduction paragraph. This can help you see how you may strengthen your writing.

The success of your essay may depend on your introduction. Therefore, it is essential to avoid being too predictable or wordy. You can cut out unnecessary passages and flesh out your thesis statement by editing your introduction extensively. When revising the first paragraph of your paper, keep the following in mind.

Introductions that drag on for too long or repeat themselves should be avoided. Straightforward to read and comprehend, short sentences are preferred.

Instead of restating the title or prompt for the essay in the introduction, try expanding on it. This aids in establishing the essay's context and keeps the reader interested.

Fluff and filler are words and phrases that are not used in the sentence or paragraph they are a part of. In your introduction, they are a waste of precious real estate, where you should be making an impact with few words.

Some Examples of Introduction for Different Types of Essays

Introduction paragraphs follow a standard format but utilize different words. Academic essays often require four critical introduction samples. Content is analytical, argumentative, personal, and narrative. Since essay purposes vary, introduction paragraphs will contain different amounts of background material. Here we will discuss some example introductions of essay types.

Argumentative Essay:

An argumentative essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to accept the author's point of view. In this type of essay, the writer presents a clear argument, provides evidence to support it, and refutes any counterarguments. The goal is to convince the reader to see things from the author's perspective.

Example Introduction:

The legalization of marijuana has been a hotly debated topic for decades. Supporters argue that it can be used for medicinal purposes and is no more harmful than alcohol, while opponents claim it is a dangerous drug that can lead to addiction and other health issues. In this essay, I will present the case for the legalization of marijuana, citing its potential benefits and addressing common concerns. By the end of this essay, I hope to persuade you that the legalization of marijuana is not only necessary but also beneficial for our society.

Narrative Essay:

A narrative essay is a type of essay that tells a story. It can be personal or fictional, but the goal is to engage the reader and create a vivid picture of the described events.

When I was seven years old, my family took a trip to the beach. It was my first time seeing the ocean, and the experience was both exhilarating and terrifying. The waves seemed enormous, and I was afraid of being pulled under. But as I waded further into the water, I felt a sense of freedom and joy I had never experienced before. This essay will recount that unforgettable day at the beach and how it shaped my view of the world.

Descriptive Essay:

A descriptive essay is a type of essay that uses sensory details to create a vivid picture of a person, place, or thing. The goal is to transport the reader to the essay's subject and make them feel as if they are there.

The Grand Canyon is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the world. With its towering cliffs, vibrant colors, and winding river, it is a sight that must be seen to be believed. In this essay, I will describe the Grand Canyon in all its glory, from the deep crevices in the rock to the soaring heights of the cliffs. I hope to give you a glimpse of this awe-inspiring place through my words.

Expository Essay:

An expository essay is a type of essay that presents information and explains a topic. The goal is to educate the reader and provide a deeper understanding of the discussed subject.

The human brain is one of the most complex and fascinating organs. It controls everything from our thoughts and emotions to physical movements and sensations. In this essay, I will explore the structure and function of the brain and how it is responsible for the incredible range of abilities that make us who we are. Through a closer look at this incredible organ, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the marvels of the human body.

Persuasive Essay:

A persuasive essay is a type of essay that aims to persuade the reader to take a particular action or adopt a specific viewpoint. The goal is to convince the reader to agree with the author's opinion.

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. It is causing devastating consequences for our planet and our future. In this essay, I will argue that we must take immediate action to address climate change and that every individual has a role in making a difference. By the end of this essay, I want to persuade you that we have a moral obligation to act on climate change and that we can create a more sustainable and livable world for ourselves and future generations.

Personal Essay:

A personal essay explores a particular aspect of the writer's life, such as a personal experience or a reflection on a more prominent theme. The goal is to provide a unique and personal perspective on the discussed subject.

Growing up, I always felt like an outsider. As a child of immigrant parents, I struggled to navigate American culture's complexities while staying connected to my family's traditions. In this essay, I will share my experience of navigating between two cultures and how it has shaped my identity and worldview. I hope to shed light on the universal experience of finding one's place in the world through my story.

2 Example of Essays Introduction

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1st Example

"While I've always been fascinated by this natural kinship," Paul Ratsmith says of his interest in the connection between pumpkins and rats, " the link between pumpkins and rats has become the focus of few if any, other studies." Since the early 1990s, Ratsmith has been researching this link, which he calls "pumpkinology." His three years living outdoors among pumpkins and rats are chronicled in his most famous work. The connection has been mentioned in various ancient documents and has been widely understood by the Romans, even though it has received little attention as of late. Pumpkinology has been called "rubbish" (de Vil, 2009), "stupid" (Claw, 2010), and "quite possibly made up" by critics who point to shoddy science and dubious methodology as reasons to discount Ratsmith's findings. Despite these objections, Ratsmith's documentation of countless pumpkin-rat colonies across North America supports the idea that these two plants are "nature's best friends" (2008).

Let us analyze the structure of this practice essay introduction. The first paragraph immediately grabs our attention. The reason for this is that it stimulates our interest. Just what is the deal with these two people? As to why it has not yet been researched, please explain. The second portion then provides background information. In the contentious study of pumpkins, Ratsmith excels. The correlation between pumpkins and rodents is the subject of this research.

The paragraph's climax and conclusion further illustrate why this is a solid example of an essay beginning. The meat of the argument is presented in the third section; scholars avoid studying the connection between pumpkins and rats because they consider Ratsmith's work to be "rubbish," even though this connection has deep historical origins. The argument presented in section four argues that Ratsmith's work is only partially with value.

The components of an introduction to an essay serve as a road map for the body of the paper. The paper will undoubtedly take us on an adventure. This is due to the author's prior experience constructing effective introductions for essays.

2nd Example

“An angry spirit terrorized the Lutz family after they moved into their new home in Amityville, New York. Their once-famous story has since been disproven by researchers and the family themselves. Nevertheless, ghost tales have held the attention of humans for ages (History, 2009). Many scientists, scholars, and thinkers have debated whether or not ghosts are actual physical phenomena. When asked this question, many scientists have said ghosts might be real.

Perhaps the answer lies in the quantum realm, which "just doesn't work the way the world around us works," but Lindley (2017) argues that "we don't have the concepts to deal with it." Although there have been several attempts to prove the presence of ghosts using scientific methods, those attempts stretch back hundreds of years (History, 2009), and technology has come a long way since then. Modern equipment and theories have allowed us to learn more about ghosts than ever before. This essay employs these methods to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that ghosts exist in the quantum world”.

This essay's opening is effective in a different way than the ones we have seen. It opens with a captivating story that is relevant and fascinating to the subject. This intrigues us, and we wonder what happened to the Lutz family. In the following section, we are given some context for the discussion. Some scientists believe in ghosts, but most people do not.

This leads right into the third section, which lays out the essay's primary points and arguments. The conclusion rests on the essay's premise, which states that ghosts are proven to exist in the quantum world. The author successfully incorporates all of the components of an essay introduction.

Final Thoughts

To write an attention-grabbing essay, one must understand the structure and purpose of writing essay introductions. Our essay introduction examples demonstrate the essential parts of an introduction, providing a solid foundation for any writing endeavor. However, a firm conclusion is just as important, providing closure and summarizing key points.

Restating the thesis, summarizing arguments, and providing final insights can leave a lasting impression on readers. By utilizing these tips and examples, writers can create engaging and persuasive essays from start to finish. With practice and an openness to feedback, mastering the art of essay writing is achievable.

If you aspire to craft high-quality essays with ease, look no further than Jenni.ai. This remarkable tool harnesses the power of AI to assist you in creating stellar introductions and even generate strong thesis statements. With its advanced auto-complete features, Jenni.ai saves you valuable time and effort throughout the essay writing process. Sign up for Jenni.ai today and experience the transformative potential of AI in your essay writing journey.

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Introducing the Basic Components of An Essay Introduction

• Eduhelphub,
• Aug 23, 2020

The very first thought that comes to your mind upon thinking about a particular subject or topic should largely make up the Introduction to your essay. Much alike any book, an essay should contain an introductory ‘foreword’ in lieu of rendering the topic more accessible to the common crowd. This is where the element of preparing a good essay Introduction comes into action!

Table of Content

• 1. Introduction
• 2. How to Introduce an Essay Introduction?
• 3.1 Core Elements of An Essay Introduction
• 3.2.1 Background and Context
• 3.2.2 Scope
• 3.2.3 Thesis Statement
• 4. Structure of The Introduction
• 5. Outline the Significant Landmarks in Your Essay Introduction
• 6. Introduction of An Essay in A Nutshell
• 7. Still Confused About Some Details? Expert Help Is Just A Click Away!
• 8. Conclusion

How to Introduce an Essay Introduction ?

Wondering how to write an essay Introduction? Well wonder no more! The Introduction or the first line of the essay Introduction should be a quirky, attention-grabbing line that hooks the readers to follow through and take interest in what is about to unfold through the pages of your essay or research paper.

This attention-grabbing line is often termed as a ‘hook’ as it tries to hook the readers to your essay . While coming up with the very first sentence of your Introduction, i.e. while introducing the Introduction to your essay, it is imperative to put concerned effort behind it and consult the tenets of how to start an Introduction. It is not mandatory to come up with the world’s best joke or the funniest thing someone has ever printed on an academic paper, but be mindful that it is, after all, the USP of engagement and public interaction with your essay. Thus, it is advisable not to throw in dictionary definitions or broad statements like ‘Since the beginning of time…’ as an essay introduction starter. You may use short, catchy lines that makes the readers focus their attention to whatever is about to follow.

Expert Tips on Framing an Attention-Grabbing Hook

• Use strange facts or shocking statistics about the subject of your essay to rope the readers in.
• You may include rhetorical questions that might interest your readers to know more.
• Intriguing quotations, by individuals of significance, on the subject matter of your essay.
• A personal anecdote related to the core idea/subject of your essay always works as a relatable factor for the readers.

Core Elements of an Essay Introduction

The Introduction to your essay should clarify the subject matter that is being dealt with and also provide background information on the main topic. The structure of the Introduction, irrespective of the type of essay you are writing, should be of an Inverted Pyramid shape, which we will come back to shortly. 

Quick Points To Elucidate In The Essay Introduction Section

• Background and Context : The readers should be aware of the core components that make up your central idea, the concepts to be implied in the course of the essay and basic information about the elements of the argument and central idea should be clear to the readers for an effortless comprehensive experience.
• Scope : This consists of the- who, what, where, why and how of the essay. Detailed information need not be explained in the Introduction itself, but the readers should be provided a glimpse of the core components that is to follow and its corresponding contexts.
• Thesis Statement : The thesis statement of an essay or the contention statement is the answer to the essay question or the essay problem that has been advocated by the faculty. The Thesis Statement is instrumental in preparing the whole structure of the essay and placing the correct arguments in support of it. The thesis statement should be precise and objective and should represent an idea, not an event or situation. The clarity and profundity of the thesis statement dictates the rhythm and pace of the whole essay and how the arguments are organized and to what effect.

Structure of the Essay Introduction

As touched upon earlier, the structure of the Introduction should ideally be one of an Inverted Pyramid .

• Broad at the top : The base of the pyramid should be broad, that is, the essay Introduction should start with a hook to reel your readers in followed by a broad statement or issue. This issue should be discussed upon in an abridged version, because we do not want to give any extra specifications away in the Introduction itself.
• Tapered at the bottom :  This should be followed by a less expansive essay question that would describe the main theme and concern of the essay, that is, the purpose of the essay, this should be answered objectively by the thesis statement
• Distinguished ending to the Essay Introduction :  The last portion of your Introduction should be the Thesis Statement of your essay, also known as the contention statement and establishes a perspective in answering the essay question. Stating your position on the topic is the most significant detail of the Introduction to your essay.  

Outline the Significant Landmarks in Your Essay Introduction

An essay Introduction could be concluded with an overview of the chapters that are to follow the Introduction section. You can roughly mark the essay Introduction outline by significant points that are to unfold as the reader traverses through the body content. Providing a glimpse of the chapters is crucial for imposing an idea of the essence of your essay.

Introduction of An Essay in A Nutshell

In inference, let us re-iterate the essentials of writing an Introduction for your essay in some simple steps:

• An Essay Introduction is the foremost interaction a reader makes with your paper
• Irrespective of how long is an essay , the Introduction should clarify the subject matter and familiarize the readers to its core components
• The Introduction of your essay should provide profound context and background information to the central ideas to create a convincing initiation for your essay
• The Introduction should define any special terms or concepts before proceeding with explaining the ideas
• The essay format template should be followed for all its sections
• The essay Introduction starter should be a hook that attracts the attention of your audience
• Irrespective of the format of the essay, the Introduction should follow an Inverted Pyramid strategy to organize the essential points, such as the Thesis statement and essay question. 
• The Introduction should contain a glimpse of the chapters that are to follow for proper clarity and comprehensive experience.
• The essay Introduction should be concise, objective and not include any expansive digression
• An essential correspondent to the essay introduction paragraph, for example, the essay conclusion paragraph also bears distinct similarities between the two.

At last! You are finally all set to pen down the Introduction to your essay, once you gain momentum, the other parts will follow smoothly! Learning how to write an essay introduction was that easy!

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Essay Basics

For college, an essay is a collection of paragraphs that all work together to express ideas that respond appropriately to the directions and guidelines of a given written assignment. Depending on the instructor, course, or assignment, you might also hear essays called papers, term papers, articles, themes, compositions, reports, writing assignments , and written assessments , but these terms are largely interchangeable at the beginning of college.

Essays and their assignments vary so much that there is no single right kind of essay, so there are no clear answers to questions such as, “How many paragraphs should a college essay have?” or, “How many examples should I use to help convey my ideas?” etc.

But with that said, most essays have a few components in common:

• The Introduction: the beginning parts that show what is to come
• The Body: the bulk of the essay that says everything the assignment calls for
• The Conclusion: the ending parts that emphasize or make sense of what has been said

One rudimentary type of essay that displays these components in a way that’s easy to demonstrate and see is the five-paragraph essay.

The Five Paragraph Essay

The term “five-paragraph essay” refers to a default structure that consists of the following:

• This should clearly state the main idea of the whole essay, also called the essay’s claim or thesis .
• This should also include a brief mention of the main ideas to come, which is the essay map .
• Each paragraph should be about one main point that supports the main idea of the essay (the claim or thesis).
• The topic sentence of each paragraph should be its main point.
• The rest of the sentences of each paragraph should explain or support that topic sentence. In general, the method for this support is to provide an explanation, then an example or analogy, and then a conclusion. See more in the textbook section Paragraph Basics.
• This should clarify the most important ideas or interpretations regarding what the essay has said in the body.

Example Outline of a Five-Paragraph Essay:

• Claim/Thesis: Unleashed dogs on city streets are a dangerous nuisance.
• Essay Map : They scare cyclists and pedestrians, present traffic hazards, and damage gardens.
• Topic Sentence: Dogs can scare cyclists and pedestrians.
• Cyclists are forced to zigzag on the road.
• School children panic and turn wildly on their bikes.
• People who are walking at night freeze in fear.
• Topic Sentence : Loose dogs are traffic hazards.
• Dogs in the street make people swerve their cars.
• To avoid dogs, drivers run into other cars or pedestrians.
• Children coaxing dogs across busy streets create danger.
• Topic Sentence: Unleashed dogs damage gardens.
• They step on flowers and vegetables.
• They destroy hedges by urinating on them.
• They mess up lawns by digging holes.
• Emphasis: The problem of unleashed dogs should be taken seriously by citizens and city council members.

Using a subject assigned by your instructor, create an outline for a five-paragraph essay following these guidelines. Complete sentences are allowed but not required in such outlines.

• Claim/Thesis
• Topic Sentence
• Support (Explanation, Example or Analogy, and Conclusion)

When the above example outline is turned into complete sentences, arranged in paragraphs, and further elaborated here and there for clarity and transition, it becomes a complete five-paragraph essay, as seen here:

Problems Unleashed

With unfamiliar turning lanes branching and numerous traffic lights flashing and aggressive drivers weaving and honking, the last surprise you need as an urban driver is to suddenly see a dog run by in front of you. Unfortunately, given the current ordinances allowing unleashed dogs, this is the case. Unleashed dogs on city streets are a dangerous nuisance. They not only present traffic hazards, but they also scare cyclists and pedestrians, and they damage property such as gardens.

Loose dogs are traffic hazards. Many dogs won’t hesitate to run across busy roads, and as soon as they do, people must suddenly swerve their cars. But the cars swerve where? In crowded city streets, the chances are there to swerve accidentally into other cars or pedestrians. And this danger is made worse by the tendency of children, who often don’t know any better, coaxing dogs across busy streets. These kinds of dangers are frequent enough for causes that can’t be controlled, and the problem of unleashed dogs, which can be controlled, adds to them unnecessarily.

And these dangers aren’t limited to swerving cars, for dogs can scare cyclists and pedestrians too. When dogs dart across their path, cyclists are forced to zigzag on the road. This leads to wrecks, which for cyclists can cause serious injury. And while adult cyclists might maintain control when confronted with a darting dog, children riding home from school can’t be expected to. They typically panic and turn wildly on their bikes. Even among pedestrians, unleashed dogs present a real danger, for no one can predict how aggressive a loose dog might be. When confronted with such dogs, people who are walking at night freeze in fear.

These are some of the most severe problems with unleashed dogs, but there are others still worthy of concern, such as the damage unleashed dogs do to lawns and gardens. Property owners invest significant time and money into the value of their lawns, but dogs can’t understand or respect that. Let loose without a leash, dogs will simply act like the animals they are. They will step on flowers and vegetables, destroy hedges by urinating on them, and mess up lawns by digging holes.

With the city ordinances as they currently stand, unleashed dogs are allowed to cause danger, injury, fear, and property damage. But this doesn’t have to be the case. The problem of unleashed dogs should be taken seriously by citizens and city council members. We would be wise to stop letting dogs take responsibility for their actions, and start taking responsibility ourselves.

Read the above example outline and essay carefully. Then identify any significant changes in ideas, wording, or organization that the essay has made from the original plan in the outline. Explain why the writer would make those changes.

Using your outline from Exercise 1, create a five-paragraph essay.

Keep in mind that the five-paragraph essay is a rudimentary essay form. It is excellent for demonstrating the key parts of a general essay, and it can address many types of short writing assignments in college, but it is too limited to sustain the more complex kinds of discussions many of the higher-level college essays need to develop and present.

For those kinds of essays, you will need a deeper and more complete understanding of the general essay structure (below), as well as an understanding of various writing modes and strategies, research, and format (the sections and chapters that follow).

Complete General Essay Structure

The following explains how to write an essay using a general essay structure at a far more complete level and with far more depth than the five-paragraph essay. This complete general essay structure can be applied to many of your essay assignments that you will encounter in many of your college classes, regardless of subject matter. Although innumerable alterations and variations are possible in successful essays, these concepts are foundational, and they merit your understanding and application as a student of writing.

Also note that there is no set number of paragraphs using a complete general essay structure, as there is in the five-paragraph essay (one introductory, three body, and one concluding). A good introduction can be broken up into more than one paragraph, as can a conclusion, and body paragraphs might number more than three. But this complete general essay structure can indeed be achieved in five paragraphs as well.

Here are the components of complete general essay structure:

• Use a phrase that identifies the subject.
• Consider a title that also suggests the main claim, or thesis (see below, and see the section Thesis for more information)
• Remember that the title is the writer’s main opportunity to control interpretation.
• Don’t use a phrase that could easily apply to all the other students’ essays, such as the number or title of the assignment.
• The Introduction gives the audience a stark impression of what the essay is about.
• In choosing this glimpse, consider that which is surprising, counter-intuitive, or vivid.
• Don’t use false questions, such as those about the reader’s personal experience, those that have obvious answers, or those for which you won’t attempt specific or compelling answers.
• Give a larger understanding of the glimpse above, such as what the important issue is, or why it is significant.
• Don’t get detailed. Save details for the body paragraphs.
• Your main claim or thesis is your position or point about the subject, often confirming or denying a proposition.
• For more details on thesis statements, see the section Thesis.
• Don’t use a question or a fragment as a main claim or thesis.
• Don’t confuse the subject with the main claim or thesis.
• Don’t reference your own essay. State your main points by discussing the subject itself rather than by discussing the essay you’re writing.
• Don’t get detailed here either.
• The Body forms the support for your main claim or thesis.
• Keep in mind that you are not limited to three body paragraphs only, but that three body paragraphs form a good base regardless.
• Give each main point a separate paragraph. Aim for at least three body paragraphs, which means you should have at least three main points that support your main claim or thesis.
• Use topic sentences and supporting sentences in each paragraph. Supporting sentences often come in the form of explanations, then examples or analogies, and then conclusions. For more information on the structure of a paragraph, see the section Paragraph Basics.
• Remember that separate paragraphs not only help the audience read, but they also help writers see their ideas as clarified segments, each of which needs to be completed, connected, and organized.
• For details and strategies about how best to connect paragraphs, see the section Transitions.
• Don’t combine two different focal points into the same paragraph, even if they are about the same subject.
• Don’t contradict the order of your Essay Map from the Introduction, even if minor points require paragraphs in-between the main points.
• Don’t veer away from supporting your main claim or thesis. If any necessary minor point appears to do this, immediately follow it up by conveying its support to your thesis.
• The Conclusion brings your essay to its final and most significant point. Use any one or combination of the following components:
• One good strategy is to use a brief and poignant phrase or quotation.
• Another good strategy is to use a metaphor: description of an interesting image that stands for an important idea.
• Don’t re-state the introduction or be redundant.
• Don’t bring up new details or issues.
• Don’t end on a minor point
• Don’t weaken your essay here with contradiction, false humility, self-deprecation, or un-rebutted opposition.
• Don’t issue commands, get aggressive, or sound exclamatory in the Conclusion.
• For more information, see the section Rhythms of Three.
• Combine or rearrange Emphasis, Humility, and Elevation as needed.

Using a subject assigned by your instructor, create an outline for a complete general essay structure. In your outline, identify the types of ideas that you would use to address the components and principles explained above. Complete sentences are allowed but not required in such outlines.

Using your outline from Exercise 4 and the concepts above, compose a complete general essay.

The Writing Textbook Copyright © 2021 by Josh Woods, editor and contributor, as well as an unnamed author (by request from the original publisher), and other authors named separately is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Creating an Effective Introductory Paragraph for an Essay

LESSON The introduction is the first thing that readers will encounter when they begin reading your essay A short piece of writing that focuses on at least one main idea. Some essays are also focused on the author's unique point of view, making them personal or autobiographical, while others are focused on a particular literary, scientific, or political subject. . Just as you want to make the best impression when you first meet someone, you want to make sure that your introduction draws your reader in from the start. In this lesson, you will learn four things that a good introductory paragraph should do: hook In writing, a device used to grab a readers' attention, often in the form of interesting, surprising, or provocative information. the reader, introduce the topic The subject of a reading. , set the tone The feeling or attitude that a writer expresses toward a topic. The words the writer chooses express this tone. Examples of tones can include: objective, biased, humorous, optimistic, and cynical, among many others. , and present the thesis An overall argument, idea, or belief that a writer uses as the basis for a work. .

Hook the Reader

Creating an interesting hook is essential for grabbing your reader's attention. Here are several techniques that you can use to appeal to your readers:

Surprising facts or statistics

• A relevant quote
• A compelling anecdote A brief, interesting story that writers often use to demonstrate a point within a work. or story
• An historical reference
• A pop-culture reference
• A thought-provoking definition

Another technique to hook the reader is to ask a question. However, think about this option carefully before using it; many writers overuse this technique and ask questions that are too simple and not provocative Describes something that causes interest, debate, argument, or deeper thought. enough. You will often find that replacing an introductory question with another hook technique will be more engaging for your reader.

You may find it challenging to create a hook because some topics are not as interesting as others. However, try your best to engage your reader's attention by trying different techniques until you find the right angle for your introduction.

Below are examples of three different techniques used to create three distinct hooks for the following thesis:

Thesis: The United States needs to develop more nuclear energy plants in the next ten years to combat global warming.

Surprising facts or statistics: In his film, An Inconvenient Truth, former Vice President Al Gore claims that if the glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica continue to melt at their current rate, global sea levels will rise by 20 feet by the year 2050. If sea levels actually rise this much, large populations of people will be displaced as their homes are flooded. In fact, over half of Florida and much of Manhattan in New York will be covered with water.

A pop-culture reference: In the movie Waterworld , starring Kevin Costner, Earth is completely covered in water after polar ice caps have melted due to global warming. Although it was set in the distant future, scientists say the effects of global warming could actually submerge parts of the United States in as little as forty years.

An historical reference: In 1986, the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, located in the Soviet Union (now known as Ukraine) melted down, exploded, and released massive amounts of radioactive material into the air. It was the first Level 7 nuclear disaster in history. A second occurred in 2011 in Japan at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear power plant, which melted down after it was flooded by a tsunami—a giant wave created by the most powerful earthquake that Japan had ever experienced.

Introduce the Topic

As you can see in the examples above, the topic can often be introduced as part of the hook. Sometimes, though, a clarifying statement needs to be included so that the reader is clear on the direction you plan on taking in your particular essay. This is most noticeable in the third example where the historical references seem to imply that the essay will be about the dangers of nuclear power plants. A transitional sentence introducing the benefits of nuclear energy as the topic would need to work as a bridge from the hook to the thesis.

Set the Tone

If you have ever received an invitation to an event like a wedding, you will notice that it sets the tone for the event. In the same way, an introduction sets the tone for the rest of your essay. Use the introduction to let your readers know whether they will be reading an academic, sarcastic Describes a way of speaking or writing that occurs when your words to mean the opposite of what you really feel. This is done to be insulting, make a point, or express humor. , ironic Describes something that is funny or odd because it is not what is expected. , or sincere piece. Formal writings tend to use third-person pronouns and avoid slang, contractions A word that is a shorter form of a longer word or group of words that is made by leaving out sounds and/or letters. Example: can't is a contraction for cannot . , and jargon Technical language pertaining to a specific activity and used by a particular group of people. . What is appropriate for a blog A website that hosts a series of articles, photos, and other postings, sometimes by a single writer (blogger) or by a community of contributors. entry or a text message may not be appropriate for an essay.

An essay outlining the necessity of more nuclear power plants in the U.S. is a fairly serious subject. In light of a relatively recent nuclear reactor meltdown, some of your audience may be turned off if you begin your essay in a lighthearted way, so you may want to avoid using humor in such situations. Understanding your audience and subject will allow you to make the best choices as you create your introduction.

Present Your Thesis

The thesis statement is the controlling idea The specific idea that controls a paragraph, including the purpose, subject, and the writer's point of view. of your essay and should always be explicitly A clear statement that is made known without leaving any room for doubt. stated in your introduction unless the assignment tells you to do otherwise. It includes both the topic you are discussing and the point you are making about it. Here is an example thesis:

In a shorter essay, you will often combine the hook, introduce your topic, and present your thesis all in one paragraph A selection of a writing that is made up of sentences formed around one main point. Paragraphs are set apart by a new line and sometimes indentation. . One paragraph is often enough as each element may only require a sentence or two. However, longer pieces of writing generally require a longer hook, introduction of the topic, and thesis. In fact, you may devote multiple paragraphs to each. Also, keep in mind that you may choose to create the introduction after you complete your essay, as you will see what you have written and know what fits best in the introduction.

In the job application process, employers first "meet" potential employees through their cover letters A letter that is sent along with a resume that provides context and more information for the reader. and resumes A brief written history of a person's education, work, and volunteer experience, submitted for the purpose of obtaining a job. . If those documents do not represent you in the best possible manner, you may not be called in for an interview, even if you are the most capable person for the position.

Your introduction to an essay or business report is equally essential. Your instructors generally have to read your essay no matter how poorly it starts, but a strong introduction will increase the likelihood of you receiving a good grade since the instructor will approach the rest of the essay with good expectations. However, in the professional world, your boss and clients do not need to read your writing if they do not want to. When you ensure that your writing begins as strongly as it can, you increase the odds that it will be read.

Read the paragraph below, and then consider the answers to the questions that follow.

In October 2013, the federal government was shut down for 16 days. During that time, large numbers of government employees were not allowed to report for work, and national parks were closed. The public was quick to blame anyone and everyone for the shutdown, from the Republicans to the Democrats and everyone in between. Of course, the president was not exempt from criticism. In one instance, a national TV news host announced as fact inflammatory information about the president that she had received from a website. Unfortunately for her, the information came from a parody news website, an organization that creates fake news stories, and the information reported was not true. The journalist's mistake demonstrates that if even experienced journalists have difficulty deciphering truth from fiction, then it is equally easy for students to use unreliable materials. High school and college writing instructors must work together to equip their students with the tools to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources and to understand the importance of using accurate information.

1. What strategy does the writer use to hook the reader?

Historical reference

2. How does the writer introduce the topic/set the background?

By demonstrating the widespread problem of untrustworthy sources.

3. What tone does the writer set?

The author uses an academic tone, third-person point of view.

4. What is the author's thesis?

High school and college writing instructors must work together to equip their students with the tools to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources and to understand the importance of using accurate information.

Now, using the same thesis as the paragraph above, notice how an effective hook is developed using a different technique.

Thesis: High school and college writing instructors must work together to equip their students with the tools to differentiate between credible and non-credible sources and to understand the consequences of using inaccurate information.

Hook using a personal anecdote:

When I was in high school, one of my friends often used Wikipedia as a resource for her essays. She then doctored her papers with fake citations and bibliographies. I couldn't understand how our teachers never figured out that she used counterfeit sources. However, I recently heard that she was removed from her college for academic dishonesty. She will be able to return next term, but only on the condition that she never conducts herself so unethically again.

Read the paragraph below, and then answer the following questions.

In the United States, wind turbines are responsible for the deaths of between 100,000 to 400,000 birds per year. If wind turbines continue to be built at the same rate as they are today in 2013, the American Bird Conservancy estimates that over a million birds per year will die due to wind turbines; however, with coal-fired power plants using nonrenewable fuel to power them and the recent meltdown of nuclear reactors in Japan, many believe that we must adopt wind power in order to continue to power our nation. Despite the problems with wind energy, the federal government must provide the wind energy sector with the same subsidies as they have historically given the oil and gas industry if we want to be an energy-independent nation.

By introducing the issues with our two main energy sources.

The author uses an informative, persuasive, and knowledgeable tone.

Despite the problems with wind energy, the federal government must provide the wind energy sector with the same subsidies as they have historically given the oil and gas industry if we want to be an energy-independent nation.

Now, develop an effective hook for the same thesis used in the paragraph above using a different technique.

Sample Answer

Historical Reference:

Wind turbines are popping up all over the nation. Whether you are on the coast of New England or on the plains of Texas, wind farms are increasingly more common. While they may seem like a fairly recent invention, the first wind turbines ever recorded were used well over 2,000 years ago in Iran. With blades made of sails, they were used to grind grain and draw water up for both drinking and irrigation. Windmills continued to be used in a similar fashion until the late 1800s when they aided in the production of electricity.

I generally like to begin my writing with a personal story because it is easiest for me to relate new ideas to my own experiences.

I like beginning my essays with questions; however, I realize that sometimes the questions I use are not thought provoking and compelling. Another technique may better engage my readers in the future.

Copyright ©2022 The NROC Project

Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

Learning objectives.

• Recognize the importance of strong introductory and concluding paragraphs.
• Learn to engage the reader immediately with the introductory paragraph.
• Practice concluding your essays in a more memorable way.

Picture your introduction as a storefront window: You have a certain amount of space to attract your customers (readers) to your goods (subject) and bring them inside your store (discussion). Once you have enticed them with something intriguing, you then point them in a specific direction and try to make the sale (convince them to accept your thesis).

Your introduction is an invitation to your readers to consider what you have to say and then to follow your train of thought as you expand upon your thesis statement.

An introduction serves the following purposes:

• Establishes your voice and tone, or your attitude, toward the subject
• Introduces the general topic of the essay
• States the thesis that will be supported in the body paragraphs

First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader’s mind, which is why the introduction is so important to your essay. If your introductory paragraph is dull or disjointed, your reader probably will not have much interest in continuing with the essay.

Attracting Interest in Your Introductory Paragraph

Your introduction should begin with an engaging statement devised to provoke your readers’ interest. In the next few sentences, introduce them to your topic by stating general facts or ideas about the subject. As you move deeper into your introduction, you gradually narrow the focus, moving closer to your thesis. Moving smoothly and logically from your introductory remarks to your thesis statement can be achieved using a funnel technique , as illustrated in the diagram in Figure 9.1 “Funnel Technique”.

Figure 9.1 Funnel Technique

On a separate sheet of paper, jot down a few general remarks that you can make about the topic for which you formed a thesis in Section 9.1 “Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement”.

Immediately capturing your readers’ interest increases the chances of having them read what you are about to discuss. You can garner curiosity for your essay in a number of ways. Try to get your readers personally involved by doing any of the following:

• Appealing to their emotions
• Using logic
• Beginning with a provocative question or opinion
• Opening with a startling statistic or surprising fact
• Raising a question or series of questions
• Presenting an explanation or rationalization for your essay
• Opening with a relevant quotation or incident
• Opening with a striking image
• Including a personal anecdote

Remember that your diction, or word choice, while always important, is most crucial in your introductory paragraph. Boring diction could extinguish any desire a person might have to read through your discussion. Choose words that create images or express action. For more information on diction, see Chapter 4 “Working with Words: Which Word Is Right?”.

In Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?”, you followed Mariah as she moved through the writing process. In this chapter, Mariah writes her introduction and conclusion for the same essay. Mariah incorporates some of the introductory elements into her introductory paragraph, which she previously outlined in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?”. Her thesis statement is underlined.

Click Image to Enlarge

If you have trouble coming up with a provocative statement for your opening, it is a good idea to use a relevant, attention-grabbing quote about your topic. Use a search engine to find statements made by historical or significant figures about your subject.

Writing at Work

Reread each sentence in Mariah’s introductory paragraph. Indicate which techniques she used and comment on how each sentence is designed to attract her readers’ interest.

Writing a Conclusion

It is not unusual to want to rush when you approach your conclusion, and even experienced writers may fade. But what good writers remember is that it is vital to put just as much attention into the conclusion as in the rest of the essay. After all, a hasty ending can undermine an otherwise strong essay.

A conclusion that does not correspond to the rest of your essay, has loose ends, or is unorganized can unsettle your readers and raise doubts about the entire essay. However, if you have worked hard to write the introduction and body, your conclusion can often be the most logical part to compose.

The Anatomy of a Strong Conclusion

Keep in mind that the ideas in your conclusion must conform to the rest of your essay. In order to tie these components together, restate your thesis at the beginning of your conclusion. This helps you assemble, in an orderly fashion, all the information you have explained in the body. Repeating your thesis reminds your readers of the major arguments you have been trying to prove and also indicates that your essay is drawing to a close. A strong conclusion also reviews your main points and emphasizes the importance of the topic.

The construction of the conclusion is similar to the introduction, in which you make general introductory statements and then present your thesis. The difference is that in the conclusion you first paraphrase , or state in different words, your thesis and then follow up with general concluding remarks. These sentences should progressively broaden the focus of your thesis and maneuver your readers out of the essay.

Many writers like to end their essays with a final emphatic statement. This strong closing statement will cause your readers to continue thinking about the implications of your essay; it will make your conclusion, and thus your essay, more memorable. Another powerful technique is to challenge your readers to make a change in either their thoughts or their actions. Challenging your readers to see the subject through new eyes is a powerful way to ease yourself and your readers out of the essay.

When closing your essay, do not expressly state that you are drawing to a close. Relying on statements such as in conclusion , it is clear that , as you can see , or in summation is unnecessary and can be considered trite.

It is wise to avoid doing any of the following in your conclusion:

• Introducing new material
• Contradicting your thesis
• Changing your thesis
• Using apologies or disclaimers

Introducing new material in your conclusion has an unsettling effect on your reader. When you raise new points, you make your reader want more information, which you could not possibly provide in the limited space of your final paragraph.

Contradicting or changing your thesis statement causes your readers to think that you do not actually have a conviction about your topic. After all, you have spent several paragraphs adhering to a singular point of view. When you change sides or open up your point of view in the conclusion, your reader becomes less inclined to believe your original argument.

By apologizing for your opinion or stating that you know it is tough to digest, you are in fact admitting that even you know what you have discussed is irrelevant or unconvincing. You do not want your readers to feel this way. Effective writers stand by their thesis statement and do not stray from it.

Mariah incorporates some of these pointers into her conclusion. She has paraphrased her thesis statement in the first sentence.

Make sure your essay is balanced by not having an excessively long or short introduction or conclusion. Check that they match each other in length as closely as possible, and try to mirror the formula you used in each. Parallelism strengthens the message of your essay.

Key Takeaways

• A strong opening captures your readers’ interest and introduces them to your topic before you present your thesis statement.
• An introduction should restate your thesis, review your main points, and emphasize the importance of the topic.
• The funnel technique to writing the introduction begins with generalities and gradually narrows your focus until you present your thesis.
• A good introduction engages people’s emotions or logic, questions or explains the subject, or provides a striking image or quotation.
• Carefully chosen diction in both the introduction and conclusion prevents any confusing or boring ideas.
• A conclusion that does not connect to the rest of the essay can diminish the effect of your paper.
• The conclusion should remain true to your thesis statement. It is best to avoid changing your tone or your main idea and avoid introducing any new material.
• Closing with a final emphatic statement provides closure for your readers and makes your essay more memorable.
• Successful Writing. Authored by : Anonymous. Provided by : Anonymous. Located at : http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike

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Components of a good essay introduction

Favorite Quote: He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.

The introduction to an essay is vitally important.

It’s the first part of your work that whoever is marking it will read - and the old theory about first impressions counting is certainly true.

It’s also the part of the essay where you set up what the rest of the essay is going to be about. The introduction is the place where you can explain exactly what you’re intending to write about, what you hope to prove and how you intend to argue your case.

So what should your introduction contain?      An introduction to the essay topic. No more than a couple of sentences – just to summarise what the essay title indicates the essay will be about.      A summary of the structure of your essay. Not too complicated, but you should highlight the main areas of study – the key topics for which you intend to include. You may wish to provide a summary of type of argument you are going to study – for example, that you are going to look at five main issues and analyse the relative advantages and disadvantages of each, in relation to the original essay topic.       Reference to any particular aspects of the essay mentioned in the title. For example, if you had to study a certain topic “citing UK examples wherever possible”, you should emphasise this in your introduction so that the teacher or lecturer can see your intent to answer the question. After all, not answering the question which has been set is one of the main ways that people can lose marks writing their essays.        A definition (optional). When <a href="writemyessay.services">writemyessay</a> on some topics, it can be useful to use the first few lines to define exactly what the key word or theme means. This can prove to the marker that you know what you are talking about, and will help to set up the rest of the essay. OK, so you know what your essay introduction should include. But how should it actually be written?

     Be brief.The introduction to an essay doesn’t need to be long – after all, it’s the main body of the text which counts; the introduction is just setting up what you’re going to include later in the essay.

    Be concise. Say what you mean and don’t waffle. No lecturer will be fooled by a long and meandering introduction which doesn’t add any real content to the essay. Provide some real information. Don’t just use the introduction to explain things which you’ll repeat later. Add some good, solid, relevant information at the start and it will put whoever is marking your essay in a good frame of mind. Above all, it will show them that you are clearly knowledgeable about the subject.

If you bear these suggestions in mind, your essay introduction will be informative, relevant and a suitable length, and it will provide the perfect introduction to the rest of your essay.

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How to Write a Research Paper Introduction (with Examples)

The research paper introduction section, along with the Title and Abstract, can be considered the face of any research paper. The following article is intended to guide you in organizing and writing the research paper introduction for a quality academic article or dissertation.

The research paper introduction aims to present the topic to the reader. A study will only be accepted for publishing if you can ascertain that the available literature cannot answer your research question. So it is important to ensure that you have read important studies on that particular topic, especially those within the last five to ten years, and that they are properly referenced in this section. 1 What should be included in the research paper introduction is decided by what you want to tell readers about the reason behind the research and how you plan to fill the knowledge gap. The best research paper introduction provides a systemic review of existing work and demonstrates additional work that needs to be done. It needs to be brief, captivating, and well-referenced; a well-drafted research paper introduction will help the researcher win half the battle.

The introduction for a research paper is where you set up your topic and approach for the reader. It has several key goals:

• Present your research topic
• Capture reader interest
• Summarize existing research
• Position your own approach
• Define your specific research problem and problem statement
• Highlight the novelty and contributions of the study
• Give an overview of the paper’s structure

The research paper introduction can vary in size and structure depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or is a review paper. Some research paper introduction examples are only half a page while others are a few pages long. In many cases, the introduction will be shorter than all of the other sections of your paper; its length depends on the size of your paper as a whole.

• Break through writer’s block. Write your research paper introduction with Paperpal Copilot

Table of Contents

What is the introduction for a research paper, why is the introduction important in a research paper, craft a compelling introduction section with paperpal. try now, 1. introduce the research topic:, 2. determine a research niche:, 3. place your research within the research niche:, craft accurate research paper introductions with paperpal. start writing now, frequently asked questions on research paper introduction, key points to remember.

The introduction in a research paper is placed at the beginning to guide the reader from a broad subject area to the specific topic that your research addresses. They present the following information to the reader

• Scope: The topic covered in the research paper
• Context: Background of your topic
• Importance: Why your research matters in that particular area of research and the industry problem that can be targeted

The research paper introduction conveys a lot of information and can be considered an essential roadmap for the rest of your paper. A good introduction for a research paper is important for the following reasons:

• It stimulates your reader’s interest: A good introduction section can make your readers want to read your paper by capturing their interest. It informs the reader what they are going to learn and helps determine if the topic is of interest to them.
• It helps the reader understand the research background: Without a clear introduction, your readers may feel confused and even struggle when reading your paper. A good research paper introduction will prepare them for the in-depth research to come. It provides you the opportunity to engage with the readers and demonstrate your knowledge and authority on the specific topic.
• It explains why your research paper is worth reading: Your introduction can convey a lot of information to your readers. It introduces the topic, why the topic is important, and how you plan to proceed with your research.
• It helps guide the reader through the rest of the paper: The research paper introduction gives the reader a sense of the nature of the information that will support your arguments and the general organization of the paragraphs that will follow. It offers an overview of what to expect when reading the main body of your paper.

What are the parts of introduction in the research?

A good research paper introduction section should comprise three main elements: 2

• What is known: This sets the stage for your research. It informs the readers of what is known on the subject.
• What is lacking: This is aimed at justifying the reason for carrying out your research. This could involve investigating a new concept or method or building upon previous research.
• What you aim to do: This part briefly states the objectives of your research and its major contributions. Your detailed hypothesis will also form a part of this section.

How to write a research paper introduction?

The first step in writing the research paper introduction is to inform the reader what your topic is and why it’s interesting or important. This is generally accomplished with a strong opening statement. The second step involves establishing the kinds of research that have been done and ending with limitations or gaps in the research that you intend to address. Finally, the research paper introduction clarifies how your own research fits in and what problem it addresses. If your research involved testing hypotheses, these should be stated along with your research question. The hypothesis should be presented in the past tense since it will have been tested by the time you are writing the research paper introduction.

The following key points, with examples, can guide you when writing the research paper introduction section:

• Highlight the importance of the research field or topic
• Describe the background of the topic
• Present an overview of current research on the topic

Example: The inclusion of experiential and competency-based learning has benefitted electronics engineering education. Industry partnerships provide an excellent alternative for students wanting to engage in solving real-world challenges. Industry-academia participation has grown in recent years due to the need for skilled engineers with practical training and specialized expertise. However, from the educational perspective, many activities are needed to incorporate sustainable development goals into the university curricula and consolidate learning innovation in universities.

• Reveal a gap in existing research or oppose an existing assumption
• Formulate the research question

Example: There have been plausible efforts to integrate educational activities in higher education electronics engineering programs. However, very few studies have considered using educational research methods for performance evaluation of competency-based higher engineering education, with a focus on technical and or transversal skills. To remedy the current need for evaluating competencies in STEM fields and providing sustainable development goals in engineering education, in this study, a comparison was drawn between study groups without and with industry partners.

• State the purpose of your study
• Highlight the key characteristics of your study
• Describe important results
• Highlight the novelty of the study.
• Offer a brief overview of the structure of the paper.

Example: The study evaluates the main competency needed in the applied electronics course, which is a fundamental core subject for many electronics engineering undergraduate programs. We compared two groups, without and with an industrial partner, that offered real-world projects to solve during the semester. This comparison can help determine significant differences in both groups in terms of developing subject competency and achieving sustainable development goals.

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With Paperpal Copilot, create a research paper introduction effortlessly. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through how Paperpal transforms your initial ideas into a polished and publication-ready introduction.

How to use Paperpal to write the Introduction section

Step 1: Sign up on Paperpal and click on the Copilot feature, under this choose Outlines > Research Article > Introduction

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Step 3: Fill in the specifics, such as your field of study, brief description or details you want to include, which will help the AI generate the outline for your Introduction.

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Step 5: Turn to Paperpal’s granular language checks to refine your content, tailor it to reflect your personal writing style, and ensure it effectively conveys your message.

You can use the same process to develop each section of your article, and finally your research paper in half the time and without any of the stress.

The purpose of the research paper introduction is to introduce the reader to the problem definition, justify the need for the study, and describe the main theme of the study. The aim is to gain the reader’s attention by providing them with necessary background information and establishing the main purpose and direction of the research.

The length of the research paper introduction can vary across journals and disciplines. While there are no strict word limits for writing the research paper introduction, an ideal length would be one page, with a maximum of 400 words over 1-4 paragraphs. Generally, it is one of the shorter sections of the paper as the reader is assumed to have at least a reasonable knowledge about the topic. 2 For example, for a study evaluating the role of building design in ensuring fire safety, there is no need to discuss definitions and nature of fire in the introduction; you could start by commenting upon the existing practices for fire safety and how your study will add to the existing knowledge and practice.

When deciding what to include in the research paper introduction, the rest of the paper should also be considered. The aim is to introduce the reader smoothly to the topic and facilitate an easy read without much dependency on external sources. 3 Below is a list of elements you can include to prepare a research paper introduction outline and follow it when you are writing the research paper introduction. Topic introduction: This can include key definitions and a brief history of the topic. Research context and background: Offer the readers some general information and then narrow it down to specific aspects. Details of the research you conducted: A brief literature review can be included to support your arguments or line of thought. Rationale for the study: This establishes the relevance of your study and establishes its importance. Importance of your research: The main contributions are highlighted to help establish the novelty of your study Research hypothesis: Introduce your research question and propose an expected outcome. Organization of the paper: Include a short paragraph of 3-4 sentences that highlights your plan for the entire paper

Cite only works that are most relevant to your topic; as a general rule, you can include one to three. Note that readers want to see evidence of original thinking. So it is better to avoid using too many references as it does not leave much room for your personal standpoint to shine through. Citations in your research paper introduction support the key points, and the number of citations depend on the subject matter and the point discussed. If the research paper introduction is too long or overflowing with citations, it is better to cite a few review articles rather than the individual articles summarized in the review. A good point to remember when citing research papers in the introduction section is to include at least one-third of the references in the introduction.

The literature review plays a significant role in the research paper introduction section. A good literature review accomplishes the following: Introduces the topic – Establishes the study’s significance – Provides an overview of the relevant literature – Provides context for the study using literature – Identifies knowledge gaps However, remember to avoid making the following mistakes when writing a research paper introduction: Do not use studies from the literature review to aggressively support your research Avoid direct quoting Do not allow literature review to be the focus of this section. Instead, the literature review should only aid in setting a foundation for the manuscript.

Remember the following key points for writing a good research paper introduction: 4

• Avoid stuffing too much general information: Avoid including what an average reader would know and include only that information related to the problem being addressed in the research paper introduction. For example, when describing a comparative study of non-traditional methods for mechanical design optimization, information related to the traditional methods and differences between traditional and non-traditional methods would not be relevant. In this case, the introduction for the research paper should begin with the state-of-the-art non-traditional methods and methods to evaluate the efficiency of newly developed algorithms.
• Avoid packing too many references: Cite only the required works in your research paper introduction. The other works can be included in the discussion section to strengthen your findings.
• Avoid extensive criticism of previous studies: Avoid being overly critical of earlier studies while setting the rationale for your study. A better place for this would be the Discussion section, where you can highlight the advantages of your method.
• Avoid describing conclusions of the study: When writing a research paper introduction remember not to include the findings of your study. The aim is to let the readers know what question is being answered. The actual answer should only be given in the Results and Discussion section.

To summarize, the research paper introduction section should be brief yet informative. It should convince the reader the need to conduct the study and motivate him to read further. If you’re feeling stuck or unsure, choose trusted AI academic writing assistants like Paperpal to effortlessly craft your research paper introduction and other sections of your research article.

1. Jawaid, S. A., & Jawaid, M. (2019). How to write introduction and discussion. Saudi Journal of Anaesthesia, 13(Suppl 1), S18.

2. Dewan, P., & Gupta, P. (2016). Writing the title, abstract and introduction: Looks matter!. Indian pediatrics, 53, 235-241.

3. Cetin, S., & Hackam, D. J. (2005). An approach to the writing of a scientific Manuscript1. Journal of Surgical Research, 128(2), 165-167.

4. Bavdekar, S. B. (2015). Writing introduction: Laying the foundations of a research paper. Journal of the Association of Physicians of India, 63(7), 44-6.

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Essay Introduction Components

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Learn about the three main components of an essay introduction: the hook, the bridge, and the thesis statement. Understand how each part plays a crucial role in engaging the reader and setting the tone for the essay.

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