how to start an introduction about essay

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

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

Table of Contents

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

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Unsure of how to start your essay introduction? Leverage Paperpal’s Generative AI templates to provide a base for your essay introduction. Here’s an example of an essay outline generated by Paperpal.  

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

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

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

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

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

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

Examples of essay introduction 

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

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

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

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

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

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

References  

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

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The Beginner's Guide to Writing an Essay Introduction (With Examples)

Published: 26th Apr 2019   |   Last Updated: 2nd Dec 2024   |   Views: 15982

Essay paper writing

What Is Essay Introduction

An introduction is the first paragraph of your essay and the most important part of the whole paper. It aims to introduce your topic to the reader and bring them to your key statement, which should end the paragraph. The above definition is the answer to the question: what is the purpose of the introduction in an essay, which gives you a general idea of how to write it.

Since this purpose is very specific, you need to create an engaging and concise paragraph, as it would be inappropriate to expatiate in this part of the essay. Just present your viewpoint on a particular matter and make sure your introduction fulfills the following functions:

• It captures the attention of your audience and convinces them to read further with due interest;
• It demonstrates your knowledge of the subject;
• It shows your dedication and your interest in the topic.

The importance of the introductory paragraph for the overall success of an essay can hardly be overestimated. Even fairly good and meaningful body paragraphs may not deliver your message and support the thesis statement in case the introduction paragraph falls flat. Unfortunately, there are many ways to fail your essay, no matter how good it may seem at first glance, and a wrong introduction is just one of the handiest ways of doing it.

The Key Elements of an Essay Introduction

Your essay introduction structure is essential for the logical expression of ideas and for making your essay clear to the reader. Structure your thoughts first, ensure they go from one conceptual block to another, and this is the best way how to write a good introduction for an essay.

Block 1: Hook or Attention Grabber

This is the part intended to catch your reader’s attention. Further, we will consider how to reach this goal with a startling fact, joke, dialogue, or an appropriate quote.

Block 2: Transition

It’s a good idea to outline in general what you are going to talk about, gradually getting more specific as you approach the thesis statement (Block 3). You can list your main points or proceed with a set of questions, narrowing your ideas and leading straight to the thesis statement. “Who, what, where, and when” is a good line of points for connecting your hook with your thesis.

The blocks 1-2 represent the optimal essay introduction format. However, sometimes, it can be quite difficult to follow. Without knowing how to write a good introduction for an essay, but having heard that it should be broad, some people go too wordy and fail to establish the connections between the hook and the thesis.

An extensive introduction can give your reader a misleading clue, confusing them about the direction your narration will take and what to expect from it. A useful tip on how to write an introduction for an essay is to begin with relatively general statements and then to narrow your writing to the thesis statement. Hold this line and don’t go off-topic; this will help you to stay within the format guidelines. Also, try to avoid such phrases as “In this essay, I am going to tell/prove/explain...” in this block of your intro. Such phrases have nothing to do with connecting your hook with the thesis.

Block 3: Thesis Statement

Thesis statement is a sentence, which serves as a cornerstone of your introduction and a foundation for the entire essay. A huge mistake is to miss it in the introduction, or to cut it into smaller pieces, scattered here and there, especially in the body of your writing.

How To Start an Essay - The First Sentence

Everything can go wrong from the very beginning. It is necessary to remember that the first sentence of your intro is meant to attract the reader’s attention and give them a general idea of your work. Strangely enough, but a lot of good students or people who can write almost perfect in-depth studies and high-quality essays do exactly the opposite thing. They start their paper with dull, boring, or meaningless statements.

The information you provide in your first sentence must be startling for your reader. This fact should not be a revelation or something totally new. It can be just a pertinent statement, perhaps, little known but accurate and verifiable, and explicitly introducing the further narration.

It is advisable to immediately follow up this startling info with a sentence or two of elaboration.

Imagine the task of writing an essay about the environmental problems of a certain region. What dull distractors, instead of useful attention-grabbers, can you see in the first sentence?

“Environmental problems raise public alertness…”

“Environment is important...”

"Environmental agenda comes into focus...”

Some other writers preferring to take the bull by the horns would probably start their introductory paragraph with something like:

“Environmental situation in the region…”

Your main goal is to engage your readers to get acquainted with your essay, so you should handle the intro part properly. Here some ideas and helpful tips on how to grab the attention of your audience.

1. Starting With an Anecdote

A short and funny story to illustrate your point can be a perfect attention-grabber when it is relevant and well-placed. Use this kind of openings very carefully and with a good taste, bearing in mind that anecdote you want to use is indeed appropriate.

2. Starting With a Dialogue

Another good opening is a short suitable dialogue. There is no need to identify the speakers because what they say is more important. To make your point, you can only write two or three lines. After that, elaborate on the point further with one or two sentences.

3. Starting With a Quote

Sometimes it is apt to start your essay with a quote. In some cases, it can even be from a piece of classic literature or poetry, but you should be careful, as it may lead your narration too far from the matter at the very beginning, and you would need to explain how exactly this quote relates to your topic.

How To Write Essay Introduction for Any Type of Essay

The general considerations and recommendations given above are still applicable to specific types of essays. However, there are small differences that should be taken into account.

1. Argumentative Essay Introduction

Which statement best describes the introduction of an argumentative essay? An argumentative essay, which is also called a persuasive essay, requires the student to state their point on some controversial issue and provide well-reasoned arguments in order to convince the reader. Therefore, a good introduction for an argumentative essay can be similar to a strong opening statement a lawyer makes in court during a trial. The matter is presented with the background and main argument highlighted in a clear and logical way.

In addition to the aforementioned guidelines on your first sentence, it should be noted that the hook for argumentative essay introduction paragraph can also be an interesting question, a personal story, or a surprising/important statistics. This will give your reader a clear indication of what you are going to write about.

The transition sentence of your persuasive essay introduction, the one that should connect your hook with the thesis statement, has an additional task to provide your reader with some background. This is usually a brief explanation of the context that gives your reader a better understanding of your opinion.

The thesis of your argumentative essay asserts your position on a particular issue. That is why this kind of essay is called argumentative since your thesis is not a fact but an opinion. Your reader may disagree with you, so you should explain your standpoint and provide the necessary evidence.

Actually, opinion-based thesis requires corresponding hook and transition. All this explains the specifics of how to write an introduction for an argumentative essay.

2. Compare and Contrast Essay Introduction

In this type of essay, you are supposed to feature similarities and differences of a phenomenon under consideration. Nevertheless, first, you need to explain why it is important to perform this particular comparison and what to expect from it. Your introduction serves this purpose.

Do not compare and contrast points in your introduction. Leave it for the body of your writing. Instead, concentrate on why you think that such a comparison is needed, and perhaps what comparison criteria you will choose. The standard hook-transition-thesis sequence still works for the structure of such an essay.

3. Narrative Essay Introduction

Write the introductory paragraph of your narrative essay bearing in mind that you are going to tell a story, but not in the introduction. Here, the hook-transition-thesis structure is still applicable, though maybe not that evidently. You may use all kinds of hooks in your narrative essay introduction, being limited only by the style requirements. The same goes for the details. A narrative essay is built on and around them. Just do not start telling your story in the intro, rather introduce it to the reader and leave it for the body of your narrative essay.

Begin with attracting your reader’s attention. Use a little-known fact, quote, dialogue, or a joke. Then give some interesting background and logically present your thesis statement. The thesis is somewhat tricky in narrative essays as you do not need, at least directly, to argue, compare, judge, or defend any points. However, you still need to present your story, so think of the best ways of doing that.

How Long Should an Essay Introduction Be?

Classical 5-paragraph essay scheme is one paragraph for the introduction, three paragraphs for the main body, and one paragraph for the conclusion, with 5-7 sentences in each section. With this structure, your intro is about ⅕ of your entire essay, but this is not a strict rule to obey. Besides, the length of your introduction depends largely on the overall length of the paper. For instance, for a 5-page essay, your introduction should be about half a page, i.e., about 1/10. But a 30-page article may require a 2-page introduction (about 1/20 or so).

When To Write an Introduction for an Essay?

You are not obliged to start the writing process from the introduction. Sometimes it is better to finish the entire body of your essay together with the conclusion, and only then come back to the introduction, as this would be the moment when you know for sure what points you are going to introduce. A lot of writers work this way. However, others would do exactly the opposite: they write the introduction first and then go ahead, creating other parts.

You can try both ways, or even a combined one: write your introduction, the remaining part, then change the thesis statement and rewrite the introduction, come back to the body with the necessary corrections, and fix the conclusion accordingly. Just make sure you are not lost in the process of constant interchanges. Nonetheless, do not get disappointed even if you find that the latter case is yours. Such situations can be useful since you will no longer ask the question “what is an introduction in an essay?” You will learn a lesson, or maybe even get valuable insight from your experience, and it will be much easier for you to come up with your future essays.

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