Write an Introduction
The introduction to your essay captures your readers’ interest and presents the main point. Ask yourself: How can I sell my essay to readers? You need to market your main point.
BASICS OF A GOOD INTRODUCTION
- It should catch readers’ attention.
- It should present the thesis statement of the essay, usually in the first or the last sentence of an introductory paragraph.
- It should give readers a clear idea of what the essay will cover.
Here are some common kinds of introductions that spark readers’ interest.
- Open with a quotation. A good, short quotation definitely gets people interested. It must lead naturally into your main point, however, and not be there just for effect. If you start with a quotation, make sure you tell the reader who the speaker is.
- Give an example, or tell a story. People like stories, so opening an essay with a brief story or example often draws readers in.
- Start with a surprising fact or idea. Surprises capture people’s interest. The more unexpected and surprising something is, the more likely people are to notice it.
- Offer a strong opinion or position. The stronger the opinion, the more likely it is that your readers will pay attention. Don’t write wimpy introductions. Make your point and shout it!
- Ask a question. A question needs an answer, so if you start your introduction with a question, your readers will need to read on to get the answer.