Overview
The Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay and plays an important role in writing an effective paper. The goals of the introduction are to introduce the topic, to provide background about the topic, and to establish the main idea, purpose, and direction. The introduction has three essential parts, each of which serves a particular purpose: the hook, relevant background, and thesis statement.
- The Hook—The hook engages your reader’s interest. It can be in the form of a question, a quote, an anecdote or story, an interesting fact, or an original definition.
- Relevant Background—Background information creates context by providing a brief overview. This information helps readers see why you are focusing on the topic and transitions them to the main point of your paper.
- Thesis Statement—The thesis statement expresses the overall point and main ideas that will be discussed in the body. It usually appears as the last sentence of the introduction and is usually one sentence.
What NOT to do in an introduction
- Do not apologize. Avoid phrases such as “in my opinion” or “I may not be an expert but…” These phrases imply that you really don’t know your topic.
- Do not announce what you intend to do. Never begin with phrases such as “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay is to…” Your introduction should establish the intention and purpose of the essay.
- Do not begin with a dictionary definition. Avoid beginning your essay with phrases such as “According to Webster’s Dictionary…” This method is overused and unoriginal. Create your own to show a relevant context for your essay.
- Do not be too vague. Avoid irrelevant comments and digressions. Stay focused.
- From Arrangement Copyright © by Wanda M. Waller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
The Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay and plays an important role in writing an effective paper. The goals of the introduction are to introduce the topic, to provide background about the topic, and to establish the main idea, purpose, and direction. The introduction has three essential parts, each of which serves a particular purpose: the hook, relevant background, and thesis statement.
- The Hook—The hook engages your reader’s interest. It can be in the form of a question, a quote, an anecdote or story, an interesting fact, or an original definition.
- Relevant Background—Background information creates context by providing a brief overview. This information helps readers see why you are focusing on the topic and transitions them to the main point of your paper.
- Thesis Statement—The thesis statement expresses the overall point and main ideas that will be discussed in the body. It usually appears as the last sentence of the introduction and is usually one sentence.
What NOT to do in an introduction
- Do not apologize. Avoid phrases such as “in my opinion” or “I may not be an expert but…” These phrases imply that you really don’t know your topic.
- Do not announce what you intend to do. Never begin with phrases such as “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay is to…” Your introduction should establish the intention and purpose of the essay.
- Do not begin with a dictionary definition. Avoid beginning your essay with phrases such as “According to Webster’s Dictionary…” This method is overused and unoriginal. Create your own to show a relevant context for your essay.
- Do not be too vague. Avoid irrelevant comments and digressions. Stay focused.
- From Arrangement Copyright © by Wanda M. Waller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
The Introduction
The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay and plays an important role in writing an effective paper. The goals of the introduction are to introduce the topic, to provide background about the topic, and to establish the main idea, purpose, and direction. The introduction has three essential parts, each of which serves a particular purpose: the hook, relevant background, and thesis statement.
- The Hook—The hook engages your reader’s interest. It can be in the form of a question, a quote, an anecdote or story, an interesting fact, or an original definition.
- Relevant Background—Background information creates context by providing a brief overview. This information helps readers see why you are focusing on the topic and transitions them to the main point of your paper.
- Thesis Statement—The thesis statement expresses the overall point and main ideas that will be discussed in the body. It usually appears as the last sentence of the introduction and is usually one sentence.
What NOT to do in an introduction
- Do not apologize. Avoid phrases such as “in my opinion” or “I may not be an expert but…” These phrases imply that you really don’t know your topic.
- Do not announce what you intend to do. Never begin with phrases such as “In this paper I will…” or “The purpose of this essay is to…” Your introduction should establish the intention and purpose of the essay.
- Do not begin with a dictionary definition. Avoid beginning your essay with phrases such as “According to Webster’s Dictionary…” This method is overused and unoriginal. Create your own to show a relevant context for your essay.
- Do not be too vague. Avoid irrelevant comments and digressions. Stay focused.
- From Arrangement Copyright © by Wanda M. Waller is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.
