How to Write an Introduction

Writing an introduction paragraph can be one of the most daunting parts of the writing process for an author, especially for students that are in the early stages of learning to write. The introduction or otherwise known as the opening paragraph of an essay is well known for telling the reader what the essay is going to be about.

An Introduction Serves Two Purposes

It gives readers an idea of what the rest of the writing will say.
It provides a reason for readers to keep reading.

The first reason is the most important. What is this about?

It may include:

A clear and specific thesis statement
Providing background or history for the topic
Defining a term, phrase, or concept central to the writing
Providing statistics

Steps in writing a good Introduction:

In order for readers to trust the writer, the introduction must be well written with strong vocabulary and good grammar. The goal is to hold the reader's attention. Remember that while you want to excite your readers' interest, you also want to sound as though you know the topic you are writing about.

1-Identify the Topic

In the first sentence, you should identify, or generally define, the topic. The topic is a broad overview of what will be discussed in the essay.

2-State Your Opinion about the Topic

The second sentence of the introduction paragraph will be slightly more specific. Here is where you can pick an angle from which to approach the topic. Are you for or against it? Are you intending to persuade or describe.
These questions can be answered when you articulate your thoughts on the broad topic.

3-Build a Bridge

The third sentence is where the transition occurs from general to specific. That is,you must build a bridge from your general topic to your specific thesis statement.

4-State the Thesis

The thesis works well as a final sentence in the introduction paragraph. By definition, a thesis is specific. It outlines the body of the essay. Writing a loose thesis before the essay is written, serves as a helpful guide , but be sure that it needs to be adapted once the essay is complete to ensure the content in the thesis is aligned with the content in the actual essay.

These tips define the purpose of each sentence in the introduction paragraph.Once you complete a first draft of your essay, go back to re-construct your introductory paragraph. Be sure to check your thesis statement to make sure it still holds true then double check your first sentence to give it some zing.