How to Write a Strong Introduction Paragraph
How to Write a Strong Introduction Paragraph
Every essay requires an airtight introduction paragraph that captures the reader's attention, gives context, and plainly presents the focal argument or thesis statement
Solid Introduction Essentials
Attention-Grabber: Start your intro paragraph off with a hook that captures the reader’s attention right off the bat. Consider including a thought-provoking fact, a quotation, an enquiry, or a short narrative. To ensure they stay engaged, do not rely on platitudes or common idioms.
Background: Background information is important in helping readers understand why your topic is relevant to them or society. Your intro may benefit from a short overview or summary of your subject/argument. This is your chance to offer the reader a brief history lesson, but stick to the bullet points!
Thesis Statement: An introduction is most often concluded with a clear thesis statement outlining your main argument. A well-written thesis will prepare the reader on what to expect in the forthcoming paragraphs.
Steps for writing a clear thesis:
Ask a question: Brainstorm on a narrow topic and then fine tune it by asking questions whose answers you or your audience may be interested in. For example, instead of broadly discussing classic movies, ask yourself, “How has classic cinema influenced current American culture?”
Build your defense: Now, answer your initial question with a simple, single-sentence answer. Keep in mind that this will serve as the focal argument of your paper. Building on the example above, a first answer might be: “Hollywood films have profoundly influenced and helped shape American cultural identity.”
Don’t forget supporting evidence: Back up your answer by adding the key evidence you’ll use to prove your claim. This provides a clear focus for your essay: “Hollywood films have profoundly influenced and helped shape American cultural identity through the reinforcement of traditional values, proliferation of tropes that promote the ‘American Dream,’ and introduction of iconic character archetypes.”
Polish your statement: Now it’s time to get out your colored pen and start whittling down your thesis so that it’s simple, less wordy, and specific. It should make a claim that can be supported with evidence, and remember that you’ll expand off this framework for the rest of the paper.
Blueprint: Make it easy for your reader by outlining what you’ll cover in the next three or more paragraphs in your thesis: “Reinforced traditional values, promotion of the ‘American Dream,’ and introduction of iconic character archetypes.” Each one can be the subject of a body paragraph, so the thesis is often a handy blueprint you can follow from here on out. And your readers will appreciate the sense of direction.
Final example: “By reinforcing traditional values, promoting the ‘American Dream,’ and introducing iconic character archetypes, classic Hollywood films have profoundly influenced and helped shape American cultural identity, with effects that can still be seen today.”
Tips for Crafting Your Introduction
Narrow Down Your Focus: Your intro can be compared to an upside-down triangle. Start off with only the general information; then, gradually narrow your focus so that you’re left with the diluted thesis at the tip.
Write Clearly and Concise: Don’t overload your audience with verbiage and overly long sentences. You want your readers to follow along easily, so don’t lose them right from the start!
Practice Emotional Engagement: Try out poignant language or storytelling methods that readers can relate to on a personal level. If the reader can detect the story’s relevance in their own lives, your intro and the paragraphs to follow will be even more relatable and impactful.
Revise, Revise, Revise!: Don’t restrict yourself during the writing process, and feel free to type out that one-page paragraph! It’s better to write more than to be left with scraps of a paragraph. But make sure to revise your intro after completing your essay. If you’re stuck, it could help to write your intro last, after you’ve already written the body paragraphs and better understand your argument.
Common Pitfalls
Avoid Vague Language: Your intro should be specific enough for readers to clearly define your main argument from the get-go. This will help them know what to expect, so avoid far-reaching statements that are only there to add padding to your essay.
Avoid Information Overload: Although context is everything, don’t over-pad your first paragraph with too much information, as this will overwhelm the reader. Keep it simple, and save all elaborations for the body paragraphs.
By following these guidelines, you’re guaranteed to craft a compelling intro that sets a tone for the rest of your essay and engages your readers from the very first sentence!
