How to Write a Good Essay Introduction

First Impression is the Last Impression

It's not only the title! An outstanding academic essay or research paper starts with a captivating introduction. As an author, the introduction sets the base for informing readers about your argument ideas and what they expect from reading your essay. Here are the primary goals of an introduction;

• Grasps the reader’s attention
• Gives insights into the topic’s background
• Presents the essay’s central idea (thesis statement)

Writing an excellent introduction to your essay requires planning. Follow these steps when writing an introduction.

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Step One: Use a Hook

The first sentence determines the tone of your essay, and it acts as a hook to your reader. Take time choosing the right words to make your hook as effective as possible. It's advisable to utilize a few words to write a catchy and concise sentence that will instantly arouse the reader's curiosity.

The hook ushers the reader into the content of your essay. Embed the sense of the essay’s subject matter and why it’s interesting in the hook. Refrain from stating plan facts or statements or making broad claims.

Example 1;

• The Second World War negatively impacted the global economy. (Plain fact)
• The Second World War was one of the deadliest wars; it led to massive loss of lives and negatively impacted the global economy besides offering a turning point for international relationships.  (An exciting hook to arouse the reader's curiosity)

The two sentences communicate the same message about the impacts of WWII. However, the second sentence is more captivating because it is accompanied by a claim of why the subject matter is essential.

Example 2;

• William Shakespeare’s Othello is a famous tragic play telling the tale of Othello and his downfall. (Plain fact)
• William Shakespeare's Othello is one of the famous tragedy plays in history showing how pride, ego and rash decision-making can cause the downfall of the greatest men. (Hook)

The first sentence states a plain fact that the reader knows. The second sentence is a hook giving the text's mainstream interpretation and sets the basis of the essay's subject matter. Readers will be more curious to read the second essay.

Step Two: Provide Background Information

After the introductory sentence, your readers need to understand the context of your argument. Your essay’s introduction might include the following details depending on the subject matter;

• Social, geographical or historical context
• A brief outline of the subject matter
• A summary of the research or relevant theories
• Definition of key terms you’ll use in the paper

This part of the introduction has more broad information which should stick to the relevance of the topic. Mention a few points which you can later expound on in the essay but avoid being too detailed. Save all evidence for the essay body. The background space depends on the scope and topic of your paper.

Example of an essay background

WWII was the deadliest global conflict in the history of humanity as it led to the death of millions of people. Countries such as the Soviet Union, Japan, Ukraine and Germany suffered double impacts of the war. The invention of deadly weaponry arsenals such as atomic bombs and toxic gases in the height of the war increased war casualties than what was witnessed in WWI. The globe will feel the social and economic impacts of the war aftermath several years after signing peace treaties to bring the combat to an end in 1945.

Step Three: Presenting the Thesis Statement

It’s now time to narrow your focus to the exact arguments about the subject matter in your thesis statement. Note that the thesis statement forms the most significant part of your introduction.

A good thesis shouldn't be a fact or statement, but a claim which requires an explanation backed up by evidence. The thesis statement allows you to state your position about the subject matter under discussion.

Example;

WWII had significant impacts on the entire world's development, and it led to a revision of several socio-political policies, doctrines, and principles governing international relationships.

Step Four: Mapping The Structure of Your Essay

This step is helpful in more extended essays because it signposts the aspects that you'll cover in the essay. The mapping should be concise and offer a precise direction in which your arguments will follow.

Example;

This essay will begin with a brief explanation of the events that led to WWII and how prominent war contributors joined the combat. It will then discuss the course of the war and what led to its end, including signing the peace treaties. The last section will discuss the war aftermath and revision policies, among other strategies to prevent future world wars.

Step Five: Revise Your Introduction

Would you mind reading the introduction after writing the essay body and conclusion to ensure that it matches your essay's content? Change any contradicting or irrelevant part of the introduction. Feel free to alter your thesis statement to match the essay content if the need arises.

Essay Introduction checklist

• Is my first sentence relevant and engaging?
• Did I introduce the topic with the background?
• Have I defined vital terms?
• Does my thesis statement support the essay’s argument?
• Is the introduction relevant to the essay body?

Always ensure that your introduction has answered these questions when writing an academic essay.

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