How to write an Introduction for an Essay

Even though your introduction is usually just one paragraph (mostly in a five-paragraph paper), it has several very important steps that go into making it. They set the tone and determine what’s coming next in the paper. As always, a great introduction makes the reader want to learn more about the topic being presented to them. Here are some steps that will help in writing the introduction for your essay.

Think about your hook

The entire point of the hook is to pull your reader in. A great hook will make it difficult for the reader to put the paper down; they’ll want to know more, read more (which is exactly what we’re trying to do!). Generally, your hook will be the first sentence of your introduction. Try to make it as intriguing as possible—the more fascinated your reader is the better.

Things you should consider using for your hook are interesting facts or powerful statistics, quotes or anecdotes. Try to make it surprising. Of course, whatever you decide to use for your hook should be relevant to the subject of the paper (never use something inane). However, this isn’t where you should use the evidence you acquired in your research. Be sure to explanation the meaning of your hook if you need to.

Follow Up With Your Thesis

A thesis statement is a summary (one or two sentences) about what you’ll be arguing in your essay. Make sure your thesis is clear and precise. Make sure you understand what it is you’re actually trying to argue in your paper and get rid of the excess material. When writing your thesis, here are some things you should try to avoid:

  1. Forming your thesis as a question.
  2. Making your thesis a list.
  3. Using your thesis to bring up new (different) issues.
  4. Never write your thesis in first person (unless it’s a personal essay).

Make Sure Your Hook and Thesis Transition Well

You want to make sure that your hook flows well into your thesis, which essentially wraps up the end of your introduction. Make sure your writing is clear and concise. You don’t want to bloat the introduction paragraph with large amounts of information, stretching the space between your hook and thesis too much. You may end up losing the reader (or their interest) sometimes.

Tips to consider

Start writing with brainstorming.Any essay or research paper start with creating an interesting and unique topic. Most students find it hard to make up a topic that would interest the professor. The easiest solution is check the available college paper examples available online for free use. Read the topics, write down the ones you like, conduct a research and give birth to a great topic of your own. The alternative way is to read a newspapers, watch a television program and write about any current issue going on in the world.

Proofread and edit your draft.Make sure to check your final draft before submitting it to your school. Most students are so happy they've finally finished writing their essay or research paper, they forget to spell-check and search for grammar and punctuation mistakes. Most professional writers even use the help of editors (and actually pay them for their services) to ensure the paper is coherent, well-structured and flows well.

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