How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

• What is an essay introduction?
• What to include in an essay introduction?
• How to create an essay structure?
• Step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction
• How to write an introduction paragraph?
• How to write a hook for your essay?
• How to include background information?
• How to write a thesis statement?
• Examples of essay introduction
  • Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
  • Expository Essay Introduction Example
  • Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example
• Check and revise – Checklist for essay introduction
• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

What is an essay introduction?

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work.¹ The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

What to include in an essay introduction?

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

1. Hook: Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.

2. Background information: Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.

3. Thesis statement: Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

How to create an essay structure?

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows:² 

1. Introduction: The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.

2. Body: The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.

3. Conclusion: The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

1. Start with a Hook: Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.

2. Provide Background Information: This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.

3. State Your Thesis Statement: The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.

4. Preview the Main Points: This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.

5. Keep it Concise and Clear: Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.

6. Revise: Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

How to write an introduction paragraph?

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

How to write a hook for your essay?

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

1. Avoid Dry Fact: Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”

2. Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition: While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.

3. Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows: This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

How to include background information?

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

1. Start with a General Statement: Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”

2. Define Key Terms: Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.

3. Provide Relevant Statistics: Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”

4. Discuss the Evolution: Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.

5. Transition to Your Thesis: Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

How to write a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

1. Identify the topic: Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”

2. State your position: Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”

3. Support your position: Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.

4. Make it specific: Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

Check and revise – Checklist for essay introduction

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence: The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.

• Background Information: Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.

• Definition of Important Terms: Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.

• Clear Thesis Statement: The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.

• Relevance to Main Body: Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Key takeaways

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction:³ 

• Hook the Reader: Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.

• Provide Background: Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.

• Thesis Statement: State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.

• Preview the Structure: Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.

• Keep it Concise: Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.

• Revise and Edit: Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.

• Seek Feedback: Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

Frequently asked questions

References 

1. Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction. Building Academic Writing Skills.

2. West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay. Journal of Geography in Higher Education, 43(4), 609-617.

3. Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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