Start your intro with an attention-grabber. The rest of this article provides several good options, like scene-setters, anecdotes, and quotations. Follow up with a few sentences that offer some context for the essay topic and the thesis or main focus you’re about to identify. Finish with a single sentence that clearly lays out your primary argument or point of focus for the entire essay or article.
After describing the aftermath of the battle, zoom out to describe the duration of the conflict, the reasons behind it, the long-term impact, and so on. Setting the scene is a great intro option for news articles, historical essays, and fiction writing, to name but a few examples.
Alternately, you could provide a more literal anecdote. For instance, if your topic is the ecological crisis, you might provide a brief story about how quickly a certain species is going extinct.
Anything that instantly hooks readers and draws them in is a great start for an introduction![4] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
If you start your opening paragraph with a quote, you may find it helpful to make a callback to the quote in your closing statement. Consider an ending hook that addresses the meaning of your quote to bring the argument full-circle.
Using your introductory paragraph to provide more context can be really helpful for readers, especially if they’re not well-versed on the topic. It helps them better understand the relevant points of the topic that your essay debunks, refines, or expands upon[7] X Expert Source Jake AdamsAcademic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
For instance, instead of writing, “President Jones declared in a joint session of Congress today that he will work with his counterparts abroad to reorganize international fiscal policy and lending practices, making it easier to distribute international aid,” you could write, “A new law aims to fast-track international aid to developing nations. ” Here’s an example that gives lots of details without going overboard: “On Saturday, a local librarian unexpectedly became a foster mother to 5 kittens when an unknown person left them on the library doorstep. Lucille Jenkins, 35, says she took the kittens in because ‘it was the right thing to do. ’”
For instance, instead of describing or reporting on the actual details of a public policy and how it moved through the legislative process, use the start of your introductory paragraph to explain how the policy will change society or the lives of those affected. An analytical lede might also include information regarding who benefits and why, but the primary focus should be on explaining how a news item or event works, rather than merely describing it.
For example, instead of “People have been making cloth since the dawn of time,” you might say, “The prehistoric Egyptians were producing high-quality linen cloth as early as 5000 BC. ”
If you feel obligated to delineate more clearly what you’re writing about, that’s fine, but do it without directly referring to dictionary definitions. Once in a blue moon, it may actually be helpful to start with a dictionary definition. For example, you might do so if you are discussing an extremely difficult-to-define term or concept, or writing about the meaning or origin of a word. But consider alternatives first!
For instance, compare the following and take note of how 3 little words can make a huge difference in how authoritative and confident each sentence reads: “In my opinion, ‘Ozymandias,’ Shelley’s famous poem, reveals the impermanence of human achievement. ” “‘Ozymandias,’ Shelly’s famous poem, reveals the impermanence of human achievement. ”
The opening line of your intro is the first impression that will color how everything you write after that is perceived by the reader. So take your time and make it count! Write the conclusion next-to-last and the intro last, or vice versa. Aim for them to connect and relate perfectly.
