How to write an introduction

Writing an introduction

Introductions are important. They arouse a reader's interest, introduce the subject, and tackle the So What? factor. In short, they're your paper's "first impression." But you don't have to write them first. In fact, many students prefer launching right into the body of the essay before they tackle intros and conclusions. However, other students prefer writing the introduction first to help "set up" what's to follow. 

Whatever your style, you'll probably put your thesis/question somewhere near the end of the paragraph and some important background information directly before. But that still leaves the very beginning. Contrary to what you may have been taught, intros don't have to begin with a "general statement." So what are some different ways to start that first sentence? 

Begin with a quotation. Just make sure you explain its relevance

Begin with a question

Begin with an acknowledgment of an opinion opposite to the one you plan to take

Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that has a direct bearing on your paper

Begin with an interesting fact

Begin with a definition or explanation of a term relevant to your paper

Begin with irony or paradox

Begin with an analogy. Make sure it's original but not too far-fetched

If introductions give you trouble no matter when you do them or how you begin, sometimes it helps to construct several mini-outlines just for that paragraph and try each out to see which works best.