Writing an introduction paragraph is like introducing yourself to another person. You wouldn’t want to make a bad impression. This is why learning how to write an introductory paragraph is important. Knowing how to write an introduction is also valuable for any form of writing, from blog posts and academic writing to technical writing.
A solid opening is crucial for setting the tone for your work. The appropriate start can catch a reader’s attention and attract them to continue reading. In this article, we discuss how to write an introductory paragraph and provide you with introduction paragraph examples that you can use for reference.
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What Is an Introduction Paragraph?
Also known as an opening paragraph, an introduction paragraph is the first section that people see in your essay. It presents your essay’s core point and explains your topic’s importance. A creative and powerful introduction piques your readers’ interest enough to keep them reading.
What Are the 3 Parts of an Introduction Paragraph?
- Hook. This first portion of your introduction paragraph captures readers’ attention. It can be a surprising fact, an intriguing quote, an interesting story, or any other attention-grabbing creative statement.
- Background Information. This part connects the hook to the thesis statement by providing context about your academic essay.
- Thesis Statement. It’s the last sentence in the introduction that states your purpose for the essay and summarizes the main points that you’ll discuss in your academic paper. It answers why your readers should continue to read your essay or paper.
How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: Beginning and Ending
A well-written introduction gives you the opportunity to make a great first impression to the readers. It should establish a connection and positive effect on the readers so that they’d be open to knowing about your topic. If you want to write an amazing essay introduction, part of it is learning how to begin and end the introduction paragraph effectively.
How to Begin an Introduction Paragraph
Start with something relatable and memorable to command the attention of readers. Usually, people write a cliche statement or a question to begin their introduction paragraph. “In this paper, I will,” “This paper is about,” “In my humble opinion,” are bland and uninteresting ways to start an essay.
On the other hand, effective hooks are creatively crafted, like a thought-provoking question or anecdotal story. So, it would really help if you have creative writing skills. Write a creative introduction by trying unusual but relatable quotes, statements, or questions that would make the readers yearn for more.
How to End an Introduction Paragraph
The closing portion of your introductory paragraph should be a lead-in statement to what readers can primarily expect when they continue reading. To ensure you won’t miss something out, list down your essay topic’s main points or essential elements first. Then, summarize them before mentioning the core idea or purpose of your write-up. Preferably, this would take one to two sentences only.
How to Write an Introduction Paragraph: 5 More Useful Tips
Know Your Topic Well
Having a good grasp of your topic will help you write your introduction more effectively. It also helps you pick the right writing approach for your hook. It also gives you clarity on what essential points should be highlighted in the intro, which can serve as a road map for the body of your paper.
Strategize Your Writing Approach
List the questions that you want to answer in your introduction, as they will lead you to a concrete structure in delivering your message. Note your answers then arrange them from general to specific. Typically, the intro starts with a broad statement before elaborating as you close the introductory paragraph.
Be Consistent with Your Tone
You shouldn’t start something technical and then shift to something amusing. Always read aloud to check if the tone is right, and more importantly, if it’s right for your topic and purpose of writing. You should ensure your tone is consistent and appropriate for your purpose of writing by reading examples, asking others to read your introduction paragraph, and checking out helpful tips.
Be Clear and Concise
Write succinctly. Garbled sentences turn off readers. Remember that your introduction’s job is to effortlessly move the readers from a curiosity state to a desire-to-learn-more state. You’ll only be able to do this seamlessly if you practice clarity and brevity.
Consider Your Writing Process
Those who know their topics by heart can write their essay chronologically, so they write the introduction first before writing the complete essay. Some prefer to put the pieces together in the body before writing. Try them both and see which writing process works best for you.
Introduction Paragraph Examples to Help You Improve Your Essay Writing
Writing a compelling introduction is easier said than done. So, seeing an intro paragraph format and flow that works would be useful, as you practice your essay writing skills. Below are some sample intro paragraphs that could be of help to you when writing yours.
Introduction Paragraph Example 1: Finding the Right Therapist
As a scaredy-cat, I think all foreign things seem to have an ulterior motive, good or bad. The thought that something foreign to me could be a major determinant in my life screams through my mind. This was the case when the topic of therapy was first introduced to me. I had never had to meet a therapist, nor did I know anyone that did. In this essay, I’ll share with you all the steps and measures I took to ensure that I’d meet a reliable therapist. This is my journey and breakthrough in finding the right therapist for my condition.
Introduction Paragraph Example 2: Capturing the True Essence of Scent with Technology
Every scent has a story. In our home, the aroma of lilacs signaled that my sister was here, musk meant my brother was around the corner and rose let me know that my mom was going for a night out. A scent could tell me what’s expected or what will occur. You can imagine my surprise when I knew that I can now capture the true essence of a scent using technology. Through this article, we’ll discover how technology uses science in detecting scent and how valuable this is in our daily lives.
How to Use Introduction Paragraph Examples to Write Your Own
To use an introduction paragraph example effectively, you have to understand it well. Take note of the pattern used and pay attention to how the whole introduction flows. After you’ve written your own introduction paragraph based on the introduction examples, keep practicing to collect all your writings and study how your writing skills evolve.
How to Write an Introduction Paragraph FAQ
What things should be included in an introduction paragraph?
An introduction paragraph needs to have its key parts: an engaging hook, background information, and a thesis statement.
What is the best way to start an introduction?
The best way to start an introduction is with a strong hook. You’ll know that your hook is strong if it catches the attention of the reader and makes them want to continue reading.
What is the best way to write a hook?
A hook is important for crafting an effective introduction, therefore an attention-grabbing hook must leave the readers with questions and leave them wanting to explore the body of your content for more information. A hook can be difficult to write so practicing your writing skills would definitely be of help.
How long should an intro paragraph be?
One paragraph is enough for an introduction. It must be short, about three to five sentences long. However, there are cases when your introduction needs to exceed that length, depending on the purpose of your writing.