Introduction of an Essay

Introduction to Introduction

The introduction is the first paragraph that introduces the topic and presents a clear and focused thesis statement, encapsulating the main argument. It typically offers a brief overview of the three supporting points or arguments that will be discussed in the following body paragraphs.

Additionally, the introduction aims to engage the readers’ interest and provide initial context while guiding them toward the essay’s central thesis and structure.

Main Parts of an Introduction

1. Hook or Attention-Grabber: This is an engaging statement or element designed to capture the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. It can be a question, anecdote, quote, surprising fact, or a thought-provoking statement.
2. Background or Context: Provide necessary background information to ensure the reader understands the broader context of the topic. This may include historical context, relevant definitions, or any relevant information needed to comprehend the discussion.
3. Thesis Statement: A clear and specific thesis statement comes after the attention-grabber and establishes the central argument or purpose of the essay. It should convey the main point you’re going to argue or explore in the essay.

Features of a Good Introduction

1. Clarity: A strong introduction is clear and concise. It conveys the main idea or thesis of the essay in a straightforward manner, avoiding vague or ambiguous language.
2. Relevance: It provides context that is directly related to the topic of the essay. Irrelevant information should be omitted to maintain focus.
3. Engagement: An effective introduction captivates the reader’s attention with an interesting hook or attention-grabber, such as a compelling anecdote, quote, question, or surprising fact.
4. Thesis Statement: It includes a good thesis statement that clearly states the main argument or purpose of the essay. This thesis should be specific, debatable, and concise.
5. Structure: The introduction follows a logical structure, typically moving from general information to more specific details, often following the funnel approach: starting with a broad opening and narrowing down to the thesis statement.
6. Context: It provides sufficient background or context to help the reader understand the topic. This may involve defining key terms, explaining historical context, or presenting relevant facts or statistics.
7. Conciseness: Avoid unnecessary elaboration in the introduction. Save detailed explanations and extensive supporting evidence for the body paragraphs.
8. Coherence: The introduction should flow smoothly, with sentences and ideas connecting logically. Transitions should guide the reader from one element to the next.
9. Purposeful Preview: It offers a brief preview or roadmap of the main points or arguments that will be explored in the body of the essay, giving the reader a sense of what to expect.
10. Appropriateness: The tone and style of the introduction should be appropriate for the audience and the type of essay (e.g., formal, academic, informal, persuasive, etc.).

Examples of Good Introductions

1. Introduction: (Hook: Edgar Allan Poe, a master of Gothic literature, is renowned for his ability to craft stories that plunge readers into the darkest recesses of the human psyche.) One of his most celebrated works, “The Tell-Tale Heart,” is a haunting tale that explores the intricate interplay of symbolism, obsession, and psychological torment. Within this narrative, Poe employs a rich tapestry of symbols, with the narrator’s fixation on the old man’s eye and the relentless thumping of the heartbeat standing as prominent examples. (Background Information: These symbols serve as conduits to deeper psychological and thematic dimensions, allowing readers to traverse the treacherous terrain of the human mind.) This use of the profound symbolism of the eye and the heartbeat in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” reveals the pivotal roles that symbols play in unraveling underlying psychological and thematic complexities Poe discusses in the story. (Thesis Statement: Analyzing the symbolism of the eye and the heartbeat in “The Tell-Tale Heart” is crucial to understanding the story’s deeper psychological and thematic elements.)
2. Introduction: (Hook: In the realm of unsettling and thought-provoking literature, Shirley Jackson’s “The Lottery” stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms and unveil the complexities of human nature.) Within this haunting short story, one character, in particular, undergoes a transformation that resonates deeply with readers – Tessie Hutchinson. Her character development serves as a compelling lens through which to examine the narrative’s themes and social commentary. (Background Information: As the story unfolds, Tessie evolves from a seemingly ordinary member of a tight-knit community into a symbol of resistance and revelation. The multifaceted character of Tessie Hutchinson here sheds light on how her evolution highlights the main themes related to absurd social traditions. (Thesis Statement: A thorough analysis of Tessie Hutchinson’s character development in “The Lottery,” therefore, reveals underlying themes and serves as a powerful vehicle for Jackson’s social commentary.)
3. Introduction: (Hook: O. Henry’s mastery of the short story genre is exemplified in his timeless classic, “The Gift of the Magi,” a tale that continues to captivate readers with its poignant exploration of love, sacrifice, and the profound ironies of life.) Within this narrative, O. Henry skillfully employs the twin tools of situational and dramatic irony to weave a narrative tapestry that transcends the surface sentimentality of its holiday setting.(Background Information: The story revolves around the sacrifices made by a young married couple, Della and Jim, to procure gifts for each other on Christmas, with each gift ironically nullifying the other.) Underlying layers of irony unveil the deeper message about the true value of gifts and the enduring nature of love, even in the face of life’s most unexpected twists. (Thesis Statement: An investigation into the role of this situational and dramatic irony “The Gift of the Magi” illuminates the profound exploration of love, sacrifice, and the genuine worth of gifts beyond their material value.)

Suggested Readings

1. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. W.W. Norton & Company, 2014.
2. Rosenwasser, David, and Jill Stephen. Writing Analytically. Cengage Learning, 2018.
3. Strunk Jr., William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. Allyn & Bacon, 2000.
4. Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2017.
5. Fowler, H. Ramsey, and Jane E. Aaron. The Little, Brown Handbook. Pearson, 2019.
6. Axelrod, Rise B., and Charles R. Cooper. The St. Martin’s Guide to Writing. Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2019.
7. Long, Priscilla. The Writer’s Portable Mentor: A Guide to Art, Craft, and the Writing Life. University of New Mexico Press, 2010.