Background Information: What is This?
Background information serves as an introduction to the topic of the essay, providing context for the topic. It aims to set the stage for the readers to go ahead with their reading activity. It typically appears at the beginning of the essay immediately after the hook and before the thesis statement and connects the hook with the thesis statement. Its main purpose is to inform the readers about the subject matter. Some important features of this part of the essay are as follows.
Features of Background Information
- Background information occurs immediately after the hook of the essay. It refers to the introductory details provided to give readers the necessary context and understanding of the topic.
- It typically includes relevant historical, social, cultural, or scientific information that helps the writer set the stage for the main arguments or discussions in the essay.
- It encompasses facts, statistics, definitions, key terms, or significant events related to the subject matter.
- The purpose of providing background information is to orient the readers, establish the relevance of the topic, and create a strong footing for analysis or argumentation.
- It helps the readers to grasp the significance, scope, and implications of the main theme under discussion in the essay, guiding them toward a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
- Background information also serves to engage readers, pique their interest, and provide a rationale for the main focus or research question.
- Depending on the topic of the essay and its purpose, background information ranges from a brief overview to a more detailed exploration of key concepts or historical developments.
- It is crucial to present accurate, reliable, and up-to-date background information to ensure the credibility and validity of the subsequent analysis or arguments.
- The inclusion of background information demonstrates the writer’s depth of knowledge, critical thinking, and ability to situate the topic within a broader context.
Type of Background Information in an Essay
Background information is part of the introduction. It relies heavily on the type of the topic. It could be statistical, historical, cultural, literary, or even laws and policies. Here are some major types of background information.
| Type | Explanation | Example |
| Historical Context | Information about relevant historical events, developments, or eras pertinent to the topic. | Explaining the impact of the Industrial Revolution on urbanization in the 19th century. |
| Social Context | Explanation of social factors, norms, or trends that influence or shape the subject matter. | Analyzing how changing gender roles in society have impacted family dynamics. |
| Cultural Context | Description of cultural aspects, beliefs, values, or practices relevant to understanding the topic. | Discussing how religious beliefs influence dietary habits in different cultures. |
| Scientific Or Technical Context | Presentation of scientific theories, concepts, principles, or technological advancements central to the topic. | Exploring the role of quantum mechanics in the development of modern computing technology. |
| Definitions | Clarification of key terms, concepts, or specialized vocabulary used in the essay for common understanding. | Defining terms like “sustainability” and “ecosystem services” in an environmental science paper. |
| Statistics or Data | Inclusion of relevant numerical data, statistics, or research findings that support the essay’s arguments. | Using crime rate statistics to analyze the effectiveness of a new policing strategy. |
| Key Figures or Individuals | Introduction of influential or notable figures, experts, or researchers associated with the topic. | Highlighting the contributions of Marie Curie to the field of radiology. |
| Relevant Laws, Policies, etc. | Discussion of relevant laws, policies, or regulations with implications for the topic being addressed. | Examining the impact of the Clean Air Act on air quality and industrial practices. |
| Controversies or Debates | Highlighting of contentious issues, debates, or conflicting viewpoints surrounding the topic. | Exploring the ethical debate around genetic engineering in the field of biotechnology. |
| Existing Literature or Research | Summary of prior studies, research, or scholarly works related to the essay’s subject matter. | Reviewing existing literature on the effects of climate change on marine ecosystems. |
| Current Events or Developments | Discussion of recent news, trends, or events relevant to the essay’s topic. | Analyzing the geopolitical implications of recent trade agreements on global supply chains. |
Placement of Background Information in an Essay
It is interesting to note that placing the background information in an essay varies. Although in a short or five-paragraph essay, it occurs immediately after the hook and within the introduction, it mainly depends on the structure and style of the essay in case it is very long. However, there are a few common approaches to consider:
- Introduction: Many essays begin with an introductory paragraph that provides an overview of the topic and establishes its significance. This is often an appropriate place to include some background information to provide context and engage the readers’ interest after they are hooked to the essay.
- Early Paragraphs: Background information could also be included in the early paragraphs of the essay, following the introduction. This approach allows for a smooth transition from the introductory section to the main body of the essay, providing readers with the necessary context before reading the specific arguments or discussions.
- Relevant Sections or Subheadings: If the essay is organized into sections or includes subheadings, background information could be within the relevant sections. This placement ensures that the background information directly supports the arguments or content discussed in that particular section, providing a logical flow to the information.
- Placing Where Required: In some cases, background information may be necessary at various points throughout the essay to provide ongoing context or clarify specific terms or concepts. This approach can be effective when introducing new ideas or transitioning between different aspects of the topic.
Ultimately, the placement of background information depends on the structure, coherence, and specific needs of the topic being discussed in that essay. It is important to ensure that the background information is seamlessly integrated and that it supports the main arguments or analysis.
Examples of Background Information in an Essay
- Example 1: Topic: The Effects of Climate Change on Global Ecosystems
Hook: “Imagine a world where coral reefs turn pale and lifeless, once-lush rainforests transform into arid landscapes, and iconic species vanish forever.”
Background Information: Climate change, driven by human activities of burning fossil fuels and deforestation, has emerged as a global challenge. It is because the rising levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere have led to a gradual increase in global temperature. It has resulted in a wide range of harmful impacts on our ecosystem. From changing weather patterns to melting glaciers and from disrupting habitats to endangering animal species, climate change has posed serious threats to the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
- Example 2: Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Hook: “Scrolling through social media feeds has become an integral part of our daily routines, but what lies beneath the surface of those perfectly curated posts is a big question.”
Background Information: Social media platforms are witnessing an unprecedented upsurge in popularity. They are transforming the way we communicate, share information, and interact with others. While these platforms have facilitated connectivity and information sharing between people, research shows that excessive use of social media also has harmful effects on the mental health of users. The constant exposure to idealized images, the pressure to gain likes and followers, and the fear of disappearing on social media platforms lead to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem, impacting well-being of users.
- Example 3: Topic: The Industrial Revolution and Its Social Impact
Hook: “Picture a world where rural communities have transformed into bustling urban centers, steam-powered machines replaced manual labor, and mass production changed the way goods are manufactured.”
Background Information: The Industrial Revolution, a period of fast industrialization and technological progress during the 18th and 19th centuries, had a profound impact on society, the economy, and the daily routines of the people. It has marked a shift from agrarian-based economies to industrialized economies. It has happened due to innovative inventions such as the steam engine, machines, and assembly line productions in factories. The Industrial Revolution also caused massive urbanization, an increase in the working class, fast transportation, and rapid communication networks. It has also brought significant social changes, including the rise of labor movements and political debates about the rights of workers, social inequality, and social mobility.
Suggested Readings
- Hacker, Diana, and Nancy Sommers. A Writer’s Reference. 9th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Lunsford, Andrea A. The St. Martin’s Handbook. 8th ed., Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2018.
- Strunk, William, Jr., and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 2000.
- Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 3rd ed., W.W. Norton & Co., 2014.
- Williams, Joseph M. Style: The Basics of Clarity and Grace. 5th ed., Pearson, 2014.
- Turabian, Kate L. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations. 9th ed., University of Chicago Press, 2018.
- Swales, John M., and Christine B. Feak. Academic Writing for Graduate Students: Essential Tasks and Skills. 3rd ed., University of Michigan Press, 2012.
