Introduction Paragraphs

The role of an introduction is to introduce your reader to your topic, situate them within your essay, and prepare them to understand the argument you will make in the body of the essay. An introduction paragraph is like a funnel, starting with something broad to connect with your readers and then getting more specific. Basically, you're taking your readers from whatever they're doing out in the world and acclimating them to your essay topic. Start with something relevant to them (broad background), connect this to your topic (main ideas) with a transition/bridge, and state the argument you're making in your essay (thesis). This prepares your readers to focus on your argument.

Basic Introduction Structure

Video Overview

Introduction Paragraph Structure

Broad Background - also known as a "Hook"

This is also known as a hook; it's what gets readers interested in your topic. It doesn't need to be a question or fun fact, though. It just needs to be something your readers care about, a way that your essay has real-life relevance. One good option is to discuss a theme you'll identify in the novel. A second option is to offer some plot summary, focusing on the information relevant to your essay.

Main Ideas

If your background was thematic, transition into your main ideas by connecting the theme topic of your essay. Then state your essay's main ideas, in order, to give your readers a preview of your essay's logic and organization. Usually, you will state one main idea for each paragraph in your essay.

Transition/Bridge

After you introduce the essay's main topic, you need to connect this topic to the text by creating a transition sentence or bridge. This sentence explains how this theme topic will appear in the text.

Thesis

The thesis concisely states the argument you're going to prove in your essay. It is your central assertion and is supported by all your paragraphs together. No need to repeat the title of the work here if you already used it in the bridge sentence.

Examples

Example #1

[Broad Background - Hook (thematic)] Social class directly affects people's lives in many ways. Wealthier people can afford to live in bigger houses in towns with better resources. In addition to its economic impacts, social class can also affect friendships. [Bridge] This is the case in Liliana Heker's short story "The Stolen Party." [Main Idea 1] Before going to the party, Rosaura is optimistic that this will be the best party ever. [Main Idea 2] During the party itself, she still believes the party is wonderful, but is being treated as a maid without realizing it. [Main Idea 3] Her attitude shifts at the end of the party when she realizes the truth and is profoundly disappointed. [Thesis] In "The Stolen Party" by Liliana Heker, Rosaura misinterprets her role at the party because she believes she is a guest while being treated differently due to social class differences.

Example #2

[Broad Background (thematic)] Most of us probably have good intentions most of the time. We try to be kind to others or at least not hurt anyone, and we see ourselves as good people. As a result, we tend to get defensive when someone accuses us of offending someone or otherwise causing harm. However, intent and impact are different; people can have good intentions and still cause harm. [Bridge] There is a disconnect between Señora Ines's intent and impact in “The Stolen Party,” as she tries to treat Rosaura kindly but ends up hurting her deeply. [Main Ideas] [1] Señora Ines thinks she is treating Rosaura kindly when she allows her to participate in party activities in addition to fulfilling her duties as help. [2] Unfortunately, Rosaura does not realize she is being treated differently than the other guests, and thinks being allowed to help out is a special privilege. [3] She is, therefore, devastated when she learns the truth. [Thesis] Although she is kind but does not treat Rosaura as equally as the other guests, Señora Ines unknowingly harms Rosaura by contributing to her misunderstanding.

Advanced Options

Condensed Introduction Paragraph

The main ideas in an essay's introduction act as a roadmap, preparing your readers to follow your logic. In a short essay, though, this often isn't necessary. You can instead think of your funnel introduction structure as broad background, transition/bridge, and thesis. If your essay is about a piece of literature, the transition connects the thematic background to the literature.

Example

[Background/Hook] Social class directly affects people's lives in many ways. Wealthier people can afford to live in bigger houses in towns with better resources. In addition to its economic impacts, social class can also affect friendships. [Transition/Bridge] This is the case in Liliana Heker's short story "The Stolen Party," as Rosaura's status as the maid's daughter affects how she is viewed by her friend's mother. [Thesis] In this story, Rosaura misinterprets her role at the party because she believes she is a guest while being treated differently due to social class prejudice.

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