Introduction
A Guide to a Successful Introduction
Sentence 1: Hook the Reader. Start with an engaging sentence that grabs the reader’s attention. This can be a startling statistic, a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a vivid anecdote. But most importantly, don't start with an argument. Start on common ground. For example, If you're going to argue in favor of stricter gun laws, start by writing about how "the most important thing to every American citizen is safety." Both sides can agree with this, so use it to pull the reader in before you present an argument that may make them combative.
Sentences 2-3: Provide Background Information. Give a brief overview of the issue or topic at hand. This helps to set the context and provides necessary background for the reader to understand the argument.
Sentence 4: State the Importance. Explain why the topic is important and why we should care. Highlight the relevance and the potential impact of the issue.
Sentence 5: Establish Your Position with a well-written thesis statement. Clearly state your position on the topic. Make sure your stance is clear and unequivocal.
Elements of a Good Introduction
Focus Statements (also called "Transitional Statements)
Sample Introductions
Sample Introduction: Born in the USA
One of the most beautiful things about art, is it’s ability and willingness to be interpreted. We have all encountered a poem or song that said exactly what we were feeling. At that point, the author’s intentions become less important than our own interpretation. Many artists embrace ambiguity as a way to make their art more universal and identifiable. When choosing their words, poets and songwriters are well aware of the potential their work has for being misinterpreted. In some cases , however, the issue isn't MISinterpretation at all. A large portion of "music lovers" don't pay attention to lyrics. As a result, the true themes of many popular songs, go unheard. Although it has been embraced as one of the great anthems about American patriotism, Bruce Springsteen's “Born in the USA” is actually a song that criticizes and demonizes America.
Sample Introduction: Cats Make Great Pets
Below, each element of the sample introduction is color coded.
The author Aldous Huxley once said, "To his dog, every man is Napoleon." Huxley recognized the unconditional love that dogs have for their owners. This unique bond is why dogs have always been the most popular pet in America. Although they require a great amount time and dedication, dogs are the most rewarding pet a family could ever own.
Secrets To Writing An Awesome Introduction
Secret 1:
Get the reader agreeing with you right away. Make statements that your “opponents” (people that would disagree with your argument) would agree with.
For example:
The sample essay that argues “cats make great house pets”, starts by praising dogs. The author played the odds. He assumed that most people are either dog people or cat people, so he started with “a dog is man’s best friend”. (The reader agrees)
By starting with a statement that even your most disagreeable reader can agree with, you and the reader are now allies. You are both on the same page. If your first sentence jumps right into the argument, you run the risk of pushing your reader away before you have a chance to present your evidence.
Secret 2:
Save the specific details for your thesis. If your argument is condemning school uniforms, start by writing about “personal freedoms”. If your thesis is supporting lowering the driving age, start by writing about safety and responsibility.
If you get the reader agreeing with your first few sentences, by the time you drop your thesis thy will already be in an agreeable mood.
Let's Try it With a More Challenging Topic...
If you were writing a persuasive essay asserting the 2nd Amendment should be revoked, you shouldn’t leap right into anti-gun rhetoric--you could lose your audience. Instead, start with something that even the head of the NRA would agree with:
“As an American, freedom is our most important asset.”
As you gradually start getting more specific (heading towards your thesis statement), address the broad issues that inspired your argument. Since you don’t want to lose your audience in your introduction, introduce information they can’t disagree with...FACTS.
“36,611 people were killed due to gun violence this year. Today, 155 people where killed by guns.”
Now you need to start revealing your intentions...but not too fast. Before presenting your thesis statement, use logic or emotional appeals to bridge the gap.
As Americans, freedom is our most important asset. 36,611 people were killed by gun violence last year. Today, 155 people where killed by guns. Sometimes statistics, no matter how shocking, don’t tell the full story. While many of the people killed by gun violence may have been involved with criminal activity, some were just in the wrong place at the wrong time--innocent bystanders. Some were fathers, some were mothers, some of these people where children. The undeniable fact is, every single one of them was, at one point, was someone’s child. For generations, people have flocked to America for freedom. Freedom of religion. Freedom of speech. Freedom of press. These are all important freedoms, but one of our most important liberties, as Americans, is our freedom to make mistakes, learn from those mistakes, make changes, grow as a person, and be who and what we want to be. People can not grow or learn anything from a a bullet that took their life. The second amendment was adopted in 1971. A time when semi-automatic, armor-piercing weaponry didn’t exist. While many of our forefathers’ ideas were prophetic and played an important role in the history of our country, revoking the second amendment is vital to the success, happiness, and safety of our future as Americans.
Sample Introduction
(hook→) We often say we have “sacrificed” when we feel we have given up something. (focus statements→) Sacrifice does not necessarily mean “loss.” Sacrifice can also mean delaying something in order to gain something else that is worth more than what one gives up. For example, most college students give up time previously spent with friends in order to study. The sacrifice is made for an object greater than momentary pleasure: a degree. The expectation is that the degree will lead to employment opportunities, job satisfaction, and financial security. This kind of sacrifice does not seem so hard when we consider the benefits we’ll receive. But some sacrifices are more difficult. What prompts us to make sacrifices that will not benefit us personally? (thesis→) Our moral sense often leads us to make sacrifices that have no apparent benefit, but that satisfy some deep need we have to do what is right.