Introductions

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The introduction is one of the most critical components of your paper. It is your responsibility to get the audience’s attention, introduce your topic, and convince the audience that your topic is important to them, present your thesis, and provide a sense of the direction of your paper. This handout will explain the basics to get you started with your introduction.

Note: Research papers require a more extensive introduction and are not fully explained in this handout. If more help is needed, consult the handout Basics of the Research Paper.

 

Elements of A Good Introduction

The Opener catches the reader’s attention, setting up the topic for discussion. It should be concise and to the point, as opposed to walking around the issue you are addressing. For example, if you were writing a paper about the contrast of Anne vs. Mary’s example of parenting in Jane Austen’s Persuasion, an example of an opener might state the following:

Mary clearly isn’t interested in being a mother. Her neglect of even her own children leaves the door open for Anne to set the example of proper parenting.

This opener quickly involves the reader with the paper and makes a claim that will be supported in the paper. It is necessary that your reader understand the general topic of your paper within the first 1-2 sentences, without simply stating your thesis. In a similarly direct manner, the rest of the introduction leading up to the thesis should set the background for the topic you want to discuss, as well as explain the context of the argument you are making.

The Thesis specifically states your position on the issue and provides a framework for your paper. The entire paper must focus on proving this point.

Note: For more information on the thesis, see the handout Thesis Statements.

 

Before Writing The Introduction

Develop a strong, tightly focused thesis. Knowing exactly what you will prove will help you decide where to begin your introduction.

Jot down some concrete details, memorable quotations, or interesting personal ideas that relate to your topic. They might come in handy.

 

Some Hints For Effective Introductions

• Don’t state the obvious. Your reader will just say "Duh."

  Example: Everyone has decisions to make.

• Don’t begin with a sweeping generalization. Your reader won't anticipate any new, valuable information.

  Example: Since the beginning of time, man has engaged in a search for food.

• Don’t give unnecessary details. Don't summarize the entire plot or provide irrelevant information. Your reader will lose interest.

  Example: Huck Finn is the story of a boy who flees his home in search of freedom, then encounters and befriends a slave in search of that same thing.

• Don’t ask the question that the thesis answers.

  Example: Have you wondered why kidney transplants are so frequent in third world countries?

• Don’t give a history of your research.

  Example: After three hours in the Harold B. Lee Library, I could only find two books on this topic which said . . .

• Do use a startling statistic.

  Example: One out of every three high school graduates is illiterate.

• Do startle the reader with bizarre or alarming information.

  Example: The water you drink may be killing you.

• Do use a fresh analogy.

  Example: Graduating from college is like jumping out of an airplane.

• Do allow yourself a few rough starts. Even the most seasoned writers struggle with introductions.

Chris Allred, summer 2005
Based on a handout by Sharon E. Kirby, March 1993
and revised by Jennifer Swenson, Aug. 1999