How to Write an Introduction Paragraph
Knowing how to write an introduction paragraph is an important step that you should take in order to master the art of crafting academic papers. An introduction paragraph plays a major role in enhancing readership. Using the best tips and examples, we will clearly show you how to go about writing introduction paragraphs for different kinds of academic papers.
In order for you to effectively master the art of how to write an introduction paragraph, it is advisable that you start by understanding the purpose of an introductory paragraph. This kind of paragraph appears in the beginning of the paper and should vividly portray the various elements and aspects of an introduction.
The introductory paragraph should consist of background information about the topic or subject and also the hypothesis. Besides, it is advisable that you also use the introduction paragraph to show the readers the format in which your points will be addressed in the paper.
By knowing how to write an introduction paragraph, you will be able to create outstanding introductions for different kinds of academic papers like essays, dissertations, research papers among others. In fact, the skills can also be useful in writing other sections of the papers including body paragraphs and conclusions. This can significantly enhance your general performance in both assignments and term papers for successful results.
Tips on how to write an introduction paragraph
An introductory paragraph should give the readers a sneak preview of what is contained in the body and conclusion of the paper. This implies it has to be captivating and also informative so that the intended audience is able to know what to expect.
The tips outlined below will guide you on how to write an introduction paragraph.
Conduct some research on the topic of the paper
In order for you to gather the right and adequate information to use in writing the introductory paragraph, it is always advisable that you research on the subject.
While doing the research, be sure to take notes on the points that you think can help in delivering a good introduction.
Remember that the introductory paragraph should be brief and so try to collect just the key points that will be highlighted in the opening statements.
In order to save time, focus on the particular subject of the paper. Besides, it is also advisable that you do the research from credible sources since you will be required to provide reference to them while writing.
Choose a hypothesis
Also known as thesis statement, the hypothesis is the main claim or argument that you will be looking towards proving in the paper. Thus, it should also be well defined in advance before you start writing the introductory paragraph.
Based on the subject of the paper, it is always advisable that you pursue a unique angle that you can effectively discuss in the paper. However, the thesis has to be related to the topic and formulated in accordance with the instructions of the paper.
Considering the fact that an introduction paragraph should be short in length, your thesis must also be crafted in a brief sentence or two. This means that you should take some time to think carefully and analyze your points before deciding on an ideal hypothesis.
When choosing a thesis for the paper, you should also put into consideration your audience. In case there are certain terms or details that they may not understand well, it is advisable that you find alternatives or clearly define them for clarity.
Draft an outline
An outline is very important since it will guide you on the points to include in the paragraph. When writing one, ensure that all the key points and supporting statements that you have identified to use in the paper are properly listed.
In the outline, you should also note down the various sources that you have obtained the information from since these will be referenced in the paper.
After writing the outline, go through it to ensure that it highlights the following aspects of an introductory paragraph:
- Attention-grabbing first sentence
- Informative sentences to build the topic
- Thesis statement that clearly shows your main claim
In order for you to effectively know how to write an introduction paragraph, it is also important to note that the length may sometimes vary depending on the subject. It is often advisable that you write just one short paragraph for the introduction but there are some cases whereby you can be forced to have more than one paragraph.
Steps to follow when writing an introduction paragraph
With the outline in place, you can now proceed to writing the introductory paragraph. Use the following procedures to easily find out how to write an introduction paragraph for an academic paper.
Start the paragraph with a captivating sentence
The opening sentence of your introduction should be written in a way that can convince readers to read on. It should be engaging and attractive enough to hook readers into the discussion.
During the research, you probably had identified some of the outstanding quotes, anecdotes or facts about the subject. These can work well in crafting a strong and engaging opener to your paper.
If you choose to use facts or quotes, ensure that they are out of the common knowledge and important for readers. Find surprising facts or shocking statistics that can generate a reaction from the readers.
For anecdotes, always go for those that are relevant to the topic and can enable readers to understand your argument with ease and quickly.
You can also ask a question at the start of the paper, although you will have to answer or justify it in the introduction so that readers can effectively get your message.
Briefly elaborate the topic
Since the introductory paragraph is aimed at telling the readers what to expect in the paper, it is advisable that you give just a little more information about the subject. This can be achieved by pointing out some general information about the topic as you narrow down to the main claim.
Here, you can give an example or simply put a supporting sentence to enable the audience to have a better understanding of the subject to be discussed. Write just one or two sentences to illustrate your point while also introducing the main idea.
Write the thesis statement
This should come at the final part of the introductory paragraph and vividly explain your key argument. In fact, the thesis is the basis of the paper and has to be well put in simple terms that will not confuse the readers.
After the thesis statement, you can also give a general format on how you will be discussing the outlined ideas. This will help your readers in getting a clearer picture of what to expect.
The thesis should also be well linked to the rest of the paper through the use of transitional words or phrases.
Examples of introduction paragraphs
It is also recommended that you spend some time reading samples of introductory paragraphs in order to effectively master the art of how to write an introduction paragraph.
The following samples will assist you in writing a good introduction with ease.
Example 1
Research Paper on Feminist Response to Sex Work
‘’Sex work is a common practice among some women and has existed for quite a long time despite the attempts to reduce it. Some women take part in the act out of will while others are pushed to it by circumstances. Nevertheless, the vice is practiced across many cultures. Governments and other relevant agencies have in the past united to put a combined effort at implementing measures to end sex work. However, the society has only focused on one side of the coin; women. For sex work to be successful, men must also be engaged in the act…’’ To read the rest of this sample introductory paragraph, simply click here.
Example 2
Sample Essay on the Effects of Cold War on Europe
‘’The Cold War had great impacts that destabilized European governments. At the end of World War II, the U.S and Russia remained as the dominant military powers in the world. However, they had different forms of government and economies. The United States was governed by a Capitalist democracy while Russia was a Communist dictatorship…’’ Read the rest of this introductory paragraph here.
Example 3
Sample Essay on the Importance of Motivation in the Workplace
‘’Motivation is critical in stimulating energy as well as the desire in people to continually commit to delivering great performance at work. It is a crucial aspect and entails the use of both internal and external factors.
Motivated people intrinsically derive pleasure in what they do and are not overly concerned about external rewards. It is common to find employees doing very little, missing deadlines and waiting to be corrected and supervised in order to perform. Such employees do not have the required motivation to enable them to give their best in the workplace…’’ Click on this link to read the rest of this introduction.
In case you may need help on how to write an introduction paragraph, talk to us for the best. Alternatively, you can also visit our homepage for more on the assignment writing services that we offer.
Reference
http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/introsentence.htm
http://study.com/academy/lesson/essay-introduction-write-a-thesis-and-capture-your-audience.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm