Introduction CONTENT

An INTRODUCTION paragraph of an essay is very important, and it is also relatively BRIEF—3-10 sentences in length.

The purpose of an INTRODUCTION is to bring the reader into the writing while fully exposing WHERE the writing will be going.

Therefore, the 3-part-layout in writing is so important.  The content of an INTRODUCTION has 3 parts to it:

1.    HOOK

2.  BACKGROUND

3.  THESIS (with essay map)

While the CONTENT in these three sections will vary, the PURPOSE of the content does not.

The Purpose of the "Hook"

The HOOK is the very first sentence of an introduction paragraph.  The content of this sentence will determine a few things: the tone of the writing (humorous, philosophical, or persuasive).  You will want to choose your words carefully in this first sentence.  After all, you only get one chance to make a great impression, and this first sentence of the introduction paragraph will do just that! 

See the INTRODUCTION STRUCTURE (HOOK) section—below—for more information on how to organize the introduction.

Introduction Step 1: "Hook"

"Hooks" for the INTRODUCTION

Questions in an Introduction

Sources in Introductions

Quote Resources for "Hooks"

The Purpose of the Background

The BACKGROUND section in the introduction paragraph is where the writer provides basic, common-knowledge content about the topic of the essay.  There will be no source usage in the BACKGROUND section.  You have not actually started your essay yet.  You are leading up to the real content of the essay--that will be found in the body-paragraphs of the essay--and so you are not using any source materials here.  The whole introduction paragraph is YOU, YOUR VOICE, YOUR CONTENT. 

See the INTRODUCTION STRUCTURE (BACKGROUND) section—below—for more information on how to organize the introduction.

Introduction Step 2: Background

Basics of an Introduction

Providing Background in Introduction

Sources in the Background Section??

The Purpose of the Thesis Statement (with essay map):

The THESIS section in the introduction paragraph is the very last sentence of the introduction paragraph.  This is where the writer provides THE POINT of the essay.  There will be no source usage in the THESIS section.  You will not have a THESIS that is a question.  Your content in the THESIS is straightforward, direct, and clearly delineates the focus (the point) and direction (the essay map) for the whole paper.  The THESIS is YOUR VIEW, YOUR VOICE, YOUR CONTENT. 

See the INTRODUCTION STRUCTURE (THESIS) section—below—for more information on how to organize the introduction.

Introduction Step 3: Thesis Statement

What is a Thesis??

How to Write a Good Thesis Statement

Thesis Structure / Argument Support Development

Strong Thesis Statements

Thesis Presentation and Lessons

Thesis Statement Exercise

For more information about the CONTENT and STRUCTURE of an INTRODUCTION paragraph, feel free to use these links from other areas of my site:

Purpose of an Introduction

Understanding the Funnel-Approach

Details and Forecasts in an Introduction

Structuring the Introduction

Why Do We Need Great "Hooks" for Introductions?

Why Can't I Use Sources in the Background?

Background Information Narrows the Topic

Prewriting for the Introduction

A Proper Thesis and Checklist

For more help with INTRODUCTIONS, see the content below.  The content posted below is not linked to my own work.  These links are supplemental content with outside source material samples

Persuasive essay INTRODUCTION

Write an Introduction Paragraph (for an Argument Essay)

Write an introductory paragraph for an argumentative essay | LearnZillion