Purpose of an Introduction

​Writers use essays for the purpose of argument, narrative, exposition, and description. The basic essay format includes three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The purpose of the introduction paragraph is to set up the rest of the essay, establishing the author's purpose. Because the introduction tells the reader what to expect, a reader is likely to use the introduction to decide if the essay is worth reading. For this reason, an introduction must do three things:

• Gain reader attention.

• Provide context for the essay's topic.

• Establish the essay's thesis.

How long should an introduction be? A good introductory paragraph is generally between three and five sentences. The introduction uses concise language to set up the essay, saving details, arguments, and justifications for the body of the essay.

ELA | The Introduction

​Pay attention to the background section of this example. This is where most of you struggle.

How to Write an Introduction

Thesis Statement

​A thesis statement is a concise statement of an essay's purpose. The thesis should present a clear idea of the essay's content without using specific details. A thesis should only reference material that will be included in the body of the essay, and it should not ignore a substantial portion of the essay. A thesis statement should reflect the goals of the essay.

• If the purpose is persuasion, the thesis should clearly state the author's opinion.

• If the purpose is narrative or description, the thesis should define the parameters, such as what will be described or when the narrative will begin and end.

• If the purpose is exposition, the thesis should include a statement of topic and position.

ELA | The Introduction

Thesis Statement

​A thesis may refer briefly to arguments, support, or details that will follow, but it should not be simply an outline of the essay written in sentence form.

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Thesis examples include:

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• The practice of backyard birdfeeders should be discontinued in residential neighborhoods due to their impact on the independence of the birds and the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

  • ​ This thesis from a persuasive essay states the author's position as well as a hint at the arguments that will be presented.

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ELA | The Introduction

Thesis Statement

• Historically and in the present, origami is an art form valued for its beauty and intricacy, and learning origami enhances both coordination and creativity.

  • ​ This thesis sets the parameters for the essay, indicating that it will discuss both historical and current uses of origami, as well as the benefits of learning origami.

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Many writers develop a thesis while writing an essay's outline to help them choose the most relevant details for the body of the essay. However, a thesis statement should also be reviewed during revision to ensure that the thesis accurately expresses the essays content.

ELA | The Introduction

Background

Background information follows the introductory sentence of an introduction paragraph and comes before the thesis. Background information is sometimes called context, which has to do with surroundings. What information surrounds the thesis to make it relevant? Why is this thesis pertinent to both the author and the reader?

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Background information is sometimes called context, which has to do with surroundings. What information surrounds the thesis to make it relevant? Why is this thesis pertinent to both the author and the reader?​

ELA | The Introduction

Background

Refer back to a thesis example from the previous section: The practice of backyard birdfeeders should be discontinued in residential neighborhoods due to their impact on the independence of the birds and the aesthetics of the neighborhood.

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Possible background for this thesis: Despite the popularity of birdwatching as a winter pastime, birdfeeders are under close scrutiny in some residential areas. Due to a rash of complaints from neighbors and businesses, the homeowner's association of J-town will be voting on a recommendation to ban backyard birdfeeders.

ELA | The Introduction

Background

These background sentences provide a reason for the author's chosen thesis. The author is taking a stand on a local debate and expects the debate to be relevant to readers, who are probably residents of the author's neighborhood.​

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ELA | The Introduction

Hook: Grabbing the Attention of the Reader

In fishing, a hook catches a fish. In an introduction paragraph, the purpose of a hook is to catch reader attention. The hook comes first, so it is the writer's first chance to persuade the reader to read the entire text. If the hook is dull, readers may choose to skip the essay altogether. A hook may be a personal anecdote, a quotation, an unusual fact, a surprising claim, or a humorous comment. The hook should fit with the general tone of the essay, whether casual or formal.

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ELA | The Introduction

Hook: Grabbing the Attention of the Reader

A hook for the thesis and background in the previous sections could be: The only thing worse than bird dirt in the yard is bird dirt all over the car. Another option is: Ever since the installation of three backyard birdfeeders on L street, business at the carwash has been booming. Neighbors are not pleased with this increased avian presence.

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Each of these hooks presents a relatable comment that should grab the attention of relevant readers who either agree with the author's premise or who want to defend their birdfeeders. Either set of readers will want to read on to find out what the essay will claim.

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ELA | The Introduction