How to Write An Introduction (Essays, Articles)

The hardest part of writing? Usually the introduction and conclusion of an article, essay, paper -- or any writing project for that matter. You have to grab the reader's attention and tell him what he's going to be reading without giving away everything in the written piece. The Writing Center at the University of North Carolina says that the introduction is a bridge from the reader's own life into the realm of your topic.

Instructions

1. Write your introduction after you've completed the article or essay. If you can't seem to get started writing until you've got an intro in place, write one but change it after the body is complete.

2. ATTENTION! Devote your first sentence to getting the reader's attention. Answer why the reader would want to read this or tell him what's fascinating about your topic. Use the element of surprise or tell the reader something he doesn't know. Examples of a good attention-getting first sentence:
   1) Have you ever wondered why the Blue Ridge Mountains are blue?
   2) This essay may save your life.
   3) How many minutes does the average person live?

3. Introduce the reader to the matters at hand, such as important background, definitions of unfamiliar concepts and addressing misconceptions about your topic.

4. Provide a preview. Near the end of your first paragraph, give the reader some idea of what to expect and a sense of how your work is organized, a road map of sorts, to enable her to see where you are going and how you are going to get there.

Tips & Warnings

• Often the first sentence (or two) that you write for a draft of your introduction is a throwaway line. Review it to see if it says anything useful or attention-grabbing. If not, delete it.

References

• The Writing Center University of North Carolina: Introductions
• Essay Lab: Writing Essay Introduction