Introduction Paragraph Academic Essays Pasco Hernando Community College Tutorial Series

Important Note: Although there are some variations, the approach taken in these tutorials is generally accepted. If you have a question about what is expected for a particular assignment, contact your instructor.

Essay Organization Position of Introduction Paragraph in Essay Get reader’s attention, gives background, gives thesis statement Body Paragraphs Paragraphs which prove the thesis between the Introduction Paragraph and the Concluding Paragraph. The number of body paragraphs depends upon length of paper Concluding Paragraph Sum up proof and restate thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication from the information instead of or in addition to a restatement of the thesis.

What is an introduction paragraph? The introduction paragraph is the first paragraph in your essay. It includes background information and states the thesis which is what the paper is going to prove. Background information is information about the topic of the thesis. It is important to note that the proof for the thesis statement does not belong in the introduction paragraph. Proof belongs only in the body paragraphs of the paper.

Why do you need an introduction paragraph? The introductory paragraph is a greeting to your reader. It should draw readers in and make them want to read more It provides background information about the topic of your thesis It clearly states what the paper is going to prove: the thesis

How do you write an introduction paragraph? Academic essays must prove a specific point: a thesis. If you don’t know your thesis, you can start with brainstorming to determine your thesis. Brainstorming is a process where you jot down ideas. Further details about this can be found in our Writing Process and Thesis Statement Tutorials

How do you write an introduction paragraph? (continued) Once you have a thesis, you are ready to begin the introduction paragraph. Think of this paragraph as an upside down triangle or inverted pyramid It should begin with a sentence or two with broad information about the topic of the thesis followed by a sentences giving background information which get more narrow or specific leading into the thesis statement. See the following diagram

Part 3: Your thesis statement developed into a complete sentence Part 1 (1-2 sentences): provide a broad overview of the topic of the essay; identify or generally define topic. Some methods could be general statements, questions, or quotations Part 2 (1-2 sentences): Get a little more specific giving some background information and lead into the thesis statement Part 3: Your thesis statement developed into a complete sentence

How do you write an introduction paragraph? (continued) Here are important details to remember about the introduction paragraph: It begins with a general statement relating to the topic. It gives background information which gets more and more narrow and specific. It transitions into a specific thesis statement at the end of the introduction paragraph. It does not give proof of your thesis except if mentioned in the thesis statement.

What does an introduction paragraph look like? Here is an example of an introductory paragraph about saving the environment. Everyone should take a moment to think about what humans would drink if all the water was contaminated. Water is just one aspect of the environment that is taken for granted every day. While many consider the environment is bountiful and vibrant, it can be easily damaged. Ironically, humans have become the greatest threat, and it is up to humans to make a difference. The environment can be preserved by conserving, reusing, and recycling.

Parts of an introduction paragraph Here is an example of an introductory paragraph about saving the environment. Everyone should take a moment to think about what humans would drink if all the water was contaminated. Water is just one aspect of the environment that is taken for granted every day. While many consider the environment is bountiful and vibrant, it can be easily damaged. Ironically, humans have become the greatest threat, and it is up to humans to make a difference. The environment can be preserved by conserving, reusing, and recycling. Overview of topic Give background information leading into thesis State thesis.

The thesis determines the content of the essay This essay on the environment would then have a body paragraph for each of the points in the thesis: Conserving Reusing Recycling The last paragraph in the essay will be the concluding paragraph which sums up the proof and restates the thesis or sums up the proof and draws an implication with or without restating the thesis depending on instructor preference.

What to avoid? Stay away from expressions like: This paper will explain…. I intend to prove… Do not mention your proof in the introduction except if you include proof points in the thesis Save proof (support for the thesis) for the body paragraphs. Avoid vague or off topic information Make sure your reader is clear on what your paper will be about.

Another example of an introduction paragraph Here is an introduction paragraph about the existence of the lost continent of Atlantis: Over two thousand years ago, the philosopher Plato mentioned a lost civilization called Atlantis that disappeared beneath the sea in a cataclysmic event.   There is little information about Atlantis other than that it may have been an advanced civilization that perished.  In recent years, the debate about whether or not Atlantis actually existed has resulted in much exploration and many theories without concrete results.  Atlantis did not exist.

The thesis determines the content of the essay This essay on the Atlantis would then have body paragraphs proving the thesis: One reason why Atlantis did not exist. Another reason why Atlantis did not exist. Possibly, a third reason why Atlantis did not exist (five hundred-word essays should have two to four proof paragraphs) The last paragraph in the essay would be the concluding paragraph which sums up the proof and restates the thesis. Some instructors ask for a statement drawing an implication from the information presented instead of or in addition to a restatement of thesis.