How to write introduction?

The purpose of an introduction is to prepare the reader for the body of writing that comes after it. Inform readers what you are writing about and why. Otherwise, they will feel lost and judge your paper to be an unclear piece of work! How to write introduction?

A good introduction: indicates the topic that the paper is about describes how the body of the paper is organized explains the point of writing the paper; (usually called thesis statement). How to write introduction?

Suppose you had to write a ten page paper on the topic of whether body-checking should be banned in junior ice-hockey. You did your research and found that there are several main arguments for and against a ban. After evaluation, you determined that the arguments for a ban are stronger than arguments against a ban. How to write introduction?

Topic: This paper is about the issue of body- checking in junior ice-hockey. Organization: First, arguments for a ban on body- checking are examined. Second, arguments against a ban are discussed. It is shown that pro- ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban arguments. Point: Therefore, the thesis of this paper is that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be banned. First example

This introduction is all right so far as it goes. It has included the three important elements: topic, structure, point/thesis. Many people start out by writing papers with introductions like this one. It does have the virtue of being clear, and clarity is essential. But let us review it to see if it can be improved. Discussion on first example

The topic-sentence could be improved. Rather than writing: “This paper is about…”, it would be better to write a few topic-sentences that convey a sense of the current state of the topic. This not only tells the reader what the topic is but it also gives the impression that you are knowledgeable about the topic and in command of your research material. Discussion on first example

Body-checking has always been a controversial issue. However, the recent decision of Hockey Canada to allow some hockey associations to permit body-checking among players as young as nine years of age, on an experimental basis, has aggravated the controversy quite considerably in recent months. Second example

The structure-sentences are fine. Notice that words such as first and second are useful in helping to describe how the body of an paper is organized. However, if you can convey the structure of your essay without using too many organizational words, that is even better. Discussion on first example

Perspectives fall into three main categories: viewpoints of fans, the official standpointof Hockey Canada, and positions held by the scientific community. Evaluation of the main arguments shows quite clearly that Hockey Canada’s decision to allow body- checking in some junior games, even on an experimental basis, is a serious mistake. Second example

The thesis-sentences could be better. Instead of writing: “Therefore, the thesis of this essay is…” simply give a bold, factual sentence that expresses your position on the issue. This conveys an air of confidence, unlike the phrase “…the thesis of this essay…” which is timid. Discussion on first example

This second introduction gives the reader the impression that you are knowledgeable on the topic, and that doing the research has led you to an intelligent, informed thesis. Why didn’t the first introduction have the same effect? Discussion on second example

Words like paper, topic and thesis give the impression that the concerns about and position on the issue may not be your concerns and position (only the paper’s!). The second introduction gives the impression that there is no gap between you and the paper, and that you are expressing yourself through the paper. Discussion on second example

Practice! Practice writing introductions without using phrases such as “the topic of this essay…” or “the thesis argued for is…” Expressing the topic without using words like topic or subject may be particularly challenging because it is easy to include too much detail and end up with an unintended body- paragraph. But with practice, you will be able to write more effective introductions.

One common mistake is to write an introduction that is too long; the introduction is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from the body of the essay! As a rule, an introduction should not be longer than about 8% of the length of the paper. For example, the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty-page paper should be a maximum of about a page, a page and a quarter, and one and a half pages respectively. Some important issues

Another common mistake is that the introduction is so detailed that it fails to indicate the topic of the essay in a clear way! The introduction only needs to state the topic, general structure, and thesis of the essay. The longer the essay is supposed to be, the more detailed your topic, structure and thesis-sentences can be. Some important issues

The introduction must indicate the topic, structure and thesis of the essay. If you are not completely sure about any of these things, you will find it hard or even impossible to write an introduction. Writer’s block can happen when you try to write the introduction before you have done sufficient reading and research on the topic. Some important issues

How can you know what the structure of your essay will be until you have written at least a draft of the body? How can you know what your thesis will be until you have done the reading and research?! If you are not clear, write the introduction last. Some important issues

An introduction is not a summary. A summary repeats the main ideas of a work. An introduction introduces the reader to the topic of the essay, describes the organizational structure of the essay, and explains the point of the essay. Some important issues

Thank You!