How to Write a Five-Paragraph Essay, With Outlines and an Example,Step 1: Hook your reader
WebFeb 4, · How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples Step 1: Hook your reader. Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an Step 2: Give background information. Next, give your reader the context they need WebMar 1, · In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info: A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its WebA powerful introductory paragraph should meet all of these requirements: Have a hook at the beginning of the paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention. It should provide WebOct 28, · Your introductory paragraph for an essay should do the following: Introduce the essay topic while indicating its inherent importance or interest. Indicate the WebJun 2, · Although it doesn’t have much breadth for complexity, the five-paragraph essay format is useful for helping students and academics structure basic papers. If ... read more
Use imagery, details, and sensory information to connect with the reader if you can. The key is to add intrigue along with just enough information so your readers want to find out more. One way to do this is to come up with a brilliant opening line. Even the most mundane topics have aspects interesting enough to write about; otherwise, you wouldn't be writing about them, right? When you begin writing a new piece, think about what your readers want or need to know. Use your knowledge of the topic to craft an opening line that will satisfy that need. You don't want to fall into the trap of what writers call "chasers" that bore your readers such as "The dictionary defines The introduction should make sense and hook the reader right from the start.
Make your introductory paragraph brief. Typically, just three or four sentences are enough to set the stage for both long and short essays. You can go into supporting information in the body of your essay, so don't tell the audience everything all at once. You can always adjust your introductory paragraph later. Sometimes you just have to start writing. You can start at the beginning or dive right into the heart of your essay. Your first draft may not have the best opening, but as you continue to write, new ideas will come to you, and your thoughts will develop a clearer focus. Take note of these and, as you work through revisions , refine and edit your opening.
If you're struggling with the opening, follow the lead of other writers and skip it for the moment. Many writers begin with the body and conclusion and come back to the introduction later. It's a useful, time-efficient approach if you find yourself stuck in those first few words. Start where it's easiest to start. You can always go back to the beginning or rearrange later, especially if you have an outline completed or general framework informally mapped out. If you don't have an outline, even just starting to sketch one can help organize your thoughts and "prime the pump" as it were. You can read all the advice you want about writing a compelling opening, but it's often easier to learn by example. Take a look at how some writers approached their essays and analyze why they work so well.
What did Zeigler do in her introduction? First, she wrote in a little joke, but it serves a dual purpose. Not only does it set the stage for her slightly more humorous approach to crabbing, but it also clarifies what type of "crabber" she's writing about. This is important if your subject has more than one meaning. The other thing that makes this a successful introduction is the fact that Zeigler leaves us wondering. What do we have to be prepared for? Will the crabs jump up and latch onto you? Is it a messy job? What tools and gear do I need? She leaves us with questions, and that draws us in because now we want answers. This revised classification essay begins by painting a picture of an ordinary scenario: the grocery store.
But when used as an opportunity to observe human nature, as this writer does, it turns from ordinary to fascinating. Who is the amnesiac? Would I be classified as the dawdler by this cashier? The descriptive language and the analogy to rats in a maze add to the intrigue, and readers are left wanting more. For this reason, even though it's lengthy, this is an effective opening. Here is an example of reversing expectations. The context you include should acquaint your reader with the issues, questions, or events that motivated you to write an essay on your topic and that your reader should know in order to understand your thesis.
It also sets you up for success on the final piece of an intro paragraph: the thesis statement. Elle Woods' statement offers a specific point of view on the topic of murder which means it could serve as a pretty decent thesis statement! The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way. The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph. Some instructors also ask students to include an essay map as part of their thesis. An essay map is a section that outlines the major topics a paper will address. Your thesis and essay map might look like this:. Having public transport in rural communities helps people improve their economic situation by giving them reliable transportation to their job, reducing the amount of money they spend on gas, and providing new and unionized work.
The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay! The context advances the plot by describing the topic in more detail and helping readers understand why the topic is important. And finally, the thesis statement provides the climax by telling the reader what you have to say about the topic. The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. While college students in the U. The U. government should move toward bearing more of the financial burden of college education.
The sample intro indicates that t he essay topic will focus on one specific issue: who should cover the cost of college education in the U. Both the hook and the context help us identify the topic, while the thesis in the last sentence tells us why this topic matters to the writer—they think the U. Government needs to help finance college education. First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook. The writer starts by presenting an assumption that the U. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education , which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education. The hook then takes a surprising turn by presenting a counterclaim : that American families, rather than students, feel the true burden of paying for college.
Some readers will have a strong emotional reaction to this provocative counterclaim, which will make them want to keep reading! As such, this intro provides an effective opening sentence that conveys the essay topic. Remember: the context helps readers start to zoom in on what the paper will focus on, and what aspect of the general topic college costs will be discussed later on. The context in this intro reveals the intent and direction of the paper by explaining why the issue of families financing college is important. In other words, the context helps readers understand why this issue matters , and what aspects of this issue will be addressed in the paper. To provide effective context, the writer refers to issues the exorbitant cost of college and high levels of family debt that have received a lot of recent scholarly and media attention.
These sentences of context also elaborate on the interesting perspective included in the hook: that American families are most affected by college costs. This writer believes that the U. To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:. government should take on more of the financial burden of college education because other countries have shown this can improve education rates while reducing levels of familial poverty. Check out the new section in bold.
Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map! This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work.
Keep reading for four tips for writing a successful intro paragraph for any essay. Those instructions can help guide you as you write your intro paragraph! Following these guidelines can free you up to focus on other aspects of your intro like coming up with an exciting hook and conveying your point of view on your topic! To make your intro as effective as possible, you need to define the parameters of your topic clearly—and you need to be specific. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! Instead, you should narrow broad topics to identify a specific question, claim, or issue pertaining to some aspect of NCAA football for your intro to be effective.
So before you think about writing your intro, ask yourself: Is my essay topic specific, focused, and logical? Does it convey an issue or question that I can explore over the course of several pages? Once you've figured out your topic, it's time to hit the books! And, guess what? You don't want to sit down to write your intro without a solid understanding of the different perspectives on your topic. Whether those are the perspectives of experts or the general public, these points of view will help you write your intro in a way that is intriguing and compelling for your audience of readers.
Some say to write your intro first; others say write it last. Oftentimes, your professor will ask you to write multiple drafts of your paper, which gives you a built-in way to make sure you revise your intro. Another approach you could take is to write out a rough draft of your intro before you begin writing your essay, then revise it multiple times as you draft out your paper. You can ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your intro:. Also, revising your writing is always a good thing to do—and this applies to your intro, too! Your college essays also need great intro paragraphs. Of course, the intro is just one part of your college essay. This article will teach you how to write a college essay that makes admissions counselors sit up and take notice.
Are you trying to write an analytical essay? Our step-by-step guide can help you knock it out of the park. Our vetted tutor database includes a range of experienced educators who can help you polish an essay for English or explain how derivatives work for Calculus. You can use dozens of filters and search criteria to find the perfect person for your needs. Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.
An introductory paragraph, as the opening of a conventional essay , composition , or report , is designed to grab people's attention. It informs readers about the topic and why they should care about it but also adds enough intrigue to get them to continue to read. In short, the opening paragraph is your chance to make a great first impression. The primary purpose of an introductory paragraph is to pique the interest of your reader and identify the topic and purpose of the essay. It often ends with a thesis statement. You can engage your readers right from the start through a number of tried-and-true ways. Posing a question, defining the key term, giving a brief anecdote , using a playful joke or emotional appeal, or pulling out an interesting fact are just a few approaches you can take.
Use imagery, details, and sensory information to connect with the reader if you can. The key is to add intrigue along with just enough information so your readers want to find out more. One way to do this is to come up with a brilliant opening line. Even the most mundane topics have aspects interesting enough to write about; otherwise, you wouldn't be writing about them, right? When you begin writing a new piece, think about what your readers want or need to know. Use your knowledge of the topic to craft an opening line that will satisfy that need. You don't want to fall into the trap of what writers call "chasers" that bore your readers such as "The dictionary defines The introduction should make sense and hook the reader right from the start.
Make your introductory paragraph brief. Typically, just three or four sentences are enough to set the stage for both long and short essays. You can go into supporting information in the body of your essay, so don't tell the audience everything all at once. You can always adjust your introductory paragraph later. Sometimes you just have to start writing. You can start at the beginning or dive right into the heart of your essay. Your first draft may not have the best opening, but as you continue to write, new ideas will come to you, and your thoughts will develop a clearer focus. Take note of these and, as you work through revisions , refine and edit your opening.
If you're struggling with the opening, follow the lead of other writers and skip it for the moment. Many writers begin with the body and conclusion and come back to the introduction later. It's a useful, time-efficient approach if you find yourself stuck in those first few words. Start where it's easiest to start. You can always go back to the beginning or rearrange later, especially if you have an outline completed or general framework informally mapped out. If you don't have an outline, even just starting to sketch one can help organize your thoughts and "prime the pump" as it were. You can read all the advice you want about writing a compelling opening, but it's often easier to learn by example.
Take a look at how some writers approached their essays and analyze why they work so well. What did Zeigler do in her introduction? First, she wrote in a little joke, but it serves a dual purpose. Not only does it set the stage for her slightly more humorous approach to crabbing, but it also clarifies what type of "crabber" she's writing about. This is important if your subject has more than one meaning. The other thing that makes this a successful introduction is the fact that Zeigler leaves us wondering. What do we have to be prepared for? Will the crabs jump up and latch onto you? Is it a messy job? What tools and gear do I need?
She leaves us with questions, and that draws us in because now we want answers. This revised classification essay begins by painting a picture of an ordinary scenario: the grocery store. But when used as an opportunity to observe human nature, as this writer does, it turns from ordinary to fascinating. Who is the amnesiac? Would I be classified as the dawdler by this cashier? The descriptive language and the analogy to rats in a maze add to the intrigue, and readers are left wanting more. For this reason, even though it's lengthy, this is an effective opening. Here is an example of reversing expectations. The introductory paragraph is filled with doom and gloom. We feel sorry for the writer but are left wondering whether the article will be a classic sob story.
It is in the second paragraph where we find out that it's quite the opposite. Those first few words of the second paragraph—which we cannot help but skim—surprise us and thus draw us in. How can the narrator be happy after all that sorrow? This reversal compels us to find out what happened. Most people have had streaks where nothing seems to go right. Yet, it is the possibility of a turn of fortunes that compels us to keep going. This writer appealed to our emotions and a sense of shared experience to craft an effective read. Share Flipboard Email. An Introduction to Essay Writing. Introduction Choosing a Topic. Writing an Introduction. How to Begin an Essay Writing a Great First Paragraph Strong Thesis Statements Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentences Check Your Knowledge: How to Support a Topic Sentence.
Structuring and Outlining. How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay Create an Outline Using a Venn Diagram Use Text Boxes to Outline and Organize Check Your Knowledge: Create a Simple Outline. Types of Essays. How to Write a Narrative Essay How to Write an Argumentative Essay How to Write an Expository Essay How to Write a Personal Narrative How to Write an Opinion Essay How to Write a Profile. Editing and Improving. Making Paragraphs Flow With Smooth Transitions Replace These Overused, Tired Words An Essay Revision Checklist. By Richard Nordquist Richard Nordquist. Richard Nordquist is professor emeritus of rhetoric and English at Georgia Southern University and the author of several university-level grammar and composition textbooks. Learn about our Editorial Process.
Cite this Article Format. Nordquist, Richard. Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs. copy citation. Understanding General-to-Specific Order in Composition. The Introductory Paragraph: Start Your Paper Off Right. Process Analysis Essay: "How to Catch River Crabs". The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay. Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay. Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition. How to Write a Great Essay for the TOEFL or TOEIC. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies.
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WebA powerful introductory paragraph should meet all of these requirements: Have a hook at the beginning of the paragraph that grabs the reader’s attention. It should provide WebJun 2, · Although it doesn’t have much breadth for complexity, the five-paragraph essay format is useful for helping students and academics structure basic papers. If WebArgumentative essays are persuasive essays that use facts and evidence to support their side of the argument. Most argumentative essays follow either the Toulmin model WebFeb 4, · How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples Step 1: Hook your reader. Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an Step 2: Give background information. Next, give your reader the context they need WebOct 28, · Your introductory paragraph for an essay should do the following: Introduce the essay topic while indicating its inherent importance or interest. Indicate the WebMar 1, · In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info: A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its ... read more
NO ONE likes research papers. Run a free check. Generally, there are no strict rules about how long an introductory paragraph should be. This is because the cognitive abilities of infants are inferred from methodological limitations and behavior and these add to debate on when actual imitation occurs. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. Client Reviews that speak more about our Homework Writing Services Essay Homework Help offers academic writing services to students either struggling to write their own papers or who lack sufficient time to complete their paper on time.
Thank you so much Essay Homework Help! At the start of a large writing project, it can also be intimidating to introductory paragraph essay those first words down, so it's often easier to begin composing in the middle of the paper and work on the introduction and conclusion after the meat of the report has been organized, compiled, and drafted. How much do the record companies really lose? Library Home OneSearch Email a Librarian Article Databases A to Z. All Posts General Guides. A Comprehensive Guide, introductory paragraph essay. You can always go back to the beginning or rearrange later, especially if you have an outline completed or general framework informally mapped out.
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