An essay introduction is the first yet the most challenging part of the essay writing process. It sets the tone, gives context, and presents your main argument clearly to the readers. A well-written essay introduction:
- Evokes curiosity in readers
- Sets the stage (background information)
- Presents the central idea (thesis statement)
General Essay Introduction Template
Here is a template that you can use to craft an excellent essay introduction:
(Hook)…………………………………………………………………………………………
(Background)…………………………………………………………………
(Thesis)……………………………………………………………………………
Why is an essay introduction important?
An essay introduction is important because it grabs the attention of readers right from the start, offers background information so readers understand the topic, and states the main argument that will be discussed in the essay.
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Essay Introduction Example
Here is an introduction example about an essay on “The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health”:
INTRODUCTION
In the past decade, social media has transformed the way teenagers interact, learn, and express themselves. No doubt, platforms like Instagram and TikTok offer opportunities for creativity and connection. However, they also raise various concerns suggesting they may also contribute to anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. As schools, parents, and policymakers are grappling with the complex issue, it becomes essential to understand both the positive and negative effects of social media on teen mental health. This essay argues that while social media fosters global connections, its unchecked influence on young minds demands stronger digital literacy education and mental health support systems.
Six Steps to Writing an Essay Introduction
Here are the essential steps that you should follow to write an essay introduction:
Step 1: Start with a hook
An introduction paragraph starts with a hook. It is crucial to pull the readers into the essay so they read the whole essay with interest.
You can pique the curiosity of readers by using a quotation or a quote that is relevant to your essay topic, with a surprising number, fact, or figure, or by sharing a short story that connects to your essay’s theme. Not only that, you can also ask a rhetorical question that makes your readers think.
For example, writing “Climate change is an important issue today” is not recommended because it’s very simple and plain. However, one can write, “By 2025, rising sea leve
What is a hook in an essay introduction?
A hook is the opening sentence or two of an essay introduction, specially designed to grab the reader’s attention and make them want to read more.
Step 2: Give background information
Once you have caught the attention of readers, the next step is to provide the context and background information. It significantly helps the reader understand the significance of the issue being discussed. It should be concise and directly relevant to your essay.
Providing background information is like setting the stage for information to come, not the whole play. So, avoid dumping too much information in this section.
Step 3: Define key terms (if necessary)
If your essay contains complex or specialised terms and concepts, then you must define them early so the readers don’t get lost. It significantly helps them to follow the whole discussion easily without getting distracted by trying to understand the meanings.
For example, “In this essay, the term ‘sustainability’ will refer to practices that meet current needs without compromising future generations”.
Step 4: Narrow down your focus
When you have provided a context and defined key terms, the next step is to narrow down your focus.
Initially, you started your discussion from a general perspective. Now, gradually move from general information to the specific topic of your essay. This transition will make your writing feel logical and structured. Here is an example:
General: “Education has always been a foundation of human development”.
Specific: “In recent years, online learning has become a crucial part of education, raising new questions about accessibility and effectiveness”.
Step 5: State your thesis statement
The last but not least part of an essay introduction is the thesis statement. Your thesis is the heart of your essay. It is a single sentence that expresses your main idea and sets up the body paragraphs. It significantly guides the whole discussion further.
For example, “While online education has expanded across millions, its effectiveness depends on addressing issues of digital inequality and student engagement”.
Step 5: Outline the structure
After the thesis statement, you can also outline your essay’s structure in the introduction paragraph. It can be done by mentioning the points that you’ll be covering throughout your essay or main body.
This will work significantly as a roadmap for the readers. They will know what to expect from the essay. Here is an example:
“This essay will first examine the accessibility of online education, then evaluate its impact on student engagement, and finally consider solutions to digital inequality”.
What are the core sections of an essay?
The core sections of an essay are:
- An introduction
- Main body paragraphs
- Conclusion
What are the steps to writing an essay introduction?
- Start with a hook
- Give background information
- Define key terms (if necessary)
- Narrow down your focus
- State your thesis statement
- Outline the structure
More Examples of Essay Introductions
Here are some introduction examples of different essay types:
Example 1: Argumentative Essay Introduction
Here is an example of an argumentative essay introduction:
“SHOULD UNIVERSITY EDUCATION BE FREE?”
Higher education has long been viewed as a gateway to better career opportunities and personal growth. Yet the rising cost of tuition fees has created barriers for many capable students. As governments debate whether universities should be tuition-free, the question remains: who benefits from such policies? This essay argues that free university education not only promotes equal opportunities but also strengthens national economies by creating a more skilled workforce.
Example 2: Narrative Essay Introduction
The introduction example of a narrative essay is given below:
“A LESSON LEARNT FROM FAILURE”
The auditorium was silent as I walked off the stage, heart pounding and palms sweating. I had just forgotten half of my lines in the school play, a moment that felt like the end of the world. Yet what seemed like my biggest embarrassment became one of my greatest lessons. This essay tells the story of how a failure taught me resilience, self-awareness, and the importance of preparation.
Example 3: Expository Essay Introduction
Check the example of an expository essay introduction:
“THE PROCESS OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS”
Every breath we take depends on a remarkable natural process, known as photosynthesis. This biochemical reaction allows plants to convert sunlight into energy, sustaining not only their growth but also the oxygen supply on Earth. Understanding photosynthesis is essential for studying biology, agriculture, and even climate change. This essay will explain the steps of photosynthesis, its importance for ecosystems, and its role in addressing global environmental challenges.
Example 4: Analytical Essay Introduction
An example of an analytical essay introduction is given below:
“SYMBOLISM IN THE GREAT GATSBY”
F.Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is more than a story of love and ambition. It is a novel rich with symbolism. Among its more powerful symbols, the green light at the end of Daisy’s dock represents Gatsby’s unattainable dream of success and belonging. By analysing this and other symbols, such as the Valley of Ashes and the eyes of Dr. T.J. Eckleburg, this essay reveals how Fitzgerald critiques the illusion of the American Dream.
Essay Introduction Checklist
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Frequently Asked Questions
An introduction should usually be about 10-15% of the total essay length. For a 1,500-word essay, the introduction is 150-300 words
Yes, starting the essay with a question can be an effective hook. However, it should be thought-provoking and directly related to your topic.
Most writers prefer to write it last, as it is easier once you know the direction of the essay. However, others might choose to write at the start.
A strong thesis statement is specific, arguable, and clear. So, avoid vague statements. Only claim that your essay can support with evidence.
The most common mistake is being too broad or vague. A good essay introduction should quickly move from general context to a focused thesis statement.
