We’ll be looking at the most commonly used introduction in all levels of academia: the persuasive (research) essay intro. As I’ve said before, some of this info will be basic, some of it new, and some of it will meet you where you are, but I do think there is something for everyone here.
Part 0: Before You’ve Written Anything
Introductions are hard to write, and that’s why I recommend writing them last, after you’ve finished your essay. You’ll have a better sense of what you’re talking about and what direction the essay is headed. You’ll need this for a strong intro.
Part 0.5: Flashlight or Floodlight?
Your introduction should set parameters for your essay. One metaphor I’ve heard is that an intro is either a flashlight shining down into your essay or a floodlight illuminating the whole neighborhood. Like the title, the intro should not just give the reader an idea of what they’ll be learning but also narrow the scope of the field. Be as specific as possible. If you’re writing about blue whales migration patterns and not whales in general, don’t generalize about whales. Establish the scope of the essay.
This is one of the most important parts of the intro because it frames how your reader will view your writing. I bet at one point you were told to write a “hook.” You absolutely should. This is how you get your reader’s attention and hopefully never let go. Don’t open with a vague generalization or platitude. This is a great opportunity to really show off your research. You can begin with a case study, an interview, a quote, relevant/interesting data, or an anecdote. Have your writing intersect with reader interest: what will stir them? You can appeal to their pathos, with a sad story related to your topic. Whatever it takes. Write multiple leads into your essay: try it with the anecdote, the quote, the case study, etc. Write these quickly, and see which one works best.
You should also establish your tone in the introductory paragraph. Will you be formal or funny? Conversational or conventionally academic? What do you aim to do with your tone? Win people over? Showcase your incomparable knowledge of the field? Whatever your tone is, it should be consistent throughout the essay.
Part 3: Your Research Points
After hooking the reader and establishing your topic, it’s time to talk about what you’re going to write about, preferably in the order it will appear in your essay. Please make it abundantly clear to your reader that these are the points you will be proving. There’s nothing worse than a seemingly directionless essay.
Your thesis statement is an absolute requirement, as it steers the ship of the essay. Every paragraph you write should end by referring back to the main point you are arguing. So, it should be clear up front what you are arguing and why. As for where to put your thesis? That’s a matter of preference but usually before or after your research points. It’s easy to lead one into the other.
Part 5: Wrapping It Up and Moving On
I usually make a few notes on how the essay is structured if it is a longer paper that has two or more parts. But really your introduction should not be more than a page double-spaced. Just make sure you’ve hooked the reader, established the scope of the essay, established your tone, previewed what you’ll be writing about, and stated your thesis. Then you’ll be looking good!
If you have any questions at all, feel free to shoot me an ask or a message!
Check out the rest of the Writing Tutor Series: tips for college writing | writing brilliant paragraphs
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