Introductory Paragraphs

Purpose
You get one chance to make a good first impression.  Your introductory paragraph presents your paper's first impression.  It needs to grab your reader's interest, and compel him or her to read more.  In addition, the introduction should make your thesis clear.  The reader should have no question regarding specifically what you intend to promote or prove.  An introduction may also preview the paper's main ideas or plan of development. If you do preview the main points, refer to them in the introduction in the same order that you will discuss them in your paper.  

Placing the Thesis  
Typically, the thesis statement is the last sentence of your introductory paragraph. It should be the most carefully worded sentence in your entire paper. Your reader will be looking for your thesis statement.  Make it strong, clear and easy to find!

Model Introductions  
The following are some common approaches to writing the introduction.  Each model gives a tip for starting off the introductory paragraph.  Development of the paragraph gradually narrows to the last sentence, the thesis statement.  

1.  Start with a Broad Statement  
Begin with a broad, general statement and gradually become more specific. This approach particularly sets up context and background information for the reader.  

2.  Provide a Contrast  
Start with a concept or idea that is the opposite of the one you will actually argue. When you transition to the contrasting idea, the reader will be surprised and curious for more. In addition, the contrast can provide a background which allows your position to shine forth more radiantly.  

3.  Establish Relevance  
Convince your readers that your topic is relevant to them and others.  Draw them into your thesis by showing that understanding its ramifications will make a significant difference to them and perhaps affect a larger sphere of influence as well. 

4.  Retell an Anecdote  
Stories are inherently interesting.  Anecdotes will draw your readers in and connect them emotionally with your topic.  Your story should be brief and directly connected to your central idea.  

5.  Ask a Question or Questions  
Because they beg an answer, questions intrinsically engage the reader.  This approach will get your reader involved with your topic and guide his or her thinking in the direction you choose.  Transition by showing the relevance of the question to your thesis, and remember to write the thesis itself as a concrete statement. 

6.  Begin with a Quotation  
Famous quotations or common sayings have a way of bringing wit and wisdom to your work from its very start.  They also bring another voice into your work, and the ensuing dialogue of the paragraph whets the reader's appetite to hear more.  

7.  Set the Scene  
Like telling an anecdote, this approach draws your reader in with literary device.  Describe the setting and transport your reader to a time and place.  This approach can work particularly well when you want to provide historical context.