A strong introduction engages the reader, provides relevant context for the topic, and clearly presents the essay’s central argument or point (the thesis statement). To craft an effective introduction, follow these key steps:
- Hook the reader with an attention-grabbing first sentence
- Give background information to help the reader understand the essay’s context and importance
- Narrow the focus to your specific topic or argument
- End with a clear, direct thesis statement that summarizes the main point you will make in the essay
Here is an example essay introduction on The impact of vaccines on public health to guide your writing process:
Essay introduction example
Vaccines have been a crucial tool in the fight against infectious diseases for over two centuries. Since the development of the first vaccine by Edward Jenner in 1796, vaccines have saved countless lives and significantly reduced the burden of disease worldwide. Today, vaccines are available to prevent a wide range of infections, from common childhood illnesses like measles and chickenpox to life-threatening diseases like influenza and COVID-19. Despite the well-established safety and effectiveness of vaccines, there remains a vocal anti-vaccination movement that has led to reduced vaccination rates and the resurgence of previously controlled diseases in some communities. This essay will explore the history of vaccines, their impact on public health, and the challenges posed by the anti-vaccination movement. It will argue that vaccines are a vital public health tool that has dramatically improved human health and that efforts must be made to increase vaccination rates globally and combat misinformation about vaccine safety.
The vaccine essay introduction effectively hooks the reader by highlighting the significant impact of vaccines on fighting infectious diseases. It provides background information on the history and range of vaccines while acknowledging the challenges posed by the anti-vaccination movement. The introduction then narrows the focus to the specific topics the essay will address, including the impact of vaccines on public health and the need to combat misinformation. Finally, it ends with a clear thesis statement summarizing the essay’s main argument.
Now, let’s examine the steps for writing a compelling introduction that engages your reader and sets the stage for your essay.
Step 1: Hook your reader
The hook is the opening sentence or sentences of your introduction that aim to grab the reader’s interest and make them want to keep reading. It sets the tone for your essay and gives the reader a sense of what to expect. A strong hook can take various forms, depending on the topic, audience, and purpose of your essay. Here are some common types of hooks:
- Question Hook: Pose a thought-provoking question that relates to your topic and sparks curiosity in the reader’s mind.
- Quotation Hook: Use a relevant and engaging quote from a famous person, an expert in the field, or a literary work that connects to your topic.
- Statistic or Fact Hook: Provide a surprising or impactful statistic or fact that highlights the significance of your topic.
- Anecdotal Hook: Share a brief story, personal experience, or anecdote that illustrates your topic and draws the reader in.
- Description Hook: Paint a vivid picture or describe a scene that relates to your topic and engages the reader’s senses.
Consider your audience and the purpose of your essay. Choose a hook that is appropriate for the tone and style of your writing. A hook for a serious academic essay might differ from one for a creative narrative essay.
Examples: Writing a good hook
Here are some examples of good and bad hooks for different types of essay introductions:
| Type of Hook | Good Hook | Bad Hook |
| Question Hook | “What would you do if you discovered a groundbreaking scientific theory that challenged everything we knew?” | “Do you like science?” |
| Quotation Hook | “Albert Einstein once said, ‘The important thing is not to stop questioning.’ This idea is at the heart of scientific inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge.” | “A famous person once said something about science.” |
| Statistic or Fact Hook | “According to a report by the United Nations, over 690 million people worldwide faced hunger in 2019, a number that has been rising steadily in recent years.” | “Hunger is a problem in many countries.” |
| Anecdotal Hook | “Growing up, my grandfather always shared fascinating stories about his experiences during World War II.” | “I have a grandfather who lived through a war.” |
| Description Hook | “The serene lake stretched out before me, its glassy surface mirroring the vibrant hues of the sunset and creating an enchanting atmosphere that seemed to belong to another world.” | “I saw a lake yesterday.” |
Step 2: Give background information
Once you have hooked your reader, it’s important to provide some context and background information on your topic. This helps the reader understand the purpose and significance of your essay.
Depending on the subject of your essay, you may need to give a brief overview of:
- Key terms or concepts
- Historical, social, or political context
- The current state of research or debates on the topic
- Definitions or explanations of complex ideas
The background information you provide should be relevant to your specific argument and serve to situate your essay within a broader context. Be concise and selective, avoiding lengthy or irrelevant details.
As you give background information, start narrowing the focus to your specific thesis or argument. Use transition sentences to smoothly guide the reader from the general background information to the more specific focus of your essay.
The amount of background information required will depend on your topic and your audience. In general, you should assume that your reader has some familiarity with the general topic but may need specific information to understand the context and significance of your argument.
Example: Background information
In the late 18th century, smallpox was a devastating disease that claimed countless lives worldwide. It wasn’t until Edward Jenner developed the first vaccine in 1796 that the tide began to turn. Over the next two centuries, scientists developed vaccines for many other deadly diseases, leading to a dramatic reduction in their incidence and saving countless lives. However, despite the proven effectiveness and safety of vaccines, a growing anti-vaccination movement, fueled by misinformation, has led some parents to refuse vaccinations for their children, putting communities at risk. As we explore the impact of vaccinations on public health, it is crucial to understand both the historical context and the current challenges, recognizing that while vaccines have been one of the greatest public health achievements, ongoing efforts are needed to maintain high vaccination rates and public trust in their safety and effectiveness.
Step 3: Present your thesis statement
The thesis statement is a concise, clear, and one-sentence summary of the main argument or point you will make in your essay. It should be specific and directional, meaning it should indicate the direction your essay will take.
Your thesis statement should be the last sentence of your introduction. It serves as a roadmap for the rest of your essay, telling the reader what to expect in the upcoming paragraphs.
Here are some tips for writing a strong thesis statement:
- Make it specific
- Take a stance
- Preview your main points
- Keep it relevant
- Avoid clichés
Example: Thesis statement
Despite the proven effectiveness and safety of vaccines, the growing anti-vaccination movement poses a significant threat to public health by reducing vaccination rates and increasing the risk of outbreaks of preventable diseases.
Step 4: Map your essay’s structure
In this part of the introduction, you’ll give a preview of the main points you will cover in each of the body paragraphs of your essay. This helps the reader understand how you will develop your argument and what to expect as they read through your work.
Example: Signposting
The essay will examine the impact of the anti-vaccination movement on public health by first exploring the historical development and importance of vaccines, then analyzing the factors contributing to the growth of the anti-vaccination movement, assessing the consequences of declining vaccination rates, and finally discussing strategies for addressing the challenges posed by the movement.
Step 5: Check and revise
After drafting your introduction, it’s important to review and revise it to ensure it effectively sets up your essay and engages your reader. Here are some key considerations for checking and revising your introduction:
- Clarity and coherence: Make sure your introduction is clear, concise, and easy to follow.
- Relevance to the essay body: Your introduction should provide a clear roadmap for the rest of your essay.
- Strength of your thesis statement: Revisit your thesis statement to ensure it is specific, arguable, and clearly communicates the central argument of your essay.
- Effectiveness of your hook: Consider whether your opening sentence or hook effectively grabs your reader’s attention and sparks their interest in your topic.
- Smooth transition to the essay body: Your introduction should end with a smooth transition into the first paragraph of your essay body.
- Tone and style: Ensure that the tone and style of your introduction are appropriate for your audience and purpose.
As you revise your introduction, remember that it is just one part of the larger writing process. You may need to revisit and refine your introduction multiple times as you draft and edit your essay body and conclusion.
Checklist: Essay introduction
Follow this checklist to systematically review and revise your essay introduction to make it as effective and engaging as possible.
More examples of essay introductions
Here are some additional examples of essay introductions for various types of essays:
Argumentative essay introduction
This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the death penalty, presenting both sides of the argument before clearly stating the position the essay will take. The introduction provides relevant background information, outlines the main points to be discussed, and presents a clear thesis statement.
Example
The death penalty has been a controversial topic for decades, with strong opinions on both sides of the debate. Some argue that it is a necessary deterrent to crime and a just punishment for heinous acts, while others contend that it is a cruel and inhumane practice that has no place in a civilized society. However, when examining the evidence, it becomes clear that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent, is applied disproportionately to marginalized communities, and carries the risk of irreversible error. This essay will argue that the death penalty should be abolished in all states and replaced with life imprisonment without parole.
Compare and contrast essay introduction
This introduction to a compare and contrast essay introduces the two subjects to be compared and contrasted: cats and dogs. It highlights their similarities and differences and then presents the essay’s main argument that the choice between a cat and a dog depends on the individual’s lifestyle and preferences.
Example
Cats and dogs are the two most popular pets in the world, and for good reason. Both offer companionship, affection, and unique personalities that can bring joy to their owners’ lives. However, while cats and dogs share some similarities, they also have distinct differences that can make one a better choice than the other depending on an individual’s lifestyle and preferences. This essay will compare and contrast cats and dogs in terms of their physical characteristics, behavior, and care requirements, ultimately arguing that neither pet is inherently “better” than the other, but rather that the choice between a cat and a dog depends on the specific needs and desires of the owner.
Rhetorical analysis essay introduction
This introduction to a rhetorical analysis essay provides background information on Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech and its historical context. It then outlines the main points to be analyzed in the essay, specifically the rhetorical devices used by King and their impact on the speech’s effectiveness.
Example
In his famous “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. employed a range of rhetorical strategies to persuade his audience to support the civil rights movement and demand an end to racial discrimination. Through his use of metaphor, repetition, and allusion, King painted a vivid picture of the injustices faced by African Americans and the need for immediate action to create a more equal and just society. This essay will analyze the key rhetorical devices used in King’s speech and examine how they contributed to its enduring power and impact.
Narrative essay introduction
This introduction to a narrative essay sets the stage for a personal story about overcoming the fear of public speaking. It hooks the reader’s attention with a compelling opening line, provides background information about the author’s struggle with public speaking, and previews the transformative journey described in the essay.
Example
The day I confronted my fear of public speaking was a turning point. For years, I had avoided any situation that required me to speak in front of a group, whether it was a classroom presentation or a toast at a friend’s wedding. My palms would sweat, my heart would race, and my voice would tremble uncontrollably. However, when I was asked to give a eulogy at my grandmother’s funeral, I knew I had to face my fear head-on. This essay will recount my journey from a shy, anxious speaker to a confident individual who learned to embrace the power of my own voice.
Expository essay introduction
This introduction to an expository essay introduces the topic of the Great Depression, providing historical context and highlighting its significance as a major economic event. It then outlines the main points to be discussed in the essay, including the causes, effects, and government responses to the crisis.
Example
The Great Depression, which lasted from 1929 to 1939, was the worst economic downturn in modern history. It began with the stock market crash of October 1929 and quickly spread to every corner of the globe, causing widespread unemployment, poverty, and social upheaval. While the causes of the Great Depression were complex and multifaceted, including overproduction, under-consumption, and speculation, the effects were devastating and long-lasting. This essay will explore the key factors that contributed to the Great Depression, examine its impact on American society, and analyze the various government policies and programs implemented to address the crisis.
Descriptive essay introduction
This introduction to a descriptive essay vividly sets the scene of the small coastal town of Mayberry. It engages the reader’s senses with detailed descriptions of the sights, sounds, and sensations that characterize the town and hint at the nostalgic and heartwarming tone of the essay to follow.
Example
The small coastal town of Mayberry is a hidden gem that transports visitors back to a simpler time. As you stroll down Main Street, you’re greeted by the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting from the local bakery, mingling with the salty sea breeze that drifts in from the nearby ocean. The streets are lined with quaint, colorful storefronts, each with its own unique character and charm. From the friendly faces of the locals to the peaceful sound of seagulls circling overhead, Mayberry exudes a sense of warmth and nostalgia that is hard to find in today’s fast-paced world. This essay will paint a vivid picture of the sights, sounds, and sensations that make Mayberry a truly special place.