Essay Introduction

Important Components Of An Essay

There are several important parts of an essay that work together to make it an effective piece of writing. These include:

• Introduction: This is the first paragraph of the essay and it should introduce the topic and provide some background information about the subject.

• Thesis statement: This is a sentence or two that states the main argument or point of the essay. It should be clear and concise and should be located at the end of the introduction.

• Body paragraphs: These paragraphs make up the bulk of the essay and should support the thesis statement with evidence and examples. Each body paragraph should focus on a single idea and should have a clear topic sentence that relates back to the thesis.

• Conclusion: This is the final paragraph of the essay and should summarize the main points and restate the thesis. It should also provide a final thought or call to action.

• Citations: If you are using outside sources to support your argument, you will need to properly cite them in the text of your essay and include a list of references at the end.

• Proofreading: It is important to proofread your essay for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors. This will help to ensure that your essay is clear and easy to read.

Sample Introduction

The introduction of an essay is the first paragraph and sets the tone for the rest of the essay. It should grab the reader's attention and introduce the main topic and purpose of the essay. Here is an example of how you might structure the introduction to an essay:

Imagine you are a high school student who has been asked to write an essay on the importance of volunteering.

Introduction:

"When I was a young girl, I remember feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment after completing my first community service project. As I grew older, I continued to volunteer my time and talents, and I have come to realise the many ways in which volunteering can not only benefit the community, but also enrich the lives of those who give their time. In this essay, I will explore the importance of volunteering and how it can be a fulfilling and enriching experience."

In this example, the introduction provides some background information about the writer's personal experience with volunteering and sets the stage for the main argument of the essay, which is the importance of volunteering. It also includes a thesis statement, which is the last sentence of the introduction and states the main point or argument of the essay.

Do’s And Don'ts Of An Introduction

DO’s:

1. Start with an attention-grabbing opening that will draw the reader in. This could be a quote, a story, a question, or a surprising fact.

2. Provide some context or background information about the topic to help the reader understand the main argument.

3. Clearly state the purpose or main point of the essay in a thesis statement.

4. Use transition words or phrases to help move the reader smoothly from the introduction to the body of the essay.

DON'Ts:

1. Start with a dictionary definition or encyclopaedia summary of the topic. These are often overused and do not make for engaging openings.

2. Go off on tangents or include too much background information that is not relevant to the main argument.

3. Make the introduction too long. It should be just a few sentences or a short paragraph.

4. Introduce new ideas or evidence in the introduction. The introduction should only provide an overview of the main points that will be addressed in the essay. Save the specific details for the body paragraphs.

Types Of Essays With Examples

There are many different types of essays that serve different purposes. Here are a few examples of different types of essays and an example of how you might write the introduction for each:

Narrative essay | A narrative essay tells a story and is often written in the first person.

Introduction example— "It was a dark and stormy night when I arrived at the abandoned amusement park. As I made my way through the gates, the creaky swings and rusting rides seemed to whisper secrets from the past. I had always been drawn to this place, with its forgotten memories and tales of ghosts and curses. That night, as I explored the park, I would discover a story that I would never forget."

Descriptive Essay | A descriptive essay paints a picture with words and is often written in the first or third person.

Introduction Example— "The old oak tree stood tall and proud, its gnarled branches reaching up towards the sky. Its trunk was rough and scarred, with deep grooves and knots that told the story of its long life. Every day, I would sit beneath its branches and watch as the leaves rustled in the breeze, lost in thought and the beauty of nature."

Compare And Contrast Essay | A compare and contrast essay analyses the similarities and differences between two or more things.

Introduction Example— "When you compare apples and oranges, you might think that they have nothing in common. But upon closer inspection, there are actually many similarities and differences between these two popular fruits. Both are juicy and delicious, but they have different textures, flavors, and nutritional values. In this essay, we will explore the similarities and differences between apples and oranges and how they compare as healthy snack options."

Persuasive Essay | A persuasive essay aims to convince the reader to take a particular stance on an issue.

Introduction Example— "As a society, we have a responsibility to protect the environment and preserve it for future generations. However, despite the numerous efforts to reduce our carbon footprint and promote sustainability, many individuals and companies continue to engage in environmentally harmful practices. In this essay, I will argue that we must take stronger action to protect the environment and that every individual has the power to make a difference.