Essay Introduction Paragraphs
A good introduction to an essay grabs the reader’s attention quickly. Most writers use a
hook – an interesting statement related to the topic that will interest the reader. Then,
the writer clearly introduces his/her topic, previews his/her subtopics, and states the
thesis. Here is an introduction to an essay on making physical education a mandatory
course for each year of high school.
In Canada today, we are facing a catastrophe: too many
people leading unhealthy lives. These unhealthy people clog our
emergency rooms and hospitals, where valuable tax dollars are
spent on treating diseases that could easily be prevented.
Sadly, all too often, people make unhealthy choices because of
their lack of knowledge of better choices they could make. High
school could change all of that if more emphasis were placed on
physical education. Making sure students stay active will result
in more students leaving high school with that healthy habit.
Students would be exposed to many more sports and activities as
well, which could also encourage them to continue to pursue their
interests in those healthy activities after high school. Also,
the health component of gym class would teach students about all
facets of healthy living, from anti-smoking education to
promoting better body image and self-esteem. Clearly, making
physical education mandatory in all four years of high school
would lead to healthier adults.
This is the hook. The sentence These three Stating the thesis
The dramatic beginning “high sentences preview in the last
language and the school” introduces the subtopics that sentence of the
picture painted by the topic without will be developed paragraph
the writer’s words stating the thesis. in the essay: one emphasizes it so
grab the reader’s per body paragraph, the writer’s
attention. in this order. opinion is clear to
the reader.
Below are listed some techniques that you can use to hook the reader’s attention:
✔ A brief appropriate quotation
✔ A literary device, like an interesting simile or metaphor
✔ A startling statement of fact
✔ Paint a picture of the situation in question
✔ A brief experience, yours or someone else’s (an anecdote)
✔ A statement of historical background
✔ A reference to a current event
✔ A question
✔ A dramatic, but true, statement
✔ A situation that many readers can relate to.
Do NOT begin an essay with
✖ A false or made-up fact;
✖ A statement that is so general it is meaningless (eg. “Since the beginning of time,
people have always argued with each other”; or, “Everyone hates war.”);
✖ Your thesis statement.
Choose one of the topics from the handout, “What is a Thesis?” (dress
codes, school uniforms, homework, screen time, high school schedules, video games,
social media, the most important skill teenagers need today). Plan the
introduction you might write about that topic.
Hook Teenagers are struggling as they lose their ability to socialize.
Introduce Topic Socialization is a standard life skill that everyone needs to know.
1. Students need to learn how to express themselves offline
Preview Subtopics 2.
3.
State Thesis
My Example:
The Sesame Street theme song begins, “Sunny days, sweeping the clouds
Hook
away.”
From the time I was a child, sunny days and rainy days have had an obvious
Introduce Topic
effect on me.
1. Sunny days have a positive effect on the brain.
Preview Subtopics 2. Sunny days have a positive effect on our physical activity.
3. Sunny days have a positive effect on our relationships.
State Thesis Sunny days are better than rainy days because they make us feel better.