INTRODUCTION
How to Write an Eye-Catching Essay Introduction | Scribbr:
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Warming up
An academic essay is a focused piece of writing that develops an idea or argument using
evidence, analysis and interpretation. It consists of 3 parts:
1. Introduction (1 paragraph): It helps you to state the topic and purpose of your
essay while gaining the interest of your readers.
2. Body (2-3 paragraphs): It develops the topic stated in the introduction.
3. Conclusion (1 paragraph): It summarizes the information in the essay and
may contain the writer’s opinion or prediction of the topic.
The introductory paragraph (first paragraph) of an essay should inform the reader of
the essay’s:
• topic
• purpose
• main ideas to be presented in the body paragraphs
An effective introduction also creates interest in the topic and provides the reader with
a strong reason to continue reading.
The introduction consists of three main elements:
1. Hook
The first sentence (or sentences) of an essay should catch the reader’s attention. It
introduces the topic of the essay in an interesting way.
2. Building sentences
After the hook, the following sentences should provide background information to
give readers some context about the topic. They should ”build“ towards the thesis
statement.
3. Thesis statement
The thesis statement comes at the end of the introduction. It is the most important
sentence in the entire essay because it presents the essay topic and the writer’s
position on that topic. It also indicates the main ideas that will be discussed in the
body paragraphs.
Writing a “hook”
The hook is the first sentence of the essay, so it should create interest in the topic of the
essay and encourage the reader to continue reading. Use one of the following strategies
to “hook” the reader:
1) An eye-catching statement uses an interesting idea or an idea opposing the
thesis to introduce the topic.
2) A surprising statistic uses a detail that is not widely known to introduce the
topic.
3) A quotation (by an expert on the topic) is a powerfully worded statement
that begins the essay in a knowledgeable and authoritative way.
4) A general truth introduces something about the topic which the reader can
immediately agree with.
5) A question gets the reader’s attention by forcing them to think directly about
the topic.
EXERCISE 1
Match each of the preceding strategies to the examples below:
1. “I dream of the realization of the unity of Africa, whereby its leaders combine in
their efforts to solve the problems of this continent,” stated Nobel laureate
Nelson Mandela.
2. How would life be different in a world without electricity?
3. About 70% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa have no regular access to electricity.
4. For most people in the developing world, electricity is much like air: they use as
much as they like without ever wondering where it came from.
5. There are some who see the coming of night as the time to stop work and the
time to start enjoying their lives.
EXERCISE 2
An effective hook is often based on the general topic or theme of the thesis. Which of
the following hooks a–e would be appropriate to begin the following introductory
paragraph? There may be more than one answer.
One growing trend worldwide against this way of life is the “slow life” movement,
which seeks a return to a simpler, more balanced lifestyle based on the appreciation
of food and eating traditions. The slow life movement has successfully led to more
and more people eating healthier food, a preference for locally produced over
imported food, and an increase in the demand for organic and naturally grown crops.
a. People now have many more lifestyle choices than before.
b. When people move to cities, do they forget their traditional values?
c. Modern life for many people means enduring crowded streets, noise, endless
advertisements, work, and stress.
d. Many young people today consider themselves part of the “Me” generation.
e. Although advances in technology were designed to make modern life easier and
more convenient, many people have come to realize that they are busier and busier.
Writing building sentences
Building sentences help to provide a background to the essay and introduce any ideas
or information necessary for the reader to understand the thesis. For example, building
sentences could:
o explain the history of the topic.
o provide some statistics on the topic.
o mention the current situation regarding the topic.
o mention attitudes or opinions towards the topic.
Building sentences connect the hook, which introduces the essay topic in a very general
way, to the thesis, which is a specific answer to the essay question. They can be
presented:
o from general information to more specific information.
o using information familiar to the reader to information new to the reader.
o chronologically (from older information to newer information).
Consider the following example of building sentences organized using familiar to new
information.
“I’d put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power! I
Hook
hope we don’t have to wait until oil and coal run out before we tackle that.”
With this statement, Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb,
recognized the capacity of the sun as a virtually limitless source of energy in
Familiar 1931. However, although a time when oil and coal have been completely used
Information
up could be getting closer, the full potential of solar power is yet to be
harnessed by mankind. Televisions, refrigerators, air conditioners, and all
the other appliances common in the developed world require vast amounts
of electricity, meaning that the world’s most powerful countries still very
much depend on fossil fuels. In Sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and
parts of South America, however, solar power is already changing the lives of
New people who have until now lived without a steady electricity supply. As low-
Information cost solar panels become available, they are being used most effectively in
some of the world’s poorest countries, which also happen to be some of the
sunniest. Solar power is improving people’s lives in developing countries by
providing efficient light safely, linking them to the global mobile community,
Thesis
statement and increasing their independence.
EXERCISE 1
Read the following introduction. Put the building sentences in the right order to
connect the hook and thesis statement.
Topic: The popularity of yoga
Hook: In Sanskrit, the word yoga basically means “to unite.”
Building sentences:
( ____ ) Yoga classes are now found in cities and towns around the world, and they
are filled with people ranging from top athletes, to senior citizens, to young children.
( ____ ) They are drawn by the opportunity to escape the stress of modern life by
refreshing their tired minds and bodies in the quiet company of others.
( ____ ) Although this might seem like a group or team commitment, it is actually a
liberating personal experience.
Thesis: Yoga is gaining in popularity around the world because it is accessible to all,
reduces stress, and increases strength and flexibility.
EXERCISE 2
For the topic below, read the hook and the thesis statement, and note down in point
form what information should be included in the building sentences.
Topic: Students studying abroad
Hook: Is studying abroad something every student should do while in university?
Building sentences:
• _________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________
• _________________________________________________
Thesis: The number of students studying abroad has been increasing because of the
specialized programs available, the high status of a foreign degree, and the desire for a
new experience.
EXERCISE 3
Write the hook and building sentences for an introductory paragraph which connect to
the thesis statement.
Topic: Causes of stress among university students
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Thesis: Common causes of stress among university students can be classified into
three types: assignment deadlines, grades, and job hunting.
Writing a thesis statement
How to Write a STRONG Thesis Statement | Scribbr:
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The thesis statement is the most important sentence in the essay because it specifically
states what the essay will be about. In other words, it states the purpose of the essay.
Therefore, a thesis statement should include:
o the topic of the essay.
o the writer’s position, opinion, or approach to the topic.
o the main ideas that will develop and support the writer’s position.
Also note the following about the thesis statement:
• It appears at the end of the introductory paragraph and, in short essays, is usually
one sentence long.
• The main ideas are listed in the same order as they appear in the essay, which gives
the reader a clear preview of what the following paragraphs will be about.
It is useful to think of the thesis statement as the writer’s answer to an essay question.
Question:
Explain how an alternate form of energy is being used successfully in the world today.
Thesis statement:
Solar power is improving people’s lives in developing countries by providing efficient
light safely, linking them to the global mobile community, and increasing their
independence.
This thesis statement shows that:
o “solar power” is the topic of the essay.
o the writer’s position on this topic is that it is “improving people’s lives in developing
countries.”
o the three main ideas that support the writer’s position are
a. it is “providing efficient light safely,”
b. it is “linking them to the global mobile community,”
c. it is “increasing their independence.”
Each main idea will be explained in detail in a separate body paragraph: a) in the first
body paragraph, b) in the second, and c) in the third.
Types of thesis statements
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on
the type of essay you’re writing:
➢ In an argumentative essay, your thesis statement should take a strong position.
Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence
and logical reasoning.
➢ In an expository essay, you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your
thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should
clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements
you’ll explain.
Essay type Skills tested Example prompt
• Forming an opinion via Has the rise of the
research internet had a positive or
Argumentative
• Building an evidence- negative impact on
based argument education?
Explain how the invention
• Knowledge of a topic
of the printing press
Expository • Communicating
changed European society
information clearly
in the 15th century.
EXERCISE 1
Read the following thesis statements. Where possible, underline the topic of the essay;
the writer’s position, opinion, or approach; and the three main ideas. Decide (✓ or ✗)
whether each thesis statement has these parts or not.
1. ( ____ ) South Korean dramas are popular because of the traditional values in these
shows, the focus on romantic love, and the kindness of the male characters.
2. ( ____ ) This is because smartphones allow us to connect to the internet, provide a
range of useful and entertaining applications, and combine the functions of several
electronic devices.
3. ( ____ ) The internet has caused interest in daily newspapers to fall and may cause
some newspapers to close.
4. ( ____ ) Popular music changed dramatically in the 1990s for a number of reasons.
5. ( ____ ) Rather than simply formulaic superhero stories, contemporary American
comics cover a wide range of interests and themes, such as history, social problems,
and human relationships.
6. ( ____ ) George Washington was the first president of the United States.
Follow-up
Remember that a good thesis statements is:
✓ Concise: Short—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and
directly in one sentence.
✓ Contentious: It shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows.
A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back
it up.
✓ Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and
explained in the rest of your paper.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
1. Start with a question
As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic, you need to work out what you want to
say about it. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
Topic: The internet and education
Has the internet had a positive or negative impact on education?
2. Write your initial answer
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At
this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process.
The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
3. Develop your answer
Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your
reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your
answer should get more detailed. The thesis states your position and sketches out the
key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education
because it facilitates easier access to information.
4. Refine your thesis statement
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall
argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain, including the key points of your
argument or narrative.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: it
facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a
flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
EXERCISE 2
Reorder the sentences to make an effective introductory paragraph for an essay. Make
sure that sentences are ordered from general to specific, and that the paragraph ends
with the thesis statement.
Topic: Types of clubs at university
a) These students often join clubs to meet people who have the same hobbies or
interests.
b) Covering such a wide range of interests, university clubs can be categorized into
three major types: sports, arts, and academic.
c) It is not difficult to find a group to join as most universities have numerous student
organizations featuring a variety of activities.
d) For many students, universities are not only places for studying; they are places for
making friends and enjoying their hobbies.
e) Students who like soccer can join a soccer team, those who play musical
instruments can join an orchestra, and those who are interested in journalism can
be an editor of the school newspaper.
EXERCISE 3
Model
▪ Topic: Should commercial whaling be banned?
▪ Writer's position: Commercial whaling should be banned.
▪ Arguments (main ideas):
- Unacceptable pain to whales
- No longer profitable
- Economically less preferable than whale watching
▪ Thesis statement:
Therefore, commercial whaling should be banned because it causes excessive
suffering to intelligent mammals, is no longer economically viable, and can be
replaced by economically beneficial whale watching.
Exercise
Write a thesis statement using the information below.
Topic: Should owing exotic pets be banned?
Position: Owning exotic pets like parrots and monkeys should be banned.
Arguments:
- They are dangerous wild animals.
- Many are endangered species.
- People cannot care for them properly.
Thesis statement:
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