How to Write the Perfect Essay Introduction

This introduction is the most important part of your paper. It needs to grab the attention and peak the curiosity of the reader so they want to dive into the rest of your essay. It can be nerve wracking to think about perfecting such a significant aspect of your essay, but you just need to know a few simple things to start your paper off with a bang. 

Have a Great Hook

Your first sentence needs to ease the reader into the essay. It should be relevant, unique and thoughtful. Try including a fact or statistic that directly relates to the topic at hand or come up with an original statement that will keep the reader interested. For example, if you are writing a paper about endangered animals, your hook might look something like: 

“In the last decade, 160 species have gone extinct; with 30,000 species currently endangered, this number will only continue to rise.”

This hook provides facts and statistics, displays urgency and sets the tone for the paper. A sentence like this will get the reader’s attention by providing them with new information right off the bat, allowing you to move seamlessly into the next section of your introduction. 

Briefly Discuss Context

We need to know right away what your paper is about. Continuing with our endangered animals example, this is where you will start to lead into your main idea. Say you want to discuss ways in which we can help protect endangered animals. After your hook, you may want to say something like: 

“There are many reasons animals become endangered (and subsequently, extinct), including loss of habitat, both caused by natural and human agents.” 

Followed by: 

“While it may seem like one person can’t make a difference when it comes to protecting the endangered, there are many simple things each of us can do to help.” 

And then: 

“These things can include research, setting up habitats for local endangered species in your area, recycling and many others.” 

This will now lead you into your thesis statement, the final sentence of your paragraph. 

End With a Strong Thesis Statement 

This last part is crucial. Your thesis statement needs to make a clear point, take a stance or voice an opinion about your topic. It should be clear, concise and contain only ideas you plan to expand upon in your body paragraphs. So far, your endangered animals essay is preparing to discuss ways in which anyone can help save species at risk of extinction. Your thesis statement should reflect this. So, it should look something like: 

“By taking the initiative to live sustainably, anyone can play an important role in protecting these endangered animals.” 

This implies that your body paragraphs will go on to discuss things like organizing a beach clean up, volunteering at a wildlife refuge or joining an organization dedicated to protecting animals, among many other potential discussion points. Now, let’s see what our full introduction looks like: 

“In the last decade, 160 species have gone extinct; with  30,000 species currently endangered, this number will only continue to rise. There are many reasons animals become endangered (and subsequently, extinct), including loss of habitat, caused by both natural and human agents. While it may seem like one person can’t make a difference when it comes to protecting the endangered, there are many simple things each of us can do to help. These things can include research, setting up habitats for local endangered species in your area, recycling and many others. By taking the initiative to live sustainably, anyone can play an important role in protecting these endangered animals.” 

Now that you’ve seen a step-by-step example, you’ll be able to build a fantastic introduction for your own paper in no time.

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