How do I begin my paper? Writing Introductions Workshop The Writing Studio Bate 2005

Why are introductions important? First impressions are lasting impressions! If your introduction is poor, your readers may stop there, or continue on with the wrong assumptions about your essay. If it’s good, even captivating, your readers will continue enthusiastically.

What should an introduction do? 4 main things: Get your readers’ attention and interest Identify the specific topic of the report Conceptualize your argument or discussion Explain how your paper is organized

1) Get your readers’ interest Write about a topic that interests you Consider why you chose to write about your topic or the specific aspect of your topic Tell a story or an anecdote that connects to your discussion Begin with an influential and interesting quote that explains the importance of your topic

2) Identify the specific topic Use specific terms Purpose Specific point-of-view Avoid saying “my paper is about…”

Thesis statement A concise sentence or two that states what the essay is about gives direction to the essay conventionally placed at the end of the introductory paragraph

3) Conceptualize your argument Add the definitions or background necessary for your readers to approach the first paragraph but… Don’t give it all away now!

4) Explain how your paper is organized Tell the reader how you are going to talk about your topic Indicate the sections of your essay and something about the order in which they will be discussed

How long do introductions have to be? Introductions vary in length according to your purpose, writing style, the complexity of your topic, and the length of your essay