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

2. 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.

3. 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

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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