1. How to Write an Introduction
© Nicholas G. Ashby 2004
Wichita Collegiate School
English I
This version of the presentation includes notes for the instructor. The presentation has been designed so that each slide is self-explanatory and its function clear. Review the presentation first, as you would your own lecture material. Then, when it comes time to give the presentation, simply read out the slides to your audience, adding your own observations, anecdotes and humour as you go. For extra guidance, instructional notes have been provided for each slide. The presentation has been designed for general use, with no particular course in mind. You may feel that some slides are not relevant to your particular case. Simply omit or modify those slides to suit your requirements, or insert slides of your own in the
slide-show.

2. The purpose of an introduction is to prepare
General
The purpose of an introduction is to prepare
the reader for the body of writing that comes
after it.
You know what you are writing about and why. But unless you inform your readers of this in an introduction, they will feel lost and judge your essay to be an unclear piece of work!
Emphasize the importance of a good introduction. Relate the introduction of an essay to first impressions at an interview! First impressions are important.

3. indicates the topic that the essay is about
A good introduction:
indicates the topic that the essay is about
describes how the body of the essay is organized
explains the point of writing the essay;
the point of writing an essay is usually to argue for a thesis, so you will need to explain what thesis you argue for and how you argue for it – this is called a
thesis-statement, and most essay introductions include one.
Explain how an introduction functions – discuss the roles that an introduction plays. You can take suggestions from the audience and discuss them.

4. Suppose you had to write a ten page essay
First example
Suppose you had to write a ten page essay
on the topic of whether body-checking
should be banned in junior ice-hockey. You
did your research and found that there are
several main arguments for and against a
ban. In the body of your essay you
described and evaluated these arguments,
and determined that arguments for a ban
are stronger than arguments against a ban.
Now you must write your introduction!
Prepare the audience for an example of a good but predictable introduction: set the scenario of a student who has completed the body of the essay and now has to write an introduction. If the audience asks why the student did not write the introduction first, say that there is a good reasons for this but you will come to that later.

5. Here is how someone new to academic
First example
Here is how someone new to academic
essays may write the introduction (the
topic-sentence is in red, essay structure in
blue, thesis in yellow):
This essay is about the issue of body-checking in
junior ice-hockey. First, arguments for a ban on
body-checking are examined. Second, arguments
against a ban are discussed. It is shown that pro-
ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban
arguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay is
that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be
banned.
Give an example of a good but predictable introduction – one that uses words like ‘essay’ and ‘thesis’. Make sure that everyone is aware of the three components: topic, organization, and thesis.

6. Discussion of first example
This introduction is all right so far as it goes.
It is better to have an introduction that
includes the three important elements
(topic, structure, thesis) than to have one
that does not. Many people start out by
writing essays with introductions like this
one. It does have the virtue of being clear,
and clarity is essential. But let us review it
to see if it can be improved.
Explain that there is nothing wrong with this introduction, but that there are ways in which it could be improved. Take suggestions from the audience about how to improve it. Prepare the audience for the next three slides, where you will discuss each of the three components (topic, organization, thesis) of this introduction.

7. Discussion of first example The structure-sentences are fine.
Notice that words such as first and second
are useful in helping to describe how the
body of an essay is organized.
However, if you can convey the structure of
your essay without using too many
organizational words, that is even better.
Explain that there is nothing wrong with the structure-sentences. Make sure everyone is aware of organizational words such as ‘first’, ‘second’, ‘next’, ‘finally’, and so on. Explain that with practice, it is possible to write a better introduction that conveys the organization of an essay without using many overt organizational words or phrases.

8. Discussion of first example The topic-sentence could be improved.
Rather than writing: “This essay is about…”
it would be better to write a few topic-
sentences that convey a sense of the
current state of the topic. This not only
tells the reader what the topic is but it also
gives the impression that you are
knowledgeable about the topic and in
command of your research material.
Explain that a topic-sentence is best when it does not actually include words or phrases that overtly refer to the essay, such as “this essay is about…” Ask your audience how they usually introduce the topic. It is likely that up to now they have used such phrases!

9. Discussion of first example The thesis-sentences could be better.
Instead of writing: “Therefore, the thesis of
this essay is…” simply give a bold, factual
sentence that expresses your position on
the issue. This conveys an air of confidence,
unlike the phrase “…the thesis of this
essay…” which is timid and non-committal.
Stress the importance of striking an assertive tone in the introduction, especially when it comes to the thesis. Explain that the reader needs to feel confident that the author of the essay is in command of their material and knows where they are going with it. At this point, be prepared to take questions or suggestions from the audience – maybe even allow students to express the difficulties that they have in writing their introductions.

10. The introduction on the next slide takes
Second example
The introduction on the next slide takes
these points into account. Compare it with
the previous introduction and note how
wording the three main elements differently
can improve the impact that the introduction
has on the reader.
Prepare your audience for another example of an introduction – one that takes into account all the points that you have just made about the flaws in the previous example.

11. Second example
Body-checking has always been a controversial issue. However, the recent decision of Hockey Canada to allow some hockey associations to permit body-checking among players as young as nine years of age, on an experimental basis, has aggravated the controversy quite considerably in recent months. Perspectives fall into three main categories: viewpoints of fans, the official standpoint of Hockey Canada, and positions held by the scientific community. Evaluation of the main arguments shows quite clearly that Hockey Canada’s decision to allow body-checking in some junior games, even on an experimental basis, is a serious mistake.
Give an example of an improved introduction – one that does not use words like “essay”, “topic”, or “thesis”. Make sure that your audience is aware of the three components (topic-sentences, organizational sentences, and thesis-sentences) in this example. Allow them time to read it, and read it out loud to them if necessary, but do not discuss it until the next slide.

12. Discussion of second example In this second introduction, the topic-
sentences give an impression of the current
state of the topic (and, so, convey the topic
of the essay to the reader) without using
the words essay or topic. The structure-
sentences inform the reader of the main
parts of the body of the essay and their
order of discussion (views of fans,
Hockey Canada, and scientific community)
without using many organizational words.
In this, and in the following slide, discuss and emphasize the point that the introduction has successfully conveyed the topic, organization of the body of the essay, and the thesis, without using words like ‘essay’, ‘topic’, ‘first’, ‘second’ or ‘thesis’. The point is to drive home the message that these words are not necessary, and that it is better to do without them.

13. Discussion of second example
The thesis-sentences tell the reader where
you stand on the issue and how you arrived
at your position (through evaluation of the
main arguments for and against a ban),
without including words such as essay or
thesis.
Drive home the point that the introduction has successfully indicated what the thesis of the essay is, without using the word ‘thesis’ or phrases like ‘the thesis of this essay…’.

14. Discussion of second example
This second introduction gives the reader the
impression that you are knowledgeable on the
topic, and that doing the research has led you
to an intelligent, informed thesis. Why didn’t
the first introduction have the same effect?
Discuss the improved impact of the introduction compared to the earlier example. Ask the audience if they can say why this introduction is better. Take suggestions from the audience.

15. Discussion of second example
The reason is that within the context of an
essay introduction, words like essay,
topic and thesis make it seem as if there
is a gap between you, the writer, and the
essay. This gives the impression that the
concerns about and position on the issue
may not be your concerns and position (only
the essay’s!). Notice that the second
introduction gives the impression that there
is no gap, and that you are expressing
yourself through the essay.
Explain that a good essay does not give the impression of a gap between the essay and its author. Point out that introductions which include phrases such as ‘the topic of the essay is…’ or ‘the thesis of the essay is…’ do not generate an authentic tone because they give the impression of a gap between essay and author.

16. Practice writing introductions without using
phrases such as “the topic of this essay…”
or “the thesis argued for is…” Expressing
the topic without using words like topic or
subject may be particularly challenging
because it is easy to include too much detail
and end up with an unintended body-
paragraph. But with practice, you will be
able to write more effective introductions.
Make it clear that students will not be able to go away and write great introductions straight away. Emphasize the need to practice writing improved essay introductions.

17. Frequently asked questions 1. How long should my introduction be?
One common mistake is to write an
introduction that is too long; the introduction
is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from
the body of the essay! As a rule, an
introduction should not be longer than about
8% of the length of the essay. For example,
the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty-
page essay should be a maximum of about a
page, a page and a quarter, and one and a
half pages respectively.
At this stage in the presentation, explain that there are certain questions that frequently come up. Say that you will go through some of them. Read out the question in green. Throw the question out to the audience. After discussing audience suggestions, you can read the slide to the audience. Field any further questions.

18. Frequently asked questions 2. How detailed should the introduction be?
Another common mistake is that the
introduction is so detailed that it fails to
indicate the topic of the essay in a clear
way! The introduction only needs to state
the topic, general structure, and thesis of the
essay. The longer the essay is supposed to
be, the more detailed your topic, structure
and thesis-sentences can be.
Read out the question in green. Take suggestions from the audience. Read the slide to the audience. Field any further questions.

19. Frequently asked questions 3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
introduction?
The introduction must indicate the topic,
structure and thesis of the essay. If you are
not completely sure about any of these
things, you will find it hard or even
impossible to write an introduction. Writer’s
block can happen when you try to write the
introduction before you have done sufficient
reading and research on the topic.
Read out the question in green. Take suggestions from the audience. Read the slide to the audience. Field any further questions.

20. Frequently asked questions 3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
introduction (continued)?
How can you know what the structure of
your essay will be until you have written at
least a draft of the body? How can you
know what your thesis will be until you have
done the reading and research?! To save
time, always write the introduction last.
Carry on reading out the slide to the audience. Field any further questions.

21. Frequently asked questions 4. What is an introduction for? Is it a
summary?
An introduction is not a summary. A
summary repeats the main ideas of an
essay. An introduction introduces the reader
to the topic of the essay, describes the
organizational structure of the essay, and
explains the point of the essay (the thesis
argued for).
Read out the question in green. Take suggestions from audience. Read slide to audience. Field any further questions.

22. Frequently asked questions 5. What should I put in my introduction?
Do not try to pack everything into the
introduction. It would then not be an
introduction at all! An essay introduction
does not need to do more than tell the
reader the topic of the essay, describe how
the body of the essay is organized, and
explain the thesis that you argue for in the
essay.
Read out the question in green. Take suggestions from audience. Read slide to audience. Field any further questions.

23. Frequently asked questions 6. How many paragraphs should I use
for the introduction?
The introduction needs to indicate the topic,
structure, and thesis of the essay for the
reader. In a short ten page essay, all of
these things should be easy to include in one
or two paragraphs. In longer essays, your
topic, structure, and thesis-sentences will be
more detailed, and so more paragraphs may
be required to complete the introduction.
Read out the question in green. Take suggestions from audience. Read slide to audience. Field any further questions.

24. Other sources and resources
Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Centre
(go to Master’s office at 205 Bethune to book a slot,
or call ext )
Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online resources at:
The following books may be useful:
Hacker, D. (2003). A Canadian writer’s reference
(2nd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Nelson Thomson
Learning. Call number: PE 1408 H293
Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002). A Canadian
writer’s pocket guide (2nd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.:
Thomson/Nelson. Call number: PE 1408 F45
Mention some sources that interested students can use to investigate introductions further. Emphasize the Bethune Writing Centre.

25. Other sources and resources
Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002). Simon & Schuster handbook
for writers (3rd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall.
Call number: PE 1408 T697
For science students writing a scientific report, the requirements of the introduction are slightly different from those stated here. The following book will be particularly useful:
Day, Robert A. (1998). How to write & publish a scientific
paper (5th ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press.
Call number: T11 D33
Mention some sources that interested students can use to investigate introductions further. Emphasize the Bethune Writing Centre.