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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)  

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading.

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:
Expository Essay Introduction Example

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail.

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction:

Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote.
Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic.
Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay.

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2

Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.
Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.
Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction:

Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.
Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic.
State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay.
Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis.
Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic.
Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education:

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation.

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education).

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.

Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?”
Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher.
Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.”

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps:

Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.”
Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument.
Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.”
Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns.
Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.”

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement:

Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.”
State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.”
Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention.
Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.”

Examples of essay introduction

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays:

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16?

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.”

Expository Essay Introduction Example

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.”

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.”

Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic.
Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement.
Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined.
Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay.
Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay.

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3

Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote.
Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific.
Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay.
Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis.
Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors.
Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further.

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how. For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.”

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness.

References

Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills .
West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617.
Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242.

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How to Write the Best Book Introduction (With Checklists & Examples)

on Aug 31, 2022
in Writing Tips
Last update: August 31st, 2022
at 11:23 am

Readers might be intrigued by a book standing in the middle of a bookstore lined with shiny artwork. But what will make them flip through the pages after they’ve picked it up? And what will lead them to the cashier to make a commitment to this one book out of countless others? The answer lies in the ‘book introduction’. That’s where the real magic happens: where the author hooks the reader and captures their thoughts, making them feel like what they’re about to read is going to change their life in some way.

In this article, we are going to cover the purpose of book introductions; the simple steps you can take to write a great one for your book (whether it’s for a work of fiction or nonfiction); and finally, we’ll share some examples by authors who just nailed the assignment!

In this article :

What is a book introduction exactly?
Why you need a book introduction
How to write a book introduction that people will actually read
Fiction book introduction checklist (downloadable)
Non-fiction book introduction checklist (downloadable)
Examples of great book introductions (fiction and non-fiction)

Forward VS Preface Vs Introduction

There are many different elements that make up the “ front matter ” of a book, or the pages preceding the body. We’ve all come across introductions, forewords, and prefaces, and sometimes a book can have a mix of all three. So first, let’s establish the differences between them.

Forewords are usually not written by the author or editor, but rather by someone who is knowledgeable on the book’s subject—preferably a “celebrity” in the field. Forewords represent a way for authors to earn readers’ trust by having someone well-established vouch for these authors and their work. And usually, they are no more than a couple of pages long— just like a letter of reference .

A preface provides a general overview of a book and is written by the author or editor. It touches upon the author’s reasons for writing the book, how it is written, and why the author is an expert on the subject. What it doesn’t do, however, is offer a close examination of the book’s contents. Think of a preface as the “why” and “how” of a work, but not the “what.”

Introduction

A book’s introduction, on the other hand, can provide the same overview that a preface does, while also discussing and adding to the subject of the book. It is written by the author and usually offers readers an outline of the book’s contents, letting the readers know what’s to come. In effect, it acts as the “hook”—a justification for why readers should turn to the first chapter, and also why they should make it all the way to the end.

The Purpose of Book Introductions

Before we get into how to write a fantastic book introduction, here are five glorious things that a well-written introduction can do for you:

1. Getting Readers Hooked

Has your book been picked up at a bookstore? Great! The potential buyer is now scanning the first paragraph of your introduction. They’re about to keep flipping through the pages, when, slowly, they pause. Something in that paragraph has caught their attention and they’re now putting down their bag for a minute. That’s the hook .

2. Convincing Them to Carry On

Not only will a good introduction convince the reader to turn to the next chapter, but it will also give them a sense of wanting to know what’s to come much later on. With the right amount of show-and-tell, your introduction will persuade them that this book is one they should not put away till the end.

3. Increasing Book Sales

The book industry is a competitive one, and it’s no secret that it takes a lot to market and sell a book. But whether you have a publishing contract or are planning to self-publish , your introduction is one of the most vital sales tools your book will have. As the author, you know what your work has to offer, and with a good introduction, your readers will too.

4. Providing a Bite-Sized Version of Your Work

Reading a book—especially a novel or any other type of long-form work—is an investment on the reader’s part. The introduction is your chance to clearly summarize hundreds of pages in just a few.

In this way, you’re offering a “trailer” of your work—a bite-sized version that potential readers can quickly digest in order to make the decision to finish reading your book.

5. Displaying Your Expertise

It doesn’t matter if you’re writing about a niche subject or something that’s been written about thousands of times; either way, you have to convince your readers that you know what you are talking about.

The introduction is a chance to showcase your talents, whether it’s by writing that perfect opening to your mystery novel, or by outlining the research methodology for your book on ancient Egyptian architecture.

How to Write a Book Introduction

Now that you know how important a book introduction is, it’s time to know how it’s done. In this section, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to nail yours, and also give you some more specific pointers on how to write introductions for works of fiction and non-fiction.

Step 1: Don’t Worry about Its Length

It’s normal to wonder if there’s a word limit you should stick to when writing your introduction. The short answer is: there isn’t one. The length of an introduction entirely depends on your subject matter. In other words, how much does the reader need to know about your topic before being convinced to make that purchase?

So instead of trying to fit your introduction into a set number of pages, make a list of the important points a potential reader should know so they would continue reading your book. Using that as your guide, you’ll be able to naturally determine the appropriate length of your introduction as you write it.

Step 2: Choose Your Reader Wisely

Choosing your reader may sound strange, but before an author begins writing, he/she will usually have an ideal reader persona in mind. This reader is one who is interested in your subject, and who will therefore appreciate the work you have done.

Before writing your introduction, picture your ideal reader and write to them rather than trying to appeal to a general audience. This will make writing your introduction much easier, as you will be catering it to those who would naturally want to read your work.

Step 3: Introduce Your Subject Matter

A good introduction is like a good sales pitch; it should provide the right amount of information to get others excited and motivated to invest. This means book introductions should be concise and informative while showcasing the work’s subject matter.

Here are three questions to consider:

Why is this topic important?
Why should people read about it now?
What are the main things you promise the reader will take away from this reading experience?

Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Boast a Little

The introduction is not the place for you to be humble about your experiences and expertise. Of course, this doesn’t mean you should use it just to show off and sing your own praises either. Instead, you have to find the right balance between making yourself relatable to your readers, while simultaneously demonstrating that you are an authority on your subject.

Use the introduction to show readers that you’re passionate about your topic, and list the ways in which you bring a unique edge to it. If done correctly, the introduction would be the first step to getting readers to trust you as an author.

Step 5: Think about Your “Hook”

Now that you have your ideal reader, outline, and expertise all down, it’s time to think about your introduction’s opening paragraph. How are you going to get that reader to pause in the middle of the bookstore? How will you get them to instantly stop skimming and start carefully reading instead?

That’s where your “hook” comes in. Whether you’re writing a romance novel or a history book, you need to give readers an introduction with some kind of an intriguing story—one that will get them to ask: “And then what happens next?”

Step 6: Direct Readers to Continue

So far you’ve nailed the opening and the core of your introduction, and your reader is looking forward to moving on to the next page. Great work. Now it’s time to wrap up your introduction in a way that prompts readers to get to the end of the book.

How do you do that? You give them a promise that there is a golden nugget to be found later on—whether that promise is explicit or not depends on the type of work you’ve written.

For example, if you’re writing a work of non-fiction, you can intrigue your readers by hinting at the conclusions they’ll attain by the end of the book. And if you’re working on an introduction to a novel, you can use foreshadowing to keep readers hungry for the climax that is yet to come.

Introduction for Fiction Books Checklist

The steps provided above will work for any type of book introduction. Nevertheless, here are some additional tips that are specific to fiction book introductions.

For the purpose of this section, we have chosen novels as an example of works of fiction. For each tip, we’ve put together a list of questions for you to check off while writing to make sure your introduction is airtight.

1. Establishing the Setting and Mood

Where and in what time period is the novel set?
Does your introduction give readers a strong sense of this setting ?
Is it clear what the general mood of the story is? (Is it dark? Mysterious? Romantic?)
What details did you use in your introduction to convey this mood?

2. Indicating Your Narrator

Who is the narrator in your novel? Is it one of the characters? Or are you using a third-person omniscient or third-person limited narrator?
What kind of tone does your narrator adopt?
Does your narrator’s voice effectively draw in the reader?

3. Introducing Your Characters

Have you introduced at least one of your main characters in the introduction?
How does your introduction make that character memorable?

4. Showing or Foreshadowing the Main Conflict

Does your introduction hint at the novel’s main conflict ?
Is the conflict “juicy” enough to make readers want to read on?
Does your introduction give the readers a sense of how the conflict will affect the main character(s)?

5. Exhibiting or Hinting at the Main Themes

Can the readers attain an overview of the novel’s potential themes through your introduction?
Does the introduction effectively use the literary elements of setting, plot, conflict, and foreshadowing to establish the main themes of the novel?

6. Hooking the Reader

Does the introduction leave readers with the question: “What happens next?”

Download Now: Fiction Book Introduction Checklist

Introduction for Nonfiction books Checklist

A good nonfiction introduction will aim to capture the reader’s mind just like a good fiction introduction would. Below is a list of tips and questions tailored specifically to suit works of nonfiction. In this case, we’ll use a standard academic monograph as an example.

1. Introducing the Topic

Does the introduction dive straight into the book’s main subject matter?
Does the reader know what he/she can expect to learn from this book?
Is it made clear why this topic is relevant and important?

2. Outlining the Content

Does the introduction provide a clear outline of what each chapter will discuss?
Does it provide enough information about the book’s research methodology ?

3. Asserting the Author’s Credibility

Does the introduction justify why you as the author are an authority on the subject matter discussed?
Is the tone of the introduction assertive but also inviting, such that readers can feel a sense of trust and relatability?

4. Identifying a Problem

Does the introduction present a problem that the readers can relate to?
Does it clearly demonstrate the effects of that problem on our world today?

5. Making a Promise to the Reader

Does the introduction motivate readers by making a promise to provide answers throughout the book?
Is this promise crafted in a way that makes readers want to reach the conclusion of the book?

6. Showing Your Passion

Does the introduction effectively convey your passion for your subject matter?
Does it allow readers to see how important the topic is to you?
Do you demonstrate a personal connection to your subject matter?

Download Now : Non-Fiction Book Introduction Checklist

Book Introduction Examples

You now have all the necessary tools to write that winning introduction. All that’s left now is some inspiration to get you going. Below are four samples from great introductions that are sure to help: two from nonfiction titles, and two from works of fiction.

On Identity by Amin Maalouf [Nonfiction]

The very first line of this introduction instantly conveys the author’s frustrated tone : “How many times” has he been asked to pick a side: French or Lebanese? The expressed frustration makes the author appear “human”, relatable. The reader is also immediately acquainted with the author’s problem : Who is he in the midst of all the languages and cultural traditions he has been exposed to over the years? And why must he choose just one “identity” and stick to it?

Maalouf’s introduction is also riddled with rhetorical questions that engage the reader, allowing them to question their own views, too. “Would I exist more authentically if I cut off a part of myself?” The reader becomes invested in the author’s struggle—probably because Maalouf’s ideal reader is someone who, like him, has questions about their identity in the face of multiculturalism.

What makes this introduction great is that despite the fact that Maalouf is evidently frustrated, he already has the solution: he is both Lebanese and American, and he is sure of it because “any other answer would be a lie.” The reader, therefore, trusts that Maalouf has already figured it out, and that his book will show exactly how he reached this conclusion.

Despite Maalouf’s frustration, which is there to mimic the reader’s own feelings of confusion, there is a promise of resolution that is yet to come. And thus the reader wants to carry on.

And Still the Music Plays by Graham Stokes [Nonfiction]

The power of this introduction stems from three main elements. Firstly, the author uses the very first line to explicitly state his reason for writing this book; namely, his “increasing wish to say more” about the effects of dementia on people’s lives.

Secondly, the author gives important background information about dementia and in doing so, sets out the main problem: that neuropathology has failed to explain certain important aspects of the disease. The author then shows how his book aims to provide a solution, which is by adopting a research methodology that focuses on the everyday experiences of people with dementia: “the ‘person-centered’ model.”

However, Stokes doesn’t get into the details of his method just yet; instead, he appeals to the reader’s sensibilities by adopting an empathetic tone towards his subject matter and making it relatable: “They were like you and me, and then seemingly inexplicably they were struck down.” The author directly addresses his ideal reader , “you,” and hooks them almost as if they don’t have a choice.

Finally, if the author were pitching this book to publishers, he would probably use the last sentence in the introduction’s second paragraph as his tagline : “Extraordinary stories about ordinary people.” Sold!

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [Fiction]

It’s no surprise that Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird has been a part of many school curricula for years. What makes the opening of this novel brilliant is how the author manages to effortlessly throw the reader into the heart of the action . Through a flashback to a single event—Jem’s arm injury—the reader is given plenty of information about the setting (the American South), the narrator (Jem’s younger sister), and so many important characters , including Jem, Atticus, and Boo Radley.

Although it may initially seem overwhelming, the author is not simply rattling off a bunch of character names. Instead, she subtly hints at the mystery behind them. Who are the Ewells, and what role did they play in Jem’s accident? Who is Boo Radley, and what does it mean to have him “come out”? What is the significance of Simon Finch’s paddling up the Alabama river? These are all questions that will run through the reader’s mind, and the only way to get answers is to read on.

The art here lies in how the author uses the single occurrence of Jem’s accident to neatly tie together a complex story about racial prejudice and injustice. Thus, the reader is told to anticipate the novel’s climax , and to continue reading in order to find out how it happens.

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman [Fiction]

The strength of this short story’s introduction lies in the simple , conversational way in which it reveals a whole lot of information. From the outset, we immediately find out a number of key things:

The setting : The narrator and her husband are spending the summer away at a mansion.
The mood : There is something eerie and mysterious about this place that has been let so cheaply and previously left unoccupied for so long.
The conflict : The narrator is unwell and seems to be afraid to voice her thoughts out loud to her husband.

Talk about conciseness! Every word in Gilman’s introduction is packed with meaning and has an intentional purpose. The narrator and her husband’s tense relationship is immediately brought to the reader’s attention via the simple line: “but one expects that in marriage.” It’s almost like the narrator has given up on the entire institution.

The first-person narration serves to draw readers in, making them feel close to the protagonist and her point of view. Not only that, but the secrecy of the narrator’s writing (“I would not say it to a living soul”) conveys the sense of reading someone’s diary, or perhaps a secret letter, thus immersing the reader in this writer’s world.

Gilman’s introduction succinctly and masterfully draws readers in, making them already start to empathize with —or at least express interest in—her main character’s story.

Concluding Thoughts

It doesn’t matter if you’re working on the next bestselling novel, or on a book about birds of the Middle East—a well-crafted introduction is your book’s golden ticket. It’s a powerful sales tool and a great hook for people to keep reading your book, and now you have all the information you need to use it effectively.

Your ideal reader is out there, and a great introduction will convince them that yours is the book they should be taking home. All you have to do is start writing!

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Justin Allen

Thanks for sharing the blog. I am a Ph.D. student and also have an interest in writing. I will consider the information when I publish my first book.

You’re very welcome! We’re delighted to hear that you found our article helpful, especially as you pursue your Ph.D. and your interest in writing.

When you’re ready to publish your first book, feel free to revisit our resources or reach out if you have any questions or need guidance.

We wish you the best of luck with your academic and writing endeavors! 🙂

Write A Powerful Book Introduction With These 5 Must-Do Steps + Examples

The first thing you need to know is this: the introduction of a book is, at its essence, a sales letter from you (the author) to your ideal reader.

The goal isn’t to dazzle them with your writing skills but to convince them your book is well worth their time.

By the time we’re done, you’ll know how to write a book introduction that grabs the interest of readers.

We’ll also see some of the best book introduction examples ever written.

Let’s dive in!

What Is An Introduction in a Book and Why Have One?

What should be in the intro to a book , how long should a book introduction be , 1. immediately engage your reader with a story. , 2. clearly illustrate “how it is.” , 3. highlight “what could be” and how., 4. show your credentials. , 5. give your reader a brief outline of your book. .

The introduction of a novel or nonfiction book is where you sell the idea that your book, more than anything similar to it, represents the best use of your reader’s time.

With nonfiction, you do this by identifying your reader’s problem and showing that you understand. As early as possible in your intro, you want them to think, “This person really knows about a problem I have — and has solved in a way I haven’t tried yet.”

The introduction is where you convince your reader that your book is just what they need to solve a problem that has been bothering them or standing in their way.

You and your book are the solutions they’ve been looking for.

Every introduction is different, but the most effective intros share the following elements:

The hook — where you grab the reader and give them a reason to keep reading
Relatable description of a problem — ideally through a story
Believable and inspiring revelation of a solution — also via storytelling
Just enough mystery to keep your reader wondering (and reading)
Outline of the book — highlighting its main selling points

It’s also important to know what not to put in your introduction. The main thing to remember is eliminating anything that hasn’t earned its place.

You want no wasted words. No fluff. Nothing that doesn’t contribute to the desired effect.

The effect, of course, is a reader’s conviction that reading your book will make their life so much better that they must read it.

The length of your introduction will depend on the following factors:

The length of your book (since you’ll offer a brief outline in your intro);
The need for background information to make your book’s purpose clear;
The popularity of your book’s subject.

As already mentioned, it’s important not to make your introduction any longer than it needs to be. Get your reader hooked, and then get them right to the good stuff.

How to Write a Book Introduction: 5 Must-Do Steps with Examples

You can write an outstanding book introduction in five simple steps, each of which we’ll explore below, using some of the best introduction examples to illustrate each one.

The best way to hook your reader is with a story illustrating a problem they have using a relatable character .

This character can be a real person whose name you’ve changed to protect their identity. Or it can be an avatar of a real person or a set of people with a similar story.

The important thing is to make sure this character is believable. Make it someone your ideal reader can easily relate to and even care about (“They’re like me!”).

When you show how the solution improved their lives, your readers can see themselves in that person. They can believe that if the solution worked for the person in your story, it would work for them.

Think about the best introductions you’ve ever read. How did the author draw you in?

The chances are good that they told you a story. They introduced you to a character you could relate to. The more you learned about them, the more you saw yourself in them and wanted to believe your life would get better from reading that book.

You read about the happy outcome and felt hope that you would experience the same.

Example from David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell

“…He was a giant, six foot nine at least, wearing a bronze helmet and full body armor. He carried a javelin, a spear, and a sword. An attendant preceded him, carrying a shield. The giant faced the Israelites and shouted out, “Choose you a man and let him come down to me! If he prevail in battle against me and strike me down, we shall be slaves to you. But if I prevail and strike him down, you will be slaves to us and serve us.

“In the Israelite camp, no one moved. Who could win against such a terrifying opponent? Then a shepherd boy who had come down from Bethlehem to bring food to his brothers stepped forward and volunteered. Saul objected: “You cannot go against this Philistine and do battle with him, for you are a lad and he is a man of war from his youth.” But the shepherd was adamant. He had faced more ferocious opponents than this, he argued. “When the lion or the bear would come and carry off a sheep from the herd,” he told Saul, “I would go after him and strike him down and rescue it from his clutches.” Saul had no other options. He relented, and the shepherd boy ran down the hill toward the giant standing in the valley. “Come to me that I may give your flesh to the birds of the heavens and the beasts of the field,” the giant cried out when he saw his opponent approaching. Thus began one of history’s most famous battles. The giant’s name was Goliath. The shepherd boy’s name was David.”

You want them to know you see “how it is.” You’re intimately familiar with a problem they share, and you know exactly how awful that problem it can be.

Intimate knowledge involves particulars, not just a hazy, general idea. On the other hand, you don’t want to include less relatable details and risk alienating your reader.

One way to approach this is to write about a character modeled after yourself. If you’ve had the problem, you know it as well as your ideal reader . You’ve gained insights into this problem.

You lived with it and suffered from it, but it didn’t beat you. You triumphed, and you want your reader to experience the same victory and the benefits of the solution you discovered.

Write this story as if you were writing about yourself from someone else’s perspective.

Start with the problem and clarify that the character you speak about really knows what it’s like to live with that problem. Show them the cost.

Example from Speed Reading; Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour by Kam Knight

“The sheer volume of information the eyes can take in at any moment is incomprehensible. Look around and take note of everything you see. If outside, notice the trees, cars, people, and everything in between. If, sitting at a desk, take note of the pens, paper, notebook, and all the other material in front of you.

“The mind processes these objects so fast you’re not aware of the processing happen. You simply move your eyes in a direction, and they instantaneously detect and understand what is there.

“When we read, however, things are not as smooth and fluid. It takes time and effort to process words and the meaning conveyed by those words. For many, reading is a demanding activity that consumes a lot of mental energy. For some, it is so demanding, they avoid reading altogether.

“So, the question is, why can’t we process text the same way we process other things in our environment?

“The truth is we can! …. “

You want your reader to see “how it can be” if they apply the solution you offer them in your book. Now that you’ve convinced them you know the problem at least as well as they do, it’s time to

Show your reader they’re not stuck with “how it is” now. They can be like the example character in your story who applied the solution and saw their life change dramatically for the better.

You also want them to believe that, just by reading your book, they can easily apply the solution themselves and see the benefits right away. You also want them to think, “This is totally doable for me.”

No solution, however impressive the results, will draw them in if they don’t see themselves using it or sticking to it. People like solutions that are easy and life-changing.

The easier you make it sound to start the solution and to stick with it, the more likely your readers are to keep reading — all the way to the end of your book .

You want them excited about the benefits you describe in your book’s introduction. And you want them hungry to learn more.

Example from To-Do List Formula: A Stress-Free Guide to Creating To-Do Lists That Work! by Damon Zahariades:

“…If you’re feeling overwhelmed, I recommend you read this book from beginning to end. You’ll learn why your current approach to task management is failing. You’ll also discover the changes you need to make to meet your deadlines, lower your stress, and find more joy in your daily experience.

“By the time you finish reading To-Do List Formula: A Stress Free Guide… you’ll know how to create task lists that do more than just display action items. They’ll actually help you get things done. More to the point, they’ll help you get the important things done. That could mean the difference between struggling with chronic stress and self-guilt and enjoying a relaxed, pressure-free workweek.

“You’re about to learn a system that will revolutionize how you approach your work, both at the office and at home.”

Book Introductions: Hook Writers into a Story in 5 Steps (With Examples)

Hannah Yang

If you want readers to buy your book, it’s important to make a great first impression.

Your book's introduction should prove to the reader that this story can offer them what they’re looking for, whether that’s wisdom, entertainment, or anything in between.

So what are the different book introductions, and how do you write an effective one?

This article will explain how to write a fantastic book introduction that hooks your readers in .

What Is an Introduction in a Book or Story?

Great book introduction examples, 5 tips for writing the best book introductions, should you use different book introductions for different genres, conclusion on book introductions.

The introduction is the first section of a book.

In a nonfiction book, the introduction should show the reader why this author is an expert in this field and what the reader can expect to gain from this book.

In a fiction book, the introduction should grab the reader’s attention and set the tone for the rest of the story.

Either way, the introduction must convince a reader to invest time and money into reading this particular book, rather than all the other options in the bookstore.

There are many types of book introductions, such as prefaces, forewords, and prologues. So before we jump into our advice for writing an introduction, let’s start with a quick overview of what these different types are.

Brief Explanation of a Preface

A preface is an introductory essay written by the author of a nonfiction book.

You can use the preface to explain why you’re the right person to write about this book’s specific subject matter.

You can mention your educational background, your life experience, your teaching experience, or any other credentials that will show readers you’re an expert in the field.

You can also talk about your motivations for writing this book. For example, if there was a specific event or situation that inspired you to explore this topic in greater depth, the preface is the right place to give your readers all the necessary context around how this book was formed.

Brief Explanation of a Foreword

A foreword, like a preface, is also an introductory essay at the beginning of a nonfiction book. Unlike a preface, however, a foreword is not written by the author of the book. Instead, it’s written by a different expert in the field.

The main purpose of a foreword is to lend extra credibility to the book. It’s a marketing tool, just like the blurbs from other authors that might be on the book’s cover. Readers will see this endorsement from a prominent figure as a vote of confidence in the book’s reliability or importance.

Forewords can also be used when a new edition of a previously published book releases in order to give the new edition a fresh perspective. For example, a new edition of a classic 20th-century book might come with a foreword from a modern expert to give context to modern readers.

Brief Explanation of a Prologue

A prologue is an introductory passage found at the beginning of fiction books. Not all fiction books have a prologue, but there are many reasons you might decide to include a prologue in your novel.

One common reason to include a prologue is to give the reader background information on events that take place before the main story begins.

For example, high fantasy novels often use a prologue to tell the reader the history of the world’s politics, or the prophecy that the hero will later fulfill, or something else along those lines.

You can also use a prologue to establish the tone of the book upfront and show readers what they can expect later in the story.

For example, in mystery and thriller books, authors might use an action-packed prologue to show readers that this will be an exciting and fast-paced book, even if the first chapters are slower and quieter.

Let’s look at some examples of some fantastic book introductions in each of the above categories.

The Preface of A Promised Land by Barack Obama

A Promised Land is a memoir that chronicles the presidency of U.S. President Barack Obama.

In the preface, Obama gives the context behind the book. He tells the reader that he started writing A Promised Land on his last flight on Air Force One, determined to create a lasting record of his time in office and show people what it’s like to be the president of the U.S.

This preface was so successful that it was widely excerpted and printed on its own, and it even reached people who didn’t read the rest of the book.

The Foreword of How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (2022 edition)

The first edition of How to Win Friends and Influence People , a motivational guide to help people interact with others more effectively, was published in 1936. It quickly became one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 30 million copies sold worldwide.

In 2022, a new edition was released with a foreword written by Dale Carnegie’s daughter, Donna Carnegie, with updates to keep it fresh for modern readers. In the foreword, Donna Carnegie explains the impact her father’s book has made on the world and also describes the process she used to update the book while preserving his original vision.

The Prologue of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Jurassic Park is a science fiction book about a theme park filled with dinosaurs. This book has two prologues, and each one is effective at accomplishing a different goal.

The first prologue is a simple, straightforward passage that summarizes the technology available on Earth by the time this book takes place.

It’s useful because it gives the reader the background information they need to understand how a place like Jurassic Park can exist.

The second prologue is a short, exciting scene in which a side character gets bitten by a mysterious monster.

After all, readers of Jurassic Park are expecting exciting scenes with dinosaurs. The problem is that the dinosaurs don’t show up many chapters into the story, after the main characters arrive at Jurassic Park.

That’s why this second prologue is so effective. It gives the readers a taste of the excitement they’re looking for and promises that there will be a terrifying monster in this book, which gives enough tantalizing foreshadowing to last the readers until the main characters get to the park.

So what exactly are the steps you can take to write an amazing book introduction, like the ones we looked at in the previous section?

Here are our top tips.

Tip 1: Write the Introduction Last

This tip may feel counterintuitive, but just because the introduction is the first part of the book, doesn't mean it has to be the first step in your writing process.

Writing introductions is one of the most challenging parts of being an author, since it can be daunting to take on a blank page. There's also a lot of pressure to make the opening pages perfect.

As a result, it’s often helpful to take the pressure off by saving the introduction for the very end, after you’ve written the rest of the book.

You also get the added benefit of knowing more about the book than you did before you started, so you can incorporate all that extra wisdom and knowledge into the introduction, as well.

Tip 2: Craft a Strong First Sentence

You should aim to intrigue readers as quickly as you can—ideally, in the very first sentence.

Here are some examples of intriguing first sentences in fiction:

“It was her idea to tie up the nun.”—Patricia Engel, Infinite Country
“Edward Fosca was a murderer.”—Alex Michaelides, The Maidens
“Call me Ishmael.”—Herman Melville, Moby Dick

Here are some examples of intriguing first sentences in nonfiction:

“Bob Dylan looks bored.”—Jonah Lehrer, Imagine: How Creativity Works
“Thomas Jefferson was a lifelong and habitual fretter.”—Rachel Maddow, Drift: The Unmooring of American Military Power
“In the fall of 1993, a man who would upend much of what we know about habits walked into a laboratory in San Diego for a scheduled appointment.”—Charles Duhigg, The Power of Habit

It’s not just about the first sentence, of course. You’ll have to keep the reader hooked throughout the rest of the book, too. But a great first sentence is a tool you shouldn’t overlook.

Tip 3: Identify and Address the Reader’s Needs

If you’re writing a nonfiction book, you can use the book introduction to describe the reader’s needs explicitly. Why would a reader pick up a book like yours? What problems in their lives could your book help them solve?

For example, if you’re writing an introductory guide to computer programming, you might say outright, “Perhaps you’ve spent years wanting to create your own website. Maybe you’ve even tried a programming language or two but never quite got the hang of it.”

In a fiction prologue, you should also address the reader’s needs, but in a more subtle way.

For example, an ideal reader who picks up a horror book might need to feel scared, thrilled, and excited.

An ideal reader who picks up a humor book might need to feel amused, cheered, and uplifted. Create a prologue or first chapter that promises to deliver on those needs.

Tip 4: Set the Tone for the Book

If your book is serious and somber, the introduction shouldn’t be flippant and witty. On the other hand, if your book is casual and conversational, the introduction shouldn’t be overly formal.

Make sure that the tone of the introduction matches the tone of the rest of the book, so you don’t surprise the reader later on.

Tip 5: Keep It Short and Sweet

Long introductions are the quickest way to bore a reader and tempt them to put the book down.

If you’re writing a prologue, for example, it’s important not to cram in every detail about the history of the world or the backstories of the main characters.

And if you’re writing a preface, you don’t need to describe your entire life story or summarize the entire book for the reader.

Pick and choose the most important and enticing details, the ones that the reader absolutely needs to know. Leave some open questions so the reader still wants to read more.

Different genres have different guidelines and conventions. As a result, it’s important to research the book introductions that are common in the specific genre you’re writing.

For example, prologues are common in science fiction and fantasy novels because these stories are often set on worlds different from our own.

The prologue is a great chance for the author to introduce readers to this new world and give them the context they need before the story begins.

On the other hand, literary novels don’t normally include prologues, instead choosing to jump right into the story.

That doesn’t mean you can’t use a prologue in a literary novel: it just means it might be a harder sell for readers and publishers, since they won’t be expecting to see one.

You can go to your local bookstore, find the shelf that your book would sit on after publication, and read the introductions of the other books on that shelf. This exercise will give you a sense of what’s common in your genre and how you can use or subvert those conventions.

There you have it—our complete guide for how to write a book introduction that will grab your reader's’ attention from the very first page.

Good luck, and happy writing!

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Hannah Yang is a speculative fiction writer who writes about all things strange and surreal. Her work has appeared in Analog Science Fiction, Apex Magazine, The Dark, and elsewhere, and two of her stories have been finalists for the Locus Award. Her favorite hobbies include watercolor painting, playing guitar, and rock climbing. You can follow her work on hannahyang.com, or subscribe to her newsletter for publication updates.

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How To Write An Essay Introduction: A Step-by-Step Guide

Table of contents, determine your essay statement:, hook the reader:, provide overview and preview:, crafting your outline:, edit and revise:, conclusion:.

Writing a strong introduction is one of the most important parts of crafting a polished essay. The opening paragraph sets the tone for your argument and piques the reader’s interest right from the start. This article will break down the step-by-step process for writing an effective essay introduction, including determining your essay statement, hooking the reader with an attention-grabbing opening, providing an overview of the essay, and revising your writing. Relevant examples will be provided for each step to illustrate how it can be implemented. By following these guidelines and examples to write essay introduction, you’ll be well on your way to starting your essay off strong.

The foundation of any solid academic paper or essay comes from having a clear, focused statement. Your statement should present the central argument you will explore and prove over the course of the essay. It conveys the perspective or conclusion you have reached regarding the topic at hand and contains the key points or ideas you will analyse in your body paragraphs.

For example, let’s say the topic is police brutality in America . A weak statement might be:

“This paper will discuss police brutality.”

This statement is too broad and does not take a clear stance. A stronger statement could be:

“This paper argues that systemic racism within American police departments has led to disproportionate violence against people of colour and proposes policy reforms such as mandatory de-escalation training, community oversight boards, and bans on chokeholds as ways to promote racial justice and restore trust in law enforcement.”

This statement is clearer, narrower, and takes a definitive position that can be supported over the course of the essay. It outlines the key points that will be analysed in the body paragraphs. Some tips for crafting a strong essay statement include:

Narrow your topic to a single, manageable claim rather than a broad topic area. Ask yourself what specific point you want to make or prove.
Keep your essay statement concise – usually one sentence that is between 10-15 words. Short, sweet, and right to the point is best.
Use definitive language that takes a stance rather than presenting both sides. State your perspective overtly rather than hinting at it.
Include elements that will structure your essay, such as key terms, concepts, individuals, events, or works that you will analyse in depth.
Place the statement at the end of your introductory paragraph so readers have context before your central argument.
Check that your statement gives a sense of direction for the essay by tying back to the prompt or guiding question if one was provided. Make sure any contents or claims mentioned in the statement are logically argued and proven over the body paragraphs.

With conscious effort focused on these strategies, you can craft a crystal clear statement that sets an achievable roadmap for your essay’s structure and analysis. It’s the linchpin that holds everything together.

Now that you have identified your central argument, the next important element is hooking the reader right away with an engaging opening sentence. Your essay introduction only has a few short lines to capture attention and establish a compelling tone – so make them count!

For example, in an essay analysing the themes of power and corruption in George Orwell’s Animal Farm , you may begin with:

“While on the surface a simple fable about barnyard insurrection, George Orwell’s Animal Farm contains deeper parallels to the corruption of the Russian Revolution that have cemented its status as a classic of political satire.”

This opening directly references the subject work and piques curiosity about its deeper significance. Another essay, on debates over police funding, may start with:

“In June of 2020, as national protests against police brutality erupted across America, the Minneapolis City Council made a bold claim – they would dismantle the police department entirely.”

This current events reference establishes relevance while surprising readers on where the introduction may lead. Some other attention-grabbing techniques may include:

Quotes, statistics or facts: Drop an interesting snippet of evidence right off the bat to surprise and intrigue readers.
Rhetorical questions: Pose an open-ended query to make readers think and get them invested in the topic.
Vivid scenarios: Paint a picture with descriptive details to transport readers visually into your world.
Counterintuitive claims: Challenge conventional wisdom in a thought-provoking manner from the start.
Relevant anecdotes: Share a brief personal story that builds empathy and relevance.
Current events: Reference a newsworthy development to show timeliness of discussion.
Humour: Start off on a lighter note if your tone allows for a bit of levity to capture smiles.
Definitions: Clarify how you are using important terms in an original way.

The goal is to pique natural human curiosity by teasing just enough context without giving everything away. Make readers want to lean in and keep reading to learn more. With practice, you’ll develop your own signature style for captivating opener sentences tailored to your voice and content area.

After generating initial intrigue, use the next couple lines of your introductory paragraph to offer readers direction about where you aim to lead them. Provide a brief overview of key facts and background necessary to establish context for the topic. You can state the main themes, schools of thought, influential figures, opposing viewpoints or any other defining characteristics that help orient readers. Moreover, it’s helpful to give a quick preview of how the remainder of your paper is structured by stating the main supporting points and ideas you will expand upon in subsequent paragraphs. This overview transitions the reader smoothly into the body while retaining suspense about which evidence or analyses might surprise them along the way. You can also state the main themes or ideas that will structure your paper by saying something like:

“This paper examines three prevailing schools of thought on the debate, analyses the flawed assumptions behind popular arguments, and ultimately argues that sustainable policy reforms are necessary to make progress.”

A quick preview helps transition the reader into the body of the essay while retaining suspense about how your unique analysis and evidence will unfold. It gives them direction without revealing all your cards.

For a humanities essay on morality in John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, an overview may be:

“This essay explores how Steinbeck portrays the human need for dignity and companionship through the lens of 1930s migrant work. It analyses the complex relationships between George, Lennie, and other characters to ultimately argue Steinbeck uses their plight to comment on the dehumanizing realities of the Great Depression.”

Providing a lightly detailed synopsis serves as a useful roadmap and entices continued learning without “spoiling” your full analysis and argumentative strategies still to unfold. It gives structure without giving everything away too quickly. Try to keep this final sentence of your introductory paragraph under 2-3 concise sentences for optimal impact and flow.

As highlighted in the previous sections, it’s crucial your introduction tightly links back to your overall essay’s content and fulfils its signposting purpose. That’s why outlining both your introduction as well as the overall essay structure simultaneously is advised. Determine the flow of ideas for your body paragraphs first so the introduction can adequately mirror that intended progression and put forth clues about what’s to come without fully revealing your hand. Some tips for outlining:

Jot down your main points, analyses and support in note form in whatever sequential order makes the most logical sense based on how the evidence flows together.
Assign each chunk of information a corresponding letter or number to use as headings to structure the physical writing later.
Consider how long you want each body paragraph or section to be – aim for Uniformity but allow flexibility if needed.
Fill in any gaps where transitions between ideas may fall flat by inserting more research or brainstorming.
Note sources and direct quotations or examples you plan to incorporate with their corresponding place in the outline.
Leave space after each point to type out the full paragraphs once you begin physically writing up the essay.

For example, an outline analysing political themes in Shakespeare’s Macbeth may group as:

I. Introduction

Statement: Shakespeare uses…to critique early modern politics etc.

II. Royal Misconduct

A. Ambition

Quotes on Lady Macbeth’s speech
Examples of Macbeth’s soliloquies

B. Ethical Failures

Scene of murdering Duncan
Banquo’s ghost

III. Downfall of a Leader

A. Isolation of a Tyrant

Macbeth’s madness
Example of the witches’ final prophecies

B. Fall from Grace

Macduff’s return
Scene of final battle

A carefully mapped outline lays the essential roadmap for your essay and ensures each new section builds cohesively upon the last. Returning to review your essay introduction paragraph against this master plan before finalizing it is a great way to guarantee it delivers on signposting duties effectively.

Like any other part of the writing process, allow time for careful editing and revising your introduction. The advice of trusted writing consultants or professors can highlight areas where clarity or flow could be improved. When editing:

Evaluate the strength and focus of your statement. Revise as needed.
Check introductory paragraph follows a logical progression from start to finish.
Ensure any defined terms, names or background are clearly explained at first mention.
Evaluate your opening sentence – is it still an effective hook or could a stronger technique be swapped in?
Trim any excess wordiness that does not directly serve orienting the reader.
Proofread spelling, grammar punctuation to eliminate issues that break reading flow.
Consider reworking sentence structure for variances and eloquent phrasing.
Have your introduction mimic the organization and tone of the essay to follow.

Evaluate whether it successfully previews your paper’s substantive content and leave enough for the reader to discover on their own. Getting constructive outside eyes on your introduction is invaluable for perfecting its impact and quality prior to submission. Keep refining until you’re proud of each elegant, cohesive element!

In conclusion, crafting an introduction is as much an art as a strategic process. With practice and conscious attention to these elements, your opening paragraphs can set the stage for a strong essay that grabs reader attention from the very start and invites them into your perspective. Remember – determination of a focused statement that ties back to the essay’s key aims, hooking curiosity with an intriguing lead sentence, orienting with context and previews of what’s to come, and allowing time for revision will set your work up for success. Following these guidelines for writing an effective introduction lays the foundation for proficient academic and professional communications. Continue challenging yourself to develop your signature voice and writing excellence.

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Introductions

What this handout is about.

This handout will explain the functions of introductions, offer strategies for creating effective introductions, and provide some examples of less effective introductions to avoid.

The role of introductions

Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of papers to write. Usually when you sit down to respond to an assignment, you have at least some sense of what you want to say in the body of your paper. You might have chosen a few examples you want to use or have an idea that will help you answer the main question of your assignment; these sections, therefore, may not be as hard to write. And it’s fine to write them first! But in your final draft, these middle parts of the paper can’t just come out of thin air; they need to be introduced and concluded in a way that makes sense to your reader.

Your introduction and conclusion act as bridges that transport your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis. If your readers pick up your paper about education in the autobiography of Frederick Douglass, for example, they need a transition to help them leave behind the world of Chapel Hill, television, e-mail, and The Daily Tar Heel and to help them temporarily enter the world of nineteenth-century American slavery. By providing an introduction that helps your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about, you give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying. Similarly, once you’ve hooked your readers with the introduction and offered evidence to prove your thesis, your conclusion can provide a bridge to help your readers make the transition back to their daily lives. (See our handout on conclusions .)

Note that what constitutes a good introduction may vary widely based on the kind of paper you are writing and the academic discipline in which you are writing it. If you are uncertain what kind of introduction is expected, ask your instructor.

Why bother writing a good introduction?

You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work. A vague, disorganized, error-filled, off-the-wall, or boring introduction will probably create a negative impression. On the other hand, a concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing, and your paper.

Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers. You can let them know what your topic is, why it is important, and how you plan to proceed with your discussion. In many academic disciplines, your introduction should contain a thesis that will assert your main argument. Your introduction should also give the reader a sense of the kinds of information you will use to make that argument and the general organization of the paragraphs and pages that will follow. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.

Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper. The introduction should capture your readers’ interest, making them want to read the rest of your paper. Opening with a compelling story, an interesting question, or a vivid example can get your readers to see why your topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an engaging intellectual conversation (remember, though, that these strategies may not be suitable for all papers and disciplines).

Strategies for writing an effective introduction

Start by thinking about the question (or questions) you are trying to answer. Your entire essay will be a response to this question, and your introduction is the first step toward that end. Your direct answer to the assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will likely be included in your introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off point. Imagine that you are assigned the following question:

Drawing on the Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass , discuss the relationship between education and slavery in 19th-century America. Consider the following: How did white control of education reinforce slavery? How did Douglass and other enslaved African Americans view education while they endured slavery? And what role did education play in the acquisition of freedom? Most importantly, consider the degree to which education was or was not a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

You will probably refer back to your assignment extensively as you prepare your complete essay, and the prompt itself can also give you some clues about how to approach the introduction. Notice that it starts with a broad statement and then narrows to focus on specific questions from the book. One strategy might be to use a similar model in your own introduction—start off with a big picture sentence or two and then focus in on the details of your argument about Douglass. Of course, a different approach could also be very successful, but looking at the way the professor set up the question can sometimes give you some ideas for how you might answer it. (See our handout on understanding assignments for additional information on the hidden clues in assignments.)

Decide how general or broad your opening should be. Keep in mind that even a “big picture” opening needs to be clearly related to your topic; an opening sentence that said “Human beings, more than any other creatures on earth, are capable of learning” would be too broad for our sample assignment about slavery and education. If you have ever used Google Maps or similar programs, that experience can provide a helpful way of thinking about how broad your opening should be. Imagine that you’re researching Chapel Hill. If what you want to find out is whether Chapel Hill is at roughly the same latitude as Rome, it might make sense to hit that little “minus” sign on the online map until it has zoomed all the way out and you can see the whole globe. If you’re trying to figure out how to get from Chapel Hill to Wrightsville Beach, it might make more sense to zoom in to the level where you can see most of North Carolina (but not the rest of the world, or even the rest of the United States). And if you are looking for the intersection of Ridge Road and Manning Drive so that you can find the Writing Center’s main office, you may need to zoom all the way in. The question you are asking determines how “broad” your view should be. In the sample assignment above, the questions are probably at the “state” or “city” level of generality. When writing, you need to place your ideas in context—but that context doesn’t generally have to be as big as the whole galaxy!

Try writing your introduction last. You may think that you have to write your introduction first, but that isn’t necessarily true, and it isn’t always the most effective way to craft a good introduction. You may find that you don’t know precisely what you are going to argue at the beginning of the writing process. It is perfectly fine to start out thinking that you want to argue a particular point but wind up arguing something slightly or even dramatically different by the time you’ve written most of the paper. The writing process can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through complicated issues, refine your thoughts, and develop a sophisticated argument. However, an introduction written at the beginning of that discovery process will not necessarily reflect what you wind up with at the end. You will need to revise your paper to make sure that the introduction, all of the evidence, and the conclusion reflect the argument you intend. Sometimes it’s easiest to just write up all of your evidence first and then write the introduction last—that way you can be sure that the introduction will match the body of the paper.

Don’t be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later. Some people find that they need to write some kind of introduction in order to get the writing process started. That’s fine, but if you are one of those people, be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if necessary.

Open with something that will draw readers in. Consider these options (remembering that they may not be suitable for all kinds of papers):

an intriguing example —for example, Douglass writes about a mistress who initially teaches him but then ceases her instruction as she learns more about slavery.
a provocative quotation that is closely related to your argument —for example, Douglass writes that “education and slavery were incompatible with each other.” (Quotes from famous people, inspirational quotes, etc. may not work well for an academic paper; in this example, the quote is from the author himself.)
a puzzling scenario —for example, Frederick Douglass says of slaves that “[N]othing has been left undone to cripple their intellects, darken their minds, debase their moral nature, obliterate all traces of their relationship to mankind; and yet how wonderfully they have sustained the mighty load of a most frightful bondage, under which they have been groaning for centuries!” Douglass clearly asserts that slave owners went to great lengths to destroy the mental capacities of slaves, yet his own life story proves that these efforts could be unsuccessful.
a vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote —for example, “Learning about slavery in the American history course at Frederick Douglass High School, students studied the work slaves did, the impact of slavery on their families, and the rules that governed their lives. We didn’t discuss education, however, until one student, Mary, raised her hand and asked, ‘But when did they go to school?’ That modern high school students could not conceive of an American childhood devoid of formal education speaks volumes about the centrality of education to American youth today and also suggests the significance of the deprivation of education in past generations.”
a thought-provoking question —for example, given all of the freedoms that were denied enslaved individuals in the American South, why does Frederick Douglass focus his attentions so squarely on education and literacy?

Pay special attention to your first sentence. Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and polished way.

How to evaluate your introduction draft

Ask a friend to read your introduction and then tell you what he or she expects the paper will discuss, what kinds of evidence the paper will use, and what the tone of the paper will be. If your friend is able to predict the rest of your paper accurately, you probably have a good introduction.

Five kinds of less effective introductions

1. The placeholder introduction. When you don’t have much to say on a given topic, it is easy to create this kind of introduction. Essentially, this kind of weaker introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don’t really say much. They exist just to take up the “introduction space” in your paper. If you had something more effective to say, you would probably say it, but in the meantime this paragraph is just a place holder.

Example: Slavery was one of the greatest tragedies in American history. There were many different aspects of slavery. Each created different kinds of problems for enslaved people.

2. The restated question introduction. Restating the question can sometimes be an effective strategy, but it can be easy to stop at JUST restating the question instead of offering a more specific, interesting introduction to your paper. The professor or teaching assistant wrote your question and will be reading many essays in response to it—he or she does not need to read a whole paragraph that simply restates the question.

Example: The Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass discusses the relationship between education and slavery in 19th century America, showing how white control of education reinforced slavery and how Douglass and other enslaved African Americans viewed education while they endured. Moreover, the book discusses the role that education played in the acquisition of freedom. Education was a major force for social change with regard to slavery.

3. The Webster’s Dictionary introduction. This introduction begins by giving the dictionary definition of one or more of the words in the assigned question. Anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and copy down what Webster says. If you want to open with a discussion of an important term, it may be far more interesting for you (and your reader) if you develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your class and assignment. You may also be able to use a definition from one of the sources you’ve been reading for class. Also recognize that the dictionary is also not a particularly authoritative work—it doesn’t take into account the context of your course and doesn’t offer particularly detailed information. If you feel that you must seek out an authority, try to find one that is very relevant and specific. Perhaps a quotation from a source reading might prove better? Dictionary introductions are also ineffective simply because they are so overused. Instructors may see a great many papers that begin in this way, greatly decreasing the dramatic impact that any one of those papers will have.

Example: Webster’s dictionary defines slavery as “the state of being a slave,” as “the practice of owning slaves,” and as “a condition of hard work and subjection.”

4. The “dawn of man” introduction. This kind of introduction generally makes broad, sweeping statements about the relevance of this topic since the beginning of time, throughout the world, etc. It is usually very general (similar to the placeholder introduction) and fails to connect to the thesis. It may employ cliches—the phrases “the dawn of man” and “throughout human history” are examples, and it’s hard to imagine a time when starting with one of these would work. Instructors often find them extremely annoying.

Example: Since the dawn of man, slavery has been a problem in human history.

5. The book report introduction. This introduction is what you had to do for your elementary school book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book. You might resort to this sort of introduction when you are trying to fill space because it’s a familiar, comfortable format. It is ineffective because it offers details that your reader probably already knows and that are irrelevant to the thesis.

Example: Frederick Douglass wrote his autobiography, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave , in the 1840s. It was published in 1986 by Penguin Books. In it, he tells the story of his life.

And now for the conclusion…

Writing an effective introduction can be tough. Try playing around with several different options and choose the one that ends up sounding best to you!

Just as your introduction helps readers make the transition to your topic, your conclusion needs to help them return to their daily lives–but with a lasting sense of how what they have just read is useful or meaningful. Check out our handout on conclusions for tips on ending your paper as effectively as you began it!

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Douglass, Frederick. 1995. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, an American Slave, Written by Himself . New York: Dover.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Essay Introduction Examples

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Written by Scribendi

Always have a road map for an essay introduction . Having a strong essay introduction structure is critical to a successful paper. It sets the tone for the reader and interests them in your work. It also tells them what the essay is about and why they should read it at all.

It shouldn't leave the reader confused with a cliffhanger at the end. Instead, it should generate interest and guide the reader to Chapter One. Using the right parts of an essay introduction can help with this.

Check out an effective essay introduction structure below. It’s a road map for writing an essay—just like the parts of essay introductions are road maps for readers.

Essay Introduction Structure

Attention-grabbing start

Outline of argument

Thesis statement

Some academics find the beginning the most difficult part of writing an essay , so our editors have created some examples of good essay introductions to guide you. Let's take a look at the samples below to see how the essay introduction structures come together.

If you are unsure about your paper, our essay editors would love to give you some feedback on how to write an essay introduction.

[1] According to Paul Ratsmith, the tenuous but nonetheless important relationship between pumpkins and rats is little understood: "While I've always been fascinated by this natural kinship, the connection between pumpkins and rats has been the subject of few, if any, other studies" (2008). [2] Ratsmith has been studying this connection, something he coined "pumpkinology," since the early 1990s. He is most well known for documenting the three years he spent living in the wild among pumpkins and rats. [3] Though it is a topic of little recent interest, the relationship has been noted in several ancient texts and seems to have been well understood by the Romans. Critics of Ratsmith have cited poor science and questionable methodology when dismissing his results, going so far as to call pumpkinology "rubbish" (de Vil, 2009), "stupid" (Claw, 2010), and "quite possibly made up" (Igthorn, 2009). [4] Despite these criticisms, there does appear to be a strong correlation between pumpkin patches and rat populations, with Ratsmith documenting numerous pumpkin–rat colonies across North America, leading to the conclusion that pumpkins and rats are indeed "nature's best friends" (2008).

Let's break down this example of a good essay introduction structure. The beginning hooks our attention from the get-go in section one. This is because it piques our curiosity. What is this strange relationship? Why has no one studied it? Then, section two gives us context for the topic. Ratsmith is an expert in a controversial field: pumpkinology. It's the study of the connection between pumpkins and rats.

The second half of the paragraph also demonstrates why this is a good essay introduction example. Section three gives us the main argument: the topic is rarely studied because critics think Ratsmith's work is "rubbish," but the relationship between pumpkins and rats has ancient roots. Then section four gives us the thesis statement: Ratsmith's work has some merit.

The parts of an essay introduction help us chart a course through the topic. We know the paper will take us on a journey. It's all because the author practiced how to write an essay introduction.

Let’s take a look at another example of a good essay introduction.

[1] Societies have long believed that if a black cat crosses one's path, one might have bad luck—but it wasn't until King Charles I's black cat died that the ruler's bad luck began (Pemberton, 2018). [2] Indeed, for centuries, black cats have been seen as the familiars of witches—as demonic associates of Satan who disrespect authority (Yuko, 2021). Yet, they have also been associated with good luck, from England's rulers to long-distance sailors (Cole, 2021). [3] This essay shows how outdated the bad luck superstition really is. It provides a comprehensive history of the belief and then provides proof that this superstition has no place in today's modern society. [4] It argues that despite the prevailing belief that animals cause bad luck, black cats often bring what seems to be "good luck" and deserve a new reputation.

This example of a good essay introduction pulls us in right away. This is because section one provides an interesting fact about King Charles I. What is the story there, and what bad luck did he experience after his cat passed away? Then, section two provides us with general information about the current status of black cats. We understand the context of the essay and why the topic is controversial.

Section three then gives us a road map that leads us through the main arguments. Finally, section four gives us the essay's thesis: "black cats often bring what seems to be 'good luck' and deserve a new reputation."

Still feeling unsure about how to write an essay introduction? Here's another example using the essay introduction structure we discussed earlier.

[1] When the Lutz family moved into a new house in Amityville, New York, they found themselves terrorized by a vengeful ghost (Labianca, 2021). Since then, their famous tale has been debunked by scientists and the family themselves (Smith, 2005). [2] Yet ghost stories have gripped human consciousness for centuries (History, 2009). Scientists, researchers, and theorists alike have argued whether ghosts are simply figments of the imagination or real things that go bump in the night. In considering this question, many scientists have stated that ghosts may actually exist. [3] Lindley (2017) believes the answer may be in the quantum world, which "just doesn’t work the way the world around us works," but "we don’t really have the concepts to deal with it." Scientific studies on the existence of ghosts date back hundreds of years (History, 2009), and technology has undergone a vast evolution since then (Lamey, 2018). State-of-the-art tools and concepts can now reveal more about ghosts than we've ever known (Kane, 2015). [4] This essay uses these tools to provide definitive proof of the existence of ghosts in the quantum realm.

This example of a good essay introduction uses a slightly different strategy than the others. To hook the reader, it begins with an interesting anecdote related to the topic. That pulls us in, making us wonder what really happened to the Lutzs. Then, section two provides us with some background information about the topic to help us understand. Many people believe ghosts aren't real, but some scientists think they are.

This immediately flows into section three, which charts a course through the main arguments the essay will make. Finally, it ends with the essay's thesis: there is definitive proof of the existence of ghosts in the quantum realm. It all works because the author used the parts of an essay introduction well.

For attention-grabbing introductions, an understanding of essay introduction structure and how to write an essay introduction is required.

Our essay introduction examples showing the parts of an essay introduction will help you craft the beginning paragraph you need to start your writing journey on the right foot.

If you'd like more personalized attention to your essay, consider sending it for Essay Editing by Scribendi. We can help you ensure that your essay starts off strong.

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Writing Tips

How to Write an Excellent Essay Introduction

3-minute read

27th September 2022

Love it or hate it, essay writing is a big part of student life. Writing a great essay might seem like a daunting task, especially when you’re staring at a blank document, but there are formulas you can follow to make sure your paper hits the mark.

When you plan your essays , don’t neglect your introduction! It might seem like a trivial part of the paper, but it can make it or break it. A badly written introduction can leave your reader feeling confused about the topic and what to expect from your essay.

To help your writing reach its full potential, we’ve put together a guide to writing an excellent essay introduction.

How to Write an Essay Introduction

An essay introduction has four main steps:

● Hook your reader

● Provide context

● Present your thesis statement

● Map your essay

Hook Your Reader

The first part of your introduction should be the hook. This is where you introduce the reader to the topic of the essay. A great hook should be clear, concise, and catchy. It doesn’t need to be long; a hook can be just one sentence.

Provide Context

In this section, introduce your reader to key definitions, ideas, and background information to help them understand your argument.

Present Your Thesis Statement

A thesis statement tells the reader the main point or argument of the essay. This can be just one sentence, or it can be a few sentences.

Map Your Essay

Before you wrap up your essay introduction, map it! This means signposting sections of your essay. The key here is to be concise. The purpose of this part of the introduction is to give your reader a sense of direction.

Here’s an example of an essay introduction:

Hook: Suspense is key for dramatic stories, and Shakespeare is well-known and celebrated for writing suspenseful plays.

Context: While there are many ways in which Shakespeare created suspension for his viewers, two techniques he used effectively were foreshadowing and dramatic irony. Foreshadowing is a literary device that hints at an event or situation that is yet to happen. Dramatic irony is a literary technique, originally used in Greek tragedy, by which the full significance of a character’s words or actions is clear to the audience or reader, although it is unknown to the character.

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Thesis statement: Foreshadowing and dramatic irony are two powerful techniques that Shakespeare used to create suspense in literature. These methods have been used to keep the reader intrigued, excited, or nervous about what is to come in many of his celebrated works.

Essay mapping: In this essay, I will be detailing how Shakespeare uses foreshadowing and dramatic irony to create suspense, with examples from Romeo and Juliet and Othello.

Pro tip: Essays take twists and turns. We recommend changing your introduction as necessary while you write the main text to make sure it fully aligns with your final draft.

Proofread and Editing

Proofreading is an essential part of delivering a great essay. We offer a proofreading and editing service for students and academics that will provide you with expert editors to check your work for any issues with:

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6 Book Introduction Examples: Helpful Secrets To Compelling Intros

by Sarah Rexford

The topic of book introduction examples is vital to dive into due to their influence on readers’ mindset. How a reader feels when he or she starts chapter one and page one of your manuscript impacts how they respond to your writing.

When you’ve spent weeks, months, or even years writing your book, reader satisfaction is an important next step. But is gaining reader satisfaction before they even read sentence one a viable option?

You may be surprised that a well-crafted book introduction is your secret we apon to st and out . If you want happy readers before they open to the first chapter, you’ve come to the right place.

Book Introduction Examples: What Makes A Good One?

Great book introduction examples focus on four key points that result in quickly hooking the reader. An introduction is often written by the author, but can be written by someone else. No matter who writes the intro, it’s crucial to grab the reader and articulate a few points as to why the book is such an important read.

Let’s take a closer look at these specific points and then transition into actual book introduction examples from writers who did it well.

Grab the reader

If you can’t hook your reader with your book introduction, you’ve likely lost them already. Good book introduction examples are ones that briefly (key word, briefly) present an overview of the coming book in a way that arouses the reader’s curiosity .

When writing your intro, ask: What would make me interested to read more? When deciding how to write your introduction, write down your answers to this question and consider incorporating them into your intro.

Call out their pain point

Additionally, readers need to know you understand their pain. Whether you write a business book on how to start from zero and earn your first six-figures, or write a fantasy empowering children to think creatively , good book introduction examples are ones that know the pain of their readers.

Some pain points may be less obvious (such as the need to learn a lesson or see a situation differently) but most books, arguably all books, address some form of pain point. Great introductions know the pain point and communicate it to readers.

Establish your credibility

Establishing your credibility as an author goes hand-in-hand with calling out your readers’ pain points. Once your reader knows you understand what they’re going through, they want to a clear reason as to why you are the one most credible to help them.

Maybe you started out as a part-time writer at a marketing agency and now you own your own company. Maybe in high school you were terrified of public speaking, but now you’re a trusted thought leader in your field. These examples reveal you are credible on your topic.

Dive into the book

At their core, book intros are not written to recap the book and satisfy the reader, but pique the reader’s interest so they are prepared to dive right into your content. Resist the urge to belabor your points or share too much of your own bio or credibility. Write what you need to, then get into the book.

3 Fiction Book Introduction Examples

Now that you know what sets good book introduction examples apart from bad ones, it’s time to discuss real examples. What are some books that have done this well?

#1 – The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse

This classic children’s book (now an animated short film) includes a personal introduction by the author, Charlie Mackesy. In his brief introduction, Mackesy provides further clarity on the story behind the film.

Perhaps more importantly, his characters. Written in a tone that matches the story, he draws readers in and sets them up for a compelling, even transforming, read.

#2 – The Last Operative

It’s important to include Jerry B. Jenkins’ The Last Operative among the book introduction examples listed, specifically because of its new edition. First releases can go with or without an introduction, but for new releases, it’s imperative to write a brief introduction.

This specific introduction is labeled as an Author’s Note, but the intro is so important it caused Jenkins (a 21-time, New York Times bestselling author) to break his own rule of avoiding front matter and jumping straight into the story.

#3 – Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury’s famous novel’s 60th edition includes an introduction by Neil Gaiman . This book has stood the test of time and decades after its first release, is still a bestseller and recognized as a classic in American literature.

In his intro, Gaiman takes a shallow dive into the importance of speculative fiction, the importance of imagination, and his relationship with Bradbury. This thoughtful beginning to a well-loved classic is a must to include in our great book introduction examples.

3 Nonfiction Book Introduction Examples

Just like fiction, nonfiction books often include intros. So, moving on to nonfiction book introduction examples, let’s begin with a book on writing.

#1 – Troubleshooting Your Novel

Steven James is known for his thrillers as well as his books on the writing craft. At less than one page, Steven James’ introduction is extremely brief. In his several paragraphs of personal reflection, Steven James teaches the one-line lesson he learned early in his writing journey that not only inspired this book but helped further his career.

#2 – Marketing Made Simple

Donald Miller is a marketing guru who needs no introduction. However, despite his platform, he spends roughly three pages providing a brief marketing lesson. This lesson serves as a launching pad for the rest of his book. He also shares the one key aspect that derails marketing endeavors, subtly setting readers up to devour his book, and then put it into practice.

#3 – Bird By Bird

This classic read by Anne Lamott starts with an extensive retelling of a childhood experience and the story behind her book title.

While most good book introduction examples are brief, Lamott uses her storytelling expertise to hook the reader, identify their pain point, and establish her own credibility. And she’s Anne Lamott, so she can get by with a bit longer of an introduction!

Draw From These Book Introduction Examples To Inspire Your Own

As you grow in your writing career, chances are that at some point you will experience one of the following situations:

Another author may ask you to write an introduction for their book
You may find it helpful to write an introduction for your own book

Now that you’ve seen a variety of great book introduction examples, you’re equipped to start writing your own. Remember, the key to success lies in hooking your reader, being concise, and inspiring your reader to dive right into chapter one.

The best introductions prepare your audience for the rest of your book. Whether you write fiction, nonfiction, or are writing an introduction for an author you respect, keep in mind that the introduction is not the end point.

Your book introduction is like a video thumbnail or the key photo on a live image—why do influencers spend time finding the perfect graphic? To engage their audience and pull them into their content. The same goes for writers and book introductions. Happy writing!

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Book Introduction Examples: What Works in Five Genres

POSTED ON Apr 21, 2022

Written by Gloria Russell

The introduction of your book can make or break a reader’s decision to buy it.

That might sound like a lot of pressure, but that’s because it kind of is—your book’s introduction is your book’s first impression (aside from the cover ), and it’s important to make a good one. Regardless of what you write, whether it’s a fiction novel or a nonfiction book, you want to put your best foot forward.

Thankfully, there are plenty of great book introductions out there for us to learn from.

In this article, we’ll cover a list of book introduction examples across five genres to give you a sense of what a good book introduction looks like. Then, we’ll talk about what these introductions have in common and what makes a good book introduction for fiction and nonfiction books. By the end, you’ll be able to apply these lessons to your own work, and you’ll be able to spot both weak and strong introductions from a mile away.

Let’s get started!

This guide to book introduction examples covers:

Self-help introduction example
Memoir introduction example
Mystery/thriller introduction example
Romance introduction example
Fantasy introduction example
Elements of a good fiction book introduction
Elements of a good nonfiction book introduction

Since there are approximately seven billion genres and subgenres under both the ‘nonfiction’ and ‘fiction’ umbrellas, I’ve narrowed down these examples to include a few nonfiction and fiction examples.

If you don’t see the genre or subgenre you write listed here, don’t worry—the things we learn from these book introductions can be applied to just about anything you write.

Self-Help Introduction Example

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

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What makes this introduction work?

This list actually appears before the first dedication or the table of contents in the paperback version—it’s one of the very first things the reader sees after the title page. Oftentimes, it's the first thing that comes up when you “Click Inside” on a book published on Amazon .

First, we have a promise made to the reader right away: “the more you get out of this book, the more you’ll get out of life.” This hooks the reader in—even if you don’t believe it, you want to know why Carnegie thinks that. And he’s offered you a quick bullet point list, which is easy to read and follow. Readers are likely to go through it, and that gets them reading, which makes them more likely to keep reading.

Not only is the format engineered to hook the reader, but the tips themselves are interesting. Before we even get into the content, Carnegie’s giving you guidelines on how to stay engaged with this book. This makes it feel like the reader is about to learn something very important, and it makes it feel like the reader needs to pay special attention to whatever’s coming next.

The combined result of these tactics is an engaging introduction that promises to change the reader's life, convinces the reader of the book’s significance, and makes them want to read on to figure out what sort of enormously important advice Carnegie has to offer. And he does it in the space of a single page, which isn’t half bad!

Related: How to Write a Self-Help Book

Memoir Introduction Example

The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green

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In this memoir, which is a collection of essays, Green rates aspects of the human experience on a five-star scale. He covers everything from Canada Geese to Diet Dr. Pepper to the internet. What makes his reviews so memorable and so poignant is the way he connects these things to other, bigger aspects of the human experience. He connects abstract concepts to personal anecdotes, everyday objects to vast, existential fears.

This introduction does exactly that. He opens with a personal anecdote about cutting a trail in his backyard and his experience with labyrinthitis, and he connects this experience to a quote from Allegra Goodman. This prompts him to talk about his experience as a mentally ill writer struggling under the scrutiny of the public eye. And he closes that second scene with a hook: “I realized I didn’t want to write in code anymore.”

As a reader, you’re immediately pulled in. You want to hear more about what Green means by this, and you also might be caught off guard by the sincere tone—”reviewing on a five star scale” sounds silly and unimportant, but with Green’s introspection and thoughtfulness, it’s anything but.

(I give this introduction five stars.)

Mystery/Thriller Introduction Example

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

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First, we have to talk about part one’s title, “Boy Loses Girl.” This simple phrase prompts the reader to ask: “how?”

In three words, Gillian Flynn has asked a question of the reader to hook them in and keep them reading.

Next, we have our perspective, followed by another subheading: “the day of.” Like “Boy Loses Girl,” this isn’t explained, so the reader has to wonder what it means. They have to wonder—the day of what? What’s going to happen? And they’re probably assuming that it’s something to do with the boy losing the girl.

All of this happens before we even get into the prose. When we get to the opening paragraphs, we’re met with a very personal, intimate description of Amy from Nick’s perspective. We get both the promise that Nick would know Amy’s head anywhere and the fact that Nick doesn’t feel like he knows his wife at all. This theme of knowing Amy on a superficial level, on the level on which she presents herself, is huge throughout the novel.

Finally, we’re given one final hook at the end of this section: “What have we done to each other? What will we do?”

There’s a sinister undertone here when you factor in “Boy Loses Girl” and “the day of,” along with Flynn’s use of words like “stormclouds,” “catch and pin,” and “fast, frantic centipedes.”

In a few paragraphs, Flynn has hooked the reader, given the reader a sample of the themes the book will explore, and given us a good sample of Nick’s character.

Romance Introduction Example

The Duke Heist (The Wild Wynchesters Book 1) by Erica Ridley

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Ridley gives us the setting immediately, which is useful for the reader to have an idea of what sort of time frame they’re working with. We open right on our main character, Chloe Wynchester, performing a strong action (‘bursting’ through the door). Her pulse races with excitement, and we get a funny jab at a Duke.

The reader’s wondering: what is Chloe excited for? Who is the Duke? Why is she upset with him? Why doesn’t he stand a chance—in other words, what are they planning to do?

This is a lot to fit into one short paragraph, and it’s done seamlessly.

Then, we get a snapshot of the Wynchesters. Ridley gives the reader a taste of how the Wynchesters interact, then she leads us to the problem at hand. A painting has been stolen, and the Wynchesters are working to recover it.

This puts the reader right in the middle of the action—hitting the ground running like these makes the reader want to keep reading and find out what happens, how we got here, and what’s at stake.

Fantasy Introduction Example

American Gods by Neil Gaiman

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Gaiman opens the book with a quote about the boundaries of America as a country. American Gods explores the difference between the spiritual world and the literal, physical land, so putting this quote at the forefront of the novel puts this theme at the forefront of the reader’s mind.

These opening paragraphs also establish a ton of character and tone in writing .

“Shadow had done three years in prison” raises a ton of questions for the reader. What did he do? Was he really guilty? Readers get a sense of Shadow being a big, tough character from the first few lines, and then Gaiman adds a twist at the end of the paragraph with “and thought a lot about how much he loved his wife.”

We instantly get a sense of Shadow as a character, and we instantly get one of his core motivations. He loves his wife, and his love for his wife drives much of his action throughout American Gods . Gaiman’s got character, character motivation, the themes of the book, and a few interesting questions all packed into the first page.

Elements of a good fiction book introduction

Let’s discuss what these fiction introductions have in common.

Introduce the main character(s)

A compelling introduction starts with characters, and ideally, it starts with our main characters. You've already used a character template to sketch it out. Now, introduce the reader to the main character as quickly as possible. Do it in a way to hook the reader and get them invested in the character’s exploits.

Introduce the central conflict

Similarly, a good introduction introduces conflict as early as possible. Ideally, this is connected to the book’s main plot or conflict. Show, don't tell .

Establish themes and tone

The introduction should introduce the themes the book intends to explore, as well as establish the book’s tone. Is this moody and dark, or lighthearted and funny?

Hook the reader

The goal, ultimately, is to hook the reader. The reader should come away from the first paragraph with lots and lots of questions that all really boil down to one question: what’s going to happen next?

If the reader cares about what’s going to happen next, they’re almost guaranteed to keep reading.

Elements of a good nonfiction book introduction

The goals in a nonfiction book can be different from the goals in fiction, so let’s take a look at the elements of a good nonfiction book introduction.

Introduce the subject

In the same way that a fiction novel introduces its character and themes, a nonfiction book should open with its subject. What is this book about, and what is the author trying to teach the reader?

Introduce the method

The introduction should also explain the method by which the author will discuss their topics. For Carnegie, this is the outline example for the reader, detailing how to use the book for maximum success. For Green, this is using the introductory paragraphs as a microcosm of the book as a whole. Both authors are showing you what you’ll be getting throughout the rest of the book.

Establish credibility and relatability

Why should the reader care about the thing you have to teach them, and who are you to teach them, anyway?

Carnegie does this by making his promise that this book will change the reader’s life. Green does it by talking about his previous experience publishing. We want to hear Green’s thoughts on writing and publishing fiction because we know he’s a fiction author, and in case we didn’t know, he reminds us in the introduction.

Just like in a fiction book, nonfiction introductions should aim to hook the reader . The aim should be to draw the reader in and make them ask the same sorts of questions we covered earlier: what does this author have to teach me?

The reader should come away from the introduction eager to learn about the book because they feel connected to its purpose. ( Here's another in-depth resource for nonfiction book introductions. )

Download this free resource to help you get started on your book introduction.

Have you read any particularly powerful book introductions? Tell us about them in the comments!

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How to Write an Introduction to a Book

Last Updated: April 11, 2022 Approved

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 86% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 82,282 times.

Books often have an introduction before the first chapter of the book. This text, which is essentially a short chapter, is meant to provide information on what the book is going to be about. It gives background information, talks about why the book is important and gives an overview of the contents.

Developing the Introduction

Think about your main ideas as you are writing notes for your introduction. Sketch out the overall themes of your book, so you have them ready.

For instance, if you are writing a book on birds, you could begin by telling a childhood story about how you tried to save a stuffed animal bird once by using office tape.
Or you could talk about how many birds are in the world as a way of introducing them.

Step 3 Provide an overview of the book at the beginning of the introduction.

What’s the point of talking about birds? Why is this book important? Why would someone want to read it?
If you can answer those questions in a couple of paragraphs, you’ve got a good start on your introduction.

Any person picking up the book should be able to determine whether it fits what they need it for, so you should go over the intended purpose of the book in the introduction.

Step 7 Give your reader an idea of who the intended audience is.

Basically, you want the right reader for your book, and telling your readers who the audience is will help them figure it out. You don’t have to use the word “audience” in your introduction. Just give an idea of who the book is meant for, such as:
“This book uses scientific language, but every term is explained thoroughly. As long as you are willing to learn, you should find this guide helpful even if you don’t have a background in biology.”
In those two sentences, you’ve told the reader that they might encounter scientific words they don't know, but that you will give them an idea of what these words mean; you’ve also told them that maybe they should find another book if they don’t want to dig through scientific jargon.
However, make sure you follow through on what your promise; that is if you say you are going to define your scientific words, make sure you do.

Step 8 As you get to the end of the introduction, move more towards specifics.

Consider providing a summary of each chapter. Not every introduction does this, but it does give your readers an idea of what to expect, which certainly isn’t a bad thing.
Since you’ve already made a summary of each chapter for the outline above, read through them to make sure they are appropriate for your readers, and then insert them at the end of your introduction. Try to keep the summaries short, a paragraph or less.

Experimenting with Different Styles

Step 1 Use scholarly language for a scholarly book.

Make your introduction straightforward and to the point, as your readers will be expecting an introduction that progresses in a logical line.

Step 2 Be more creative with short story collections.

You can often have a bit more freedom when introducing a book of poetry. In fact, it can be more poetic. However, like an anthology of stories, it really depends on the context.
If you are just writing an introduction for an old friend’s book, it can be more poetic and playful, but for a book in an academic setting, it may need to be more informational.

Community Q&A

Your introduction should be interesting to the reader to continue reading the book. Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 0
Overall, your introduction should draw your readers in, cover what you are going to say in the following chapters, and provide some background information about why you wrote the book. If you cover those topics, you will have done your job in writing an introduction. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 4
An introduction can be anywhere from a few pages to a full-length chapter, depending on how much you have to say. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 2

↑ https://scribewriting.com/write-book-introduction/
↑ https://www.dystopianstories.com/write-book-introduction-hook-reader/
↑ http://writersrelief.com/2010/05/14/how-why-and-when-to-write-an-introduction-for-a-nonfiction-book/
↑ https://writenonfictionnow.com/writing-perfect-introduction-nonfiction-book/
http://writersrelief.com/blog/2010/05/how-why-and-when-to-write-an-introduction-for-a-nonfiction-book/
http://www.lisatener.com/2009/02/how-to-write-an-introduction-think-like-your-readers/

About This Article

There are several approaches to writing an introduction to a book, so you can pick one or a few to help prepare your reader. One way to approach the introduction is to write a short, paragraph-long summary of each chapter. You could also discuss your main purpose in writing the book to help your reader better appreciate your work and why it might be important. Pulling your reader in with a funny story, joke, or interesting fact that relates to the book is another fun way to begin your book. No matter how you introduce your book, toward the end you’ll want to move into more specifics to help the reader transition into the first chapter. To learn how to pick the right style of writing for your introduction, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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It’s the roadmap to your essay, it’s the forecast for your argument, it’s...your introduction paragraph, and writing one can feel pretty intimidating. The introduction paragraph is a part of just about every kind of academic writing , from persuasive essays to research papers. But that doesn’t mean writing one is easy!

If trying to write an intro paragraph makes you feel like a Muggle trying to do magic, trust us: you aren’t alone. But there are some tips and tricks that can make the process easier—and that’s where we come in.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info:

A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its purpose in an essay
An overview of the most effective introduction paragraph format, with explanations of the three main parts of an intro paragraph
An analysis of real intro paragraph examples, with a discussion of what works and what doesn’t
A list of four top tips on how to write an introduction paragraph

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

What Is an Introduction Paragraph?

An introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay , paper, or other type of academic writing. Argumentative essays , book reports, research papers, and even personal essays are common types of writing that require an introduction paragraph. Whether you’re writing a research paper for a science course or an argumentative essay for English class , you’re going to have to write an intro paragraph.

So what’s the purpose of an intro paragraph? As a reader’s first impression of your essay, the intro paragraph should introduce the topic of your paper.

Your introduction will also state any claims, questions, or issues that your paper will focus on. This is commonly known as your paper’s thesis . This condenses the overall point of your paper into one or two short sentences that your reader can come back and reference later.

But intro paragraphs need to do a bit more than just introduce your topic. An intro paragraph is also supposed to grab your reader’s attention. The intro paragraph is your chance to provide just enough info and intrigue to make your reader say, “Hey, this topic sounds interesting. I think I’ll keep reading this essay!” That can help your essay stand out from the crowd.

In most cases, an intro paragraph will be relatively short. A good intro will be clear, brief, purposeful, and focused. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s common for intro paragraphs to consist of three to five sentences .

Effectively introducing your essay’s topic, purpose, and getting your reader invested in your essay sounds like a lot to ask from one little paragraph, huh? In the next section, we’ll demystify the intro paragraph format by breaking it down into its core parts . When you learn how to approach each part of an intro, writing one won’t seem so scary!

Once you figure out the three parts of an intro paragraph, writing one will be a piece of cake!

The 3 Main Parts of an Intro Paragraph

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement . Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay.

Below, we’ll explain how to start an introduction paragraph by writing an effective hook, providing context, and crafting a thesis statement. When you put these elements together, you’ll have an intro paragraph that does a great job of making a great first impression on your audience!

Intro Paragraph Part 1: The Hook

When it comes to how to start an introduction paragraph, o ne of the most common approaches is to start with something called a hook.

What does hook mean here, though? Think of it this way: it’s like when you start a new Netflix series: you look up a few hours (and a few episodes) later and you say, “Whoa. I guess I must be hooked on this show!”

That’s how the hook is supposed to work in an intro paragrap h: it should get your reader interested enough that they don’t want to press the proverbial “pause” button while they’re reading it . In other words, a hook is designed to grab your reader’s attention and keep them reading your essay!

This means that the hook comes first in the intro paragraph format—it’ll be the opening sentence of your intro.

It’s important to realize that there are many different ways to write a good hook. But generally speaking, hooks must include these two things: what your topic is, and the angle you’re taking on that topic in your essay.

One approach to writing a hook that works is starting with a general, but interesting, statement on your topic. In this type of hook, you’re trying to provide a broad introduction to your topic and your angle on the topic in an engaging way .

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the role of the government in the American healthcare system, your hook might look something like this:

There's a growing movement to require that the federal government provide affordable, effective healthcare for all Americans.

This hook introduces the essay topic in a broad way (government and healthcare) by presenting a general statement on the topic. But the assumption presented in the hook can also be seen as controversial, which gets readers interested in learning more about what the writer—and the essay—has to say.

In other words, the statement above fulfills the goals of a good hook: it’s intriguing and provides a general introduction to the essay topic.

Intro Paragraph Part 2: Context

Once you’ve provided an attention-grabbing hook, you’ll want to give more context about your essay topic. Context refers to additional details that reveal the specific focus of your paper. So, whereas the hook provides a general introduction to your topic, context starts helping readers understand what exactly you’re going to be writing about

You can include anywhere from one to several sentences of context in your intro, depending on your teacher’s expectations, the length of your paper, and complexity of your topic. In these context-providing sentences, you want to begin narrowing the focus of your intro. You can do this by describing a specific issue or question about your topic that you’ll address in your essay. It also helps readers start to understand why the topic you’re writing about matters and why they should read about it.

So, what counts as context for an intro paragraph? Context can be any important details or descriptions that provide background on existing perspectives, common cultural attitudes, or a specific situation or controversy relating to your essay topic. The context you include should acquaint your reader with the issues, questions, or events that motivated you to write an essay on your topic...and that your reader should know in order to understand your thesis.

For instance, if you’re writing an essay analyzing the consequences of sexism in Hollywood, the context you include after your hook might make reference to the #metoo and #timesup movements that have generated public support for victims of sexual harassment.

The key takeaway here is that context establishes why you’re addressing your topic and what makes it important. It also sets you up for success on the final piece of an intro paragraph: the thesis statement.

Elle Woods' statement offers a specific point of view on the topic of murder...which means it could serve as a pretty decent thesis statement!

Intro Paragraph Part 3: The Thesis

The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way . The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph.

Whether it’s making a claim, outlining key points, or stating a hypothesis, your thesis statement will tell your reader exactly what idea(s) are going to be addressed in your essay. A good thesis statement will be clear, straightforward, and highlight the overall point you’re trying to make.

Some instructors also ask students to include an essay map as part of their thesis. An essay map is a section that outlines the major topics a paper will address. So for instance, say you’re writing a paper that argues for the importance of public transport in rural communities. Your thesis and essay map might look like this:

Having public transport in rural communities helps people improve their economic situation by giving them reliable transportation to their job, reducing the amount of money they spend on gas, and providing new and unionized work .

The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay!

So let’s review: Your thesis takes the idea you’ve introduced in your hook and context and wraps it up. Think of it like a television episode: the hook sets the scene by presenting a general statement and/or interesting idea that sucks you in. The context advances the plot by describing the topic in more detail and helping readers understand why the topic is important. And finally, the thesis statement provides the climax by telling the reader what you have to say about the topic.

The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. Without it, your reader won’t know what the purpose of your essay is! And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. Your thesis statement conveys that purpose , so it’s important to put careful thought into writing a clear and compelling thesis statement.

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph: Example and Analysis

Now that we’ve provided an intro paragraph outline and have explained the three key parts of an intro paragraph, let’s take a look at an intro paragraph in action.

To show you how an intro paragraph works, we’ve included a sample introduction paragraph below, followed by an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Example of Introduction Paragraph

While college students in the U.S. are struggling with how to pay for college, there is another surprising demographic that’s affected by the pressure to pay for college: families and parents. In the face of tuition price tags that total more than $100,000 (as a low estimate), families must make difficult decisions about how to save for their children’s college education. Charting a feasible path to saving for college is further complicated by the FAFSA’s estimates for an “Expected Family Contribution”—an amount of money that is rarely feasible for most American families. Due to these challenging financial circumstances and cultural pressure to give one’s children the best possible chance of success in adulthood, many families are going into serious debt to pay for their children’s college education. The U.S. government should move toward bearing more of the financial burden of college education.

Example of Introduction Paragraph: Analysis

Before we dive into analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of this example intro paragraph, let’s establish the essay topic. The sample intro indicates that t he essay topic will focus on one specific issue: who should cover the cost of college education in the U.S., and why. Both the hook and the context help us identify the topic, while the thesis in the last sentence tells us why this topic matters to the writer—they think the U.S. Government needs to help finance college education. This is also the writer’s argument, which they’ll cover in the body of their essay.

Now that we’ve identified the essay topic presented in the sample intro, let’s dig into some analysis. To pin down its strengths and weaknesses, we’re going to use the following three questions to guide our example of introduction paragraph analysis:

Does this intro provide an attention-grabbing opening sentence that conveys the essay topic?
Does this intro provide relevant, engaging context about the essay topic?
Does this intro provide a thesis statement that establishes the writer’s point of view on the topic and what specific aspects of the issue the essay will address?

Now, let’s use the questions above to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this sample intro paragraph.

Does the Intro Have a Good Hook?

First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook . The writer starts by presenting an assumption (that the U.S. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education), which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education.

The hook then takes a surprising turn by presenting a counterclaim : that American families, rather than students, feel the true burden of paying for college. Some readers will have a strong emotional reaction to this provocative counterclaim, which will make them want to keep reading! As such, this intro provides an effective opening sentence that conveys the essay topic.

Does the Intro Give Context?

T he second, third, and fourth sentences of the intro provide contextual details that reveal the specific focus of the writer’s paper . Remember: the context helps readers start to zoom in on what the paper will focus on, and what aspect of the general topic (college costs) will be discussed later on.

The context in this intro reveals the intent and direction of the paper by explaining why the issue of families financing college is important. In other words, the context helps readers understand why this issue matters , and what aspects of this issue will be addressed in the paper.

To provide effective context, the writer refers to issues (the exorbitant cost of college and high levels of family debt) that have received a lot of recent scholarly and media attention. These sentences of context also elaborate on the interesting perspective included in the hook: that American families are most affected by college costs.

Does the Intro Have a Thesis?

Finally, this intro provides a thesis statement that conveys the writer’s point of view on the issue of financing college education. This writer believes that the U.S. government should do more to pay for students’ college educations.

However, the thesis statement doesn’t give us any details about why the writer has made this claim or why this will help American families . There isn’t an essay map that helps readers understand what points the writer will make in the essay.

To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:

The U.S. government should take on more of the financial burden of college education because other countries have shown this can improve education rates while reducing levels of familial poverty.

Check out the new section in bold. Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map!

So, let’s recap our analysis. This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work ! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work. Doing this will help ensure you’ve covered all of your bases and written an intro that your readers will find interesting!

4 Tips for How To Write an Introduction Paragraph

Now that we’ve gone over an example of introduction paragraph analysis, let’s talk about how to write an introduction paragraph of your own. Keep reading for four tips for writing a successful intro paragraph for any essay.

Tip 1: Analyze Your Essay Prompt

If you’re having trouble with how to start an introduction paragraph, analyze your essay prompt! Most teachers give you some kind of assignment sheet, formal instructions, or prompt to set the expectations for an essay they’ve assigned, right? Those instructions can help guide you as you write your intro paragraph!

Because they’ll be reading and responding to your essay, you want to make sure you meet your teacher’s expectations for an intro paragraph . For instance, if they’ve provided specific instructions about how long the intro should be or where the thesis statement should be located, be sure to follow them!

The type of paper you’re writing can give you clues as to how to approach your intro as well. If you’re writing a research paper, your professor might expect you to provide a research question or state a hypothesis in your intro. If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you’ll need to make sure your intro overviews the context surrounding your argument and your thesis statement includes a clear, defensible claim.

Using the parameters set out by your instructor and assignment sheet can put some easy-to-follow boundaries in place for things like your intro’s length, structure, and content. Following these guidelines can free you up to focus on other aspects of your intro... like coming up with an exciting hook and conveying your point of view on your topic!

Tip 2: Narrow Your Topic

You can’t write an intro paragraph without first identifying your topic. To make your intro as effective as possible, you need to define the parameters of your topic clearly—and you need to be specific.

For example, let’s say you want to write about college football. “NCAA football” is too broad of a topic for a paper. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! It would be tough to write an intro paragraph that’s focused, purposeful, and engaging on this topic. In fact, if you did try to address this whole topic, you’d probably end up writing a book!

Instead, you should narrow broad topics to identify a specific question, claim, or issue pertaining to some aspect of NCAA football for your intro to be effective. So, for instance, you could frame your topic as, “How can college professors better support NCAA football players in academics?” This focused topic pertaining to NCAA football would give you a more manageable angle to discuss in your paper.

So before you think about writing your intro, ask yourself: Is my essay topic specific, focused, and logical? Does it convey an issue or question that I can explore over the course of several pages? Once you’ve established a good topic, you’ll have the foundation you need to write an effective intro paragraph .

Once you've figured out your topic, it's time to hit the books!

Tip 3: Do Your Research

This tip is tightly intertwined with the one above, and it’s crucial to writing a good intro: do your research! And, guess what? This tip applies to all papers—even ones that aren’t technically research papers.

Here’s why you need to do some research: getting the lay of the land on what others have said about your topic—whether that’s scholars and researchers or the mass media— will help you narrow your topic, write an engaging hook, and provide relatable context.

You don't want to sit down to write your intro without a solid understanding of the different perspectives on your topic. Whether those are the perspectives of experts or the general public, these points of view will help you write your intro in a way that is intriguing and compelling for your audience of readers.

Tip 4: Write Multiple Drafts

Some say to write your intro first; others say write it last. The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong time to write your intro—but you do need to have enough time to write multiple drafts .

Oftentimes, your professor will ask you to write multiple drafts of your paper, which gives you a built-in way to make sure you revise your intro. Another approach you could take is to write out a rough draft of your intro before you begin writing your essay, then revise it multiple times as you draft out your paper.

Here’s why this approach can work: as you write your paper, you’ll probably come up with new insights on your topic that you didn’t have right from the start. You can use these “light bulb” moments to reevaluate your intro and make revisions that keep it in line with your developing essay draft.

Once you’ve written your entire essay, consider going back and revising your intro again . You can ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your intro:

Is my hook still relevant to the way I’ve approached the topic in my essay?
Do I provide enough appropriate context to introduce my essay?
Now that my essay is written, does my thesis statement still accurately reflect the point of view that I present in my essay?

Using these questions as a guide and putting your intro through multiple revisions will help ensure that you’ve written the best intro for the final draft of your essay. Also, revising your writing is always a good thing to do—and this applies to your intro, too!

What's Next?

Your college essays also need great intro paragraphs. Here’s a guide that focuses on how to write the perfect intro for your admissions essays.

Of course, the intro is just one part of your college essay . This article will teach you how to write a college essay that makes admissions counselors sit up and take notice.

Are you trying to write an analytical essay? Our step-by-step guide can help you knock it out of the park.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Write an Essay Introduction for a Book

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Writing an essay for a book tends to be descriptive and analytical. When you have this assignment, you must prepare for a thorough job that involves a deeper understanding of the book in question. In while describing the book, you paint the content plainly for the reader to visualize your essay. Do this in a persuasive way, and give them every reason not to miss reading your whole paper. Besides this, you must introduce your essay in a captivating manner that wets the reading appetite of your audience. Read on and find out more hints on how to write an essay introduction for a book.

See what this page contains:

Writing good essay introduction for a book
Parts of an essay introduction for a book
Model essay introductions for books

This guide is solid toolkit that will simplify your work whenever you are drafting essay intros for different books. Simply adjust it to serve the purpose of your assignment. Keep reading to get more…

How to write an essay introduction for a book

Before you an essay for a book, take your time, read the book, think deeply about the book and demonstrate your understanding.

An essay about a book can take any format. In most cases, your tutor will give you a guide to follow in order to come up with an essay that meets your course objectives. Stick to these guidelines because they form the basis of grading and evaluation of your work.

When writing your essay introduction, do the following:

Stage 1: State the title and author of the book – As you think of how to write an essay introduction for a book, your focus should be on identifying the text fully. Clearly capture the title and author of the book you are writing about. This helps the reader to know what you are doing.

Stage 2: Give publication information – Here, state the publisher and the city of publication. Also, capture the year publication, current edition and the number of pages.

Stage 3: State the genre – As you introduce your essay, classify the book appropriately. For example, state if it is fictional or nonfictional.

Stage 4: Give a brief review of the book – At this level, summarize the main ideas, which the author is advancing in the book.

These four stages should help you do an excellent essay introduction. However, your work will be easier and enjoyable if you read the text and grasp its theme. As you read, keep the following questions alive in your mind:

Questions to ask before writing an essay introduction of a book

What is the main issue that the author is addressing in the book?
What is the author’s thesis statement?
What is the order of ideas in the book, thematic or chronological?

If you can provide accurate answers to these questions, then you will draft your paper with ease. For now, let us consider an example that will help you gain more insights on how to write an essay introduction for a book.

Example #1: Sample essay introduction for a book

In the Essay on the Novel: The Color Purple by Alice Walker , the writer digests the book to help readers understand it better. Here is the introduction:

Alice Walker’s, The Color Purple , was published in the year 1980 in California. The setting of the novel is in the rural areas of Georgia. In this book, black women demonstrate their love each other and documents their tales in the hands of their abusive men. Throughout the book, the author focuses on the struggles of black women as they strive to gain self-esteem and respect. It captures their effort to realize equal treatment in the society. The two main themes of this novel are violence and oppression.

Notice how the writer introduces this essay by laying the foundation and helping the reader understand the novel easily. In the first two sentences, he identifies the author and title of the book plus the year and city of publication. The introduction also gives the context of the book by painting a setting characterized by violence and oppression. You can read the rest of the essay here .

Steps on how to write an essay introduction for a book

The following guidelines on how to write an essay introduction for a book should help you identify relevant information to include in your paper.

IDEA 1: Provide enough background information – Besides giving bibliographical details, which should include the author, title and publisher, furnish your audience with historical background of the book. For example, identify the time and region within which the events of the book are taking place.

IDEA 2: State the author’s purpose – Since you read the book before writing, explain to the reader why the author wrote the book. Was the author under the influence of any prevailing circumstances?

IDEA 3: Identify the thesis of the book – This could be hard for fictional books. However, when writing an essay introduction on a nonfictional book, be sure to bring out the author’s main idea. The author’s thesis shows his work’s contribution and significance.

IDEA 4: Give your thesis statement – After identifying the author’s main idea, it is now your turn to create a statement to propel your argument as you write about the book. Your thesis should come toward the end of your introduction paragraph and must coherent with a convincing evaluation of the book.

Your thesis statement should have the following parts:

The main argument of the book
Strengths and weaknesses of the book
Your evaluation of the book regarding the strengths and weaknesses

As you will see from the following example, an introduction of your essay sets the pace for the rest of your work. Study it to gain more knowledge on how to write an essay introduction for a book.

Example 2: Sample essay introduction for a book

Consider the following essay on ‘A Random Walk Down Wall Street’ . The writer reviews the book, explaining various angles, which the author uses to advance his argument. Here is the introduction:

Burton G. Malkiel’s ‘ A Random Walk Down Wall Street’ , is an investment book, which was published in 1973. Since then, the book has been revised seven times and the current edition was published in 2012. Malkiel is a Professor of Economics at Princeton University and the Chairman of Chemical Bank. This stamps his credibility as an authoritative voice in addressing matters of investment and advising potential investors. Thus, the theme of the book is investment.

The author wrote the book to help investors understand the advantages of purchasing and withholding an index fund against purchasing and selling individual securities. The author also saw the need of educating potential investors on the need of making a good choice of a performing portfolio.

From this introductory excerpt, the reader gets what the book is discussing right from the onset. The writer brings out the qualifications of the author, including his educational background and career history. Importantly, in the introduction, the writer quickly emphasizes the main reasons that pushed the author to write book.

With this example and the above principles of how to write an essay introduction for a book, let us look at a final section of the guide and you will be free to compete favorably in writing good papers.

The general rules of how to write an essay introduction for a book

Write interesting stuff – No reader has all the time to waste on a boring essay that is flat and dull. Start your essay with a hook to grab the attention of the audience.

You never get a second chance to impress – Your introduction will make a lasting impression to the reader. Give it your best shot so that he or she will develop the interest to read the rest of your paper.

Have your audience in mind – As you write your essay on a book, keep in mind the person who will read your final copy. If it is your professor, ensure you are address everything contained in the assignment brief.

Read the book before writing – You cannot write an essay introduction for a book without reading the text. Set aside some time to go through the publication before you create your essay.

We hope these instructions have enhanced your understanding of how to write an essay introduction for a book. Find more essays below:

Example #3: Sample Essays for a book

Jesus, the Final Days: What Really Happened
Tax Challenges Facing Developing Countries
Jacobs Chicken

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References:

http://www.infoplease.com/homework/wsbookreporths.html

https://www.trentu.ca/history/workbook/bookreviews.php

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/introductions/

http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/book-reviews/

https://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/CriNonfiction_intro.html

http://guides.library.queensu.ca/bookreviews/writing

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9 Examples of Eye-Catching Introduction Paragraphs [2023]

Christian Rigg

How well are you managing to hook your readers?

According to CNN , The average attention on a screen went down from 2.5 minutes (in 2004) to 47 seconds (in 2023). Studies show that for most cases, people don't even read past the headline.

As a writer, one of the best skills you can learn is to hook your readers with a compelling introduction. A good title gets people in the door, but it’s the introduction that decides if they stay or not.

The difference between a strong and a weak intro

A strong intro draws the reader in and evokes a sense of curiosity or interest, either by speaking to the reader’s pain points or by engaging them on an intellectual or emotional level.

A weak introduction paragraph, on the other hand, does the exact opposite. It fails to delight or intrigue, usually by being too generic. (This is one reason why introductions generated using text transformers like ChatGPT tend to “fall flat.”) Incidentally, failing to keep your readers on-page will result in higher bounce rates, which Google penalizes.

Have I convinced you to stick around? If so, great. In the rest of the article, we’ll go over the most important dos and don’ts of intros and look at some outstanding introduction paragraph examples for inspiration.

Write better introductions with this FREE AI writing tool > Free AI introduction generator >

The Dos and Don’ts of Strong Introductions

Here are some quick and simple tips for writing a compelling introduction .

✅ Do be human and relatable

Talk about a personal experience. Mention emotions like frustration or excitement. Utilize Use plain, conversational language.

✅ Do capture the reader's attention with an interesting or meaningful quote or statistic.

Just be sure to avoid clichés, keep it relevant to your topic, and don’t get too abstract.

✅ Do write concisely and clearly .

If you struggle with this like many people, try writing your introduction in the Wordtune editor. The suggestions on flow and clarity will help you stick to the point without being hard to understand.

✅ Do disarm, startle, or otherwise “shock” the reader into alertness.

This doesn’t mean being crass or crude, it means upending assumptions. What surprised you most when researching or writing your article? Start there.

✅ Do use descriptive , emotive, and sensory language, including vivid imagery and great storytelling .

Start in the middle of the story, then segue into how it all started. Or start at the end and work your way back.

✅ Do use humor and casual language.

It helps put the reader at ease and makes them feel like part of the conversation.

And here are some things to avoid, including some not-so-great introductory paragraph examples. Don’t worry, we’ll get to examples of how to do it right in the next section.

❌ Don’t rely on AI text generators like ChatGPT.

These tools “write” by adding the next most likely word, based on thousands of examples. As a result, the text lacks originality . It is, by definition, the most average way of saying something. If you want to make your content stand out from AI-generated content , start with an original introduction paragraph.

❌ Don’t give it all away.

Your introduction is not the place to plead your whole case. Introduce the reader to the topic, generate interest or empathy, and make a promise they want to see fulfilled.

❌ Don’t make it too long.

Readers get bored fast. They want to get to the good stuff.

❌ Don’t use gimmicks, clickbait, clichés, or obvious ploys.

“You won’t believe what…” “Here’s everything you need to know about…” “Are you ready to make your first million?” Unless the news really is shocking, you really do include everything the reader needs to know, or you have offer a long-term, validated strategy for earning a million, you’ll just come off looking like a hack.

❌ Don’t use generic statements.

“All businesses need to track their financial performance.” “Running a marathon is no easy task.” “It takes hard work to become the best.” Openers like these waste precious seconds on stating the obvious. If you’re lucky, your reader will be kind and keep scanning for something worthwhile. But they probably already hit the Back button.

Here are nine excellent introduction paragraph examples:

1. The statistical introduction example

According to a report by Statista and eMarketer, online retail sales are projected to reach $6.51 trillion by 2023. That same report also says that ecommerce websites will claim around 22.3% of all retail sales.

So, if you weren’t planning on investing in your ecommerce strategy this year, you should.

The SEO experts at Semrush have included two interesting and impressive statistics here, sure to pique the reader’s interest. They make a bold statement, too: if you thought you could wait, you can’t .

To help you replicate this kind of introduction, try using Wordtune’s Spices features to find and add interesting statistics and facts.

2. The relatable introduction example

We’ve all seen that little white label that sits tucked away on the inside of our clothing: “Made in Australia”, “Made in Turkey”, “Made in Bangladesh”. But what do those labels really mean? In this article, we discuss whether locally made clothing is more ethical. Read on to find out before your next shop.

Nothing if not concise, this introduction catches the reader with a common human experience, asks an important question, and gives a quick bridge on what the article has to offer. It’s short and direct, and it speaks to readers who may well have just been looking at a “little white label” before popping the question into Google.

3. The dialogue introduction example

After a moonwalk in April 1972, the Apollo 16 astronauts Charles Duke and John Young returned to their capsule. In the process of putting their suits and other things away, Duke commented to Ground Control:

Duke: Houston, the lunar dust smells like gunpowder. [Pause]

England: We copy that, Charlie.

Duke: Really, really a strong odor to it.

First of all, how’s that for a title?

This introduction tells a fascinating story in just 57 words. Admittedly, the unique topic of cosmic moon dust makes it easier to capture readers’ interest. But the author’s choice to include this short exchange between Charles Duke and the Houston Space Center also pulls us right into the scene.

4. The personal story introduction example

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Call me crazy, but I’ve spent $11,750 on note-taking tools.

Physical stationery in the form of highlighters, post-its, colored pens, subject notebooks, roller scales—you name it. My beautifully-written, detailed, color-coded notes gave me the feeling of being a productive high-achiever.

But these notes rarely translated into results. I was consistently in the average tier of students, despite my organized study practices—till year two of highschool. It was then that I realized all I was doing was beautifying text and not understanding information.

From then on, I set out on a journey to understand which notetaking methods worked for my subjects. I translated this into a 9.2/10 CGPA in my 10th-grade examination and a 1900 score on my SATs. In addition, I was able to achieve these results while reducing my study time by half.

Today, I’m going to show you how to do the same with my step-by-step playbook. This article covers advanced tips for students wanting to upgrade their note-taking skills.

This introduction has a great hook that draws us in immediately: Hold on. $11,000 dollars on pens and post-its?? Then it tells an emotionally engaging story of failure to success. Finally, it clearly prepares us for what’s to come. All these are hallmarks of a strong introduction.

5. The common problem introduction example

Eleven Writing blog: 7 Reasons Your Business Should Invest In High-quality Blog Articles

Many businesses publish a new blog article, they wait, and then…

Nothing happens.

The anticipated flood of new traffic never materializes. The few visitors that arrive don’t click any links, sign up to your list, or share your article.

The marketing department starts to wonder if a blog is really worth the money and hassle compared to other available channels.

But what if better blog content could change all this?

This introduction was written by one of the SEO experts at Eleven Writing, the writing agency where I work as a writer, editor, and account manager. It features a short and punchy story with a relatable twist. “And then… Nothing happens.” Translation: 🤦

It finishes with an intriguing “What if?” scenario, which leads into an article of tips and practical takeaways. And it’s a reminder of another important point: make sure your article actually fulfills any promises you make in your introduction.

6. The alarming introduction example

European Commission: Consequences of climate change

Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. In some regions, extreme weather events and rainfall are becoming more common while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts. We need climate action now, or these impacts will only intensify.

Climate change is a very serious threat, and its consequences impact many different aspects of our lives. Below, you can find a list of climate change’s main consequences.

The above introduction comes from the European Commission and discusses the dangers of climate change. It starts with a bold and disarming statement: climate change affects everybody.

It discusses just a few of the consequences of climate change, priming the reader for what’s to follow, and then provides a simple bridge into the rest of the article.

It’s short and to the point, but uses descriptive, intense language to convey urgency and emotionally engage the reader.

7. The recap introduction example

Harvard Business Review: Rescuing ESG from the Culture Wars

In the past year, ESG investing has become caught up in America’s culture wars, as prominent GOP politicians claim that it is a mechanism investors are using to impose a “woke” ideology on companies. Former Vice President Mike Pence has railed against ESG in speeches and in an op-ed. A variety of Republican governors and red-state legislatures are considering executive action and legislation to boycott asset managers that use ESG as a screening tool for their investments. And in Washington, various Congressional committees have pledged to hold hearings in which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and major asset managers will face public questioning about the legality of ESG investing.

This introductory paragraph from the Harvard Business Review dumps the reader into the throes of a heated political debate. Whether readers agree or disagree, powerful verbs like “railed against” and politically charged language like “culture wars” and “woke” are sure to grab the attention of those on both sides of the political spectrum.

8. The common problem intro example #2

KonMari blog: 5 Rituals to Build Self-Acceptance

Self-criticism is an all too common struggle. Even the most successful people in the world experience bouts of imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. But the person you’ll spend the most time with in your life is yourself. We owe it to ourselves to strengthen our self-compassion and embrace self-love.

One of the simplest ways to build self-acceptance is to make it a part of your self-care routine. The following rituals, sourced from mindfulness experts and one of our Master KonMari Consultants, can be completed in as little as five minutes daily. Try one for a month — you’ll be surprised how much better you treat yourself.

This intro comes from the queen of tidiness, Marie Kondo, and manages to both connect with the reader and gracefully plug an advertisement for KonMari’s consulting services. There’s a common idea in SEO that “linking away” in the introduction is bad practice, but in this case, it transforms an educational article into a commercial funnel.

There’s another neat trick in this intro: it extends a challenge to the reader. Try one of the methods below and see how much better you feel after a month. With a promise like that, who wouldn’t keep scrolling?

9. The 'new angle' introduction example

Crippled CEO Blog: Resistance and Leadership Capital

So much has been written on how important it is to have the right people in your company. All a business is, really, is a collection of people. That’s it. So, it follows that getting the people right is practically the only thing that truly matters.

And while I have seen this repeated ad nauseam, I don’t see a lot of people saying what those right (or wrong) people look like – what attributes they possess.

So, I wanted to talk about one of those attributes, and in particular one that I think isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself isn’t known, making it impossible to look out for at all.

This attribute is resistance.

Eric Lupton blogs about his experiences and perspective as a business leader with cerebral palsy. This introduction uses incisive language that will no doubt appeal to business readers and high-powered execs.

But it also comes from a very personal perspective, like much of Lupton’s writing, and so we feel like we’re about to sit down and speak one-on-one with someone who very clearly knows what they’re talking about.

It has a conversational tone (“So, I wanted to talk about…”) and promises to reveal to us something that “isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself is unknown.” Intrigued? I was.

Start writing!

A strong introduction paragraph bridges the gap between an intriguing title and an article’s real value. It pulls the reader in with boldness, intrigue, storytelling, or relatability.

It’s an art that takes practice, but these introduction paragraph examples show it can be done right. There are also some great tools out there to help you out. Wordtune’s Spices feature can offer ideas for analogies, examples, statistics, facts, and relevant quotes — all great sources of inspiration for a strong introduction paragraph.

After that, it’s your turn. Add personality, connect with your readers, and write more introductions, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your audience on the page.

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COMMENTS

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)
Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3. Hook the Reader: Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader's attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. Provide Background: Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion.
How to Write an Essay Introduction
Table of contents. Step 1: Hook your reader. Step 2: Give background information. Step 3: Present your thesis statement. Step 4: Map your essay's structure. Step 5: Check and revise. More examples of essay introductions. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.
How to Write the Best Book Introduction (With Checklists & Examples
Step 3: Introduce Your Subject Matter. A good introduction is like a good sales pitch; it should provide the right amount of information to get others excited and motivated to invest. This means book introductions should be concise and informative while showcasing the work's subject matter.
How to Write a Great Book Introduction: Step-by-Step Guide
How to Write a Great Book Introduction: Step-by-Step Guide. Many nonfiction books begin with an introduction that previews their subject matter, structure, and core arguments. When properly crafted, a book introduction invites potential readers to invest in its content. Many nonfiction books begin with an introduction that previews their ...
How To Write a Book Introduction With Examples
3. Highlight "what could be" and how. You want your reader to see "how it can be" if they apply the solution you offer them in your book. Now that you've convinced them you know the problem at least as well as they do, it's time to. Show your reader they're not stuck with "how it is" now.
How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay
Table of contents. Step 1: Reading the text and identifying literary devices. Step 2: Coming up with a thesis. Step 3: Writing a title and introduction. Step 4: Writing the body of the essay. Step 5: Writing a conclusion. Other interesting articles.
Book Introductions: Hook Writers into a Story in 5 Steps (With Examples)
Tip 5: Keep It Short and Sweet. Long introductions are the quickest way to bore a reader and tempt them to put the book down. If you're writing a prologue, for example, it's important not to cram in every detail about the history of the world or the backstories of the main characters. And if you're writing a preface, you don't need to ...
How To Write An Essay Introduction: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to write a compelling essay introduction with this step-by-step guide. From crafting a clear essay statement to hooking the reader's interest and providing an overview of your essay, discover the key elements of an effective introduction. Use relevant examples to master the art of captivating your audience right from the start.
PDF Introductions
aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.
Introductions
Example: Since the dawn of man, slavery has been a problem in human history. 5. The book report introduction. This introduction is what you had to do for your elementary school book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book.
Essay Introduction Examples
Example 3. [1] When the Lutz family moved into a new house in Amityville, New York, they found themselves terrorized by a vengeful ghost (Labianca, 2021). Since then, their famous tale has been debunked by scientists and the family themselves (Smith, 2005). [2]
How to Write an Excellent Essay Introduction
A thesis statement tells the reader the main point or argument of the essay. This can be just one sentence, or it can be a few sentences. Map Your Essay. Before you wrap up your essay introduction, map it! This means signposting sections of your essay. The key here is to be concise. The purpose of this part of the introduction is to give your ...
6 Book Introduction Examples: Helpful Secrets To Compelling Intros
3 Fiction Book Introduction Examples. #1 - The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse. #2 - The Last Operative. #3 - Fahrenheit 451. 3 Nonfiction Book Introduction Examples. #1 - Troubleshooting Your Novel. #2 - Marketing Made Simple. #3 - Bird By Bird. Draw From These Book Introduction Examples To Inspire Your Own.
How to Write Literary Analysis
Literary analysis involves examining all the parts of a novel, play, short story, or poem—elements such as character, setting, tone, and imagery—and thinking about how the author uses those elements to create certain effects. A literary essay isn't a book review: you're not being asked whether or not you liked a book or whether you'd ...
Book Introduction Examples: What Works in Five Genres
Introduce the method. The introduction should also explain the method by which the author will discuss their topics. For Carnegie, this is the outline example for the reader, detailing how to use the book for maximum success. For Green, this is using the introductory paragraphs as a microcosm of the book as a whole.
How to Write an Introduction to a Book: 12 Steps (with Pictures)
1. Summarize or outline the book. If you have an outline, pull it out to use in your introduction. If you don't have an outline, go chapter by chapter and write a short, paragraph-long summary of each chapter as your outline. [1] Think about your main ideas as you are writing notes for your introduction.
How to Write an Introduction Paragraph in 3 Steps
Intro Paragraph Part 3: The Thesis. The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way. The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph.
Example of a Great Essay
Example of a Great Essay | Explanations, Tips & Tricks. Published on February 9, 2015 by Shane Bryson . Revised on July 23, 2023 by Shona McCombes. This example guides you through the structure of an essay. It shows how to build an effective introduction, focused paragraphs, clear transitions between ideas, and a strong conclusion.
How to Write an Essay Introduction for a Book
Example #1: Sample essay introduction for a book. In the Essay on the Novel: The Color Purple by Alice Walker, the writer digests the book to help readers understand it better. Here is the introduction: Alice Walker's, The Color Purple, was published in the year 1980 in California. The setting of the novel is in the rural areas of Georgia.
How to Write a Great College Essay Introduction
Good example. I wiped the sweat from my head and tried to catch my breath. I was nearly there—just one more back tuck and a strong dismount and I'd have nailed a perfect routine. Some students choose to write more broadly about themselves and use some sort of object or metaphor as the focus.
9 Examples of Eye-Catching Introduction Paragraphs [2023]
1. The statistical introduction example. Semrush blog: How to Grow your eCommerce Business in 2023. According to a report by Statista and eMarketer, online retail sales are projected to reach $6.51 trillion by 2023. That same report also says that ecommerce websites will claim around 22.3% of all retail sales.
Example of an Insightful Literary Analysis Essay
Get a sense of what to do right with this literary analysis essay example that will offer inspiration for your own assignment. ... A literary analysis is more than a book report; it goes deeper into the text, examining the themes, literary ... Good introduction - The introduction clearly establishes the literary text being discussed and the ...

How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)

Table of Contents

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Examples of essay introduction

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:

Expository Essay Introduction Example

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How to Write the Best Book Introduction (With Checklists & Examples)

Forward VS Preface Vs Introduction

Introduction

The Purpose of Book Introductions

1. Getting Readers Hooked

2. Convincing Them to Carry On

3. Increasing Book Sales

4. Providing a Bite-Sized Version of Your Work

5. Displaying Your Expertise

How to Write a Book Introduction

Step 1: Don’t Worry about Its Length

Step 2: Choose Your Reader Wisely

Step 3: Introduce Your Subject Matter

Step 4: Don’t Be Afraid to Boast a Little

Step 5: Think about Your “Hook”

Step 6: Direct Readers to Continue

Introduction for Fiction Books Checklist

1. Establishing the Setting and Mood

2. Indicating Your Narrator

3. Introducing Your Characters

4. Showing or Foreshadowing the Main Conflict

5. Exhibiting or Hinting at the Main Themes

6. Hooking the Reader

Introduction for Nonfiction books Checklist

1. Introducing the Topic

2. Outlining the Content

3. Asserting the Author’s Credibility

4. Identifying a Problem

5. Making a Promise to the Reader

6. Showing Your Passion

Book Introduction Examples

On Identity by Amin Maalouf [Nonfiction]

And Still the Music Plays by Graham Stokes [Nonfiction]

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee [Fiction]

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman [Fiction]

Concluding Thoughts

Justin Allen

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How to Write a Book Introduction: 5 Must-Do Steps with Examples

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Book Introductions: Hook Writers into a Story in 5 Steps (With Examples)

Hannah Yang

What Is an Introduction in a Book or Story?

Brief Explanation of a Preface

Brief Explanation of a Foreword

Brief Explanation of a Prologue

The Preface of A Promised Land by Barack Obama

The Foreword of How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (2022 edition)

The Prologue of Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton

Tip 1: Write the Introduction Last

Tip 2: Craft a Strong First Sentence

Tip 3: Identify and Address the Reader’s Needs

Tip 4: Set the Tone for the Book

Tip 5: Keep It Short and Sweet

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