Writing an Introduction

Writing an introduction – the beginning• Arouse a reader's interest – Try one of these

methods• Begin with a quotation. Just make sure you

explain its relevance• Begin with a question• Begin with an acknowledgment of an opinion

opposite to the one you plan to take• Begin with a very short narrative or anecdote that

has a direct bearing on your paper• Begin with an interesting fact• Begin with a definition or explanation of a term

relevant to your paper• Begin with irony or paradox• Begin with an analogy. Make sure it's original but

not too far-fetched

Continuing with the Introductory Paragraph

• Introduce the subject/ Background Information

• Thesis (Always the last sentence of the first paragraph. Remember this cannot be a question and it cannot be longer than one sentence)

Things to keep in mind• Did you tackle the “So What? Factor”?

Remember to tell me something new about something I care about. (Either in the first sentences or with the thesis)

• The introduction is your paper's “first impression,” don’t blow it!

Sample Introduction – Animal Communication

In recent years much discovery has been made concerning the ability of dogs, birds, frogs, primates, and aquatic mammals to communicate, not only with each other, but also with humans. Many ardent owners of cherished pets have always believed this to be true, but now zoologists’ research actually supports their assertions, with both domestic pets and with many animals living in the wild. Like humans, many animals do relate to each other and also to humans on some level, whether they use a complicated system of communication or a simple one. Although many animals are not as advanced as humans, each type has its own way of communication.

Sample Introduction–Animal CommunicationIn recent years much discovery (I like

this word, it makes me want to know more!) has been made concerning the ability of dogs, birds, frogs, primates, and aquatic mammals to communicate, not only with each other, but also with humans. Many ardent owners of cherished pets have always believed this to be true, but now zoologists’ research actually supports their assertions, with both domestic pets and with many animals living in the wild. Like humans, many animals do relate to each other and also to humans on some level, whether they use a complicated system of communication or a simple one. Although many animals are not as advanced as humans, each type has its own way of communication. - Thesis

Sample Introduction – Child AbuseIn the United States today, child abuse is on

the increase and presents a dangerous situation to many of today’s families and to society as a whole. Although this is a generally known fact, it is also true that many people are falsely accused to cover up for what someone else has done. There is evidence that even though child abuse is a problem in many families, every case has to be carefully checked because of the fact that many people are being wrongly accused, and no one ever finds out the truth or who the abuser actually is.

Sample Introduction – Child AbuseIn the United States today, child abuse is on

the increase and presents a dangerous situation to many of today’s families and to society as a whole. (Good introduction! It presents it as a danger to us personally.) Although this is a generally known fact, it is also true that many people are falsely accused to cover up for what someone else has done. There is evidence that even though child abuse is a problem in many families, every case has to be carefully checked because of the fact that many people are being wrongly accused, and no one ever finds out the truth or who the abuser actually is. - Thesis

Sample Introduction – Teen Pregnancy

One of the biggest problems in America today is the increasing number of teen pregnancies. One in every ten teenage girls becomes pregnant each year (Bullough 9). One-third of these pregnancies is intentional (Green). Something should be done about this epidemic. Parents should take responsibility rather than putting it on the schools. Parents should talk with their children about why they are having sex and why they are becoming pregnant.

Sample Introduction – Teen PregnancyOne of the biggest problems in

America today is the increasing number of teen pregnancies. (Ooh, danger!) One in every ten teenage girls (Shocking!) becomes pregnant each year (Bullough 9). One-third of these pregnancies is intentional (Are you kidding?!) (Green). Something should be done about this epidemic. Parents should take responsibility rather than putting it on the schools. Parents should talk with their children about why they are having sex and why they are becoming pregnant. - Thesis

Sample Introduction – UFOsEvery government in the world has its secrets and its

national security policies, but many of them take advantage of these privileges. One such government, established in 1776, was created by the people, for the people, and answerable to the people. Yet, that government today, the United States government, continues to conceal an enormous amount of information from the public, usually in conjunction with the military. The most secret military installation in American history and one of the world’s most mysterious places is the Air Force’s Groom Dry Lake Test Facility in Nevada (Webster 34). During its first 35 years, virtually no one knew of the base, let alone what operations it conducted. However, the Air Force’s attempt to seize land outside the facility's border has resulted in a public outrage and has brought the base before the eyes of the people who are now demanding answers from their government. Even with all the recent attention, however, military officials still will not admit that the installation is reality (Stranglin 24). The United States Air Force has attempted to conceal toxic waste disposal violations, breakthrough military technology, and UFO information at the Groom Dry Lake Test Facility in Nevada, a base so secret it does not exist.