The introductory paragraph, or opening paragraph, is
the first paragraph of your essay
. It introduces the main idea of your essay, captures the interest of your readers, and tells why your topic is important.
What does an opening paragraph look like?
Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:
An opening hook to catch the reader's attention
. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.
How do you start an opening paragraph?
- Attract the Reader's Attention. Begin your introduction with a “hook” that grabs your reader's attention and introduces the general topic. …
- State Your Focused Topic. After your “hook”, write a sentence or two about the specific focus of your paper. …
- State your Thesis. Finally, include your thesis statement.
What are the 3 parts of an introduction paragraph?
In an essay, the introduction, which can be one or two paragraphs, introduces the topic. There are three parts to an introduction:
the opening statement, the supporting sentences, and the introductory topic sentence
.
How long is an opening paragraph?
Most introductions should be
about three to five sentences long
. And you should aim for a word count between 50-80 words. You don't need to say everything in that first paragraph.
What are some good sentence starters?
Some words are indeed notable for being good sentence starters. The list will include the following:
although, I would like to, first, meanwhile, therefore, subsequently, while, I would like to, moreover, in general, in addition, furthermore
.
How do you write a good paragraph?
- Make the first sentence of your topic sentence. …
- Provide support via the middle sentences. …
- Make your last sentence a conclusion or transition. …
- Know when to start a new paragraph. …
- Use transition words.
How do you write a good opening sentence?
- Revealing Personal Information. “School was hard for me, for lots of reasons.” – …
- Mirroring the Reader's Pain. …
- Asking the Reader a Question. …
- Shock the Reader. …
- Intrigue the Reader. …
- Lead with a Bold Claim. …
- Be Empathetic and Honest. …
- Invite the Reader In.
What makes a good opening paragraph?
The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with
a sentence that piques the interest of your readers
. In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three more sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement.
What is a good hook sentence?
A strong statement hook is a sentence that makes
an assertive claim about your topic
. It connects to the thesis statement and shows the importance of your essay or paper. A strong statement is a great technique because it doesn't matter if your reader agrees or disagrees with your statement.
What are the 5 parts of an introduction?
The introduction has five important responsibilities:
get the audience ‘s attention, introduce the topic, explain its relevance to the audience, state a thesis or purpose, and outline the main points
.
What 4 things make up a body paragraph?
A good paragraph should contain at least the following four elements:
Transition, Topic sentence, specific Evidence and analysis, and a Brief wrap-up sentence
(also known as a warrant) –TTEB!
What are the 4 main aspects of an introduction paragraph?
The main parts of an introduction paragraph of your essay are;
attention grabber, topic description, explanation of the topic's relevance, an outline of the main points, and the thesis of the paper
. Each of these parts does not exist in isolation but as part of the entire paragraph.
How long is a good introduction?
There is no rule
for exactly how long an introduction should be. You must consider the length of your overall paper when writing your introduction. An appropriate length for a five-page essay is about half a page, but if you are writing a 40-page paper, your introduction will span several pages and multiple paragraphs.
What is a strong introduction?
A good introduction should
identify your topic
, provide essential context, and indicate your particular focus in the essay. … A strong conclusion will provide a sense of closure to the essay while again placing your concepts in a somewhat wider context. It will also, in some instances, add a stimulus to further thought.
How do you start a 500 word essay?
- Step 1 – Create a Thesis. Everything in your essay revolves around your thesis. …
- Step 2 – Write the Introduction. The introduction should grab your reader's attention and prepare for an explanation of the thesis. …
- Step 3 – Write the Body Paragraphs. …
- Step 4 – Wrap It up with a Conclusion.
