How To Write A Good Introduction: 8 Tips and Examples

Introduction

Writing a good introduction is essential for any piece of writing. It sets the tone for the rest of the piece, and provides the reader with the necessary background information they need to understand the content. Knowing how to start an introduction can be the difference between success and failure in any piece of writing.

Definition of a Good Introduction

A good introduction should provide the necessary context or background information on the topic being discussed. It should also introduce the main points that will be discussed in the body of the essay in a clear and concise manner. Finally, it should capture the reader’s attention and encourage them to read the rest of the piece.

Overview of the Problem

Many writers struggle to come up with an effective introduction that engages the reader and introduces the key points of the paper in a succinct manner. This article will explore eight tips and examples for writing a good introduction that will pique the reader’s interest and keep them engaged until the end.

Begin with a Thought-Provoking Question

One way to engage the reader is to start with a thought-provoking question. Asking a question can help to draw the reader in and get them thinking about the topic at hand. It can also help to set the stage for the discussion by introducing the main points to be discussed.

Benefits of Starting with a Question

Starting with a question is beneficial because it allows the writer to directly address the reader, which can help to create a connection between the two. It can also help to make the introduction more interesting, as the reader will be intrigued by the question and more likely to continue reading.

Examples of Thought-Provoking Questions

Some examples of thought-provoking questions include:
• What would happen if we didn’t have access to clean water?
• How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
• What can be done to end poverty?
• Should technology be used to solve social problems?
• What are the consequences of climate change?

Use an Anecdote or Story to Engage the Reader

Using an anecdote or story in the introduction can be a great way to capture the reader’s attention. By sharing a personal experience or relating a relevant tale, the writer can establish a connection with the reader and draw them into the discussion.

Benefits of Using An Anecdote or Story

Using an anecdote or story is beneficial because it helps to humanize the topic and make it more relatable to the reader. It can also help to illustrate the points being discussed and make the content more engaging and memorable.

Examples of Engaging Anecdotes/Stories

Some examples of anecdotes or stories include:
• A personal experience related to the topic
• An example from history that illustrates the issue
• A narrative of someone else’s experience with the issue
• A humorous anecdote related to the topic
• A fable or parable that relates to the issue

Introduce a Relevant Quote

Introducing a relevant quote in the introduction can be a great way to set the tone for the piece and draw the reader in. Quotes can help to emphasize a point or add another layer of meaning to the content.

Benefits of Introducing a Quote

Introducing a quote is beneficial because it can be used to support the main points of the piece and make them more meaningful. It can also help to add credibility to the argument and lend additional weight to the content.

Examples of Relevant Quotes

Some examples of relevant quotes include:
• “We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
• “The only way to do great work is to love what you do.” – Steve Jobs
• “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.” – Arthur Ashe
• “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama
• “It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” – Aristotle

Present a Surprising Fact or Statistic

Presenting a surprising fact or statistic in the introduction can be a great way to grab the reader’s attention and set the stage for the rest of the piece. Facts and statistics can help to illustrate the points being discussed and make them more believable.

Benefits of Presenting a Fact/Statistic

Presenting a fact or statistic is beneficial because it can help to establish the credibility of the content. It can also help to give the reader a better understanding of the issue being discussed and provide a basis for further discussion.

Examples of Surprising Facts/Statistics

Some examples of surprising facts or statistics include:
• Over half of the world’s population lives on less than $2.50 a day.
• More than 3 billion people lack access to basic sanitation.
• The average American uses 300 gallons of water per day.
• Nearly 1 in 4 people around the world live without electricity.
• Only 10 percent of the world’s oceans are protected from human activities.

Offer a Broad Overview of the Topic

Offering a broad overview of the topic in the introduction can be a great way to provide context for the reader and set the stage for the rest of the piece. It can help to give the reader a better understanding of the issue and provide a foundation for further discussion.

Benefits of Offering a Broad Overview

Offering a broad overview is beneficial because it can help to provide the reader with the necessary context and background information they need to understand the content. It can also help to give the reader a general idea of what to expect from the piece.

Examples of Broad Overviews

Some examples of broad overviews include:
• An overview of the current state of the issue
• An explanation of the cause of the issue
• A description of the effects of the issue
• An analysis of potential solutions to the issue
• A comparison of different perspectives on the issue

Describe a Vivid Scene or Setting

Describing a vivid scene or setting in the introduction can be a great way to draw the reader in and set the tone for the rest of the piece. By creating an image in the reader’s mind, the writer can establish a connection with the reader and make the content more engaging.

Benefits of Describing a Scene/Setting

Describing a scene or setting is beneficial because it can help to bring the content to life and make it more interesting. It can also help to create an emotional connection with the reader, which can help to make the content more memorable.

Examples of Vivid Scenes/Settings

Some examples of vivid scenes or settings include:
• A bustling city street
• A quiet forest glade
• A crowded market
• A sandy beach
• A snow-covered mountain peak

Conclusion

Writing a good introduction is essential for any piece of writing. Knowing how to start an introduction can be the difference between success and failure in any piece of writing. This article explored eight tips and examples for writing a good introduction that will pique the reader’s interest and keep them engaged until the end. These tips included beginning with a thought-provoking question, using an anecdote or story to engage the reader, introducing a relevant quote, presenting a surprising fact or statistic, offering a broad overview of the topic, and describing a vivid scene or setting.

By following these tips, writers can create an effective introduction that captures the reader’s attention and encourages them to read the rest of the piece. With a little practice and creativity, anyone can learn how to write a good introduction that will engage the reader and introduce the key points of the paper in a succinct manner.