Struggling with your essay’s introduction? Check out five of my favorite styles for writing an introduction and see if any particular one strikes your fancy. Make sure to run your piece through a writing software before submitting it, of course, so that none of your hard work ends up going to waste.
1. The Funnel Method
Use a “big picture” description then move on to your thesis statement. The idea is to begin with a broad view of the subject, then “funnel” it down to your more narrow thesis.
2. Anecdote
Brief stories that relate to the essay are a great way to hook the reader. Narratives, particularly those they can relate with, has a magical way of compelling a reader to pursue the material. Of course, you’ll need to connect that anecdote with your thesis statement, which should follow immediately after.
3. Describing a person or place
This works in a similar manner to anecdotes, hooking the reader by establishing a scene that involves their senses. It’s especially useful when a big part of the thesis statement concerns a particular person or location.
4. Start with a question
My personal favorite, this either sets up the question that you will pursue throughout the essay or paves the way to introduce the subject. The question, of course, will need to be related to your main thesis, either as a direct answer to it or as something it eventually leads to.
5. Use a famous quote
A well-known quote, particularly one that readers can easily identify, offers a nice way to set up an essay. Both the quote itself and the context it brings to the picture can help set up the piece for your readers.
