Skip to Main Content

PrePALS Writing

LESSON: Introductions

WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

Even though a nearly infinite number of topics and arrangements is possible in English prose, introductions generally follow one of several patterns. If you’re writing a children’s story, you’d probably start with “once upon a time” or something similar. If you’re writing a research article in biomechanical engineering, you’d probably start with a statement about how previous research has examined the problem of loading soldiers with daypacks on various surfaces, including sand, concrete, and railroad ballast. These examples are poles apart, but their introductions share very similar purposes: they orient their imagined readers to the topic, time, and place.

In working toward the overall goal of orienting readers, introductions may:

  • Provide background about a topic.
  • Locate readers in a specific time and/or place.
  • Start with a compelling quotation or statistic—something concrete.
  • Include an ethical appeal, with which you (explicitly or implicitly) show that you’ve done your homework and are credible.
  • Articulate a main claim/thesis.
  • Lay out the stakes for the piece of writing—that is, why the reader should bother reading on.

LESSON: The Introduction Pattern

There are three (3) main parts of an essay:

The introduction is the first paragraph of an essay. Its purpose is to be interesting so the reader will want to read the rest of the essay. In all college essays, this introductory paragraph contains a thesis statement. The introduction is a map of the rest of the essay.

Introduction

The intro should be at least 4 sentences.

  1. Hook: Catch the reader’s attention!
  2. Where are we going? Tell the reader what the essay is about in a general sentence.
  3. Thesis: what is the main point of the essay.
  4. Transition sentence: Give a hint about what the next paragraph will be about.

An inverted triangle diagram shows the structure of an introductory paragraph. From top to bottom, it includes four color-coded sections: green for “Hook,” blue for “General Topic Sentence,” yellow for “Thesis,” and purple for “Transition Sentence.” The shape narrows downward to illustrate how an introduction begins broadly with a hook and general information, then focuses more specifically on the thesis statement and ends with a transition to the essay’s body.

LESSON: The Funnel Method for Business/Scientific/Professional Writing Projects

The Funnel Method

Similar to the pattern presented above, this example of the funnel method introduces your topic more generally while moving to your specific thesis statement. However, in professional writing (often in business, science, education, and social sciences) the introduction does not contain a "hook" or "attention-getter." This style of writing tends to be "all business" so the writing is more concise and direct.  The funnel method is an effective strategy for writing this type of introduction.

 

A slide titled “How Should I Organize My Introduction?” shows an inverted triangle diagram labeled “Use the Funnel Method.” The top purple section says, “1 sentence to introduce topic generally.” The middle blue section says, “1–2 sentences transitioning to specific area of focus.” The bottom red section says, “Thesis Statement.” Arrows and text on the right explain that the funnel method moves from broad, general statements to gradually more specific ones, ending with a narrow thesis focus. The design emphasizes that an introduction should start wide and narrow down to the main argument.

A slide titled “Let’s Look at a Sample Introduction…” displays a color-coded example paragraph about the importance of sleep. The first sentence, in pink, introduces the general topic: “adequate sleep is a fundamental need.” The next sentences, in blue, narrow the topic to the importance of sleep for children and families. The final part, in green, presents the thesis statement, explaining that the literature review will examine the impact of sleep disorders on children, parenting, and evidence-based interventions. On the right, color-coded arrows explain: pink = general topic sentence, blue = narrowing sentences, green = thesis statement identifying paper type and main points.

LESSON: How to write an introduction paragraph (video)

 The following video is a general explanation of how to write a basic introductory paragraph, but keep in mind certain elements may need to added or changed for certain purposes or rhetorical modes.

 

 

Attributions:

"How to Write an Eye-Catching Essay Introduction" Youtube, uploaded by Scribbr, 20 Jan. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msaynBwwxkA.

Permissions: YouTube Terms of Service

APPLICATION:

ADDITIONAL READING:

Western Technical College

Western Technical College Learning Commons
Student Success Center, Room 201
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601
learningcommons@westerntc.edu
State Relay: 711
EEO Statement

Learn more about Western and the Learning Commons.
The Learning Commons provides library and academic support services on campus and online. The Learning Commons will set you up for success!

Creative Commons License
Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. For details and exceptions, see the Library Copyright Statement.
©2020, Western Technical College
If you are experiencing disability related accessibility issues with any information on this website, please email AccessServices@westerntc.edu or call 608-785-9524.