Writing Guides

Picture an essay as a thoughtfully designed building that guides readers through interconnected spaces.

The introduction is like a welcoming entryway. It lets readers know what they are reading about, orienting them to the relevant situation or context, and presents the central purpose through the thesis statement, just like an entrance establishes a building's architectural purpose.

Where am I? What am I reading about? How should I start to think about it? These are the questions that an introduction answers for readers. 

Key functions of introductions 🔑

🎣 Capturing reader attention

• Open with a compelling hook (question, anecdote, statistic, etc.) that sparks curiosity or intellectual engagement

🌎 Providing context

• Provide necessary background information and context for reader 
• Orient readers to the broader conversation or debate surrounding your topic
• Define key terms or concepts necessary for understanding your argument
• Move from general background to your specific focus

💡 Presenting the thesis statement

• State your main argument concisely and specifically
• Indicate the key points or evidence you will develop
• Position the thesis where it can effectively bridge to your body paragraphs

Tip: During revision, the introduction should be refined to ensure it aligns with the essay's final argument. This often means adjusting the thesis to reflect evolved understandings or claims, removing extraneous background information, and strengthening connections between the introduction and the paper's main ideas.