A definition of an essay introduction is

An opening paragraph that states the purpose and outlines the main objectives of your essay. This is followed by the main body of your essay and then a conclusion.

Think of an introduction as the starting line.

Introduction, the word start written on a road, StudySmarter

Fig. 1 - Your introduction is the starting line.

Types of Introduction in an essay

There are different types of essay introductions, depending on what you are writing about and the goal of your essay. Some examples of different introduction purposes include:

- Explaining why your chosen topic is interesting or important.

- Explaining how your essay will change misconceptions about your topic.

- Explaining the elements of your topic that may be unusual to the reader.

Essay Introduction structure

It is important to note that there are many different ways to write an essay introduction. This is simply a suggested structure for your paragraph. Your introduction may closely follow this structure, or it could differ from it. The choice is up to you - it depends on what you feel is the best way to present your writing to the reader.

So what could you include in an introduction paragraph?

An example of an introduction paragraph structure contains the following aspects:

1. A hook

2. Background information

3. Introduction of essay brief and outline of your argument's main goal.

Let’s take a look at these in more detail.

A hook

This is a memorable opening line that draws the reader in and intrigues them. It is important to catch the reader's attention from the beginning, as this sets the tone for the rest of the essay to follow. A hook could be written in a variety of ways, such as:

A statement can be used to make a declaration that will either support your argument or go against it.

For example:

‘Comprehensible input is considered one of the most effective ways to learn a language.’

A question is an excellent way to interest the reader and suggests that the reader will find out the answer to the question if they keep reading. This will keep them engaged throughout your essay.

For example:

‘How does the language used in the media affect the way we communicate daily?’

A quotation provides the reader with information from a source that relates to your brief

For example:

‘According to linguist David Crystal (2010), "most people entering their teens have a vocabulary of at least 20,000 words."'

A fact/statistic could immediately impress the reader as it shows knowledge of the topic and provides them with real evidence from the start. You should ensure that the quote is from a reliable source and is relevant to your thesis statement and argument.