writing an introduction paragraph for a persuasive essay

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A comprehensive guide to crafting an engaging introduction for your essay.

Writing an essay introduction is like creating a doorway into your paper – it’s the first thing your reader will encounter and can make a lasting impression. A captivating introduction sets the tone for your entire essay and entices the reader to keep reading. To craft an introduction that grabs attention and piques curiosity, consider these tips.

First and foremost, start with a hook that draws the reader in. This could be a thought-provoking question, a surprising fact, a vivid anecdote, or a compelling quote. The key is to make your introduction engaging and relevant to your topic to intrigue the reader from the outset.

Additionally, provide a brief overview of what the essay will cover. Give the reader a roadmap of the main points you will discuss in the following sections. This helps set expectations and gives the reader a sense of direction, making them more likely to stay engaged throughout the essay.

Engage Your Readers

One of the most important goals of your essay introduction is to engage your readers right from the start. You want to grab their attention and make them curious about what you have to say. Here are some strategies to help you engage your readers:

• Start with a compelling hook that draws your readers in. This could be an interesting fact, a thought-provoking question, a relevant quote, or a powerful anecdote.
• Make sure your introduction is relevant to your topic and sets the stage for the rest of your essay. Your readers should know what to expect and why your topic is important.
• Show your readers why they should care about your topic. Make it clear how your essay relates to their lives, interests, or concerns.
• Use language that is clear, concise, and engaging. Avoid jargon or overly complex sentences that could confuse or alienate your readers.
• Consider creating a sense of mystery or suspense in your introduction to make your readers want to keep reading to find out what happens next.

Create a Hook

One of the most effective ways to capture your reader’s attention right from the start is by creating a strong hook in your essay introduction. A hook is a compelling opening line or statement that intrigues the reader and entices them to continue reading. There are several types of hooks you can use, such as a thought-provoking question, a startling statistic, a powerful quote, or a vivid description.

When crafting your hook, think about what will resonate with your audience and draw them into your essay. Consider using a hook that relates to your topic or thesis statement to provide a preview of what’s to come in your writing. Remember, the goal of a hook is to make your introduction engaging and set the stage for the rest of your essay.

Ask a Thought-Provoking Question

One effective way to grab the reader’s attention in your essay introduction is to pose a thought-provoking question. This strategy invites the reader to engage with the topic on a deeper level and encourages them to continue reading to discover the answer.

For example, you could start your essay with a question like, “Have you ever wondered what drives humans to explore the unknown?” This type of question piques curiosity and sets the stage for a discussion that will captivate the reader.

By incorporating a thought-provoking question into your introduction, you can draw your audience in and set the tone for a compelling essay that will keep them engaged from start to finish.

Establish Relevance

One crucial element of a captivating essay introduction is establishing relevance. It’s essential to grab the reader’s attention by connecting your topic to something timely, relatable, or thought-provoking. Consider starting with a relevant fact, statistic, or anecdote that sets the stage for your essay’s main argument. By highlighting the importance of your topic from the outset, you can pique the reader’s curiosity and motivate them to continue reading.

Connect to the Topic

When crafting the introduction to your essay, it’s essential to establish a clear connection to the topic you will be discussing. The opening sentences should provide a glimpse into the main theme of your essay and grab the reader’s attention right from the start.

Consider starting with an intriguing fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relevant quotation that relates directly to your topic. This will help set the tone for the rest of your essay and pique the reader’s curiosity to continue reading.

By connecting your introduction to the topic at hand, you can lay a solid foundation for the rest of your essay and ensure that your readers remain engaged throughout the piece.

Provide Background Information

Before diving into the main points of your essay, it’s important to provide some background information on the topic. This can help set the stage and give your readers a better understanding of the context in which your essay is situated. You can include relevant facts, statistics, historical background, or any other information that will help establish the foundation for your arguments. By offering background information, you can grab the reader’s attention and prepare them for the insights and arguments you will present in the rest of your essay.

Set the Tone

One crucial aspect of crafting a captivating essay introduction is setting the right tone. The tone of your introduction should reflect the overall theme and mood of your essay. Consider whether your essay is serious, lighthearted, persuasive, or informative, and tailor the tone accordingly.

By setting the right tone in your introduction, you can establish a connection with your readers and make them more likely to engage with your ideas. Whether you choose a formal or casual tone, make sure it aligns with the purpose of your essay and the expectations of your audience.

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an essay introduction paragraph with paperpal – step -by -step, how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Unsure of how to start your essay introduction? Leverage Paperpal’s Generative AI templates to provide a base for your essay introduction. Here’s an example of an essay outline generated by Paperpal.  

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This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

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Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

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Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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Introductory paragraphs.

Attention Catchers

Attention catching techniques.

• Asking a Question: This is my favorite technique because it can be used on any topic at any time. Additionally, it has a strong rhetorical effect on readers: people are conditioned to think about questions because answers are often expected of them. When you ask a question in your paper, readers are more likely to consider your ideas. As with any attention catcher, you’ll want to take your time making a good one that begins persuading your audience immediately.
• Quotation: A wise person once said, “No matter what you’re trying to say, someone else has probably said it better.” I find that in most cases this statement is true. While you are unlikely to have access to the necessary resources to dig up quotes for a timed essay or standardized test, if you do have time (example: a high school application letter), using an appropriate quote is a classy way to start off your essay. Just be sure that the quote is connected to your topic in some easily identifiable way.
• Stay on Point: as with everything in your paper, your attention catcher, especially if it is an anecdote, should be related to your topic and position.
• Stay on Mode: Remember that you are writing a persuasive essay, not a narrative. Your anecdote should be limited to a few sentences, lest your writing may be perceived as off mode .
• Startling Fact or Statistic: Did you know that two out of three persuasive essays do not begin with a proper attention catcher? Using a startling fact or statistic is another great way to pique the reader’s interest, assuming that you can locate just such a fact. I’ve heard other people suggest that students should fabricate facts or statistics when other sources are unavailable, but I personally don’t support that approach as it seems academically dishonest.
• Imaginative Scenario: Picture this! You have forty-five minutes to write an essay and you need an attention catcher fast. What do you do? One way to do this is to create an imaginative scenario such as the one that I just described. Immerse your reader in an example of the problem and show them why they should care. Use descriptive writing and sensory details to either positively or negatively charge your writing; however, as with telling anecdotes, be careful not to stray off mode. Remember that your main purpose is to write arguments not to tell stories.
• Combinations: You might find yourself using some hybrid of two or more of these techniques, which is completely acceptable. You can begin with an imaginative scenario and end with a question. Try something wild. When it comes to writing, the most restrictive limitations are the bounds of your own imagination. I encourage you to stretch those bindings whenever you have the opportunity.

Preview of Main Points

Body paragraphs.

Main Points

Topic sentences, supporting details, persuasive essay thought stems.

• What I mean by this is…
• Another way to say this is…
• This connects to my argument because…
• The reason for this is that…
• To put it another way…
• This shows that…
• This is important because…
• For example…

Making the Connection

Concluding paragraphs, restatement of points, clinching statements.

• The Better World: The writer attempts to describe an idyllic scenario that will occur if their proposal is accepted. The sun will shine brighter and the sky will be bluer if the writer’s resolution is adopted, so to speak. Example: If students aren’t forced to wear uniforms, our school will have a much more pleasant and productive environment in which everyone will learn and grow.
• The Worst Case Scenario: The writer again attempts to describe a scenario, this time imagining how bad the world might become if their proposal is rejected. Fear is a highly motivating emotion, so the writer should strive to make their scenario as frightful as possible without sounding ridiculous. Example: If students are required to wear uniforms, the environment of our school will become drab and colorless, and the structure of our hallowed institution will be further from a college and closer to a prison.
• The Call to Action: Another good way to end your essay is to ask or demand that your reader take some action in support of your proposal. Perhaps you ask them to write a letter or email to their congressman or relevant authority. Perhaps you ask them to recycle their trash instead. The scope of your call is dependent on the topic. Example: If you understand how important it is for students to have the right to dress themselves, it is your civic duty to attend your local school counsel meeting and demand that this proposal be rejected.

86 Comments

Katrina hutchinson.

i love this and you should keep making more

i didnt mean to say that sorry i meant to say i love this and should keep making more videos like these

Austin Deines

I just want to thank you for your effort in helping to further student’s understanding of writing assignments. I’ve for one am very unfamiliar with college writing and greatly appreciate your guidance through this persuasive essay explanation.

Esra Ghozlan

This is beyond amazing! Thank you so much for sharing this. I definitely will be using your videos and worksheets in my writing classes.

Mónica Fernández de Ortega

I really appreciate the existence of websites like this. You have done a lot of work, great work, thanks for sharing.

I am so grateful for this tremendous work that provides instruction and creativity for students being homeschooled or in a traditional classroom. Kudos!!!

Alicia John

Thank you for this explanation … as a new English teacher you work is so very helpful to me and my students… Thanks again.

This website is my go-to for english worksheets. Thank you so so much!

Ng Lay Sion

Thank you so much for having this website. I feel like I have just found a pice of gold! I will be using your worksheets in my class and once again, thank you for your generosity and efforts.

Dhatri Singh

This website is really amazing!! I have just explored it partly yet, just seen the persuasive essay portion but found it really very helpful as I am preparing for a competition on this topic. Thanks a lot!!

lumnwi petar

persuasive piece #1 should students have less homework.

write and anrgument not a debate please!!!!

Both your video and online instructions and notes have been very helpful in demonstrating how to write an effective persuasive essay. Your information is presented clearly and concisely and in an appealing way. The examples your provide really made my middle school students understand and internalize the different aspects of effective essay writing! From one educator to another, thank you!

That’s kind of you to say. Thank you for visiting and taking the time to comment.

We teach students appreciation, so the least we can do is to truly thank you for your effort. It’s been really of a great help. You can’t imagine how such an explanation helped students here in my school NIS in KSA while writing their assignment. Again, thanks a lot. 🙂

Thanks this gave me a good understanding on how to write my essay!

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