How to Write a Good Introduction

Don’t start with a dictionary definition You don’t need to define it for them. Keep in mind, if you’re using a definition for a specific term according to a discussion in your class or if you’re defining a complicated term that appears throughout the paper, this strategy may be appropriate.

1st Person Singular Some say not to use the word I in an essay. Others say it is fine. If you do use it, it is best to use I only in an introduction (and to a lesser extent, the conclusion), rather than in the body of the essay. But use it sparingly; otherwise you can come across as too self-important.

3 Tips When Using Imagery in Your Writing

1. Expand and specify. When you say, “She went to her room and sat on her bed,” don’t stop there.
2. Be weird. Don’t be afraid to get a little out there with your descriptions, especially when it comes to similes and metaphors.
3. Use the five senses. This is one of the tried and true methods, of course, but it’s a good reminder.

1. Step 1: Organizing your Thoughts (Brainstorming) Believe it or not, there is almost no topic on which your mind will draw a complete blank.
2. Step 2: Researching your Topic.
3. Step 3: Developing a Thesis Statement.
4. Step 4: Writing the Introduction.
5. Step 5: Writing the Body of the Essay.
6. Step 6: Writing the Conclusion.

The Formula for an Introduction

1. Hook the reader.
2. Tell a story about the reader’s current pain.
3. Tell a story about the reader’s potential pleasure.
4. Tell them what they’ll learn.
5. Describe the author’s background/origin of book.
6. Set up the book with a call to action.

1. Keep your first sentence short.
2. Don’t repeat the title.
3. Keep the introduction brief.
4. Use the word “you” at least once.
5. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to articulating what the article covers.
6. Dedicate 1-2 sentences to explaining why the article is important.