❓1. How do I write a strong introduction for an essay?

Answer 1

It was the clown. It was always the clown. He had the scariest, most sinister leer I had ever seen.

An essay is an opinion piece. You will make a claim and back it up with arguments and evidence. But if that is all you do, your readers won't want to take the journey with you. That's why your intro is so important. Whether you're writing for a class assignment, a college application, or even an SAT style writing sample, you want to have your reader look at your intro and wish the rest of the pile read like yours. Therefore, my best advice is to intro with a story. In this case I'll use my childhood experience of having a painting my dad made hanging in my childhood bedroom.

It was the clown. It was always the clown. He had the scariest, most sinister leer I had ever seen.

That first line is key. It sparks curiosity. It almost dares the reader to NOT read on. As in any story, start at the heart of the action. It was the clown. It was always the clown. He had the scariest, most sinister leer I had ever seen. I had to pass it every time I left the room. He glared at me with his evil look. If it was up to me, I would have stayed in my bed for the rest of my life. Someday, when they demolished the house, they'd find my skeleton under the covers. I'm fairly sure it was not my dad's intent to terrorize me, but often it's the unintended consequences that are the most lasting. Such is the case with electric cars...Then end the intro by hitting them with your thesis, which in this case would describe your essay on why electric cars are a dead end. The nice thing with this strategy is that you can echo your intro story in the conclusion for a great finish as well.

Answer 2

If you're writing a factual or academic essay (such as for a history, science, or literature class), the introduction should clearly introduce the topic, provide background context, and state your thesis—the main idea or argument you'll prove.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to writing a strong introduction for a factual essay, with an example:

✅ Step 1: Hook the Reader with a Clear and Relevant Statement

Begin with a fact, statistic, quote, or brief observation that introduces the topic in a compelling way.

“In 1776, thirteen colonies declared independence from one of the most powerful empires in the world.”

✅ Step 2: Provide Background Information

Give just enough context so the reader understands the scope of your topic. This could be a few sentences that explain the time period, issue, or debate you're exploring.

“This bold act was not spontaneous. It was the result of years of rising tensions, economic grievances, and political debates between the colonies and Britain.”

✅ Step 3: State Your Thesis Clearly

The thesis is the most important sentence. It tells the reader what your main point or argument is, and what the essay will prove or explain.

“This essay will argue that the Declaration of Independence was driven more by colonial economic interests than ideological commitments to liberty.”

🧠 Final Example (All Together):

In 1776, thirteen colonies declared independence from one of the most powerful empires in the world. This bold act was not spontaneous. It was the result of years of rising tensions, economic grievances, and political debates between the colonies and Britain. This essay will argue that the Declaration of Independence was driven more by colonial economic interests than ideological commitments to liberty.

Answer 3

Hi there! You have already been given some really good advice, but I would like to offer a few additional comments.

The introduction paragraph is arguably the most important part of an essay. So, I recommend putting in the time to make your introduction as strong as possible before moving on to your first body paragraph.

The first sentence of your introduction should be a "hook". A hook is a statement (usually one sentence) that catches the reader's attention like you would catch a fish while fishing (with a "hook"). This statement should be a thought provoking or interesting statistic, question, or quote. Your hook should peak the reader's interest enough to keep them reading your essay instead of setting it down and picking up another, more interesting one.

The next two to three sentences should contain "additional information" that introduces the reader to your topic. You should write these sentences as if the reader has never learned about your topic before. You want to provide the reader with a few points of context before moving on to your thesis, where you will make a claim about your topic.

The final sentence (or two) of your introduction should be your thesis statement. I tell my students that a thesis statement is like a blueprint for your essay. It should contain the claim or statement you are making about your topic and then around three supporting points that back up your topic. Those three supporting points will then become the topic sentences of your three body paragraphs. This is called a three point thesis statement.

Congratulations! You now have your introduction paragraph and a rough outline for the rest of your essay. I hope this helps!

Answer 4

A strong introduction grabs your reader’s attention and clearly states your main idea. Think of it as a funnel: you start broad, then narrow down to your thesis.

Here’s a simple structure:

1. Hook – Start with a quote, question, or surprising fact.
2. Context – Add 1–2 sentences that introduce the topic.
3. Thesis – End with a clear sentence that tells the reader what your essay will prove or explain.

Example:

Many people believe that social media brings us closer, but it can also drive us apart. In recent years, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have shaped how teens connect—and disconnect. Social media has increased feelings of isolation among teenagers by encouraging comparison, reducing face-to-face interactions, and amplifying peer pressure.

Need help with your next essay? I’d be glad to help you craft an introduction that pulls readers in.