Writing an Introduction

An Introduction will have 3 main components:

1. Lead - the attention-getter

2. Main Idea Statement - also known as a thesis statement

3. Supporting Details

Lead:

The purpose of your lead - attention getter - is to grab your audience's interest.

This can be done many different ways. Some possible methods are:

a. using a famous quote

b. asking a question

c. telling a quick story or anecdote

d. making a bold statement

e. referring to a recent event/incident

f. using a crazy/interesting fact

g. telling a joke

Main Idea Statement:

In one or two sentences, you will inform your audience of your MAIN IDEA or CENTRAL PURPOSE.

For more information & examples, click here.

Supporting Details:

To finish a solid introduction, it is important to give details - previews - of how you will support your main idea, claim, or achieve your central purpose.

Let's review:

-It's important to have a solid introductory paragraph when constructing an effective essay, whether it's persuasive, argumentative, or informative.

-A crucial component of an introduction is the lead/attention getter. Refer to the notes to see some different ways to connect to your audience.

-Without a main idea sentence, informing the audience of the paper's purpose, your essay may have no  direction!