How to Write an Introduction

Why is it important to learn how to write an introduction that is effective and draws the readers in? Well, mostly it is because an introduction is the best way to let the reader know what the rest of the written piece is about. It is also important that your introduction is creatively framed so that your readers are convinced to read further. It is also important that your introduction inculcates a sense of trust in your readers. The main aim of learning to write an introduction is to learn to hold the attention of your reader. There are many ways to write an introduction. In the following section we take a look at the different methods that you can use for writing an introduction.

Writing an Introduction Paragraph

What is the best way of writing an engaging introduction? Well, simply look for those introductions that catch your attention. More often than not, what appeals to you as a reader will also appeal to others who are reading your articles. Your first sentence should be the bait to hook in your reader. It is got to be clever enough to make your reader want to read on. Given below are many ways that you can use to learn how to start an introduction. You can use what you consider the best way to write an introduction.

Trivia and Facts: This can be a great way to start an introduction. Whether the piece of trivia is a funny fact or a shocking one, once you have hooked the reader with that first sentence, he will be forced to read further.

Humor: If you are a sucker for sarcasm, wit, or plain old simple humor, then this can be one of the best ways to write an introduction for an article. A funny anecdote that has your reader rolling in laughter will ensure that he or she reads on.

Question: Ask your reader a question. It is human tendency to be intrigued and to search for answers to different questions. Think of yourself in the same situation. If you were in the same situation, you would want the answer to the question asked in the introduction as well.

Quotation: One of the foolproof methods is to start with a famous quote. A funny quote or saying can be an interesting way of providing a start to your article. Do remember that while using a quotation to start your article, you provide a definite link with the content of the article.

Different Types of Introduction

In this section, we tell you how to write an introduction for different types of written pieces, from an essay, research paper, a speech, and a letter. While there may be some basic things that remain the same, like the different writing tips that you can use to write an introduction, fundamentally, more often than not, there is a difference in the way you write an introduction.

Introduction to an Essay
While writing the introduction to an essay, it is important that first you review all of your research. This is important to have clarity about what you want to say in your essay, especially your introduction. Do not clutter up the introductory paragraph with a lot of facts or statistics. Start with an interesting line using one of the techniques given above. Keep the introduction brief and precise, and most importantly, grammatically correct. Always remember that the last sentence of your introduction needs to blend in with the rest of your essay smoothly.

Introduction for a Research Paper
As true for essay writing, while writing a research paper, it is important to be thorough while reviewing your material. It is important for you to be clear and informed about the material that you will be using in order to write your research paper. This is very important. Before learning to write an introduction for the paper, write down the theme of your paper in one sentence. Once you are done with this, make an outline for how you want to format your research paper. Once you are done fleshing out your research paper, it will be easy for you to write your introductory paragraph. While writing the introduction, do not start with the theme of the paper. Instead use a few facts and statistics to introduce your theme. Alternatively you can use a quotation.

Introduction to a Speech
Learning to write an introduction to a speech is very different from writing an introduction to any other article, because you are writing for something that will be spoken in front of an audience. It needs to be very effective and impressive. The best way to write an introduction to a speech is to think of a dramatic way of opening the topic at hand. Ask your audience a thought provoking question, or start with a statement that can have a tremendous effect. A couple of years ago, when I had to give a speech on The state of media and its effect on youth, I started with the introduction, "I am dying....not due to a malignant disease eating away at the cells that make up my body but because of the social decay that I am a victim to every day." An introduction like this could have a tremendous effect on your audience.

Introduction for a Letter
Many people confuse writing an introduction for a letter with writing an introduction letter. As a writer, you need to be aware of the huge difference between the two. Confused states aside, in letter writing, while writing an introduction, you should always focus on introducing yourself, and then tell the addressee the reason for writing the letter. This will form the basic body of any introductory paragraph of a letter.

It is extremely easy to learn how to write an introductory paragraph. All you need is to be confident about what you want to include in what you are writing. Writing an introduction is easy, but you will need a bit of practice to enhance your writing skills in order to write an introduction that grabs the attention of your reader.