Writing Effective Introductions

The purpose of the introduction is to:
1. engage and interest the reader
2. establish credibility and trust in the reader
3. state thesis and provide an overview of the body paragraphs

The introduction should be 1-2 paragraphs; it should include:
1. A strong lead/hook - this is the first 1-3 sentences designed to interest the reader; some examples are:

• describe the problem and why it needs to be addressed
• begin with a universal statement or theme to build common ground and show how the issue you are writing about affects all people
• begin with a valuable personal connection; briefly describe an anecdote or event - tell a story or describe an event, historical or current, that relates to your issue
• provide startling fact or statistic
• begin with a thought-provoking, relevant quotation that directly relates to the thesis
• use literary devices such as metaphor, symbolism, simile, and/or sensory details 

2. Context/background information - provide necessary background information that smoothly connects the lead and the thesis

3. Thesis statement