In this lesson, you will learn about the goals and function of an introduction in your essay, along with frames and models you can use in your own work. Specifically, this lesson will cover:
1. Why Your Introduction Matters
Writing the introduction to an academic paper can feel intimidating, but after you have done your research, you are most of the way there. The introduction is the part of the paper where you make it clear what other people say and what you are going to say. If you can organize your sources into groups, then you are ready to write a clear introduction. Summary can be a great tool for an introduction, but you also do not want summary to overpower your own position. Use summary to set up a frame but keep your argument in the center of that frame!
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EXAMPLE
Think about the issue, problem, or controversy surrounding your topic, like “the debate tends to be between _____ and _____” or “many scholars argue for _____ by _____.”
An introduction is all about framing your ideas, engaging your reader, and setting the stage for the rest of your essay. As you read this section, work on a few of the strategies presented. You might end up with the rough draft of an introduction before you are done reading this section!
Think of your introduction as the roadmap to your paper. It’s your chance to grab the reader’s attention, show them where you're headed, and establish why your argument matters. Here’s what a solid introduction should do:
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Introduce the topic: Give your reader some context and explain why the topic is important.
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State your thesis: Clearly outline your main argument or purpose for writing.
It is important to think about the needs of your reader, so summary of sources or context is key. But the main event is your thesis. You want to include what you need for your audience to see why your thesis is important.
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In this video, you'll learn more about how to write an introduction, which is both a preview and a roadmap for your entire essay.
2. The Role of Sources in Your Introduction
Before diving into writing tips, let’s talk about sources in introductions. Remember that you’re not just stating your opinion. You’re entering a conversation that’s already happening. To do this effectively, you need to present your thesis as a synthesis because it is an original idea that has come out of the research you have done.
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EXAMPLE
Sometimes this is really a combination of two ideas: “If we take the _____ from the first group and combine with the key insight of the second group, it is possible to see that _____.” But you want to balance the need to summarize with the need to lay out why your idea is the one your reader needs to hear about.
This balance is key to writing not only a strong introduction but also a compelling paper. Here’s the deal with sources:
- They’re not just there to back you up. Many students think of sources as a way to prove their point, like saying, “See, this expert agrees with me!” While that’s one way to use sources, it’s not the only way—or even the best way. If everyone agrees with you, then what is original about your position?
- Your voice matters, even more than your sources! Your job is to engage with those sources, respond to them, and build on them. Think of it like a conversation: What do you agree with? What do you disagree with? What are you adding to the discussion?
- Be intentional. Every source you include in your introduction should serve a purpose—whether it’s highlighting a gap in research that you are about to fill, or a key source you are building on. You have space to talk a lot about individual sources in your body paragraphs. Your reader just needs a road map in the introduction. Names can help, but sometimes you just need to group your research together (“Some scholars argue _____.”) and then move into your own argument.
2a. Show Your Thesis Is Original
When we say that you need to synthesize sources and build an original thesis, do not stress too much about the word original. It is original enough to update an argument that you think ignores some current trends. You do not have to reinvent the wheel. You just have to show that you are doing something other people need to hear and contributing to the conversation.
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While you want an original perspective, it is more important to argue for something you sincerely believe in.
Your introduction needs a strong thesis, which is the central argument that gives your paper direction. But how do you put your thesis in dialogue with sources in an introduction so that your reader knows your argument is a synthesis? Let’s look at some strategies.
2b. Highlight the Implications of Research
Instead of just summarizing what one source says, look at the bigger picture. Think about what you have learned in your research.
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EXAMPLE
If you’re arguing about nursing burnout, you might show that the sources that address burnout do not contain good strategies for actually educating nurses. You could then quickly summarize for your reader sources on effective nursing education. You then explain that you have put these two together to make an argument for how nurses should best be educated about burnout.
Show your reader how the findings from your sources could lead to new ideas or applications. You can summarize something that has happened in one area. Even if this is a small issue, this is a chance to make the issue sound exciting! Then, summarize research that supports the expansion of that area.
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EXAMPLE
“If a similar law is passed in Pennsylvania to the one passed in Texas, it will be possible to….”
2c. Identify Disagreements or Controversies
A tried-and-true introduction strategy is to organize the sides of a debate for your reader and then place your thesis within that debate. You can look to combine things from different sides of the debate, expand on a key claim from one side, or maybe even explain how the debate has usually been seen one way but needs to be updated in some way.
2d. Help Your Reader Spot Unanswered Questions
Sometimes, the most original thesis comes from identifying what’s missing. If you can sell your reader on the idea that something is missing, then you can convince them that you are the one to show them where and how it can be found!
3. Models for Structuring Your Introduction
Now that you have worked on what your introduction needs to do, let’s talk a little bit more about how to structure it. Below are three simple models you can follow, depending on the style of your paper. If one looks good, try it out right now!
Some tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a plan, but there is no right plan. You can use one of these models to structure your ideas, or you can combine them all! There is no one way to write an introduction.
- Balance sources with your own voice. The best introductions will tell your reader who your paper is talking to and what you are talking about. But you are the main event! Don’t let the other people in the story get in the way of the main character. Be a little self-centered and let everyone know you have something to say!
- Be clear and specific. Don’t leave your reader guessing about what your paper is going to argue. You don’t want to announce a topic in your introduction. You want to explain the topic and take a clear position.
- Practice makes perfect. The more introductions you write, the easier it will get. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches until you find what works for you. Drafting is a process, not an event. Keep revising!
Remember that you’re not just summarizing ideas. You’re joining a conversation, sharing your perspective, and setting the stage for something great. Let’s look at some models.
3a. Broad to Narrowing Down
This approach often works if you have a topic that your reader can be expected to be familiar with. To start broad, begin with a general statement about the topic to give context.
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EXAMPLE
“The controversy around _____ is usually understood to be about _____.”
To focus in, narrow it down by introducing specific aspects of the topic or key debates. Keep narrowing down until you get to the need for your thesis!
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EXAMPLE
“One example of this is the position taken by _____, who argues that….”
3b. Mapping Out Who Says What
This model is great when you feel like you can organize your sources for your reader really clearly. You can summarize what others have said about the topic.
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EXAMPLE
“Many scholars have argued that _____. Recently, a few individuals like _____ have started to claim _____.”
You can also introduce your own perspective.
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“I agree with _____ and others who have argued that _____. Yet, I would like to add that _____.”
3c. The Question-Hook Approach
Want to grab your reader’s attention right away? Start with a question or thought-provoking statement. You can also provide context and briefly explain the topic and why it matters.
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EXAMPLE
“What happens when _____?”
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“Can the same _____ be applied across different fields?”
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“In both field _____ and field _____, the key concept _____ has been shown to save lives and resources, yet it remains underfunded.”
Once your reader has enough context, make sure your thesis clearly links back to your original hook. You may want to show this to your reader directly.
In this lesson, you learned how important creating an introduction is to setting up your persuasive essay. You learned why your introduction matters: to serve as a roadmap that frames the topic, engage your reader, and set up your thesis.
You also learned the role of sources in your introduction. Rather than simply stacking up evidence, you use sources to show your thesis is original. It’s essential to balance summarizing key ideas with asserting your own voice. Using sources can also highlight the implications of research, identify disagreements or controversies, or help your reader spot unanswered questions. Finally, you explored different models for structuring your introduction—whether starting broad and narrowing down, mapping out who said what before adding your voice, or using the question-hook approach. These models can help you build an opening that draws readers in and sets a confident tone for the rest of your essay.
