A strong introduction can make or break your writing. It sets the tone and draws people in. Good intro sentences create interest and make readers want to keep going. They can ask a question, share a surprising fact, or paint a vivid picture. The key is to spark curiosity right away.
You don’t need to reinvent the wheel for every intro. There are tried-and-true templates you can use as a starting point. We’ll look at some examples that work well for different types of writing. With practice, you’ll learn to craft openings that engage your audience every time.
Argumentative Essay Introduction Examples
- Question + Answer Template:
“[Thought-provoking question]? [Your answer/thesis].”
Example: “Should schools ban cell phones? While some argue for their educational value, phones ultimately distract students and hinder learning.”
- Startling Statistic Template:
“[Surprising statistic]. This alarming fact shows [your argument].”
Example: “Over 70% of teens report feeling anxious without their phones. This alarming fact shows our unhealthy dependence on technology.”
- Anecdote Lead-in Template:
“[Brief story or scenario]. This situation highlights [your main point].”
Example: “Jane stared at her phone for hours, ignoring her family. This situation highlights how technology damages real-world connections.”
- Counterargument Opener Template:
“While [opposing view], [your position] is actually more accurate because [reasons].”
Example: “While some praise social media for connecting people, it actually increases loneliness by replacing meaningful interactions with shallow online engagement.”
- Historical Context Template:
“[Past event/trend] seemed [positive/negative], but [your argument about present/future].”
Example: “The printing press revolutionized information sharing, but today’s digital overload threatens our ability to focus and think deeply.”
Academic Essay Opening Samples
- Question Opener Template:
[Thought-provoking question] + [Brief answer or transition]
Example: “What drives humans to explore the unknown? Our innate curiosity and desire for discovery have led to countless scientific breakthroughs.”
- Quote Opener Template:
“[Relevant quote]” + [Attribution] + [Your interpretation]
Example: “‘The only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ Steve Jobs’ words remind us that passion is key to success in any field.”
- Statistic Opener Template:
[Surprising statistic] + [Explanation of its significance]
Example: “Over 80% of ocean plastic comes from land-based sources. This shocking fact highlights the urgent need for better waste management practices.”
- Anecdote Opener Template:
[Brief story or scenario] + [Connection to essay topic]
Example: “As a child, I watched my grandmother knit intricate patterns. Little did I know this would spark my interest in textile engineering.”
- Definition Opener Template:
[Term definition] + [Why it’s important for your essay]
Example: “Democracy, a system of government where citizens exercise power by voting, is vital for ensuring fair representation and accountability. This is central to my essay on the role of democratic principles in modern society.”
These templates can help you grab your reader’s attention from the start. Feel free to adjust them to fit your unique voice and topic.
Research Paper Introductory Paragraphs
- Question-based template:
[Thought-provoking question]? This research paper explores [topic] to answer this question.
Example: “How does climate change impact global food security? This research paper explores the effects of changing climate patterns on agricultural productivity and food availability.”
- Statistics-driven template:
[Surprising statistic] highlights the importance of [topic]. This study investigates [specific aspect] to better understand its impact.
Example: “Nearly 45% of adults in the United States suffer from hypertension. This study investigates the role of dietary habits and lifestyle choices in managing and preventing high blood pressure.”
- Historical context template:
For [time period], [issue/topic] has been a subject of debate. This paper examines [specific aspect] to shed new light on this ongoing discussion.
Example: “For decades, climate change has been a subject of debate. This paper examines the latest scientific evidence to shed new light on this ongoing discussion.”
- Problem-solution template: [Problem statement] presents a significant challenge. This research aims to [research goal] in order to address this issue.
Example: “Rising healthcare costs present a significant challenge. This research aims to identify cost-effective preventive care strategies in order to address this issue.”
- Contrasting perspectives template: While some argue [perspective A], others believe [perspective B]. This study analyzes [specific aspect] to provide a more nuanced understanding.
Example: “While some argue that social media enhances communication, others believe it harms real-world relationships. This study analyzes user behavior patterns to provide a more nuanced understanding.”
Elements of a Strong Introduction
1. Opening With a Hook
A hook catches readers’ interest right away.
Examples
- “Imagine waking up one day with superpowers.”
- “Did you know that honey never spoils?”
- “The human brain is more powerful than any computer.”
- “In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped as gods.”
- “What if you could travel through time?”
- “The average person spends six months of their life waiting for red lights to turn green.”
- “Picture a world without social media.”
- “Have you ever wondered what lies at the bottom of the ocean?”
- “Close your eyes and think of your happiest memory.”
These hooks use questions, facts, and vivid images to spark curiosity.
2. Providing Background Information
Background info gives readers context. Here are examples of good background statements:
- “Coffee has been enjoyed for centuries across the globe.”
- “The Industrial Revolution changed the way people lived and worked.”
- “Climate change is affecting ecosystems worldwide.”
- “Social media has transformed how we communicate.”
- “The human body is made up of trillions of cells.”
- “Ancient civilizations left behind many mysteries we’re still trying to solve.”
- “Space exploration has led to many technological breakthroughs.”
These statements give readers key facts to understand the topic better.
3. Presenting the Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is the main idea of your writing. For example:
- “Social media has both positive and negative effects on society.”
- “Regular exercise is key to maintaining good health.”
- “Learning a second language offers many benefits.”
- “Reading fiction can improve empathy and social skills.”
- “Renewable energy sources are the future of power generation.”
- “Proper time management is essential for academic success.”
- “Travel broadens our perspectives and enriches our lives.”
- “The internet has revolutionized how we access information.”
These examples show how well-written thesis statements clearly express the main point of the writing.
Techniques for Engaging Readers
Hooking your readers from the start is key to keeping them interested. Some great ways to grab their attention and make them want to read more include:
1. Using Anecdotes and Stories
Stories pull people in and make them feel connected. You can start with a quick tale that relates to your topic.
Examples
- I once forgot my laptop on a train…
- My dog ate my homework, for real…
- The day I learned to ride a bike…
- When I first tried sushi…
- My worst job interview ever…
- That time I got lost in Paris…
- The day I met my childhood hero…
- My biggest cooking disaster…
- When I accidentally texted my boss…
- The scariest night of my life…
2. Employing Rhetorical Questions
Asking questions gets your readers thinking. It makes them part of the conversation.
Examples
- Have you ever wondered…?
- What would you do if…?
- Can you imagine…?
- How often do you…?
- Why do we…?
- When was the last time you…?
- What’s the best way to…?
- Are you ready to…?
- Do you believe in…?
- How much would you pay for…?
3. Inserting a Statistic or Fact
Numbers and facts can surprise people and make them want to learn more.
Examples
- Did you know that 80% of people…?
- Every day, over 1 million…?
- In just one year, we…?
- Scientists have found that…?
- The average person spends…?
- For the first time in history…?
- Studies show that only 10% of…?
- Experts predict that by 2030…?
- In a recent survey, 9 out of 10…?
- It takes about 10,000 hours to…?
4. Showing a Personal Perspective
Sharing your own thoughts can make your writing feel more real and relatable.
Examples
- I’ve always believed that…
- In my experience…
- From where I stand…
- I used to think… but now I know…
- One thing I’ve learned is…
- My biggest fear about this is…
- I’m excited to share…
- I never understood why…
- The way I see it…
- If I could change one thing…
Your unique view can help readers connect with your ideas.