The document provides guidance on writing effective introductions for essays, emphasizing the importance of clearly indicating the topic, structure, and thesis. It offers examples of good and poor introduction techniques, highlighting how to convey clarity and confidence while avoiding vague phrasing. Additionally, it addresses common questions regarding the length, detail, and purpose of introductions in academic writing.

1. Just the plain facts!
Just the plain facts!
PRESENTATION SERIES
PRESENTATION SERIES
How to write an introduction
How to write an introduction
©
© Nicholas G. Ashby 2004
Nicholas G. Ashby 2004

2. General
General
 The purpose of an introduction is to
The purpose of an introduction is to
prepare
prepare
the reader for the body of writing that
the reader for the body of writing that
comes
comes
after it.
after it.
You know what you are writing about and
You know what you are writing about and
why.
why. But unless you inform your readers of
But unless you inform your readers of
this in an introduction, they will feel lost and
this in an introduction, they will feel lost and
judge your essay to be an unclear piece of
judge your essay to be an unclear piece of
work!
work!

3. A good introduction:
A good introduction:
 indicates the topic that the essay is
indicates the topic that the essay is
about
about
 describes how the body of the essay is
describes how the body of the essay is
organized
organized
 explains the point of writing the essay;
explains the point of writing the essay;
the point of writing an essay is usually
the point of writing an essay is usually
to argue for a thesis, so you will need to
to argue for a thesis, so you will need to
explain what thesis you argue for and
explain what thesis you argue for and
how you argue for it – this is called a
how you argue for it – this is called a
thesis-statement, and most essay
thesis-statement, and most essay
introductions include one.
introductions include one.

4. First example
First example
Suppose you had to write a ten page essay
Suppose you had to write a ten page essay
on
on the topic of whether body-checking
the topic of whether body-checking
should be banned in junior ice-hockey.
should be banned in junior ice-hockey. You
You
did your research and found that there are
did your research and found that there are
several main arguments for and against a
several main arguments for and against a
ban. In the body of your essay you
ban. In the body of your essay you
described and evaluated these arguments,
described and evaluated these arguments,
and determined that arguments for a ban
and determined that arguments for a ban
are stronger than arguments against a ban.
are stronger than arguments against a ban.
Now you must write your introduction!
Now you must write your introduction!

5. First example
First example
Here is how someone new to academic
Here is how someone new to academic
essays may write the introduction (the
essays may write the introduction (the
topic-sentence is in red, essay structure in
topic-sentence is in red, essay structure in
blue, thesis in yellow):
blue, thesis in yellow):
This essay is about the issue of body-checking in
This essay is about the issue of body-checking in
junior ice-hockey.
junior ice-hockey. First, arguments for a ban on
First, arguments for a ban on
body-checking are examined. Second, arguments
body-checking are examined. Second, arguments
against a ban are discussed.
against a ban are discussed. It is shown that pro-
It is shown that pro-
ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban
ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban
arguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay is
arguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay is
that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be
that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be
banned.
banned.

6. Discussion of first example
Discussion of first example
This introduction is all right so far as it
This introduction is all right so far as it
goes.
goes.
It is better to have an introduction that
It is better to have an introduction that
includes the three important elements
includes the three important elements
(
(topic
topic,
, structure
structure,
, thesis
thesis) than to have one
) than to have one
that does not.
that does not. Many people start out by
Many people start out by
writing essays with introductions like this
writing essays with introductions like this
one.
one. It does have the virtue of being clear,
It does have the virtue of being clear,
and clarity is essential.
and clarity is essential. But let us review it
But let us review it
to see if it can be improved.
to see if it can be improved.

7. Discussion of first example
Discussion of first example
The structure-sentences are fine.
The structure-sentences are fine.
Notice that words such as
Notice that words such as first
first and
and second
second
are useful in helping to describe how the
are useful in helping to describe how the
body of an essay is organized.
body of an essay is organized.
However, if you can convey the structure of
However, if you can convey the structure of
your essay without using too many
your essay without using too many
organizational words, that is even better.
organizational words, that is even better.

8. Discussion of first example
Discussion of first example
The topic-sentence could be improved.
The topic-sentence could be improved.
Rather than writing: “
Rather than writing: “This essay is about…
This essay is about…”
”
it would be better to write a few topic-
it would be better to write a few topic-
sentences that convey a sense of the
sentences that convey a sense of the
current state of the topic.
current state of the topic. This not only
This not only
tells the reader what the topic is but it also
tells the reader what the topic is but it also
gives the impression that you are
gives the impression that you are
knowledgeable about the topic and in
knowledgeable about the topic and in
command of your research material.
command of your research material.

9. Discussion of first example
Discussion of first example
The thesis-sentences could be better.
The thesis-sentences could be better.
Instead of writing: “
Instead of writing: “Therefore, the thesis of
Therefore, the thesis of
this essay is…
this essay is…”
” simply give a bold, factual
simply give a bold, factual
sentence that expresses your position on
sentence that expresses your position on
the issue.
the issue. This conveys an air of
This conveys an air of
confidence,
confidence,
unlike the phrase “…
unlike the phrase “…the thesis of this
the thesis of this
essay
essay…” which is timid and non-committal.
…” which is timid and non-committal.

10. Second example
Second example
The introduction on the next slide takes
The introduction on the next slide takes
these points into account. Compare it with
these points into account. Compare it with
the previous introduction and
the previous introduction and note how
note how
wording the three main elements
wording the three main elements
differently
differently
can improve the impact that the
can improve the impact that the
introduction
introduction
has on the reader.
has on the reader.

11. Second example
Second example
Body-checking has always been a controversial
Body-checking has always been a controversial
issue. However, the recent decision of Hockey
issue. However, the recent decision of Hockey
Canada to allow some hockey associations to
Canada to allow some hockey associations to
permit
permit body-checking among players as young
body-checking among players as young
as nine
as nine years of age, on an experimental basis,
years of age, on an experimental basis,
has
has aggravated the controversy quite considerably
aggravated the controversy quite considerably
in
in recent months.
recent months. Perspectives fall into three
Perspectives fall into three
main
main categories: viewpoints of fans, the official
categories: viewpoints of fans, the official
standpoint
standpoint of Hockey Canada, and positions held by
of Hockey Canada, and positions held by
the
the scientific community.
scientific community. Evaluation of the main
Evaluation of the main
arguments shows quite clearly that Hockey
arguments shows quite clearly that Hockey
Canada’s decision to allow body-checking in some
Canada’s decision to allow body-checking in some
junior games, even on an experimental basis, is a
junior games, even on an experimental basis, is a
serious mistake.
serious mistake.

12. Discussion of second example
Discussion of second example
In this second introduction, the
In this second introduction, the topic-
topic-
sentences
sentences give an impression of the
give an impression of the
current
current
state of the topic (and, so, convey the topic
state of the topic (and, so, convey the topic
of the essay to the reader) without using
of the essay to the reader) without using
the words
the words essay
essay or
or topic
topic. The
. The structure-
structure-
sentences
sentences inform the reader of the main
inform the reader of the main
parts of the body of the essay and their
parts of the body of the essay and their
order of discussion (views of fans,
order of discussion (views of fans,
Hockey Canada, and scientific community)
Hockey Canada, and scientific community)
without using many organizational words.
without using many organizational words.

13. Discussion of second example
Discussion of second example
The
The thesis-sentences
thesis-sentences tell the reader
tell the reader
where
where
you stand on the issue and how you
you stand on the issue and how you
arrived
arrived
at your position (through evaluation of
at your position (through evaluation of
the
the
main arguments for and against a ban),
main arguments for and against a ban),
without including words such as
without including words such as essay
essay or
or
thesis.
thesis.

14. Discussion of second example
Discussion of second example
This second introduction gives the reader
This second introduction gives the reader
the
the
impression that you are knowledgeable on
impression that you are knowledgeable on
the
the
topic, and that doing the research has led
topic, and that doing the research has led
you
you
to an intelligent, informed thesis.
to an intelligent, informed thesis. Why didn’t
Why didn’t
the first introduction have the same effect?
the first introduction have the same effect?

15. Discussion of second example
Discussion of second example
The reason is that within the context of an
The reason is that within the context of an
essay introduction, words like
essay introduction, words like essay
essay,
,
topic
topic and
and thesis
thesis make it seem as if there
make it seem as if there
is a gap between you, the writer, and the
is a gap between you, the writer, and the
essay. This gives the impression that the
essay. This gives the impression that the
concerns about and position on the issue
concerns about and position on the issue
may not be
may not be your
your concerns and position
concerns and position (only
(only
the essay’s!). Notice that the second
the essay’s!). Notice that the second
introduction gives the impression that there
introduction gives the impression that there
is no gap, and that you are
is no gap, and that you are expressing
expressing
yourself through the essay.
yourself through the essay.

16. Practice!
Practice!
Practice writing introductions without using
Practice writing introductions without using
phrases such as “
phrases such as “the topic of this essay…
the topic of this essay…”
”
or “
or “the thesis argued for is…
the thesis argued for is…” Expressing
” Expressing
the topic without using words like
the topic without using words like topic
topic or
or
subject
subject may be particularly challenging
may be particularly challenging
because it is easy to include too much detail
because it is easy to include too much detail
and end up with an unintended body-
and end up with an unintended body-
paragraph. But with practice, you will be
paragraph. But with practice, you will be
able to write more effective introductions.
able to write more effective introductions.

17. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
1. How long should my introduction be?
1. How long should my introduction be?
One common mistake is to write an
One common mistake is to write an
introduction that is too long; the introduction
introduction that is too long; the introduction
is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from
is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from
the body of the essay!
the body of the essay! As a rule, an
As a rule, an
introduction should not be longer than about
introduction should not be longer than about
8% of the length of the essay.
8% of the length of the essay. For
For example,
example,
the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty-
the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty-
page essay should be a maximum of about a
page essay should be a maximum of about a
page, a
page, a page and a quarter, and one and a
page and a quarter, and one and a
half pages respectively.
half pages respectively.

18. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
2. How detailed should the introduction
2. How detailed should the introduction
be?
be?
Another common mistake is that the
Another common mistake is that the
introduction is so detailed that it fails to
introduction is so detailed that it fails to
indicate the topic of the essay in a clear
indicate the topic of the essay in a clear
way!
way! The introduction only needs to state
The introduction only needs to state
the topic, general structure, and thesis of
the topic, general structure, and thesis of
the
the
essay. The longer the essay is supposed to
essay. The longer the essay is supposed to
be, the more detailed your topic, structure
be, the more detailed your topic, structure
and thesis-sentences can be.
and thesis-sentences can be.

19. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
introduction?
introduction?
The introduction must indicate the topic,
The introduction must indicate the topic,
structure and thesis of the essay.
structure and thesis of the essay. If you are
If you are
not completely sure about any of these
not completely sure about any of these
things, you will find it hard or even
things, you will find it hard or even
impossible to write an introduction.
impossible to write an introduction. Writer’s
Writer’s
block can happen when you try to write the
block can happen when you try to write the
introduction before you have done sufficient
introduction before you have done sufficient
reading and research on the topic.
reading and research on the topic.

20. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
3. Why am I finding it hard to write the
introduction (continued)?
introduction (continued)?
How can you know what the structure of
How can you know what the structure of
your essay will be until you have written
your essay will be until you have written
at
at
least a draft of the body? How can you
least a draft of the body? How can you
know what your thesis will be until you
know what your thesis will be until you
have
have
done the reading and research?!
done the reading and research?! To save
To save
time, always write the introduction last.
time, always write the introduction last.

21. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
4. What is an introduction for? Is it a
4. What is an introduction for? Is it a
summary?
summary?
An introduction is not a summary. A
An introduction is not a summary. A
summary repeats the main ideas of an
summary repeats the main ideas of an
essay.
essay. An introduction introduces the
An introduction introduces the
reader
reader
to the topic of the essay, describes the
to the topic of the essay, describes the
organizational structure of the essay, and
organizational structure of the essay, and
explains the point of the essay (the thesis
explains the point of the essay (the thesis
argued for).
argued for).

22. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
5. What should I put in my introduction?
5. What should I put in my introduction?
Do not try to pack everything into the
Do not try to pack everything into the
introduction. It would then not be an
introduction. It would then not be an
introduction at all!
introduction at all! An essay introduction
An essay introduction
does not need to do more than tell the
does not need to do more than tell the
reader the topic of the essay, describe how
reader the topic of the essay, describe how
the body of the essay is organized, and
the body of the essay is organized, and
explain the thesis that you argue for in the
explain the thesis that you argue for in the
essay.
essay.

23. Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
6. How many paragraphs should I use
6. How many paragraphs should I use
for the introduction?
for the introduction?
The introduction needs to indicate the topic,
The introduction needs to indicate the topic,
structure, and thesis of the essay for the
structure, and thesis of the essay for the
reader.
reader. In a short ten page essay, all of
In a short ten page essay, all of
these things should be easy to include in one
these things should be easy to include in one
or two paragraphs. In longer essays, your
or two paragraphs. In longer essays, your
topic, structure, and thesis-sentences will be
topic, structure, and thesis-sentences will be
more detailed, and so more paragraphs may
more detailed, and so more paragraphs may
be required to complete the introduction.
be required to complete the introduction.

24. Other sources and resources
Other sources and resources
 Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Centre
Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Centre
(go to Master’s office at 205 Bethune to book a slot,
(go to Master’s office at 205 Bethune to book a slot,
or call 416 736 2100 ext. 22035)
or call 416 736 2100 ext. 22035)
 Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online
Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online
resources at:
resources at:
http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/resources.html
http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/resources.html
 The following books may be useful:
The following books may be useful:
Hacker, D. (2003).
Hacker, D. (2003). A Canadian writer’s reference
A Canadian writer’s reference
(2
(2nd
nd
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Nelson Thomson
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Nelson Thomson
Learning.
Learning. Call number: PE 1408 H293
Call number: PE 1408 H293
Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002).
Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002). A Canadian
A Canadian
writer’s pocket guide
writer’s pocket guide (2
(2nd
nd
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.:
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.:
Thomson/Nelson.
Thomson/Nelson. Call number: PE 1408 F45
Call number: PE 1408 F45

25. Other sources and resources
Other sources and resources
Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002).
Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002). Simon & Schuster
Simon & Schuster
handbook
handbook
for writers
for writers (3
(3rd
rd
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall.
ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall.
Call number:
Call number: PE 1408 T697
PE 1408 T697
 For science students writing a scientific report, the
For science students writing a scientific report, the
requirements of the introduction are slightly different
requirements of the introduction are slightly different
from those stated here. The following book will be
from those stated here. The following book will be
particularly useful:
particularly useful:
Day, Robert A. (1998).
Day, Robert A. (1998). How to write & publish a scientific
How to write & publish a scientific
paper
paper (5
(5th
th
ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press.
ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press.
Call number:
Call number: T11 D33
T11 D33