This document provides guidance on writing introductions for papers. It states that introductions are important for making a good first impression and engaging the reader. A strong introduction should get the reader's attention, identify the specific topic, conceptualize the main argument, and explain how the paper is organized. It recommends starting with an interesting quote, story, or fact; stating the purpose clearly without saying "this paper is about"; and including a thesis statement at the end of the introductory paragraph. The introduction length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and length of the overall paper.

1. How do I begin my paper?
Writing Introductions Workshop
The Writing Studio
Bate 2005

2. Why are introductions important?
 First impressions are lasting impressions!
 If your introduction is poor, your readers
may stop there, or continue on with the
wrong assumptions about your essay.
 If it’s good, even captivating, your readers
will continue enthusiastically.

3. What should an introduction
do?
 4 main things:
 Get your readers’ attention and interest
 Identify the specific topic of the report
 Conceptualize your argument or discussion
 Explain how your paper is organized

4. 1) Get your readers’ interest
 Write about a topic that interests you
 Consider why you chose to write about your topic
or the specific aspect of your topic
 Tell a story or an anecdote that connects to your
discussion
 Begin with an influential and interesting quote
that explains the importance of your topic

5. 2) Identify the specific topic
 Use specific terms
 Purpose
 Specific point-of-view
 Avoid saying “my paper is about…”

6. Thesis statement
 A concise sentence or two that states what
the essay is about
 gives direction to the essay
 conventionally placed at the end of the
introductory paragraph

7. 3) Conceptualize your argument
 Add the definitions or background
necessary for your readers to approach the
first paragraph but…
 Don’t give it all away now!

8. 4) Explain how your paper is organized
 Tell the reader how you are going to talk
about your topic
 Indicate the sections of your essay and
something about the order in which they
will be discussed

9. How long do introductions
have to be?
 Introductions vary in length according to
your purpose, writing style, the
complexity of your topic, and the length of
your essay

10. How long do introductions
have to be?
 Introductions vary in length according to
your purpose, writing style, the
complexity of your topic, and the length of
your essay