Practical Guidelines on How to Format Introductory Paragraph Correctly

There is no denying it; the introduction paragraph is probably the most difficult paragraph to write. Along with being tough to compose, some would say that the introduction is also the most important paragraph in an essay. Typically, all paragraphs follow the same basic structural rules. However, with an introduction there are additional things that need to be considered. If you want to learn how to write a successful introduction follow this advice:

What is an introduction paragraph for?

Before you even begin to write consider carefully what you are trying to accomplish within your essay. Understanding your own purpose for writing, beyond “my teacher told me to” will help you learn how to write a better first paragraph.

This is because the purpose of an introduction paragraph is to achieve three main objectives.

1. Introduce your subject matter and it’s importance. You want to clearly define what you are writing about within your introduction.
2. Set the tone for the essay. Your introduction should make it clear about how the paper is going to be presented and what style of writing the author will use.
3. Clearly state your thesis as a writer. In one strong well-worded statement you should summarize your paper’s theme and purpose.

Truthfully, not all essays can accomplish all three of these things in a single paragraph. However, if you mean to write a simple 5-paragraph essay then you should be able to do this in only a handful of sentences.

The proper way to structure an introduction is from strongest to weakest points with the thesis in the middle. Basically, you should begin with an attention grabbing remark. Explain why you are writing. Then, introduce your thesis. You should then end your introduction by tying it into the first supporting paragraph.

If you are still unclear about how to do this we have include a basic outline for laying out your thesis paragraph.

• Clincher that also introduces the topic
1. Why is this an interesting subject?
• State your purpose for writing/ method of gathering information.
1. What ideas will be explored?
2. Why did you choose this topic?
3. How did you approach your research?
• Your thesis (2 parts)
1. The basic premise, should be a claim or statement about what you have learned
2. What can you conclude/prove from your research?
• Lead in to your supporting paragraph.