Writing an essay is like having a conversation with someone you've never met before: your reader.
If you open an essay with your main argument, your reader might be confused. Without a proper introduction, there is no context to help them understand why you are making your argument or why they should care.
| Imagine that you are sitting on a bus, checking your email, when a complete stranger walks up to you and says,
"Dead Poets Society is the best movie ever!" How would you feel? An announcement that comes out of nowhere from a stranger can often shock and confuse people. Since they have no way of knowing why the stranger is talking to them or what will happen next, many people may also feel uncomfortable. You don't want your reader to be shocked or confused when they start reading your essay. Just like in a conversation, you need to introduce your topic before getting to your main point.
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An introductory paragraph should:
These resources can help you draft the most effective introduction for your essay:
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 Perfect for English 10 and anyone learning a new writing skill |
 Good for students in English 10, 20, 30 or higher who do not use English as a first language |
 Resources for students writing research papers and other upper-level assignments |
Try looking through the subject guides on NorQuest Library's website! Find more writing resources and get information specific to your course or program in these collections managed by librarians and tutors.
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