Writing an academic paper comes with many challenges, not the least of which is fleshing out an introductory paragraph. Knowing where to start can often be tricky.
But fear not! In today’s post, we provide four examples of introductory paragraphs for different types of essays. We hope these examples will give you some inspiration to start writing.
An argumentative essay clearly defines the author’s stance on a topic or debate, often providing evidence and looking at both sides of an issue.
It engages with current issues: By referencing the current interconnected nature of society, the introduction places the essay in a contemporary context and makes the topic relatable to the reader.
It clearly states the debate: The writer presents two opposing views on online privacy in a clear, simple, and succinct way.
It sets expectations: The essay makes the reader aware that it will explore both sides of the debate.
In descriptive essays, you describe something, such as a place or an experience, in vivid detail. These essays often employ imagery and descriptive language.
It provides vivid imagery: The descriptions of the sunset and the waves instantly create a picture in the reader’s mind.
It evokes emotion: The mention of an escape from daily life elicits a sense of calm, peace, and longing.
It maintains concision: The introduction is short but powerful in setting the mood; it shows rather than telling.
In a compare and contrast essay, you discuss two subjects by looking at their similarities and differences.
It presents the subjects: The introduction clearly identifies the two works being compared.
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It highlights the main differences: The primary contrasts between the two works are introduced up front.
It sets the course: The reader knows that the essay will delve deeper into how each author conveys their message.
A personal narrative essay tells a story about a personal experience you’ve had.
It provides a personal touch: The introduction gives a hint of personal significance and the transformative power of the experience.
It sets an intriguing scene: The opening line paints a picture, placing the reader at the scene and sparking curiosity about how it impacted the writer’s life.
It resonates emotionally: By mentioning self-discovery and life-changing moments, the introduction connects with readers on an emotional level.
Feeling inspired? We hope this post helped you to come up with some ideas for the introductory paragraph of your essay or paper. And once you have a first draft, make sure you send it our way for editing and a final proofread.
We’ll check your work for grammar, spelling, word choice, readability, formatting, consistency, referencing, and more! We’ll even proofread your first 500 words for free.
An introductory paragraph should introduce the topic clearly, intrigue the reader, and set accurate expectations for what the rest of the essay will cover.
Some common types of student essays are narrative, descriptive, compare and contrast, persuasive, argumentative, expository, and process.
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