How to write the introduction to your essay

The introduction is the entry point to your essay and it is where you introduce the reader to your subject. Studies have shown that the title and opening paragraph of an essay are vitally important in determining whether or not a reader will continue to read an article. For this reason your opening statement should grab the attention of the reader. Many people suggest that you should start your essay with a startling or controversial piece of information, although this must be true, verifiable and relevant to the subject of your essay. An interesting quotation or piece of dialogue could also be used, although you then need to go on and explain what relevance they have to your central thesis.

The opening statement is used to tell the reader what the subject matter of the essay is and to provide some wider contextual information. For example, if you are writing about the development of trade unions it may be useful to give an idea of what working conditions were like during the time period you are discussing.

Your introduction can be short or long although it is generally considered that an introduction should represent 7-10% of the length of the finished article. You should use keywords from your main essay and you should also make sure that it is succinct and to the point; don’t produce rambling sentences that will put off any reader.

There are several English grammar software packages that offer to help you acquire the skills of good essay writing. All of the packages cover a range of skills and one of those is writing introductions.