How to write an essay introduction, how to write a 4 paragraph essay.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

1. An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
2. Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
3. A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay, about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Well done!

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. Without it, your reader won’t know what the purpose of your essay is! And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. Your thesis statement conveys that purpose, so it’s important to put careful thought into writing a clear and compelling thesis statement.

First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook. The writer starts by presenting an assumption (that the U.S. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education), which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education.

To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:

Your introduction will also state any claims, questions, or issues that your paper will focus on. This is commonly known as your paper’s thesis . This condenses the overall point of your paper into one or two short sentences that your reader can come back and reference later.

Example of Introduction Paragraph: Analysis

Now that we’ve identified the essay topic presented in the sample intro, let’s dig into some analysis. To pin down its strengths and weaknesses, we’re going to use the following three questions to guide our example of introduction paragraph analysis:

The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay!

Check out the new section in bold. Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map!

• Introduce your third supportive idea
• Support your idea with three pieces of evidence

Conclude your 5 paragraph essay with an overall concluding statement.

• Example: How we as people treat the Earth will decide the safety and survival of the Earth, and the more concerned we are in the whole process, the more beneficial it will be for us all.

• Can one learn a life lesson without having an experience of that? Can you learn from other people’s mistakes?
• Is it ethical to continue testing on animals?
• Should same-sex marriages be legalized?
• Should more strict laws be implemented for gun-control?
• Should the death penalty be continued or not?
• Should marijuana be openly allowed?
• Should free education be provided to all students?

The 5 Paragraph Essay Outline

Restate the thesis statement. Remember not to repeat the thesis statement but restate it in different words.

• Introduce your first supportive idea
• Support your idea with three pieces of evidence

Conclude your supporting arguments in 3 sentences by taking the supporting arguments of your body paragraphs. You can rephrase the main points of each paragraph in one sentence making it three sentences for three paragraphs.

Vincent Hazat / PhotoAlto Agency RF Collections / Getty Images

Before you can start writing, you must have an idea to write about. If you haven't been assigned a topic, it's easier than you might think to come up with one of your own.

Your best essays will be about things that light your fire. What do you feel passionate about? What topics do you find yourself arguing for or against? Choose the side of the topic you are "for" rather than "against" and your essay will be stronger.

You've almost finished. The last paragraph of your essay is your conclusion. It, too, can be short, and it must tie back to your introduction.

Introduction

Write a paragraph about each of these key points, using the information you've pulled from your notes. If you don't have enough for one, you might need a stronger key point. Do more research to support your point of view. It's always better to have too many sources than too few.

Choose a title for your essay that expresses your primary idea. The strongest titles will include a verb. Take a look at any newspaper and you'll see that every title has a verb.

• By observing the balance of nature in her gardens, listening to lectures, and reading everything she can get her hands on about insects and native plants, Lucinda has grown passionate about natural balance. "It's easy to get passionate if you just take time to look," she says.

1. Purpose and Thesis
2. Title
3. Introduction
4. Body of Information
5. Conclusion

You don't need to answer all the questions, but if you find you have a lot of ideas for one of two of them, those may be things you want to include in your essay.

The first passage only gives basic information about the work done by the volunteer

Read on to learn step-by-step instructions for writing a great community service essay that will help you stand out and be memorable.

"For my volunteer work, I tutored children at a local elementary school. I helped them improve their math skills and become more confident students."

Step 1: Know the Essay Requirements

If you can include specific numbers, that will also strengthen your essay. Saying "I delivered meals to 24 home-bound senior citizens" is a stronger example than just saying "I delivered meals to lots of senior citizens."

The first sentence is a very general, bland statement. The majority of community service essays probably begin a lot like it, but it gives the reader little information and does nothing to draw them in. On the other hand, the second sentence begins immediately with action and helps persuade the reader to keep reading so they can learn what happened to the dog.

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