Introductions matter. For all hard work, a writer could so easily lose a reader for a weak introduction. Worse, readers are growing more impatient when a writer offers no compelling reason to go on reading. That’s why, introductions should hook readers head-on and, more, make a clear point to be developed further. There could be as many introductions as writers are. Still, good introductions for academic papers need to strike a balance between objectivity and engagement. These are helpful ways to get you started writing good introductions four your academic essay.
Write Your First Sentences Short
Typically, writing an introduction paragraph is hard. Even harder is writing an introduction sentence or how to start an introduction. This is exactly where readers could go on reading what you wrote or not. You might already have looked up “how to write an introduction” or “writing an introduction.” There are as many good ways to start an essay as essays are. As a general rule, though, an essay introduction paragraph should set a reader’s expectations for what is ahead. To do so, writers should provide context so readers know what an essay is about. Be clear, straightforward, and, most importantly, short. This cannot be more important for your very first sentences. Today, readers have zero tolerance for long – and boring – writers. That’s why you should always make your point up front and short. Naturally, you might get your “aha” right away. That’s why you should refine your first sentences over and again until you can no longer economize on your sentences. In short, sweeping generalizations and, worse, wandering in your introduction. For great ideas on starting your introduction, you can go to an essay writing service and get a professional assistant.
Provide Only Helpful Info
There is no reason a reader would go on writing finding no value in your writing. Obviously, you need to provide value. This value does not come out of anything. In fact, you need to understand your readers very well so you can create a matching value. Not all values are equal. For instance, whilst entertainment could be one reader’s ultimate need, information is for another. So, you need to do some research first to get to know your readers and, ultimately, provide value. This is, of course, an iterative process. No one says you’ll get it right the first time. Just be patient. Do proper research. See how great writers engage and create value for readers. Ask for help even, if needed.
Try To Engage Your Readers
Definitely, no one wants to be boring. More so writers. The eternal question is, though, how. There is no straightforward answer. However, engaging readers needs much beyond merestorytelling. Indeed, many writers think telling a story is enough to engage readers. Well, stories are great, generally speaking. Then again, not all stories are created equal and, of course, not for all contexts. For instance, a writer may choose to engage readers by mentioning an unusual statistic, citing a quote or argue against a common convention. In whatever form you choose to engage your readers, always make sure you understand your readership base. Nothing worse
compared to a writer failing to speak to her readership’s needs. In fact, what’s left of a writer if she does not engage readers and, in so doing, creates value? The importance of engaging readers goes, moreover, beyond interest. Indeed, engaging readers reflects, in many ways, a writer’s understanding of her readers. Only writers who understand their readers best know how to keep them hooked all along and right from start. That’s why, understanding what and who your readers read, and much more, is super important. Just keep getting closer to your readers by understanding their immediate and long term needs. If you are a student, clearly understanding your professor’s instructions is super important to get him hooked. Be careful, though, not to be too casual or general. For a starter on how to engage your readers, go to the essay database, and find a lot of useful information and different techniques.
Operate With More Facts
Generally, facts speak volumes in writing. More so in academic writing. That said, facts shouldn’t be boring and should be presented in an engaging manner. That is, reflection, important as is, is not enough to make your essay factual. Instead, research, coupled with constant feedback, is apt to inform you – and your readers – well. Getting to a point where you are factual and engaging is not easy. Don’t give up. As you keep trying, avoid at all costs sounding factual by using dictionary definitions. If you do, stay assured you are going to lose your readers. Instead, make your facts more engaging by, say, breaking them into interesting pieces. For instance, you might want to discuss mortality rates in developing countries. This could be done by mentioning statistics, making comparisons, or using charts and illustrations. In whatever way you choose to present facts, make sure you use credible sources. This is super important in academic writing. So, make sure your introduction provides readers with interesting facts you detail later in your essay.
Edit and Revise
This is something you might have heard a thousand times. Still, having a second look at your introduction is very important. In fact, your introduction is never complete until you finish your essay. Often, a new perspective emerges as you proceed in your writing. More, doing more research could make changes in your introduction necessary. For instance, you could find out your essay needs more focus after you’ve completed your essay. This would require you to tweak your introduction, including your thesis statement, to suit your essay. There are cases, moreover, where you should rewrite your whole introduction. Or, you might even leave your introduction for last. In any case, revisiting your introduction is a must. After all, your introduction is what your reader reads first. So, make sure you deliver what you promise in your introduction. Write. Rewrite. Proofread. If needed, rewrite your introduction from scratch. You might also reach out for professional help or even for a friend to give you feedback.
Wrap Up
Your introduction is your first, and could be your last, window to engage your reader. To write a good introduction, you need to go beyond a general presentation and into value. Your essay should always provide value for readers. This value should be clear upfront in you
introduction. So, write very short first sentences. Readers get bored quickly. Provide helpful information. Now one is going to read you if your essay does not show any value. Engage your readers. Use statistics, anecdotes, or quotes. Be factual. Being engaging could make you less factual. Be focused and never lose sight of what you have to offer in a factual way. Edit and revise. Readers have zero tolerance for silly mistakes. They are even less tolerant of sweeping generalizations making no sense. Take a second hard look at your introduction after completing your essay. Or, you can write your introduction last.
