Even though clothes do not make the man, people first tend to notice the appearance and only then decide whether to continue communication. But does it have anything to do with the topic of this article? Yes, a lot. Imagine your essay as a person. The introductory part would be the appearance, while the body of the text would stand for the soul and inner world of a person.
If the intro is unattractive, boring, and dry, it is unlikely somebody will continue reading the next parts of the text. But if the first sentences are catchy and alluring, even the strongest will not be able to resist the temptation of reading. So, are you now convinced that introduction is the part to which you should devote the most of your time?
The intro is about creativity and the ability to sell your work. It is like a marketing strategy. Thus, in this part, you must focus not on grammar and structure but rather on the message you want to convey. Of course, it does not mean that mistakes contribute to the flow of the audience. It is just recommended not to worry about them while there are ‘do my homework’ services able to help you with any writing issues. Do your job and let them also perform their main function.
So, in case there are no more questions about the importance of the introductory part of the text, let us switch to the next step. How to write it? Not many people are endowed with the talent to create compelling stories. Even fewer can begin their articles with the right words. But fortunately, there are many tips that can help you overcome this problem.
Approaches to Starting an Essay
When starting an essay, one can choose between several methods. Among them are the following:
- Standard (the most common one). It must contain six questions to be answered: what and when, who and where, why and how. Such answers will provide the reader with an overall idea of what to expect from your article.
- Unanticipated introduction. You can come up with any ideas to surprise the readers and make them wonder about the possible development of events.
- Active. It means creating the image of the event that is already happening. The consequences will emerge further in the main part of your work. This method is effective to use for short essays.
- Authoritarian. It furnishes information in a commanding tone to create the impression that the author is very confident in what they are talking about.
- Informative – the introductory part furnishes a little information about what will be described in the work. Sometimes such an approach means you should provide a reader with some conclusions you derived from your research. Still, be very careful not to spill the bins at the very beginning.
- Quotable. A suitable quote is an instrument that attracts attention immediately. Still, it is not advisable to use clichés and well-known phrases. By doing that, you will demonstrate to the readers your lack of creativity.
- Dialogical. Such a beginning engages the readers by making them participants in the dialogue with the author. You can either make it look like a flow of thoughts with rhetorical questions or simulate a real conversation.
Main Components of the Introduction
Once you have chosen the approach which you would like to follow in the course of writing your essay, consider the elements that must be included. There are some crucial things you must take into consideration.
1. The Problem and Its Relevance
If you are writing scientific research or an article that relates to a real situation, not fiction, you must explain to the readers why you have chosen to write it. Start your introduction with a sentence indicative of the essence of the issue. Then, explain why it is so necessary to examine it.
Still, you are writing an essay, not a comprehensive paper. Thus, you can introduce the issue in the question form, give your thoughts, or use artistic means. Your main goal is to make readers interested in the problem in question from the very beginning.
2. The Main Objectives of Your Work
Why did this essay topic attract your attention? Perhaps there is some original answer in your mind already. Maybe you are considering this issue from such a perspective that no one has looked at before. Thus, the writer’s goal is to offer a unique solution or approach it from a special point of view.
3. The Background Information
It is unlikely your topic will be a total breakout that nobody heard about before. There is a lot of research and essays on various topics already. And your task is to study as many of them as possible. It will help you both get some background information and make sure you are not copying somebody’s conclusions. Thus, you can not only find out about the scope of study of the problem. You can also come across some unique ideas that can lead you to a comprehensive and well-grounded conclusion.
4. The Main Concepts
The introduction also indicates which key notions will be covered in the essay. These may be special terms on the topic of the essay that you will employ in the course of writing.
Additional Tips
With all the rules of writing a perfect introduction provided, please make sure to use the following secrets while working on your essay.
- Do not start writing the introductory part unless you finish with the body of the article.
- Focus on the most important things.
- Make a summary while keeping the main conclusion in secret.
- Do not be afraid to make drafts.
- Do not resort to cliches.
- Be laconic.
- Establish a logical bond between the introductory part and the body of the article.
- Use positive language.
Final Words
This article was aimed at helping you to overcome the fear of “blank paper”. If you struggle with such a syndrome, it does not mean writing articles is not for you. It means you never tried to improve your skills and employ effective methods. If you use the tips above correctly, they will help you not to face this problem again.
