Texas A&M International University
Writing Center DEVELOPING INTRODUCTIONS
In any genre of essay, introductions inform the reader on the subject of the paper. They grab the reader’s attention, pro-
vide background, and state the thesis or hypothesis of the essay. Introductions prepare the reader for the information in
the essay and include the following: HOOK, BACKGROUND, and THESIS/HYPOTHESIS.
Parts of an Introduction
Writing a Hook
The opening to your introduction should grab the reader’s attention. Hooks can appeal to emotions, shock, amaze, or
simply highlight the importance of the subject. You can use one of the following examples to accomplish this.
Introduce a startling statement When your son or daughter turns sixteen, don’t forget to wrap up
the perfect birthday present: a Glock 8mm handgun.
Ask an intriguing question If we don’t trust teenagers with alcohol or voting, why do we trust
them with driving?
Engage the audience and have them “Do these teens need to be driving as early as we are allowing them
want to keep reading to drive?" said Adrian Lund, president of the Highway Safety Asso-
ciation.
Writing the Background
The background of your paper should give validity, add relevance to your essay, and help transition from the opening line
into the thesis. It can include background information (i.e. statistics, commentary, history) and/or the writer’s angle.
Writer’s angle: Unfortunately, some teenagers don’t realize that cars are more than just something to show
off. Great responsibility comes with being behind the wheel; someone else’s life or even their own is at stake.
Background info: This may seem outrageous, but according to the Department of Public Safety, handing the
keys of a brand new car to an inexperienced driver may be as dangerous and deadly as giving a teen a firearm.
Writing the Thesis
Most academic essays include a thesis statement to guide the reader through the rest of the paper. This statement will in-
troduce the writer’s roadmap in exploring/analyzing a topic.
Thesis Structure: ARGUMENT = CLAIMS + GROUNDS
(OPINION/THESIS)
REASONS EVIDENCE
Example: Lawmakers should increase the age for granting a driver’s license from 16 to 18 because of the in-
crease in fatal car accidents involving sixteen-year-olds.
Updated 9-15-16 1
DEVELOPING INTRODUCTIONS
Sample Paragraph
“Do these teens need to be driving as early as we are allowing them to drive?" said Adrian Lund, president of the Highway
Safety Association (HOOK). Unfortunately, some teenagers don’t realize that cars are more than just something to show
off. Great responsibility comes with being behind the wheel; someone else’s life or even their own is at stake
(BACKGROUND). Because of an increase in fatal car accidents involving sixteen-year-olds, lawmakers should increase
the age for granting a driver’s license from 16 to 18 (THESIS).
Things to Avoid
1. Do not use clichés, platitudes, and vague statements.
“This book has stood the test of time.”
2. Avoid announcing the paper’s topic.
“In this paper, I will discuss the vast effects of corruption in politics.”
3. Abstain from announcing opinions.
“This is only my belief…; While only my opinion...; Some will disagree but this is what I feel…”
4. Steer clear from beginning with a definition.
“Synchronicity is defined by Merriam Webster as…”
5. Forgo sweeping statements or broad generalizations about a topic.
“Since the dawn of mankind, we have struggled for…”
Helpful Tip: Try writing your introduction last!
Typically, writers don’t figure out their argument or purpose until after they begin writing. Many will begin with a
certain idea but as he/she writes, the idea will evolve or change all together. When this occurs, a thesis statement
may no longer fit the content of the essay. Sometimes it may be easier to focus on the body paragraphs first before
writing the introduction. This approach allows for the introductory paragraph to fit the content.
