An introduction needs to introduce your reader to the text (and its context) under analysis, the significance or your insights, the structure of the paper, and your thesis that argues for a certain purpose.
1.
Text or Context: Identify and describe the specific context of your paper.
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If you are asked to write an essay comparing Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli, then you must identify both authors and their texts as well as provide a brief summary of the readings.
2.
The Significance : Identify a specific topic or issue and state its significance.
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Since you cannot possibly compare and contrast every aspect of Lao-Tzu and
Machiavelli in 2-3 pages, you must narrow your focus to a specific issue (such as leadership) and tell your reader why understanding the differing approaches to leadership between Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli is significant.
3.
The Thesis: Clearly state your main point and the reason supporting your point.
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If you are claiming that Lao-Tzu is a better leader, then you must also inform the reader why you believe he is a better leader. This reasoning should provide a roadmap of the paper, which means you should provide an overview of where the paper is going to go and why.
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Sometimes a thesis and roadmap can get complex, which can often take two sentences.
It’s also important to know what not to include in your introduction:
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Clichés o Example: They say that man is the measure.
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Overly broad generalizations o Example: Since the beginning of time, humanity has been founded on love.
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Catchy slogans, puns, or hooks o Example: You may be surprised to learn that Shakespeare liked to shake things up.
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Rhetorical questions o Example: Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a good parent?
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Excessive summary or detail o Example: When Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, first lays eyes on Ferdinand, she immediately falls in love with him, and eventually she even proposes marriage to him. She is so naïve, she can’t help herself, because she has never seen a man before.
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An introduction to a college-level academic paper should get right to the point.
By the end of a strong introduction, the reader knows exactly where this paper is going.
Include the Following
1.
Text(s) or Context
2.
Significance
3.
Thesis
Avoid the Following
Overly Broad Generalizations
Catchy Puns or “Hooks”
Irrelevant Anecdotes
Excessive Detail or Summary
Take a few minutes to craft your own introduction:
1. Specify the Texts and/or immediate Context for your discussion.
2.
Indicate the Significance , i.e., Why is the topic or idea important?
3.
Try to articulate a coherent and incisive Thesis .
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