The introduction is where your reader decides whether to keep reading closely. A good one grabs attention, sets the scene and tells the reader exactly what you will argue. This guide breaks the introduction into three parts and shows several ways to open an essay.
The Three Parts of an Introduction
- The hook: one or two sentences that make the reader care.
- The context: the background the reader needs to understand your topic.
- The thesis: your central claim, usually the last sentence. See our guide on how to write a thesis statement for a simple formula.
Six Types of Hook
1. A surprising fact
“Hundreds of cases of AI-related cheating have been reported at universities in a single academic year.” A figure like this works best when it comes from a reliable source. For a current example, see our report on Irish universities recording AI cheating cases.
2. A short anecdote
A two-sentence story can make an abstract topic feel human, as long as it ties directly to your argument.
3. A question
“What would a fair exam look like in a world with AI?” Use this sparingly, and make sure your essay answers it.
4. A bold statement
“Homework, as most schools set it, does little to improve learning.” A strong claim invites the reader to see how you will back it up.
5. A quotation
A relevant quote can work well if it is short and genuinely adds something. Avoid dictionary definitions, which are one of the most overused openings.
6. A striking contrast
Setting two ideas side by side, such as “convenient yet costly,” can create instant tension.
Adding Context Without Rambling
After your hook, give only the background that helps the reader follow your argument. Two to four sentences is usually enough. Define key terms if they are unfamiliar, and avoid summarising the entire topic.
A Full Example Introduction
Universities are bringing back timed, in-person exams in response to the rise of AI writing tools. The change raises a bigger question: what should an assessment actually measure? Supporters argue that supervised exams restore fairness, while critics say they reward memory over understanding. This essay argues that universities should keep supervised exams, but pair them with open-ended coursework so that both knowledge and independent thinking are assessed.
It opens with a current issue, adds context, shows both sides and ends with a clear, arguable thesis.
Common Introduction Mistakes
- Starting with “Since the dawn of time…”
- Making the introduction too long compared with the rest of the essay
- Skipping the thesis or hiding it in the middle
- Promising more than the essay delivers
- Using a hook that has nothing to do with the argument
Write the Introduction Last
Many writers find it easier to draft the body first. Once you know exactly what your essay argues, the introduction almost writes itself. When you move into the body paragraphs, our list of sentence starters for essays can help you keep the flow, and the guide to writing an essay conclusion will help you finish strongly.
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