Let’s take a look at this heritage essay introduction example:


What did Zeigler do in her introduction? First, she wrote a little joke, but it serves a dual purpose. Not only does it set the stage for her slightly more humorous approach to crabbing, but it also clarifies what type of "crabber" she's writing about. This is important if your subject has more than one meaning.


You can read all the advice you want about writing a compelling opening, but it's often easier to learn by example. Take a look at how some writers approached their essays and analyze why they work so well.

In order to learn how to start an introduction for an essay, it is crucial to understand what background information needs to be included in your introduction.

Here is a COVID-19 essay introduction example for your understanding:

The other thing that makes this a successful introduction is the fact that Zeigler leaves us wondering. What do we have to be prepared for? Will the crabs jump up and latch onto you? Is it a messy job? What tools and gear do I need? She leaves us with questions, and that draws us in because now we want answers.

No matter what type of writing you do, a strong introduction is important for setting the tone for your work. From blog posts to high school essays, the right introduction can pique a reader's interest and draw them in to keep reading. Use these strong introduction examples to inspire you as you write.

Another way to engage your reader in your essay introduction is to ask a rhetorical question. This is a good way to start a persuasive essay or even a . This example shows how you must carefully choose this question to support your thesis:

If you're struggling with the opening, follow the lead of other writers and skip it for the moment. Many writers begin with the body and conclusion and come back to the introduction later. It's a useful, time-efficient approach if you find yourself stuck in those first few words, especially if you have an outline completed or a general framework informally mapped out. If you don't have an outline, even just starting to sketch one can help organize your thoughts and "prime the pump," as it were.


Here is how you can write an essay introduction in different essays:

You can always adjust your introductory paragraph later. Sometimes you just have to start writing. You can start at the beginning or dive right into the heart of your essay.

Here is an argumentative essay example:

The introduction of your essay is important because it hooks your audience, and lays out your ideas. If it fails to engage, your hard work might go unnoticed. But, how can you create an introduction that successfully sets the tone for your entire paper? Well, you need to follow these key steps:

Here is a descriptive essay example:

Make your introductory paragraph brief. Typically, just three or four sentences are enough to set the stage for both long and short essays. You can go into supporting information in the body of your essay, so don't tell the audience everything all at once.

Here is a persuasive essay example:

The essay introduction is the first thing your reader sees, setting the tone and style of your writing. More importantly, it gives background information to explain what your essay is about.

Here is an analytical essay example:

Structurally, the introduction does three main things. First, it explains why your topic is important and gets your reader interested. Then, it states your thesis—the main point you're making in your essay. Finally, it outlines what you'll talk about in the rest of your essay.

Below is a perfect example of a persuasive essay introduction.

When you begin writing a new piece, think about what your readers want or need to know. Use your knowledge of the topic to craft an opening line that will satisfy that need. You don't want to fall into the trap of what writers call "," or boring and cliche introductions (such as "The dictionary defines...."). The introduction should make sense and right from the start.

Here is a good essay introduction example for a synthesis essay.

Depending on the type of blog post you're writing, it can make sense to offer some personal perspective on your topic right away. Your reader is here for your voice, so you need to use it. This example will show you one way to do that: