How to Write an INTRODUCTION for an Essay in English with Examples!

Summary

In this video, Jenna teaches English learners how to craft effective essay introductions. She covers a simple formula that applies to various essay types, emphasizing the importance of the introduction in setting up the essay. Jenna breaks down the three key components: the hook to grab attention, background information to provide context, and a thesis statement outlining the essay's main points. Using examples, she demonstrates how to transition smoothly between these sections. Jenna also advises focusing on the body of the essay while practicing this formula for efficient writing.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video focuses on teaching how to write a strong introduction for essays, specifically for intermediate and advanced English learners.
• ✍️ An introduction should begin generally and become more specific, ending with a thesis statement that presents the main argument or focus.
• 🪝 The first part of the introduction is called the 'hook,' which grabs the reader's attention. Common hooks include questions, statistics, stories, or quotes.
• 🔑 After the hook, you provide background or connecting information, answering why the topic is important and providing necessary context.
• 💡 A thesis statement is the most critical part of the introduction. It should clearly present the topic and the controlling idea, showing what the essay will discuss.
• 📝 Including key points in the thesis statement can help structure the essay and make it clearer for the reader, outlining what the body paragraphs will cover.
• ⏳ It's important to write the introduction efficiently, especially under time pressure, so you can focus more on developing the body of the essay.
• 📊 Use transitions between sections to create smooth flow and coherence in your writing, helping the reader follow the argument seamlessly.
• 🧠 Examples of introductions were provided, showcasing various techniques like hypothetical stories, metaphors, and statistics to illustrate the lesson.
• 🔗 The video emphasizes that while introductions are crucial, the body of the essay is where you prove or discuss your ideas in depth, and it deserves the most focus.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on teaching English learners how to write a good introduction paragraph for essays, particularly at the college or university level.

What is the general structure of an introduction paragraph according to the video?

An introduction paragraph starts with a general statement, gradually becomes more specific, and ends with a thesis statement that outlines the main topic and controlling idea of the essay.

What are the three key parts of an introduction paragraph?

The three key parts of an introduction paragraph are: 1) the hook, 2) the background or connecting information, and 3) the thesis statement.

What is a hook, and why is it important in an introduction?

A hook is the first sentence or two of the introduction that grabs the reader's attention. It is important because it 'hooks' the reader and encourages them to keep reading.

What are some examples of effective hooks mentioned in the video?

Effective hooks can include an interesting question, a shocking statistic, a short story, or a relevant quote.

What is the purpose of the background or connecting information in an introduction?

The purpose of the background or connecting information is to explain why the topic is important and provide any necessary information the reader needs to understand the essay topic.

What is a thesis statement, and why is it crucial for an essay?

A thesis statement is a sentence that clearly states the topic and controlling idea of the essay. It is crucial because it informs the reader of the essay's focus and what the essay will discuss.

What are key points, and are they always required in a thesis statement?

Key points are specific details that outline the main topics to be discussed in the body paragraphs. They are optional but very helpful in making the essay's structure clearer.

How can a writer ensure smooth transitions between parts of the introduction?

Writers can ensure smooth transitions by using linking phrases or sentences that logically connect the hook, background information, and thesis statement.

What advice does the speaker give about managing time when writing an essay?

The speaker advises spending a limited amount of time on the introduction and focusing more on developing the body of the essay, which is where the main ideas and arguments are presented.