Just the plain facts!
Just the plain facts!
PRESENTATION SERIES PRESENTATION SERIES
How to write an introduction
How to write an introduction
General General
The purpose of an introduction is to The purpose of an introduction is to prepare
prepare
the reader for the body of writing that the reader for the body of writing that comes
comes
after it. after it.
You know what you are writing about and You know what you are writing about and
why.
why. But unless you inform your readers But unless you inform your readers of this in an introduction, they will feel of this in an introduction, they will feel
lost and judge your essay to be an lost and judge your essay to be an
unclear piece of work!
unclear piece of work!
A good introduction:
A good introduction:
indicates the topic that the essay is indicates the topic that the essay is about
about
describes how the body of the essay is describes how the body of the essay is organized
organized
explains the point of writing the essay;explains the point of writing the essay;
the point of writing an essay is usually the point of writing an essay is usually to argue for a thesis, so you will need to to argue for a thesis, so you will need to
explain what thesis you argue for and explain what thesis you argue for and
how you argue for it – this is called a how you argue for it – this is called a thesis-statement, and most essay thesis-statement, and most essay
introductions include one.
introductions include one.
First example First example
Suppose you had to write a ten page essay Suppose you had to write a ten page essay on on the topic of whether body-checkingthe topic of whether body-checking
should be banned in junior ice-hockey.
should be banned in junior ice-hockey. You You did your research and found that there are did your research and found that there are
several main arguments for and against a several main arguments for and against a
ban. In the body of your essay you ban. In the body of your essay you
described and evaluated these arguments, described and evaluated these arguments,
and determined that arguments for a ban and determined that arguments for a ban
are stronger than arguments against a ban.
are stronger than arguments against a ban.
Now you must write your introduction!
Now you must write your introduction!
First example First example
Here is how someone new to academic Here is how someone new to academic essays may write the introduction (the essays may write the introduction (the
topic-sentence is in red, essay structure in topic-sentence is in red, essay structure in
blue, thesis in yellow):
blue, thesis in yellow):
This essay is about the issue of body-checking in This essay is about the issue of body-checking in
junior ice-hockey.
junior ice-hockey. First, arguments for a ban onFirst, arguments for a ban on body-checking are examined. Second, arguments body-checking are examined. Second, arguments
against a ban are discussed.
against a ban are discussed. It is shown that pro-It is shown that pro- ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban
ban arguments are stronger than anti-ban
arguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay is arguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay is
that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be that body-checking in junior ice-hockey should be
banned.
banned.
Discussion of first example Discussion of first example
This introduction is all right so far as it goes.
This introduction is all right so far as it goes.
It is better to have an introduction that It is better to have an introduction that includes the three important elements includes the three important elements
((topictopic, , structurestructure, , thesisthesis) than to have one) than to have one that does not.
that does not. Many people start out byMany people start out by writing essays with introductions like this writing essays with introductions like this one.one. It does have the virtue of being clear,It does have the virtue of being clear,
and clarity is essential.
and clarity is essential. But let us review it But let us review it to see if it can be improved.
to see if it can be improved.
Discussion of first example Discussion of first example
The structure-sentences are fine.
The structure-sentences are fine.
Notice that words such as
Notice that words such as firstfirst and and second
second
are useful in helping to describe how the are useful in helping to describe how the
body of an essay is organized.
body of an essay is organized.
However, if you can convey the structure However, if you can convey the structure
ofof
your essay without using too many your essay without using too many
organizational words, that is even better.
organizational words, that is even better.
Discussion of first example Discussion of first example
The topic-sentence could be improved.
The topic-sentence could be improved.
Rather than writing: “
Rather than writing: “This essay is about…This essay is about…”” it would be better to write a few topic-
it would be better to write a few topic- sentences that convey a sense of the sentences that convey a sense of the
current state of the topic.
current state of the topic. This not only This not only
tells the reader what the topic is but it also tells the reader what the topic is but it also
gives the impression that you are gives the impression that you are
knowledgeable about the topic and in knowledgeable about the topic and in command of your research material.
command of your research material.
Discussion of first example Discussion of first example
The thesis-sentences could be better.
The thesis-sentences could be better.
Instead of writing: “
Instead of writing: “Therefore, the thesis ofTherefore, the thesis of this essay is…
this essay is…” ” simply give a bold, factualsimply give a bold, factual sentence that expresses your position on sentence that expresses your position on
the issue.
the issue. This conveys an air of confidence, This conveys an air of confidence, unlike the phrase “…
unlike the phrase “…the thesis of thisthe thesis of this essay
essay…” which is timid and non-committal. …” which is timid and non-committal.
Second example Second example
The introduction on the next slide The introduction on the next slide
takes takes
these points into account. Compare it these points into account. Compare it
with with
the previous introduction and
the previous introduction and note how note how wording the three main elements
wording the three main elements differently
differently
can improve the impact that the can improve the impact that the
introduction introduction
has on the reader.
has on the reader.
Second example Second example
Body-checking has always been a Body-checking has always been a controversial
controversial issue. However, the recent issue. However, the recent decision of Hockey
decision of Hockey Canada to allow some Canada to allow some hockey associations to permit
hockey associations to permit body-body- checking among players as young as nine checking among players as young as nine
years of age, on an experimental basis, has years of age, on an experimental basis, has
aggravated the controversy quite considerably in aggravated the controversy quite considerably in
recent months.
recent months. Perspectives fall into three Perspectives fall into three main
main categories: viewpoints of fans, the official categories: viewpoints of fans, the official standpoint
standpoint of Hockey Canada, and positions held of Hockey Canada, and positions held by the
by the scientific community.scientific community. Evaluation of Evaluation of the main
the main arguments shows quite clearly that arguments shows quite clearly that Hockey
Hockey Canada’s decision to allow body-Canada’s decision to allow body- checking in some
checking in some junior games, even on an junior games, even on an experimental basis, is a
experimental basis, is a serious mistake.serious mistake.
Discussion of second example Discussion of second example
In this second introduction, the
In this second introduction, the topic-topic- sentences
sentences give an impression of the give an impression of the current
current
state of the topic (and, so, convey the state of the topic (and, so, convey the
topic topic
of the essay to the reader) without using of the essay to the reader) without using
the words
the words essayessay or or topictopic. The . The structure-structure- sentences
sentences inform the reader of the main inform the reader of the main parts of the body of the essay and their parts of the body of the essay and their
order of discussion (views of fans, order of discussion (views of fans,
Hockey Canada, and scientific Hockey Canada, and scientific
community) community)
without using many organizational words.
without using many organizational words.
Discussion of second example Discussion of second example
The The thesis-sentencesthesis-sentences tell the reader tell the reader where
where
you stand on the issue and how you you stand on the issue and how you
arrived arrived
at your position (through evaluation of at your position (through evaluation of
thethe
main arguments for and against a ban), main arguments for and against a ban),
without including words such as
without including words such as essayessay or or thesis.
thesis.
Discussion of second example Discussion of second example
This second introduction gives the reader This second introduction gives the reader
the the
impression that you are knowledgeable impression that you are knowledgeable
on the on the
topic, and that doing the research has topic, and that doing the research has
led you led you
to an intelligent, informed thesis.
to an intelligent, informed thesis. Why Why didn’t
didn’t
the first introduction have the same the first introduction have the same
effect?
effect?
Discussion of second example Discussion of second example
The reason is that within the context of The reason is that within the context of
anan
essay introduction, words like
essay introduction, words like essayessay,, topic
topic and and thesisthesis make it seem as if there make it seem as if there is a gap between you, the writer, and the is a gap between you, the writer, and the essay. This gives the impression that the essay. This gives the impression that the concerns about and position on the issue concerns about and position on the issue
may not be
may not be youryour concerns and position concerns and position (only
(only
the essay’s!). Notice that the second the essay’s!). Notice that the second
introduction gives the impression that introduction gives the impression that
there there
is no gap, and that you are
is no gap, and that you are expressingexpressing yourself through the essay.
yourself through the essay.
Practice!
Practice!
Practice writing introductions without using Practice writing introductions without using
phrases such as “
phrases such as “the topic of this essay…the topic of this essay…”” or “or “the thesis argued for is…the thesis argued for is…” Expressing” Expressing
the topic without using words like
the topic without using words like topictopic or or subject
subject may be particularly challenging may be particularly challenging
because it is easy to include too much detail because it is easy to include too much detail
and end up with an unintended body- and end up with an unintended body-
paragraph. But with practice, you will be paragraph. But with practice, you will be
able to write more effective introductions.
able to write more effective introductions.
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
1. How long should my introduction be?
1. How long should my introduction be?
One common mistake is to write an One common mistake is to write an
introduction that is too long; the introduction introduction that is too long; the introduction is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from is so detailed that it is indistinguishable from
the body of the essay!
the body of the essay! As a rule, anAs a rule, an
introduction should not be longer than about introduction should not be longer than about
8% of the length of the essay.
8% of the length of the essay. ForFor example,example, the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty- the introduction of a ten, fifteen, and twenty- page essay should be a maximum of about a page essay should be a maximum of about a
page, a
page, a page and a quarter, and one and apage and a quarter, and one and a half pages respectively.
half pages respectively.
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions 2. How detailed should the 2. How detailed should the
introduction introduction be?be?
Another common mistake is that the Another common mistake is that the
introduction is so detailed that it fails to introduction is so detailed that it fails to indicate the topic of the essay in a clear indicate the topic of the essay in a clear
way!
way! The introduction only needs to stateThe introduction only needs to state the topic, general structure, and thesis of the topic, general structure, and thesis of
thethe
essay. The longer the essay is supposed to essay. The longer the essay is supposed to be, the more detailed your topic, structure be, the more detailed your topic, structure
and thesis-sentences can be.
and thesis-sentences can be.
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
3. Why am I finding it hard to write 3. Why am I finding it hard to write
thethe
introduction?
introduction?
The introduction must indicate the topic, The introduction must indicate the topic,
structure and thesis of the essay.
structure and thesis of the essay. If you If you areare
not completely sure about any of these not completely sure about any of these
things, you will find it hard or even things, you will find it hard or even
impossible to write an introduction.
impossible to write an introduction.
Writer’s Writer’s
block can happen when you try to write block can happen when you try to write
thethe
introduction before you have done introduction before you have done
sufficient sufficient
reading and research on the topic.
reading and research on the topic.
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
3. Why am I finding it hard to write 3. Why am I finding it hard to write
thethe
introduction (continued)?
introduction (continued)?
How can you know what the structure of How can you know what the structure of
your essay will be until you have written your essay will be until you have written
atat
least a draft of the body? How can you least a draft of the body? How can you
know what your thesis will be until you know what your thesis will be until you
havehave
done the reading and research?!
done the reading and research?! To saveTo save
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
4. What is an introduction for? Is it a 4. What is an introduction for? Is it a
summary?
summary?
An introduction is not a summary. A An introduction is not a summary. A
summary repeats the main ideas of an summary repeats the main ideas of an
essay.
essay. An introduction introduces the An introduction introduces the reader
reader
to the topic of the essay, describes the to the topic of the essay, describes the
organizational structure of the essay, and organizational structure of the essay, and explains the point of the essay (the thesis explains the point of the essay (the thesis
argued for).
argued for).
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
5. What should I put in my 5. What should I put in my
introduction?
introduction?
Do not try to pack everything into the Do not try to pack everything into the
introduction. It would then not be an introduction. It would then not be an
introduction at all!
introduction at all! An essay introductionAn essay introduction does not need to do more than tell the does not need to do more than tell the
reader the topic of the essay, describe how reader the topic of the essay, describe how
the body of the essay is organized, and the body of the essay is organized, and
explain the thesis that you argue for in the explain the thesis that you argue for in the
essay.
essay.
Frequently asked questions Frequently asked questions
6. How many paragraphs should I use 6. How many paragraphs should I use
for the introduction?
for the introduction?
The introduction needs to indicate the The introduction needs to indicate the
topic, topic,
structure, and thesis of the essay for the structure, and thesis of the essay for the
reader.
reader. In a short ten page essay, all ofIn a short ten page essay, all of these things should be easy to include in these things should be easy to include in
oneone
or two paragraphs. In longer essays, your or two paragraphs. In longer essays, your
topic, structure, and thesis-sentences will topic, structure, and thesis-sentences will
bebe
more detailed, and so more paragraphs more detailed, and so more paragraphs
maymay
be required to complete the introduction.
be required to complete the introduction.
Other sources and resources Other sources and resources
Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Centre
Centre
(go to Master’s office at 205 Bethune to book a (go to Master’s office at 205 Bethune to book a slot,
slot,
or call 416 736 2100 ext. 22035) or call 416 736 2100 ext. 22035)
Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online Visit York Centre for Academic Writing online resources at:
resources at:
http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/resources.html http://www.arts.yorku.ca/caw/resources.html
The following books may be useful:The following books may be useful:
Hacker, D. (2003).
Hacker, D. (2003). A Canadian writer’s referenceA Canadian writer’s reference (2(2ndnd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Nelson Thomson ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Nelson Thomson
Learning.
Learning. Call number: PE 1408 H293Call number: PE 1408 H293 Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002).
Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002). A CanadianA Canadian writer’s pocket guide
writer’s pocket guide (2 (2ndnd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: ed.). Scarborough, Ont.:
Other sources and resources Other sources and resources
Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002).
Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002). Simon & Schuster Simon & Schuster handbook
handbook for writers
for writers (3 (3rdrd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall. ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: Prentice-Hall.
Call number:
Call number: PE 1408 T697PE 1408 T697
For science students writing a scientific report, For science students writing a scientific report, the requirements of the introduction are slightly the requirements of the introduction are slightly different from those stated here. The following different from those stated here. The following book will be particularly useful:
book will be particularly useful:
Day, Robert A. (1998).
Day, Robert A. (1998). How to write & publish a How to write & publish a scientific
scientific paper
paper (5 (5thth ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press. ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press.
Call number:
Call number: T11 D33T11 D33
