While some of the conventions for writing an introduction vary by discipline, a strong introduction for any paper will contain some common elements. You can see these common elements in the sample …

points to establish the paper’s context and a (working) thesis statement. This draft introduction and thesis statement will allow the writer to define the scope of the paper,

An introduction sets the context of your assignment. It should capture the reader’s attention and define the topic, giving background information and suggesting problems or issues that may arise within the …

What any particular introduction should include depends on the essay, but the information is shaped so that it directs the reader logically to the focus in the thesis.

Try writing an introduction for an assignment or on a topic of your choosing. Start by brainstorming, using the inverted triangle as a model. You can copy it onto another piece of paper and fill in each …

Read John Powers’ introduction to his essay on the emotional climate in the United States after Barack Obama was elected. Look at how the writer assessed his rhetorical situation, opened his essay, …

Use the template on the following page to plan your introduction. Start by identifying the key words and instruction words from your task instructions and marking rubric and ensure that you use these words …