Introductory Paragraphs
An introductory paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay and introduces your ideas and the
purpose of your essay. Your introduction needs to be interesting and meaningful; if it is not, the
reader will not continue on reading! The first sentence needs to grab the reader’s attention and
the rest of the introduction needs to lay out the direction of the essay; it should give the reader
general guidance on what your paper will be exploring and the points you will be discussing.
In an introductory paragraph, you should…
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Have an interesting first sentence – this could be an interesting fact, a quotation, or a
relevant statistic
Provide an outline of the ideas you are going to explore
Have a concise thesis statement – this should come near the end of the paragraph but
doesn’t have to!
In an introductory paragraph, you should NOT…
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Go into great detail about the ideas you are going to discuss in the body of the paper
Provide specific quotations that are better fitted for the body paragraphs
Confuse the reader with complicated jargon or terms that they may not be familiar with
– again, this should be done in the body paragraphs
An Example of an Introductory Paragraph
An old Chinese proverb states that "without trials and tribulations, no one can become a
Buddha." The proverb points to the idea that we can never become truly great unless we
experience suffering. To those of us who have lived in a land of peace and prosperity, this may
seem an odd claim. However, if we take an honest look at those things that have most helped
us grow as individuals, we will notice a clear pattern: our most painful, difficult experiences are
the ones that have truly stretched us. Just as on the physical plane our muscles must be
strained and stretched, exercised and worked in order to be strengthened, so must we must
face straining and trying circumstances if our characters are to grow strong. In his children's tale
The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien deals with this issue. He demonstrates in his novel that it is only by
facing the sometimes overwhelming obstacles and difficulties of life that an individual can truly
grow and reach his or her full potential.
Paragraph taken from: http://fclass.vaniercollege.qc .ca/~kin gsmip/to lkien /fotr_intro.htm
Comm ent [U1]: Atten tion grabbing firs t
s en ten ce.
Comm ent [U2]: It is becoming clear that the
writer is going to explore how life’s difficulties shape
people.
Comm ent [U3]: Thes is s tatemen t is located at
the en d of the introductory paragraph.