How to Write an Introduction Paragraph

Got writers block however nothing has even been written down on paper? Writing an introduction paragraph can be one of the most daunting parts of the writing process for an author, especially for students that are in the early stages of learning to write. The introduction or otherwise known as the opening paragraph of a paper is well known for telling the reader what the paper is going to be about. In addition, it hints at the essential organization of a thesis paper. Sounds simple however it always leaves the best of us clutching to our pencils and chewing on the eraser - or lightly tapping our computer keys in bewildered concentration. Here are six tips on how to nourish the puzzled and stranded writer.

1. Inform the reader of the contents of the paper. Yes, in the back of our heads we all of hear our old English teachers telling the class of the importance of the opening paragraph. In the words of my elementary English teacher, "If the reader is not impelled by the first paragraph, the composition does not have chance and your paper might as well have not been written." By stating the essential primary content to the paper and convincing the reader for the need to continue, the paper has substantial noteworthiness for being written. This method is perfect for general school papers and thesis papers.

2. Introduce a character. Usually a main character or narrator introduces his/her/its life that will secure the attention of the reader to continue with the rest of the body of the paper. For example on a paper written about the conflicts of the Vietnam War, the author can begin with an engaging child character that lived in Vietnam during this period of time. "Hi! My name is Cam. I'm six years old and I live in Vietnam. I have long brown hair; my momma says it reminds her of the brown soil that God has given us as a gift. My parents and I used to travel and play in the fields after they completed work. Everything has changed now, my parents run home to listen to rumors from neighbors while crying." This character introduction can then lead into the story of this little girl's life that has been changed by the war. By creating a character that grabs attention, the reader will proceed in continuing the article to see why the little girl can no longer play in the fields with her parents and why the parents cry everyday. This is popular among children's stories and chic literature.

3. Introduce an issue/conflict that interposes between two opinions that the author can secure the attention of the reader. This can be done two ways: introduction of your view of the issue/conflict or introduction to the issue/conflict by factual content. This method is best for political view papers, law courses, and et cetera.

4. Introduce the time and/or place that the topic will hold place. For instance in the example above in #2, the author can begin by writing about Vietnam as a country instead of with a character introduction. This helps the reader understand the where the topic of the paper is coming from instead of what it is about in the first place. This method is best when writing about other periods of time that are not present. Science fiction, history papers and et cetera are written best with this method.

5. Start with a quote that grabs the attention of the reader that pertains to the paper topic. For instance, when writing about the influence of personal views that sparked World War II, one might start with a quote written from Adolf Hitler. Or, when writing about gardening one might quote a famous gardener in the industry that will proclaim the authors comprehension of the topic. This method is wonderful for all types of papers such as general discussion articles, personal view articles and et cetera.

6. Uncover a problem with a question. This method is how I started this paper, it worked didn't it? Asking a question that is very familiar to the general reader is a great way to lure in the reader. When making a question though, make sure that it is a question that all-inclusive instead of only reaching certain readers. This method aids in writing most papers however works great with "how-to" articles, personal view articles and et cetera.

Yes, completion of the introduction paragraph can be daunting however not unachievable. Read through these methods each time a paper needs to be completed and chose one that works for the paper that is at hand. Heave a big sigh of relief, the hardest part is completed.