just the plain facts! presentation series how to write an introduction © nicholas g. ashby 2004

Just the plain facts!Just the plain facts!PRESENTATION SERIESPRESENTATION SERIES

How to write an introductionHow to write an introduction

© © Nicholas G. Ashby 2004Nicholas G. Ashby 2004

GeneralGeneral 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

aboutabout describes how the body of the essay is describes how the body of the essay is

organizedorganized 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 argue for a thesis, so you will need to explain what thesis you argue for to explain what thesis you argue for and how you argue for it – this is and how you argue for it – this is called a called a

thesis-statement, and most essay thesis-statement, and most essay introductions include one.introductions include one.

First exampleFirst example

Suppose you had to write a ten page essaySuppose 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 aredid your research and found that there are

several main arguments for and against aseveral main arguments for and against a

ban. In the body of your essay youban. In the body of your essay you

described and evaluated these arguments,described and evaluated these arguments,

and determined that arguments for a banand determined that arguments for a ban

are stronger than arguments against a are stronger than arguments against a ban.ban.

Now you must write your introduction!Now you must write your introduction!

First exampleFirst exampleHere is how someone new to academicHere is how someone new to academicessays may write the introduction (theessays may write the introduction (thetopic-sentence is in red, essay structure intopic-sentence is in red, essay structure inblue, thesis in yellow):blue, thesis in yellow):

This essay is about the issue of body-checking inThis essay is about the issue of body-checking injunior ice-hockey.junior ice-hockey. First, arguments for a ban onFirst, arguments for a ban onbody-checking are examined. Second, argumentsbody-checking are examined. Second, argumentsagainst 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-banban arguments are stronger than anti-banarguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay isarguments. Therefore, the thesis of this essay isthat body-checking in junior ice-hockey should bethat body-checking in junior ice-hockey should bebanned. banned.

Discussion of first exampleDiscussion 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 thatIt is better to have an introduction that

includes the three important elementsincludes 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 thiswriting 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 itto see if it can be improved.to see if it can be improved.


The structure-sentences are fine.The structure-sentences are fine.

Notice that words such as Notice that words such as firstfirst and and secondsecond

are useful in helping to describe how theare 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 manyyour essay without using too many

organizational words, that is even better.organizational words, that is even better.


The topic-sentence could be improved.The topic-sentence could be improved.

Rather than writing: “Rather than writing: “This essay is This essay is about…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 thesentences 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 alsotells the reader what the topic is but it also

gives the impression that you aregives the impression that you are

knowledgeable about the topic and inknowledgeable about the topic and in

command of your research material. command of your research material.


The thesis-sentences could be better.The thesis-sentences could be better.

Instead of writing: “Instead of writing: “Therefore, the thesis Therefore, the thesis ofof

this essay is…this essay is…” ” simply give a bold, factualsimply give a bold, factual

sentence that expresses your position onsentence that expresses your position on

the issue.the issue. This conveys an air of This conveys an air of confidence,confidence,

unlike the phrase “…unlike the phrase “…the thesis of thisthe thesis of this

essayessay…” which is timid and non-…” which is timid and non-committal. committal.

Second exampleSecond example

The introduction on the next slide The introduction on the next slide takestakes

these points into account. Compare it these points into account. Compare it withwith

the previous introduction and the previous introduction and note hownote how

wording the three main elements wording the three main elements differentlydifferently

can improve the impact that the can improve the impact that the introductionintroduction

has on the reader.has on the reader.

Second exampleSecond exampleBody-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 standpointstandpoint 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 exampleDiscussion of second exampleIn this second introduction, the In this second introduction, the topic-topic-sentences sentences give an impression of the give an impression of the

currentcurrentstate of the topic (and, so, convey the state of the topic (and, so, convey the

topictopicof the essay to the reader) without usingof the essay to the reader) without usingthe words the words essayessay or or topictopic. The . The structure-structure-sentencessentences inform the reader of the main inform the reader of the mainparts of the body of the essay and theirparts of the body of the essay and theirorder of discussion (views of fans,order of discussion (views of fans,Hockey Canada, and scientific community)Hockey Canada, and scientific community)without using many organizational words.without using many organizational words.

Discussion of second exampleDiscussion of second example

The The thesis-sentencesthesis-sentences tell the reader tell the reader wherewhere

you stand on the issue and how you you stand on the issue and how you arrivedarrived

at your position (through evaluation of at your position (through evaluation of thethe

main arguments for and against a main arguments for and against a ban),ban),

without including words such as without including words such as essayessay oror

thesis.thesis.

Discussion of second exampleDiscussion of second example

This second introduction gives the reader This second introduction gives the reader thethe

impression that you are knowledgeable impression that you are knowledgeable on theon the

topic, and that doing the research has topic, and that doing the research has led youled you

to an intelligent, informed thesis. to an intelligent, informed thesis. Why Why didn’tdidn’t

the first introduction have the same the first introduction have the same effect?effect?

Discussion of second exampleDiscussion of second exampleThe reason is that within the context of anThe reason is that within the context of anessay introduction, words like essay introduction, words like essayessay,,topictopic and and thesisthesis make it seem as if there make it seem as if thereis a gap between you, the writer, and theis a gap between you, the writer, and theessay. This gives the impression that theessay. This gives the impression that theconcerns about and position on the issueconcerns about and position on the issuemay not be may not be youryour concerns and position concerns and position

(only(onlythe essay’s!). Notice that the secondthe essay’s!). Notice that the secondintroduction gives the impression that introduction gives the impression that

therethereis no gap, and that you are is no gap, and that you are expressingexpressingyourself through the essay.yourself through the essay.

Practice!Practice!

Practice writing introductions without usingPractice 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

subjectsubject may be particularly challenging may be particularly challenging

because it is easy to include too much detailbecause 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 beparagraph. But with practice, you will be

able to write more effective introductions.able to write more effective introductions.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions1. How long should my introduction be?1. How long should my introduction be?One common mistake is to write anOne common mistake is to write anintroduction that is too long; the introductionintroduction that is too long; the introductionis so detailed that it is indistinguishable fromis so detailed that it is indistinguishable fromthe body of the essay! the body of the essay! As a rule, anAs a rule, anintroduction should not be longer than aboutintroduction should not be longer than about8% 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 apage essay should be a maximum of about apage, apage, a page and a quarter, and one and apage and a quarter, and one and ahalf pages respectively.half pages respectively.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions2. How detailed should the 2. How detailed should the

introductionintroductionbe?be?Another common mistake is that theAnother common mistake is that theintroduction is so detailed that it fails tointroduction is so detailed that it fails toindicate the topic of the essay in a clearindicate the topic of the essay in a clearway! way! The introduction only needs to stateThe introduction only needs to statethe topic, general structure, and thesis of the topic, general structure, and thesis of

thetheessay. The longer the essay is supposed toessay. The longer the essay is supposed tobe, the more detailed your topic, structurebe, the more detailed your topic, structureand thesis-sentences can be.and thesis-sentences can be.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions3. Why am I finding it hard to write the3. Why am I finding it hard to write theintroduction?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 areIf you arenot completely sure about any of thesenot completely sure about any of thesethings, you will find it hard or eventhings, you will find it hard or evenimpossible to write an introduction.impossible to write an introduction. Writer’s Writer’sblock can happen when you try to write theblock can happen when you try to write theintroduction before you have done sufficientintroduction before you have done sufficientreading and research on the topic.reading and research on the topic.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions

3. Why am I finding it hard to write the3. Why am I finding it hard to write the

introduction (continued)?introduction (continued)?

How can you know what the structure ofHow can you know what the structure of

your essay will be until you have written atyour essay will be until you have written at

least a draft of the body? How can youleast a draft of the body? How can you

know what your thesis will be until you haveknow what your thesis will be until you have

done the reading and research?! done the reading and research?! To saveTo save

time, always write the introduction last.time, always write the introduction last.


4. What is an introduction for? Is it a4. What is an introduction for? Is it a

summary?summary?

An introduction is not a summary. AAn introduction is not a summary. A

summary repeats the main ideas of ansummary repeats the main ideas of an

essay. essay. An introduction introduces the An introduction introduces the readerreader

to the topic of the essay, describes theto the topic of the essay, describes the

organizational structure of the essay, andorganizational structure of the essay, and

explains the point of the essay (the thesisexplains the point of the essay (the thesis

argued for).argued for).


5. What should I put in my 5. What should I put in my introduction?introduction?

Do not try to pack everything into theDo not try to pack everything into the

introduction. It would then not be anintroduction. 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 thedoes not need to do more than tell the

reader the topic of the essay, describe howreader the topic of the essay, describe how

the body of the essay is organized, andthe body of the essay is organized, and

explain the thesis that you argue for in theexplain the thesis that you argue for in the

essay.essay.

Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions6. How many paragraphs should I use6. How many paragraphs should I usefor the introduction?for the introduction?The introduction needs to indicate the topic,The introduction needs to indicate the topic,structure, and thesis of the essay for thestructure, and thesis of the essay for thereader. reader. In a short ten page essay, all ofIn a short ten page essay, all ofthese things should be easy to include in onethese things should be easy to include in oneor two paragraphs. In longer essays, youror two paragraphs. In longer essays, yourtopic, structure, and thesis-sentences will betopic, structure, and thesis-sentences will bemore detailed, and so more paragraphs maymore detailed, and so more paragraphs maybe required to complete the introduction.be required to complete the introduction.

Other sources and resourcesOther sources and resources Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing Make an appointment for the Bethune Writing

CentreCentre (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.htmlhttp://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 ThomsonLearning. Learning. Call number: PE 1408 H293Call number: PE 1408 H293

Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002). Finbogason, J., & Valleau, Al (2002). A CanadianA Canadianwriter’s pocket guidewriter’s pocket guide (2 (2ndnd ed.). Scarborough, Ont.: ed.). Scarborough, Ont.:Thomson/Nelson. Thomson/Nelson. Call number: PE 1408 F45Call number: PE 1408 F45

Other sources and resourcesOther sources and resourcesTroyka, Lynn Quitman (2002). Troyka, Lynn Quitman (2002). Simon & Schuster Simon & Schuster

handbookhandbook

for writersfor 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 scientificscientific

paperpaper (5 (5thth ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press. ed.). Phoenix, Arizona: The Oryx Press.

Call number: Call number: T11 D33T11 D33

just the plain facts! presentation series how to write an introduction © nicholas g. ashby 2004

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