Writing an Effective Introduction

These techniques are listed in Jean Wyrick's text Steps to Writing Well with Additional Readings as effective methods for composing the introductory paragraph of an essay.  Choose the best method that allows you to introduce your topic and work your way logically and creatively toward your thesis statement. 

1.  A paradoxical or intriguing statement

2.  An arresting statistic or shocking statement

3.  A question

4.  A quotation or literary allusion

5.  A relevant story, joke, anecdote, or scenario

6.  A description

7.  A factual statement or a summary who-what-where-when-and-why lead-in

8.  An analogy or comparison

9.  A contrast

10.  A relevant example or examples

11.  A statement of a problem or a popular misconception

Back to the Gateway

Current Office Hours

Apache Access

TJC Home

TJC English

TJC's Vaughn Library

TJC Testing Center

Scholars Home

Search Engine Directory

Writing Tutorials

This page was created by Joan Bruckwicki, English Instructor at Tyler Junior College in Tyler, Texas.