Introductory paragraphs
An introductory paragraph supports the thesis in three ways. First,
it engages readers’ interest with a strong opening sentence. Some writing texts
advise using a quotation or an anecdote to capture readers’ attention, and this
can work well. Whatever kind of opening you use, however, it should be relevant
to your subject and move your readers quickly and smoothly toward your thesis.
An introductory paragraph also supports the thesis by giving relevant
background information and context, such as important facts or theory. For
example, if you were writing an introduction to a paper about Napoleon’s loss
at Waterloo, before presenting your thesis statement, you might offer a
sentence or two about the ongoing hostilities that led up to the final battle.
This sketch of important background should be accomplished quickly with just
enough information to help your readers understand why your subject and thesis
are important.
The third, and perhaps most important
function of an introductory paragraph, is to introduce the thesis statement and
thereby focus your readers on the central idea of your paper. Definitions of a
thesis statement vary somewhat, but almost all instructors take a thesis to
mean the central idea, opinion, assertion, claim or attitude of the paper. At
the core of a thesis statement is the writer’s controlling idea on the topic,
e.g. “Unchecked northern development raises serious concerns.” Some instructors
understand a complete thesis statement also to include specific reasons in
support of the controlling idea, e.g. “Unchecked northern development raises
serious concerns because it jeopardizes and contaminates the biospheres,
depletes energy resources before alternatives are available, and magnifies
social problems.” Some instructors also think of the thesis as the answer to a
question implied by the assignment. Although some methods of topic development
place the thesis near the end of the paper or even in the conclusion, in most
academic writing, it appears near the end of the introductory paragraph. Placed
there, the thesis provides a preview of the main idea you will develop in your
essay and prepares your readers for that development.