2torial #0888:
Learn2 Write a Formal Essay (continued)

Write an introduction

An essay's introduction (the first paragraph or two) should catch the reader's interest, establish voice and tone, and reveal your thesis. Although there are infinite ways to start an essay, here are some commonly used techniques:

The upside-down pyramid. Start with a general sentence, and then gradually become more and more specific. Think of the first paragraph as an upside-down pyramid or funnel, in which the top one or two sentences are broad, and each sentence thereafter gets closer and closer to your topic, eventually leading down to the narrow thesis statement at the bottom.

Pose a question. Start by answering a question. For example, you could begin by asking, "Does the size of the class affect the amount a student learns?" and then provide your answer.

Tell a story. An interesting anecdote often works to grab the reader's attention and introduce a topic.

Tell the opposite. Start by refuting your thesis statement, and then spend the rest of the essay disproving that assertion.