1 Grab the reader's attention with a hook. The first sentence or sentences of your introduction needs to grab the reader's attention and not let go. This is often referred to as a "hook," because it "hooks" the reader like a fisherman hooks a fish.
2 Provide background information. Another way to phrase this would be "providing context." Introduce your topic by providing background information that gives your reader an idea of what you plan to write about.
3 Give your thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a single sentence that clearly and concisely defines the topic your paper is written about.
4 Briefly introduce your main ideas. This part can be considered optional, but often helps to build a transition into your body paragraphs. Follow your thesis with a single sentence that briefly outlines the main points of your essay body.