Writing the Introduction
Once you have decided on the thesis, you are ready to write the introduction. The introduction, along with the conclusion, provides a frame for the essay. An introduction is a paragraph or two that catches the reader’s attention and builds into the thesis statement. Suppose you decided to write a paper on the topic of recycling. Your research reveals the environmental and economic benefits of recycling. You might begin the paper with a statement such as, “Throwing away an aluminum can is like pouring out 6 gallons of gasoline” or “It takes as much energy to make a new aluminum can as it does to make 20 out of recycled material.” This type of statement catches the reader’s eye. Follow this statement with a very brief explanation and progress to the thesis statement, which might be something like, “Recycling protects the environment, saves energy and saves money.