1. Write a hook.
The first sentence of your introduction sets the entire tone of your essay, so it’s important to start with a strong opening. Avoid long, complex sentences and focus on writing something clear and concise. It's also important to avoid cliches and obvious facts here. These could make your work come across as unoriginal or mundane. Remember, the aim is to capture the attention of your readers and encourage them to read on to learn more.
For example:
“Social media has completely transformed the way we interact and communicate with one another.”
2. Add some background.
Next, provide your reader with context to help them understand the relevance and importance of your chosen topic. Depending on the focus of your essay, this may include:
- Historical, geographic or social context.
- An overview of the debate you’re covering.
- A summary of any relevant research or theories around the topic.
- A definition of key terms.
Don’t offer too much detail here, save your evidence and interpretation for the main bulk of your essay.
Example:
“The first social networking sites: Bolt and Six Degrees launched in 1997. But it wasn’t until networking sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook were introduced in the early 2000s that we really saw the true impact of social media. For example, in 2004 Facebook attracted over one million users within a year of launching. Fast forward to 2025 and social media has now become a key aspect of our daily lives across the globe. For example, 63.9 percent of the world’s population are active on social media.”
3. Craft an opening thesis statement.
The next step is to present your thesis statement. This will be a sentence or two that sums up your key argument. The goal here is to convey your personal stance in relation to a debate or your central argument about a topic.
For example:
“While social media has transformed the way in which we interact with one another and created innovative ways for us to seamlessly connect with people all over the world, it has also created a shift in the depth and authenticity of our relationships, particularly in the absence of face-to-face communication.”
4. Write a preview.
The final section of your introduction should lay out the structure of your essay. This can be a quick overview of what each section of your essay will cover.
Example:
“This essay begins by exploring the introduction of social networking in 1997. It then explores the rise of social media networks in the early 2000s and the widespread adaption of social media within the 21st century. Subsequently, it explores the impact of social media on human interaction and how it has changed the ways in which we interact and connect with one another.”
