How to Structure Your Introduction
How This Chapter Can Help You
This chapter will help you:
-
Break your introduction into four clear parts
-
Use a simple example to guide your writing
-
Plan an introduction that is clear and easy to follow
Video Version
Watch the PowerPoint video with voiceover for this chapter.
What Does an Introduction Do?
Your introduction is the first part of your essay. It should be around 10% of your total word count.
A clear introduction helps the reader:
- Understand what your topic is
- See why the topic matters
- Know what your essay will do
- Follow the order of your ideas
Guide the Reader from the Start
Your introduction acts as a roadmap for both you and your reader. It shows what your essay will cover and why the topic is important. Using a clear structure can make writing your introduction much easier.
How to Structure an Introduction
Many students find it helpful to break the introduction into four simple parts. Below is an example essay question that we will use to show each one:
Essay Question: Discuss the causes of homelessness in Ireland in the last ten years.
Step 1: Hook
Begin with something that captures the reader’s interest. You might use a fact, statistic, or thought provoking statement related to your topic.
Example Hook:
Over 12,000 individuals in Ireland experience homelessness each night, highlighting a significant national challenge.
Step 2: Background
Provide a little background to help the reader understand the issue. You might also explain why the topic matters or deserves attention.
Example Background:
This issue has become increasingly severe in the last ten years due to rising housing costs and economic pressures.
Step 3: Purpose
Clearly state what your essay will do. This tells the reader what you will examine, analyse, or discuss.
Example Purpose:
This essay aims to examine the underlying causes of homelessness in Ireland in the last ten years.
Step 4: Signpost
Briefly outline the main points your essay will cover. This helps the reader follow your structure.
Example Signpost:
It will consider factors such as housing costs, income inequality, and gaps in mental health support services.
Example: Complete Introduction
Over 12,000 individuals in Ireland experience homelessness each night, highlighting a significant national challenge. This issue has become increasingly severe in the last ten years due to rising housing costs and economic pressures. This essay aims to examine the underlying causes of homelessness in Ireland in the last ten years. It will consider factors such as housing affordability, income difference, and gaps in mental health support services.
Note: This is just one example. Your own introduction might be longer or include more detail, depending on your topic and your lecturer’s expectations. Always use reliable academic sources for facts, and include in text references if required.
Now try this:
Now it is your turn to practise building an essay introduction. There are two activities below:
• The first uses the homelessness example from this chapter
• The second introduces a new topic to help you apply the same structure with different information
Choose the one that suits you best, or try both.
Interactive Build your Introduction (Homelessness Example) H5P activity created by Róisín Kelly. CC BY NC 4.0
Interactive Build your Introduction (Climate Change Example) H5P activity created by Róisín Kelly. CC BY NC 4.0.
Downloads
- Quick Guide – Building an Essay Introduction
- Worksheet – Introduction Writing Practice
Coming Up Next
In the next chapter, you will:
- Learn how to structure your main paragraphs
- Use the PEEL or PEEL/C method to organise your ideas clearly
- Keep your writing focused on your topic
