Essay Series (Part 2): How to Write an Essay Introduction and Thesis Statement

Welcome back to part 2 of my Essay Series! GED and diploma preppers rejoice! If you have not read part 1, please go back and read it before continuing with this entry; I am writing the entries in the order in which you should be completing them and learn essay writing. Part 1 was on brainstorming topic sentences for body paragraphs.

Today, and what should be second in line in your essay introduction process, I am looking at what makes an effective thesis statement and an introduction which fleshes out the topic of the essay

Typically, an introduction should have three distinct parts. The first part is what I like to call a ‘hook’–more on this in a moment. The second part is the background information in essay writing. And finally, the third and most important part of an introduction is the thesis statement, also known as the main idea. All three parts are an absolute must when writing an essay introduction, as each part serves a specific purpose which will ease your reader and marker into your essay. you can learn how to write essay intriduction in english tutoring class too.

The hook. This is your lead-off hitter, the first sentence of your essay, the preface to the many wonders found in your writing. So do not trivialize your can opener. It is important and it does two things (or it should, if you follow this guide): first, it introduces the topic; second, it gets the reader’s attention.

If, for example (and for the sake of consistency), the topic of your essay is good parenting, then begin your essay with something like, “Parents are the most important people in a child’s life.” You can also begin your essay with a question. This particular tactic gets the reader’s attention quickly and effectively. For example, “What qualities does a good parent have?” Both of these topic sentences (aka hooks) introduce the topic and grab the reader’s attention.

The second sentence in your introduction is what is commonly called ‘background information.’ The background information section is essentially fluff–extra information regarding the given essay topic. Don’t get caught up in the details of the topic, here; simply write a sentence or two that will provide your reader with a tad more detail.

“The full effects a parent can have on a child’s life will never be completely known,” is a good example. The best thing about the background information is that you, the writer, can keep it general. Don’t be specific. You are just providing general commentary on your topic, that’s all.

Thirdly, the final and most important sentence in your essay is the thesis statement. It sets up your article completely, so it’s important that you don’t say the wrong thing. You need–you must have–a strong argument. I cannot stress this fact enough.

Do not write a weak thesis statement. Allow me to lay it out. Good: “The good qualities of parents are universally as follows: participators, teachers, and nurturers.” Bad: “Good parents can sometimes be participators, teachers, and nurturers some of the time.” Do you see the difference in essay introduction? One is a strong statement, the other is a weak statement. One is a strong opinion, the other is indecisive and watery. Be strong in your opinion! Say it like you mean it.

Hopefully, you noted that the three topics you brainstormed earlier were echoed in the thesis statement. This is why I asked you to come up with topic sentences before writing a thesis, so try to somehow incorporate your three brainstormed topics into it. It doesn’t always work, however, so this information comes with one caveat.

Certain GED and diploma exams ask for your opinion in a very straight-forward way. If the given topic of your essay asks for your opinion flat-out, then simply provide your opinion as your thesis statement without incorporating your topic sentences. One example topic is as follows: “It is difficult to make changes in one’s life. Do you agree with this statement?”[1] An appropriate thesis statement for a topic such as this would be “It is difficult to make changes in one’s life,” OR “It is not difficult to make changes in one’s life.”

Either thesis statement is perfectly acceptable, and since the topic asks for your opinion (essentially a yes/no scenario), you do not have to echo the topic sentences you brainstormed earlier.

In review, your introduction should have three parts: The hook, background information, and a thesis statement. Your introduction may only have those three sentences. That’s fine. GED and Diploma exam markers are specifically looking for these three parts, and if you have all three, you will get a perfect score.

My final words of wisdom before departing is this: Write a strong thesis. Don’t give a weak opinion. Make your reader believe you with good essay writing, even if you don’t believe what you are writing in essay introduction with english tutoring.

Parents are the most important people in a child’s life. The full effects a parent can have on a child’s life will never be completely known. Children need good parents, but it takes a lot to be a good parent. The good qualities of parents are universally as follows: participators, teachers, and nurturers.

 Provided by Phillip Mattie
CTC Tutor