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If you find yourself getting stuck by the introduction and it is preventing you from writing the rest of your paper, skip it for now. Just write your thesis statement at the top of your paper and start on your body paragraphs. You may find it easier to write your introduction after you finish your essay, after you know what you end up saying with your essay. It is more important to get into a groove with your writing than to write each part in the order that it comes in the essay. An introduction should introduce your topic, state your argument, and provide your reader with the context of your essay. If sentences in your introduction do not help with any of those goals, they are likely unnecessary. A hook, often the very first sentence in your paper, is a sentence or two that "hooks" or grabs the interest of your audience. Commonly used hooks may be good for novice writers, but some college professors think that certain hooks are overused. A few ideas for hooks follow. A statistic (particularly one that seems surprising to the reader) can be a good way to start certain types of papers. Be sure the statistic is from a reliable source, like one from your school's library database. A personal story or anecdote told in detail can draw the reader in. It should, however, be relevant to the topic, and you will need to explicitly connect it to your thesis statement. This may not be appropriate in a formal essay. A quotation from a famous person can be a good lead-in. However, since this is one method that has been overused, try putting a twist on this method by using a surprising quote, contradicting the quote, or using it in a new context. You will also need to connect this to your thesis clearly. Illuminating a paradox or puzzling scenario could draw your reader in by making them question something that is usually taken for granted. Try to avoid introductions that start by giving a dictionary definition of a word and explaining it or by asking a question. Avoid over-used and essentially empty phrases like "from the beginning of time" or "throughout the history of mankind." You will need to write a few sentences that explain the context of your hook and transition into the thesis of your paper. If your hook is long, as with a detailed personal anecdote, this may be a phrase like "this experience has led me to believe that" If your hook is shorter, like a statistic, you will likely need to write 3-4 sentences explaining your statistic and leading up to your thesis statement.
Consider writing your introduction last. Remember the purpose of an introduction. Write a hook. Transition from your hook to your thesis.