think a compelling introduction to philosophy

Find a startling statistic that illustrates the seriousness of the problem you will address.How do I write an interesting, effective introduction?Ĭonsider these strategies for capturing your readers’ attention and for fleshing out your introduction: The longer the paper, the more useful a road map becomes. You may, for example, follow your thesis with a brief road map to your essay that sketches the basic structure of your argument. If your essay has a thesis, your thesis statement will typically appear at the end of your introduction, even though that is not a hard-and-fast rule.A common error is to begin too broadly or too far off topic. Generally, you want to raise your topic in your very first sentences. A twenty page paper may call for a two-page introduction, but a five-page paper will not. The size of your introduction should bear some relationship to the length and complexity of your paper. Your introduction may be longer than that, and it may take more than one paragraph, but be sure you know why. The introductions for most papers can be effectively written in one paragraph occupying half to three-quarters of the first page.Others write the introduction first but rewrite it significantly in light of what they end up saying in the body of their paper.

Some people write their introduction only after they have completed the rest of the essay.

It can be fine to leave the writing of the introduction for a later stage in the essay-writing process.

If so, remember that you may at a later stage need to compress your introduction.

You may be the kind of writer who writes an introduction first in order to explore your own thinking on the topic.

Some of that time can be more usefully channeled into planning and writing. Be aware of the dangers of sinking too much time into the introduction.

Some students cannot begin writing the body of the essay until they feel they have the perfect introduction.

But the following guidelines will help you to construct a suitable beginning and end for your essay. Since no two essays are the same, no single formula will automatically generate an introduction and conclusion for you. It will also, in some instances, add a stimulus to further thought. A strong conclusion will provide a sense of closure to the essay while again placing your concepts in a somewhat wider context. It also needs to engage your readers’ interest. A good introduction should identify your topic, provide essential context, and indicate your particular focus in the essay. Introductions and conclusions play a special role in the academic essay, and they frequently demand much of your attention as a writer.

Think a compelling introduction to philosophy