Concept 7

Build effective introductions that set context and focus.

Core Idea

A strong introduction gives the reader enough context to enter the paragraph and points toward the exact idea the paragraph will develop.

Understanding

Rule: A strong introduction gives the reader enough context to enter the paragraph and points toward the exact idea the paragraph will develop.

  • The opening sentence should not try to cover every angle.
  • It should name the topic in a way that prepares the reader for the specific point that follows.
  • Trap: an introduction that is either too broad to be useful or too far from the paragraph's focus.

Step by Step

  1. Read the rest of the paragraph to identify its exact focus.
  2. Reject openings that wander into history, trivia, or a different subtopic.
  3. Choose an opener that gives context and leads naturally into the next sentences.
  4. Make sure the tone and level of detail match the paragraph.

Misconceptions

  • Choosing the broadest sentence because it sounds important.
  • Opening with a detail that is too narrow before the reader has context.
  • Introducing a topic the paragraph never actually develops.
Question

Worked Example

A student is drafting a paragraph about a school's repair cafe, where students and volunteer electricians fix small household items for neighbors instead of throwing them away. Which choice most effectively introduces the paragraph?

Select an answer to see the explanation