This is going to go in a radically different direction than you may have heard before. So hold on and wait until you get to the end.
Stated as simply as possible, an essay is what you think; it is your opinion. It is a first person perspective without using first person pronouns (I, me, my, etc.).
That being said, your introductory paragraph need contain only two things: your thesis statement, and at least three supporting statements, which you will examine in greater depth and detail in the paragraphs that follow the first.
The easiest way you can construct this is to begin basic research into your topic. This helps you to narrow your focus and construct a thesis question.
Let's look at an example:
Say you are writing a compare and contrast essay looking at the similarities and differences between the view of life in the 21st century from a 1960's perspective and the realities of the 21st century.
A simple thesis question could be, "How does life in the 21st century differ from how people in 1960 believed it would be?" Then, make a list. This list gives you a jumping off point for your supporting statements. These might include an examination of flying cars, food pills, colonies on the Moon and Mars, and any number of Jetsons type situations.
Keep in mind as you write that you will be developing the essay; that is, you will write and rewrite it several times. Keep the gold, toss the dross. Believe the whole time that your opinion is worth sharing, and find passion in sharing it.
One of the characteristics of an introductory paragraph is that it contains a thesis that is thought provoking to the reader. Another characteristic is including background information about the topic being discussed.
Introduce the general context of the topic of the essay.
Introduce the thesis statement.
Grab the reader's attention and draw him or her into the essay.
An introductory paragraph could include which of the following?
a hook
supporting details
thesis statement
all of the above
All of the above
a thesis.
a thesis
i hate this
kinds of introductory paragraph
The introductory paragraph presents the overall thesis, and each body paragraph focuses on an individual claim.
Introductory paragraph
The main point of the introductory paragraph is to introduce the reader to what the essay will be about.
The introductory sentence is usually the open sentence of the paragraph. This sentence is what captures the reader's interest and leads him into the topic of the paragraph. The introductory sentence is usually followed by the topic sentence.
A lot of times you will find the thesis sentence in an introductory paragraph in the very first sentence. The thesis statement can be anywhere in the first paragraph.
the preamble
it is the sentence that makes the paragraph interesting
It catches the reader's attention.
The introductory sentence and the concluding sentence hold a paragraph together.
Summary paragraph
introductory paragraph.