Introductory paragraphs are those that state the central theme of a text and how it will be addressed. These paragraphs are usually found at the beginning of a text and are found in academic, journalistic , critical, and other texts.
A paragraph is a text unit composed of one or more sentences, beginning with a capital letter and ending with a period . Introductions can be a single paragraph in short texts, or they can be more than one paragraph in long texts.
The purpose of these paragraphs is to provide information about the central topic and capture the reader’s attention so they continue reading. To achieve this goal, there are different types of introductory paragraphs that use different strategies to present a topic:
- Brief paragraph. The central topic is stated in the first sentence, and the following sentences establish how the topic will be addressed and how the text is organized.
- Anecdotal paragraph. This includes a personal story or fact that relates to the central theme. These paragraphs are very useful for capturing the reader’s attention.
- Declarative paragraph. Brief statements are made about a topic.
- Paragraph with quotation. At the beginning of the paragraph, a quote from a saying , a proverb, or the words of a well-known person is included . This quote is used to reflect on the central theme of the text.
- Paragraph with a question mark. Questions are asked about a topic that will be answered throughout the text.
- Paragraph with correction. A belief about a topic that is incorrect is stated, and a correction is made to that belief.
- Paragraph with context. This paragraph provides a historical context or brief chronology of a topic or event.
- See also: How many sentences are in a paragraph?
Examples of introductory paragraphs
- Architecture is considered an art by some and a construction technique for specific purposes by others. This paper will analyze both positions and their justifications. In addition, it will examine other positions that maintain that architecture is a hybrid because it is an art, a technique, and a science. Finally, the social function of architecture in different eras will be discussed. ( summary introductory paragraph)
- On my last vacation, I went to a beach, a tourist destination that attracts millions of people each year. The area where people were relaxing was beautiful and very well-organized. But one day, I walked south, away from the most touristy area, and I saw a lot of trash on the beach. This made me reflect on the importance of reducing trash and the pollution that people cause to the environment. ( Introductory paragraph with anecdote)
- The Mexican writer’s novel was the most awarded of the year. The greatest merits of this literary work are the construction of the characters, the ending (which has an unexpected twist), the style, and the depiction of the era. Furthermore, this writer is considered the best of her generation. ( declarative introductory paragraph)
- “I only know that I know nothing” were the words of a renowned philosopher. In this era, from an epistemological perspective, there is a growing debate about how knowledge is produced, when knowledge is valid and why it eventually ceases to be so, about the importance of recognizing that knowledge is a production and not a definitive truth, and about the limits of theories and hypotheses. ( Introductory paragraph with quote)
- How is a taxonomy established? For example, what characteristics are taken into account when classifying animals or stars? Can these classifications change over time? This essay seeks to explain the principles for establishing classifications. To do so, examples of classifications from different scientific fields and some modifications they have undergone over time will be included. ( Introductory paragraph with questions)
- Many people believe that choosing a sunscreen factor depends solely on how much a person wants to tan. However, it’s not the only factor to consider, as UV protection prevents skin cancer, dark spots, sunburn, and more wrinkles. ( Introductory paragraph corrected)
- There are two elements that have improved the health situation of people worldwide: hygiene and vaccines. Vaccines are preparations that have eradicated diseases in many parts of the world. For example, the first vaccine was developed at the beginning of the 20th century to combat avian cholera; in 1953, a vaccine was developed to combat a pandemic, polio; and in 1969, the rubella vaccine was created. Since these vaccines have been available, almost no one has contracted these diseases. ( Introductory paragraph with context)
- Language users constantly use neologisms, that is, new words. Neologisms can have different origins; for example, they can come from other languages, they can be invented by someone or a community, or they can arise through composition or derivation. This paper will first discuss how new words are incorporated and used, and secondly, it will explain why some words are accepted and others are not by the institutions that develop the normative rules of the Spanish language. ( summary introductory paragraph)
- Electronic voting is a voting system that involves conducting elections using a machine instead of using paper ballots and envelopes. This system has been implemented in many countries because it simplifies many counting processes. However, many other countries do not use this system because authorities believe it is not a secure method. ( declarative introductory paragraph)
- Why are renewable energies used so little? Why do nonrenewable energies continue to be used? Is it an economic issue? Do nonrenewable energies constitute an oligopoly? It is well known that using renewable energies is better for the environment in many ways, but their global implementation has not yet occurred. In this article, we explain the main reasons for the delay in their implementation. ( Introductory paragraph with questions)
