How to write an informal essay

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  • April 6, 2022

An informal essay is quite different from other types of essays . In an informal essay, you’re writing as if you are talking to a friend. You do not need to engage in a strict  academic writing process , but you should still avoid sloppiness.

  • In a formal essay, you expresses your ideas quietly behind the words.
  • In an informal essay, you talk to the reader in a conversational manner.

Formal and informal essays

In order to understand the difference between a formal and informal essay more clearly, let’s look at the table below.

Now that we know the general rules and definitions of an informal essay, let’s continue with the steps to write a great one.

Choose an informal essay topic

This is generally the first step of any essay writing process unless you are pre-assigned a topic already. An informal essay gives you a great opportunity in this step; you can write an informal essay on almost any topic . Here are some tips for you.

Informal essay topic tips

  • Choose a topic you have knowledge and are excited about.
  • Find inspiration from your own personal experiences.​
  • Just think about what you like to talk about the most, and you have your topic. ​

When choosing a topic:

Put the list away for an hour after you’ve created it. Return to it later. Most probably, one topic will stand out to you more. Then, you can write about that topic. For this how-to guide, we are choosing the topic “ why I stopped eating meat ”.

Create an outline

An informal essay does not need to follow a strict structure . However, it should still be coherent. Therefore, your outline does not need to be strict either. Just create one to help organize your thoughts.

Example of an informal essay outline

  • Thesis statement
  • Referring to reader
  • Address to the reader
  • Concluding sentence

Informal essay outline best practices

  • Remember you still need to do research while writing an informal essay.
  • Put together your research results in your outline so that your writing process becomes way easier. ​
  • Make sure to detail each part of the essay before writing, so you can write much faster.​

Write an introduction

Now, you start the actual writing process. In the introduction of an informal essay, you can basically follow the traditional introduction guide . 

Informal essay introduction example

Informal essay introduction best practices.

Before writing an introduction, you must first create an idea, identify a purpose, and collect information for the project.  The introduction also should contain a thesis statement .

Remember this type of essay is characterized by the inclusion of the writer’s viewpoint on the chosen topic , so be sure to declare your stance clearly.

Write the body paragraphs

Informal essay paragraphs example, tips for informal essay paragraphs.

  • You can write the main body of your essay using cliches, idioms, and even jargon. Don't forget every paragraph needs a topic sentence .
  • This is not a particularly academic type of paper; therefore, avoid sentences that are too long and complicated.​
  • To create a connection with the reader, it’s important to use a relaxed tone, transition words , and transition sentences . ​
  • Simple, quick, readable sentences and the use of various intonations will provide the essay with the necessary emotional context.​
  • This is a basic rule: write in a language that your professor can comprehend. That is to say, even if this is an informal assignment, it should still be readable.​

Important tip

Write a conclusion.

In the conclusion paragraph , you will need to summarize your main points and make a clear final comment.

Informal essay conclusion example

Informal essay conclusion tips.

  • Don’t make your conclusion repetitive.
  • Just quickly list the key points of conversation to leave a lasting impact on the reader. ​
  • You want them to remember and think about what you’re saying. ​

5-Paragraph Informal Essay Example

Game of Thrones: A World of Fantasy and Intrigue

Introduction

Body paragraphs, key takeaways.

  • An informal essay is a type of essay that is written in a conversational style and often includes personal anecdotes and opinions.
  • To write an informal essay, you should choose a topic that you are passionate about and write in a voice that is natural and engaging.
  • Begin your essay with a clear introduction that hooks the reader and provides context for your topic.
  • Use personal anecdotes, humor, and other storytelling techniques to illustrate your points and engage the reader.
  • End your essay with a conclusion that summarizes your main points and provides a final reflection on your topic.

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How to Write an Informal Essay: A Beginners' Guide

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A typical academic essay is serious writing. It is serious because it is often well-researched and written formally. The typical informal essay is the exact opposite of this.

how to write an informal essay

It is often not researched at all and is written in a casual tone. Furthermore, it is commonly written for enjoyment rather than serious discourse. And for that reason, it is a non-fiction essay that does not follow the writing conventions and is purely based on the author's reasons, reflections, and ideas.

In this guide, you will discover everything crucial you need to know to write a brilliant informal essay.

What is an informal essay?

An informal essay is an essay that is written for enjoyment rather than to argue or support a thesis with scholarly evidence. The essay is usually personal in nature and based on memory. A good example of an informal essay is – The happiest day of my life.

To write this essay, you simply need to recall the happiest day of your life and then write about it chronologically. As you can see, you don’t have to do much research to write an informal essay.

The fact that an informal essay is written for enjoyment does not mean that it does not have a set structure. The typical informal essay is a five-paragraph essay with three key parts – introduction, body, and conclusion. In terms of word count, the essay is often between 700 and 1,000 words long. The only thing informal about it is the fact that it does not need serious research. Moreover, unlike most essays, the informal can be written in a casual or conversational tone. This means that it can be written in the first and second person.

In most cases, informal essays are written for consumption by the author – to show their creativity, journal an experience, or release emotions through writing pieces.

Structure of an Informal Essay

Like most college students, you are probably used to following the five-paragraph essay structure that most professors recommend for formal essays . While using this structure to write your informal essay is okay, it is not necessary. The rationale for this is that the informal essay is informal and doesn’t follow any rigid structure.

Informal essays involve subjective opinions or ideas through prose. Some common examples of informal essays include impromptu speeches, diary entries, journals, social media posts, personal essays, and personal notes.

While the informal essay does not have a rigid structure or format, it must include four elements – topic, introduction, body, and conclusion.

The informal essay must have a title. It might be informal and without a structure, but it must have a title, and the title must be specific. By giving your informal essay a title, you are basically creating a compass that you can always refer to when writing your essay to ensure you are in the right direction. If, for example, you want to argue a point but are unsure whether it deserves to be in your essay, you can refer to your title to evaluate its importance. If the point helps to contribute to your title, you should include it in your essay. If it doesn’t, you should quickly ignore it.

2. Introduction

The informal essay must have an introduction . In other words, it must simply have a paragraph presenting what you will discuss in the body section. When writing the introduction of an informal essay, there is no specific formula to follow. The only thing that you must do is to make the introduction as interesting as possible. You can do this using a relevant quote, an interesting fact, or a related statistic.

In the body of your informal essay, you must go all out to tell the story you set out to tell in the introduction. You must do the title justice; you must make sure that anyone who reads your essay will agree that what you discuss or talk about in the body section is exactly what they expected. While there is no specific structure to follow when writing the body paragraphs of your informal essay, the best way to write them is chronological. This is because chronologically written paragraphs are easy to follow.

4. Conclusion

After writing your essay, you must write the conclusion part of your essay. The conclusion is usually the easiest part to write when writing an essay. This is because all you need to do is to summarize what you have written in the body section or body paragraphs. After doing this, you simply need to end your essay with a powerful closing sentence to complete it.

The Steps to Take to Write an Informal Essay

An informal essay is written in a conversational tone, which is laid-back, entails breaking academic writing rules, and sounds like everyday communication. You can use informal transition words, short sentences, contractions, common and cliché words, adages, expressions, and personal examples.

Here are the steps to take if assigned to write an informal essay.

1. Choose a topic

When you are asked to write an informal essay, you are normally allowed to choose your own topic. If this is the case, you should choose a topic that is very interesting to you. Because by doing so, the fact that the topic is interesting to you will result in you naturally writing an interesting essay. And interesting is what you want your informal essay to be to get a top grade.

Below the informal essay sample that follows this guide is a list of exciting informal essay topics. This list should inspire you to develop your own exciting informal essay topic; a topic that will make your essay interesting.

2. Create an outline for your informal essay

After choosing an interesting or exciting topic, you should create an outline for your informal essay . An essay outline is an essay writing plan. It highlights what you will include in the introduction section, the body section, and the conclusion section of your essay. To create an outline, provide a short summary of what you will include in your introduction paragraph, your three body paragraphs, and your conclusion paragraph.

But how do you know what you will include in your informal essay paragraphs? Well, it depends. If you are writing an informal essay based on a personal experience topic, you must recall as many details as possible about the experience to plan your essay. If you are writing an informal essay based on an academic topic, you will need thorough research to find as many details as possible about the topic to plan your essay.

3. Write the first draft of your essay

After creating a comprehensive outline for your informal essay, you should write the first draft of your essay. Do this by first writing your essay introduction. After writing your essay introduction, you should write its body paragraphs and the conclusion.

Writing the first draft of your informal essay after creating an outline for it should be a relatively straightforward job. You need to follow the outline like a map and use information from it to begin and structure your paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of an informal essay should each express your main message, perspective, or point of view. You can use persuasive writing skills to convince your readers. It would help to think of the topic as a forum thread where you defend your personal views against opposing opinions. Therefore, you must develop resilient supportive facts to defend your stance.

When developing the body paragraphs, you are allowed to use informal language. You should write short, clear, concise sentences, as long formulations are boring and misleading. You should center your discussions around some emotional vibe, express your personality, and write with vigor and respect.

Following your outline will make your informal essay well-organized and structured. However, it won’t guarantee flow in your essay. You will have to create a flow with your writing and transition words. Also, it won’t automatically give your essay a conversational and laid-back tone. You have to do this on your own using conversational words and writing.

Related Articles:

  • Using I in an essay.
  • How to format paragraphs for better readership.
  • Steps to come up with a great thesis statement.

4. Edit your essay

After writing the first draft of your essay, you should edit it thoroughly. Do this by reading it to eliminate ambiguous and unclear words and statements. After reading it to eliminate unclear words, you should read it to remove all types of grammatical and punctuation errors.

The next thing you need to do with regard to editing your essay is to review it one more time using Grammarly.com or similar software. This will help you to catch the errors you may have missed and to correct them.

After proofreading your essay using Grammarly.com, it will be ready for submission.

Informal Essay Example

Title: Benefits of living in a remote location They say no man is an island. While living in a community surrounded by friends and neighbors is a good thing with many benefits, living alone in a remote location also has its benefits. I have been living alone in a remote Pacific island for the last eight months, and the experience has been bliss. The island has a single cabin research station with basic amenities and a satellite connection. The nearest settled island is over 500 kilometers away. I had doubts when I first stepped on the island. I thought I wouldn’t last long. However, this has obviously not been the case. My stay on this island has been quite amazing. I have enjoyed many benefits, including improved mental health, improved safety, and a low cost of living. When I was living in Sydney, Australia, I was in a bad place mentally because I felt a lot of pressure to succeed. I also felt depressed and was frequently on depression medication. Living in a remote location has changed all this. I no longer feel any pressure. I no longer feel depressed or miserable. Just about every day is a good day nowadays. I wake up, check equipment, spend hours on the beach, and eat fresh food I grow in the station’s garden. I feel amazing mentally. I feel like a new person because life is so slow-paced on this island and devoid of the pressures of city life. Regarding safety, I believe living alone on a remote island is much safer than living in a big town or city. I feel safer on this island because there is literally no one around to cause me harm. I do not have to look over my shoulder when walking, sleeping, or doing anything on this isolated island. I also have no reason to watch the news, so I am not exposed to the constant reports of insecurity that city dwellers are exposed to. Not being exposed to constant reports of insecurity makes me feel even safer. Furthermore, in case of any emergency, there is an emergency number I can call at any time of the day to request urgent help. Lastly, regarding the cost of living, living isolated on a remote island is much cheaper than city or town living. I literally do not pay any rent on this island. I also grow much of my own food, and supplies are brought to me biweekly. Furthermore, I do not pay taxes and am not exposed to constant adverts that force city dwellers to make impulse purchases. And even if I want to purchase something, I wouldn’t because it probably wouldn’t have much use on a remote, isolated island. In conclusion, living in a remote location is very beneficial. If you choose to do this, you will be happier, safer, and less stressed financially. I can only equate it to living in paradise.

Informal Essay Topics

Below are some informal essay topics you can use as inspiration to come up with your own informal essay topic if asked to choose your own topic by your professor.

  • The best meals in our college cafeteria
  • Celebrities who are excellent role models
  • My religion and why I love it
  • My thoughts on marriage and divorce
  • The best day in my college life
  • The most embarrassing incident in my life
  • How parents can understand their children better
  • Why my mother is the most important person to me
  • The most famous African American inventors
  • Entrepreneurs who changed the world
  • Alcoholism among teenagers
  • Why home education is bad
  • Elon Musk and life on Mars
  • The Illuminati and other conspiracy theories
  • Legal migration and its benefits
  • Mental health in the USA
  • Communism and its benefits
  • The United Nations and its failures
  • Gender violence in California
  • Freedom of speech around the world
  • The effects of sanctions on Cuba
  • Education during the peak of the pandemic
  • East African culture
  • Why the death penalty should be abolished everywhere
  • Abortion and the right to life
  • What would I do if I became a millionaire overnight?
  • Why soccer is the most popular sport in the world
  • The pros and cons of video gaming
  • The Second Amendment and its protections
  • Why I would like to become a doctor
  • Why I love intermittent fasting
  • How I won a half marathon when undergoing chemotherapy
  • Lessons from my close friend who betrayed me
  • How I plan to win the next marathon
  • The car I love most
  • My dream job
  • Places I would like to visit
  • Why I love my step-dad
  • The last day at my first job

Dos and don’ts when writing an informal essay

  • Do write your essay in the first person. This will make it clearly informal and casual. It will also make it read much better.
  • Do write short sentences. Long sentences will make your essay difficult to read. In contrast, short sentences will make your writing easier to read and more casual (which is something you want when writing an informal essay).
  • Do rewrite your essay. After writing your informal essay, you should read through it to make it flawless. Do this by editing or rewriting anything that appears out of place in your essay.
  • Do proofread your essay. After you are done improving the flow of your essay, you should read it one more time to ensure it has zero grammar, punctuation, and formatting errors.
  • Do ensure your essay is chronological. While it is unnecessary to make your informal essay chronological, making it chronological will make it easy to read and understand.
  • Do use humor. It is okay to use humor in an informal essay. But you should only do it sparingly to avoid making your essay sound like a comedy script.
  • Do use conversational language. Using conversational language will make your article to read like a blog, which is a good thing when writing an informal essay. But do not go overboard with conversational language. It could make your essay difficult to understand.
  • Do read any informal essay examples. Before you write your informal essay, you should try to find and read informal essay examples online. This will help to make it easy for you to write your essay because it shows you the pattern you need to follow.
  • Do let your personality show. If you have a way of expressing your ideas, arguments, and so on, you should let your personality show in your writing. Let your writing be as unique as it can be. Do not try to make your essay look or even feel academic. Just write it as you would write a blog to be read by a friend. This will help make your essay delightfully informal.                                                                                                                     
  • Don’t forget to ensure a good flow throughout. While an informal essay doesn’t have a set structure, it must have a good flow. Therefore, you should ensure your essay is understandable throughout.
  • Don’t forget to edit your essay. The best informal essays are flawless ones. So after writing your essay, you should read it severally to edit it and ensure it is flawless.
  • Don’t make it formal. When writing informal essays, many students usually use the conventional academic language they use in formal essays. This is not right. You should try hard to make your essay as flawless as possible.
  • Don’t forget to include a thesis . At the end of your introduction, you should have a thesis statement, and your entire essay should be centered on this statement. A thesis is what distinguishes an informal essay from a blog article.
  • Don’t include weak arguments. It is important to ensure that your essay only contains strong arguments. Doing this will ensure you get a top grade. If you include weak arguments, you risk getting an average grade.

Parting Words!

Writing a good informal essay is not an easy job. It will require you to know the structure and style you must follow when writing an informal essay. Fortunately, you now know these two things. You also know exactly how to go about writing an informal essay. So go ahead and write yours. If you get stuck at any point, hire us to help you.

  • The Ideal number of paragraphs in a comprehensive essay
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You can hire professional writers to write excellent informal essays for you. Therefore, you should never hesitate to hire the best creative/composition writers to help you complete your informal essay assignment or to write it from scratch. Try our essay writing services today; you will not regret it.

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How to Write an Informal Essay

An informal essay can be about a wide range of topics, from the deeply personal to the outwardly political. “Informal” doesn’t mean that it can’t also be informative or persuasive. It merely refers to the style in which the essay is written: in first-person and without necessarily having to adhere to the traditional five-paragraph structure.

Your writing style in your informal essay should also be “informal”. Using slang and colloquialisms is generally permitted in this type of essay (though make sure you use good judgement and refrain from offensive or explicit language). A conversational tone, as though you were explaining something to a friend, is about the right tone for an informal essay. In fact, in this type of essay, it’s generally best to steer clear of overly academic writing. You want to make the subject as accessible to the average person as possible.

If your teacher has assigned you to write an informal essay, they may not give you very many guidelines besides a word count. In case you’re lost on how to write this type of essay, here are some tips on how to choose a topic, how to structure your essay and other ways to write your informal essay successfully.

  • Step 1 - Read Some Informal Essays It can be really helpful to read some examples of informal essays before attempting to write your own. Reading someone else’s essay can help you see how they use language in a less formal way and how they present their topic on a more personal level. Contemporary writers such as Pico Ayer, Anne Lamott and Juno Diaz are masters of the informal essay. Often times popular magazines will contain informal essays on a variety of topics. Read and observe how other writers express themselves through this less formal style. Take notes on qualities or techniques you might like to include in your essay. For example , if someone used a lot of slang, but in a way that made the essay more personable and more alive, you might want to try it in your essay if it feels natural and appropriate.
  • Why There Is a RIGHT Way to Hang the Toilet Roll
  • Why I’m a Vegan
  • What Happened When I Started Going to Church
  • How I Learned to Respect My Step-Mother
  • Why I Love Soccer (or any other sport or activity)
  • What I Learned From Traveling Abroad
  • Why I Voted for X Candidate
  • Lessons From My Grandmother
  • Why I Abstain From Drinking
  • Why I Believe in Reincarnation
  • What I Learned From My First Job
  • How I Plan to Save the Planet

Write an Outline

  • Introduction - Share some of the difficulties of being a vegan but that you still choose to be one.
  • First Supporting Paragraph - Strongest reason why you’re a vegan (health reasons) and some statistics or research on it.
  • Second Supporting Paragraph - Second strongest reasons why you’re a vegan (against animal cruelty)- and how that extends to things beyond just not eating animal products but also not using cosmetics tested on animals and not wearing clothing made from animal products
  • Third Supporting Paragraph - How being a vegan affects your lifestyle, your relationships with friends, family and significant others. What are the challenges you face?
  • Conclusion - Why you still choose to be vegan and how you see more and more people opting for a vegan lifestyle (quote some statistics) making it easier for vegans to choose veganism.

This above is merely a suggested outline. Your informal essay might have more or less paragraphs, depending on how you choose to structure it.

  • Step 4 - Write Your Essay Now is the time for you to fill in that outline. Note that as you start to write, if one of the subjects in your outline isn’t working, don’t hesitate to change it. For example, if your second paragraph about animals isn’t really a topic you care that much or know that much about, then don’t hesitate to switch it for something else. Maybe you might want to include something about how many natural resources raising cattle uses and how environmentally destructive it is and how eating no-meat foods produces less environmental harm. As you write, if one of your topics just doesn’t feel right to you, you’ll be able to tell if the writing doesn’t flow as well as in the other paragraphs. Writing an informal essay still requires the reader to follow the logic of your thoughts, so help them along by using transition words. Transition words are like sign posts that tell the reader what to expect next. Word like “similarly”, “additionally” and “furthermore” signal that you’re about to present more evidence to support an idea. Words like “on the other hand”, “unlike…” and “conversely” signal that you’re about to present evidence to the contrary. Words like “first”, “second” or “next” give order to your thoughts. Remember to use informal language. Don’t get too technical or too stuffy. If you find yourself going down that road as you write, pause and think about how you would express the same idea in a conversation with a friend. Then write that down.
  • Check for tone - The main thing you’re looking for is tone. If your tone is too formal, then you’ll need to go back and edit. Examples: Too formal The digestive peptides required to process meat can cause free radicals to reproduce in the human body, a phenomena that fails to occur when digesting vegetables. Just right When it comes down to it, digesting meat just puts too much strain on our bodies and can lead to health problems like the formation of free radicals, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. These types of problems just don’t occur that often with vegans.
  • Peer edit - It would be great if you could show your essay to a friend and ask them how easy your essay was to understand, if it sounds conversational or if it’s too academic.
  • Be flexible - Think about if you need to add something or take something away. Remember that informal essays don’t need to follow the five-paragraph essay structure so if your essay would be made better by adding another paragraph or taking one away, then by all means, do it.

Anyone can write a successful informal essay. Things like reading other informal essays, making lists for possible topics, choosing the best topic for you, making an outline, writing using informal language and the occasional transition word and editing for tone and structure can help earn you a top score on your informal essay. Good luck and Happy Writing!

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

essay introduction

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

  • Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
  • Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

  • Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
  • Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
  • Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

  • Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
  • Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
  • Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

informal essay introduction example

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

  • Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
  • Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
  • State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
  • Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
  • Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
  • Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

  • Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
  • Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
  • Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

  • Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
  • Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
  • Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
  • Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
  • Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

informal essay introduction example

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

  • Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
  • State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
  • Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
  • Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

  • Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
  • Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
  • Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
  • Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
  • Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

informal essay introduction example

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

  • Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
  • Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
  • Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
  • Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
  • Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
  • Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
  • Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

  • Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
  • West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
  • Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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Related Reads:

  • What is an Argumentative Essay? How to Write It (With Examples)
  • How to Paraphrase Research Papers Effectively
  • How to Cite Social Media Sources in Academic Writing? 
  • How Long Should a Chapter Be?

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How to Write an Informal Essay With a Perfect Plan

Today, we are going to talk about the type of essay that differs greatly from other types of papers. It may be a surprise for you, but an informal essay is written usually for enjoyment. This doesn’t mean that this type of essay cannot be informative or persuasive, but it is less formal than a relaxed expression of the opinion, observation, or research. A good informal essay may have a relaxed style, but it has a strong structure, though this structure can be less strict than a formal essay has. An informal essay has a tendency to be more personal than a formal one, though both can express subjective opinions. In a formal essay, a writer is silently presenting his or her thoughts behind the words; at the same time, in an informal essay, the author is connected with the reader in a conversational style.

how to write an informal essay

How to Write an Informal Essay to Interest Readers

Before we are talking about how to write this type of paper, we should understand what is informal writing. Don’t worry if you are not sure what is an informal essay, as many students try to find the answer to this question. Informal writing is writing where you should reveal your ability to write informally and express your own point of view on an issue. If you write informally, try to express your own personality in the essay. Don’t worry about writing in academic style, but avoid sloppiness. Find an example of informal essay below and look through it to get a more detailed understanding of the requirements this assignment has. Our experienced team of writers is ready to assist you with academic tasks – just say, “ write my college essays “, and we’ll deliver exceptional results.

Many students may ask, “what is the difference between formal and informal essay?” The difference is in the style of writing or in how we use words to say what we want to say. Different situations require different ways of using words. The way we write in the academic or scientific purposes differs a lot from the way we write to a friend or a close person. Proper writing of the informal essay is to understand the features of the genre. Observance of the basic principles and recommendations on writing will create an interesting essay.

Get to know how to start an informal essay and what are the main stages of writing.

Steps for Writing an Informal Essay

  • Select the topic. You have a great opportunity to select any topic for your paper. An informal way of writing provides a great chance to write about whatever you want. Choose a topic that will be really interesting to you. The presence of a certain narrow topic that contains the problem and prompts the reader to thinking is a great choice. If there is no list of informal writing topics among which you can choose one, and only a general direction is given, then you need to take into account which audience the essay is written for. Variants can be different: your classmates and a teacher, the commission, the literary community, the employer. If the essay is written for handing in to the teacher, then it is necessary to consider what qualities will be evaluated. Proceeding from this, the topic should be chosen in such a way that it would be possible to show those abilities that the examiner is waiting for from the author: originality, the ability to logically construct sentences, literacy, professional qualities, etc. When choosing the topic for writing an essay from the proposed list, you should choose one which you have particular knowledge in.
  • Write an informal outline for essay. This part of a paper is important, because with an informal essay outline, your writing will be much easier. An outline is like a plan with which you will not forget to include all main points in your paper. It often happens that a person who has enough eloquence and the ability to express his/her thoughts on paper, has difficulty in starting the essay. Thinking about the introduction can take quite a long time, which greatly darkens the process of creative work. If you don’t know how to start an informal essay, ensure that you know what idea you want to communicate. Before you start writing an introduction, you need to formulate an idea, define a goal, and find sources of information for the work. It is important not to focus on the introductory part too long. Write an introduction including a thesis statement. Remember that the essay is distinguished precisely by the presence of the author’s view of the existing problem, his or her relation to the world, speech , and thinking.
  • Write the main body of your essay using cliches, colloquialisms, and even jargon, as the format of this paper allows you to write in this way. It is necessary to avoid complicated formulations or too long sentences. It is important to follow a laid-back style to establish contact with the reader. It is important not to overdo it, however, turning the essay into a substandard text full of slang. The correct emotional color of the text will be given by short, simple, understandable sentences, and the use of different intonations in sentences. Include a detailed analysis of the problem. Your own point of view needs to be argued on the basis of factual material.
  • Write a conclusion. Summarize everything that you have said before in your paper.
  • Remember relative brevity of writing. There are no restrictions on the number of pages, but the informal essay is usually small in volume. An informal paper has a free construction. The informal essay has a way of presentation that does not fit into any definite framework. The construction obeys its own logic, which the author adheres to, trying to consider the problem from different angles.
  • Proofread and edit your paper. Ask your friend to do it in order to find and correct more mistakes.

Informal Essay Sample

The following example of informal essay writing was created by dissertation writing services to help you handle your own paper. As this type of paper is not formal, you can find personal observations, opinions, or points of view. Use this informal essay sample as a collection of guidelines. The main thing is that this example is written in a relaxed manner, but it adheres to a particular structure. Short informal essay examples usually include the personal contact, and not the academic writing flow. You can find a subjective opinion in this type of paper, so you should write in this way as well. Our example of informal essay will help you understand how to write your own informal paper in order to get a high grade.

Click the images to see their full size.

what is informal writing

Useful Tips for Informal Essay Writing

  • Keep in mind that informal essays can be written in the first person, so using “I think that…” “In my opinion…” and “I believe…” are welcome.
  • Sentences of your essay should not be too long, especially in the case of run-on sentences. At the same time – they should not be too short. Varying your sentence lengths is a good practice.
  • Reread your essay at the end of your writing process. Ask yourself whether the tone is too formal or too informal. Make all necessary changes if needed.
  • Add personality to your essay! Don’t know what it means? Well, an informal essay gives you a chance to personalize your writing, using words and phrases which are used only by you. In this way, you will have a unique piece of writing on a particular topic. Be creative!
  • All statements that you include in your paper should be clear and realistic.
  • Despite the free composition, the informal essay must have internal unity, with consistency of the author’s statements expressing his or her opinion.
  • The author does not insist on his/her point of view, but uses a method as if inviting the reader to think about and discuss it.

Typical Mistakes for Writing an Informal Essay

  • The absence of links between the substantive parts of the essay: introduction and conclusion, and the main part of the essay with the conclusion.
  • Having proportionality of parts of the essay which should not be equal in length. The introduction and conclusion in the aggregate should be no more than one-third of the entire work. The main part is two-thirds.
  • Inability to strictly follow the theme of writing in the course of reasoning.
  • Inability to compositionally structure an essay in accordance with the theme and the main idea.
  • Vast amounts of unnecessary information in the introduction and conclusion. However, too short and too unreasonable a conclusion is also inappropriate. It must really summarize and sum up all the work. The absence of a conclusion is a serious logical mistake. The conclusion must be meaningful in accordance with the introduction, topic, and main body of the essay.
  • Absence of a problem in the introduction (this is the topic itself) and the formulation of a key thesis, which will be proved there.
  • Indistinct formulation of theses, making it difficult to integrate them into the logical structure of the work. If there are several theses, then there should not be a contradiction between the theses formulated in different parts of the paper.
  • Weak arguments. They are such if they do not prove or confirm, unconvincingly or superficially, the thesis.
  • Unreasonable repetitions of the same thoughts.
  • Errors in the division of the text into paragraphs and even the complete absence of paragraphs.
  • Inability to operate with abstract concepts.
  • The non-distinction between the concepts “example” and “argument,” and inability to formulate a micro-output, on the basis of an example, correlated with the thesis put forward.

Now you know what is an informative essay and how to write it correctly. You may also be interested in our guide about gender-sensitive language or informal report topics to complete your perfect paper.

You will also find more informative essay samples below.

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Extended Essay: Formal vs. Informal Writing

  • Extended Essay- The Basics
  • Step 1. Choose a Subject
  • Step 2. Educate yourself!
  • Using Brainstorming and Mind Maps
  • Identify Keywords
  • Do Background Reading
  • Define Your Topic
  • Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline
  • Step 5. Draft a Research Question
  • Step 6. Create a Timeline
  • Find Articles
  • Find Primary Sources
  • Get Help from Experts
  • Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories
  • Databases and Websites by Subject Area
  • Create an Annotated Bibliography
  • Advice (and Warnings) from the IB
  • Chicago Citation Syle
  • MLA Works Cited & In-Text Citations
  • Step 9. Set Deadlines for Yourself
  • Step 10. Plan a structure for your essay
  • Evaluate & Select: the CRAAP Test
  • Conducting Secondary Research
  • Conducting Primary Research
  • Formal vs. Informal Writing
  • Presentation Requirements
  • Evaluating Your Work

Differences Between Informal and Formal Essays

When writing your extended essay you should use language that is formal and academic in tone.  The chart below gives you some idea of the differences between informal and formal essays. See the box below for examples of the differences in tone in informal and formal essays written on identical topics. A PDF of this chart, and the examples below, is in the box to the right , along with a list of tips for avoiding colloquial writing.

Examples of Informal and Formal Tone in Essay Writing

The following examples highlight the differences between formal and informal tone.

Language B - English

  • Formal vs. Informal Writing A chart giving the differences between informal and formal essays in seven areas (author's viewpoint; subject/content (sources of evidence); tone; structure; location of the research question; vocabulary; and purpose. Also included are examples comparing informal and formal writing for essays in English, biology, and psychology.
  • How to Avoid Colloquial (Informal) Writing While it may be acceptable in friendly e-mails and chat rooms, excessive colloquialism is a major pitfall that lowers the quality of formal written text. Here are some steps/tips that you can follow to help improve your overall writing.
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  • Next: Presentation Requirements >>
  • Last Updated: Apr 12, 2024 2:56 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.westsoundacademy.org/ee

ESL Advice

How to Introduce Yourself in English: Formal and Informal

informal essay introduction example

This article covers the following areas –

Introducing yourself in formal situations, introducing yourself in informal situations, 5 tips to introduce yourself in english, final thoughts, faq: introducing yourself in english.

Introducing yourself in English, formal or informal, is an essential skill, especially in diverse social and professional settings. Let’s explore how you can do this effectively in both scenarios.

To introduce yourself in English, start with a polite greeting, state your name, and mention your role or affiliation. For formal settings, add professional details; in casual contexts, share personal interests. Use confident body language, maintain eye contact, and be genuine in your approach.

Continue reading to explore detailed tips and nuances for effective introductions in various contexts, enhancing your communication skills in diverse social and professional settings.

Well! If you are looking for a book or a guide to help you learn and improve your English, you may try English Made Easy Volume One: A New ESL Approach: Learning English Through Pictures (Amazon Link) . This book creatively uses pictures and text in tandem to revolutionize English language learning, making it easier to understand and more effective overall.

To introduce yourself formally in English, start with a polite greeting like “Good morning/afternoon.” State your full name and professional role or affiliation. Briefly mention the purpose of your introduction and add relevant details. Conclude with a respectful closing remark.

informal essay introduction example

In formal settings, like business meetings, interviews, or academic environments, it’s important to be concise and clear while showing respect and professionalism.

1. Start with a Greeting

When introducing yourself formally, it is essential to begin with a polite greeting . This sets a respectful tone and grabs the listener’s attention.

Common greetings include “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or a simple “Hello.” The choice of greeting can depend on the time of day and the formality of the situation.

For instance, in a business meeting, “Good morning” or “Good afternoon” is more appropriate, whereas “Hello” might be suitable for less formal settings.

2. Share Full Name

After the initial greeting, state your full name. This is particularly important in formal settings where clear identification is essential.

In very formal situations, you might include a title, such as “Dr.” or “Mr./Ms.,” before your name. This helps set a professional tone and hints at your educational or professional background. For instance, using “Dr.” indicates high academic achievement.

3. Tell Your Professional Affiliation

Next, mention your professional role or affiliation. This provides context to your introduction and helps the listener understand your background and expertise.

For example, you might say, “I am the Marketing Manager at XYZ Corporation,” or “I am a graduate student at ABC University.” This step is crucial, especially when meeting someone in a professional setting for the first time, as it helps establish your professional identity.

4. Explain the Purpose of the Introduction

Briefly mention the reason for your introduction. This is where you align the listener with the purpose of the meeting or interaction.

For example, “I’m here to discuss the new marketing strategy” or “I’m presenting my research on renewable energy.”

This helps to set the agenda and gives the listener a clear idea of what to expect from the conversation or presentation.

5. Add Some Additional Details

Depending on the context and the audience, you might want to add more details about your professional background or the specific purpose of your meeting.

This could include your experience in the field, any special achievements, or specific aspects of your work relevant to the interaction. However, keep this part concise to maintain the attention and interest of your audience.

6. Ensure a Polite Closure

End your introduction with a polite remark. This could be an expression of gratitude, such as “Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself,” or a forward-looking statement, like “I’m looking forward to working with you.”

This concludes your introduction positively and demonstrates your eagerness and readiness for the upcoming interaction or collaboration.

Now, based on the guidelines provided above, my introduction may look like something like this. What about yours? Let us all know about each other in the comment section.

Good afternoon, I’m Niaj A A Khan, an ESL Expert. I specialize in innovative teaching methodologies for language acquisition. My purpose today is to share insights and strategies for effective ESL education. With a background in classroom teaching and curriculum development, I comprehensively understand the challenges and opportunities in ESL education. Thank you for discussing how we can enhance language learning experiences together.

An informal English introduction starts with a casual greeting like “Hi” or “Hello,” followed by your first name. Share a personal interest or connection to spark conversation, and invite the other person to engage with a friendly question or comment.

informal essay introduction example

The tone is relaxed and friendly in casual settings like parties, informal gatherings, or networking events. Let’s learn in more detail.

1. Greet Casually

Starting with a casual greeting in an informal introduction sets a relaxed and friendly tone. Common greetings such as “Hi,” “Hey,” or “Hello” are perfect for this. The choice of greeting can depend on your style and the context of the meeting. A casual greeting immediately signals the interaction is friendly and laid-back, making it ideal for social settings.

2. Share Only First Name

In informal situations, using just your first name is usually enough. It makes the interaction more personal and approachable. Saying something like “I’m [First Name]” is simple yet effective. This approach is particularly suitable in casual gatherings where the atmosphere is more about making connections than exchanging formal credentials.

3. Talk about Personal Connection

Mentioning a mutual acquaintance or a relevant connection can be a great conversation starter. It creates a common ground and makes the interaction more engaging. For example, saying “I’m a friend of [Mutual Friend’s Name]” or “We met at [Event or Place].” This helps to establish a connection and can make the conversation flow more naturally.

4. Express Interest or Fun Fact

Sharing something about your interests or a fun fact about yourself can spark an interesting conversation. It could be a hobby, a recent travel experience, or something unique about your background. For instance, “I’m really into hiking and photography.” This makes the introduction more memorable and opens up the conversation for mutual interests.

5. Use Open-Ended Question

Ending with an open-ended question invites the other person into the conversation. It shows your interest in them and encourages a two-way dialogue. Questions like “What brings you here today?” or “Do you have any hobbies?” are great for this purpose. This step is crucial in making the introduction feel like the start of a conversation rather than just a statement about yourself.

6. Ensure Friendly Closure

Conclude your introduction with a friendly remark or a smile. This can be as simple as “Nice to meet you!” or “I’m glad we had a chance to chat.” A friendly closure leaves a positive impression and sets the tone for a pleasant interaction.

Based on the guidelines above, my introduction in an informal setting may look like this.

Hi, I’m Niaj. I’m here with my colleague Sara, who’s wearing the blue scarf. I’m passionate about ESL teaching and enjoy exploring new cultures through language. What about you? Do you have any interests or hobbies you’re passionate about?

Now it’s your turn! How would you introduce yourself informally? Share in the comments, and let’s get to know each other in a fun, casual way!

In formal or informal settings, introducing oneself effectively in English is an essential skill. Mastering this art requires more than just verbal communication; it involves a combination of body language, active listening, cultural sensitivity, confidence, and authenticity.

informal essay introduction example

Well, before moving forward, I would like to share about a book that can help you improve your conversational skills. 110 Real Life English Conversations (Amazon Link) is a great book for ESL learners and teachers, providing various conversation and situational dialogues, 223 everyday English expressions, and idioms. It’ll certainly help you to gain the confidence to speak English in real life.

Use proper Body Language

Body language is a crucial aspect of both formal and informal introductions. It communicates confidence and approachability.

In formal settings, a firm handshake signifies professionalism and respect. Eye contact is essential in both scenarios as it conveys attention and sincerity. A warm smile, regardless of the setting, helps to create a friendly and open atmosphere. Remember, your body language often speaks as loudly as your words.

Listen Actively

After introducing yourself, giving the other person your full attention is important. Active listening involves maintaining eye contact, nodding, and reacting appropriately to what the other person is saying. This not only shows respect but also helps build rapport. It’s about showing that you are genuinely interested in what they say, which is vital in formal and informal interactions.

Adapt to Cultural Norms

Awareness of cultural differences is key, especially in international or diverse settings. Different cultures have different norms for introductions and interactions. For instance, the appropriate distance to maintain, the level of direct eye contact, and how to address someone can vary widely.

Being sensitive and adaptable to these norms shows respect and cultural awareness, which is highly appreciated in both formal and informal settings.

Be Confident

Confidence is about speaking clearly and at a moderate pace, showing that you are comfortable and self-assured. However, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid appearing arrogant.

In a formal introduction, confidence reflects your professionalism; in an informal setting, it makes you seem more approachable. Confidence can be practiced and improved over time, significantly impacting how others perceive you.

Authenticity is the key to a memorable introduction. People are generally more receptive to someone who comes across as genuine and sincere. This means being true to yourself in how you speak and act.

While professionalism is crucial in formal situations, it doesn’t mean you can’t be personable. In informal settings, being genuine helps create a relaxed and comfortable environment. Authenticity builds trust and facilitates better connections.

Remember, the way you introduce yourself can set the tone for the entire interaction, so it’s worth paying attention to these aspects.

mastering the art of introducing yourself in English, both formally and informally, is a key interpersonal skill. It involves the right words, appropriate body language, cultural sensitivity, and authenticity.

Whether in a boardroom or a social gathering, a well-crafted introduction sets the stage for meaningful interactions and lasting impressions. By adapting these guidelines to your specific context, you can navigate introductions with confidence and ease.

If you have further questions or suggestions about anything specific related to this topic or anything else related to learning English as a second language, feel free to ask me in the comment box. You may also help the ESLA community by putting your valuable suggestions here to help every member improve their English language skills.

1. What are some basic phrases for introducing myself in a formal setting?

In formal settings, use phrases like “Hello, my name is [Your Name],” or “Good [morning/afternoon/evening], I’m [Your Name], [Your Position or Relation].” Keep it simple and professional.

2. How should I introduce myself informally?

In informal settings, it’s often appropriate to be more relaxed. You can simply say, “Hi, I’m [Your Name],” or even “Hey there, I’m [Your Name].”

3. Should I offer a handshake when introducing myself?

In many cultures, a handshake is a standard part of a formal introduction. However, be mindful of cultural differences and current health guidelines. In informal situations, a handshake may be less necessary.

4. How can I make my introduction more memorable?

Add a unique detail or a friendly smile. For example, “Hello, I’m [Your Name], the one who recently moved from [City/Country]” or “I’m [Your Name], I’m passionate about [Hobby/Interest].”

5. Is it important to make eye contact when introducing myself?

Yes, making eye contact is considered important in formal and informal settings as it conveys confidence and sincerity.

6. How can I introduce myself in a group setting?

In a group, wait for the right moment and then introduce yourself to the group as a whole. You might say, “Hi everyone, I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m [Your Name].”

7. What if I forget someone’s name immediately after they introduce themselves?

It’s okay to ask again politely. You can say, “I’m sorry, could you remind me of your name?” It shows you’re genuinely interested in getting to know them.

8. Should I mention my job or profession in every introduction?

In formal settings, it’s often relevant. In informal settings, gauge the context; mentioning interests or mutual connections might be more appropriate.

9. How can I respond if I don’t catch someone’s name during an introduction?

Politely ask them to repeat it. Saying something like, “I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your name,” is perfectly acceptable.

10. Is it okay to use humor when introducing myself?

In informal settings, light humor can be a good icebreaker. It’s best to stick to a straightforward introduction in formal situations unless the context is relaxed.

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Niaj A A Khan

Niaj A A Khan is an ESL Instructor with over 8 years of experience in teaching & developing resources at different universities and institutes. Mr. Khan is also a passionate writer working on his first book, "Learn English at Ease."

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informal essay introduction example

9 Examples of Eye-Catching Introduction Paragraphs [2023]

9 Examples of Eye-Catching Introduction Paragraphs [2023]

Table of contents

informal essay introduction example

Christian Rigg

How well are you managing to hook your readers?

According to CNN , The average attention on a screen went down from 2.5 minutes (in 2004) to 47 seconds (in 2023). Studies show that for most cases, people don't even read past the headline.

As a writer, one of the best skills you can learn is to hook your readers with a compelling introduction. A good title gets people in the door, but it’s the introduction that decides if they stay or not. 

hooks for essays

The difference between a strong and a weak intro

A strong intro draws the reader in and evokes a sense of curiosity or interest, either by speaking to the reader’s pain points or by engaging them on an intellectual or emotional level.

A weak introduction paragraph, on the other hand, does the exact opposite. It fails to delight or intrigue, usually by being too generic. (This is one reason why introductions generated using text transformers like ChatGPT tend to “fall flat.”) Incidentally, failing to keep your readers on-page will result in higher bounce rates, which Google penalizes. 

Have I convinced you to stick around? If so, great. In the rest of the article, we’ll go over the most important dos and don’ts of intros and look at some outstanding introduction paragraph examples for inspiration. 

Write better introductions with this FREE AI writing tool > Free AI introduction generator >

AI generated hook

The Dos and Don’ts of Strong Introductions

Here are some quick and simple tips for writing a compelling introduction .

✅  Do be human and relatable

Talk about a personal experience. Mention emotions like frustration or excitement. Utilize Use plain, conversational language.

✅ Do capture the reader's attention with an interesting or meaningful quote or statistic. 

Just be sure to avoid clichés, keep it relevant to your topic, and don’t get too abstract.

✅ Do write concisely and clearly . 

If you struggle with this like many people, try writing your introduction in the Wordtune editor. The suggestions on flow and clarity will help you stick to the point without being hard to understand. 

✅ Do disarm, startle, or otherwise “shock” the reader into alertness. 

This doesn’t mean being crass or crude, it means upending assumptions. What surprised you most when researching or writing your article? Start there. 

✅ Do use descriptive , emotive, and sensory language, including vivid imagery and great storytelling . 

Start in the middle of the story, then segue into how it all started. Or start at the end and work your way back. 

✅ Do use humor and casual language. 

It helps put the reader at ease and makes them feel like part of the conversation.

And here are some things to avoid, including some not-so-great introductory paragraph examples. Don’t worry, we’ll get to examples of how to do it right in the next section. 

❌ Don’t rely on AI text generators like ChatGPT.

These tools “write” by adding the next most likely word, based on thousands of examples. As a result, the text lacks originality . It is, by definition, the most average way of saying something. If you want to make your content stand out from AI-generated content , start with an original introduction paragraph. 

❌ Don’t give it all away. 

Your introduction is not the place to plead your whole case. Introduce the reader to the topic, generate interest or empathy, and make a promise they want to see fulfilled. 

❌ Don’t make it too long.

Readers get bored fast. They want to get to the good stuff. 

❌ Don’t use gimmicks, clickbait, clichés, or obvious ploys.

“You won’t believe what…” “Here’s everything you need to know about…” “Are you ready to make your first million?” Unless the news really is shocking, you really do include everything the reader needs to know, or you have offer a long-term, validated strategy for earning a million, you’ll just come off looking like a hack. 

❌ Don’t use generic statements.

“All businesses need to track their financial performance.” “Running a marathon is no easy task.” “It takes hard work to become the best.” Openers like these waste precious seconds on stating the obvious. If you’re lucky, your reader will be kind and keep scanning for something worthwhile. But they probably already hit the Back button.

Here are nine excellent introduction paragraph examples:

1. The statistical introduction example

informal essay introduction example

According to a report by Statista and eMarketer, online retail sales are projected to reach $6.51 trillion by 2023. That same report also says that ecommerce websites will claim around 22.3% of all retail sales.

So, if you weren’t planning on investing in your ecommerce strategy this year, you should.

The SEO experts at Semrush have included two interesting and impressive statistics here, sure to pique the reader’s interest. They make a bold statement, too: if you thought you could wait, you can’t . 

To help you replicate this kind of introduction, try using Wordtune’s Spices features to find and add interesting statistics and facts. 

2. The relatable introduction example

informal essay introduction example

We’ve all seen that little white label that sits tucked away on the inside of our clothing: “Made in Australia”, “Made in Turkey”, “Made in Bangladesh”. But what do those labels really mean? In this article, we discuss whether locally made clothing is more ethical. Read on to find out before your next shop.

Nothing if not concise, this introduction catches the reader with a common human experience, asks an important question, and gives a quick bridge on what the article has to offer. It’s short and direct, and it speaks to readers who may well have just been looking at a “little white label” before popping the question into Google. 

3. The dialogue introduction example

informal essay introduction example

After a moonwalk in April 1972, the Apollo 16 astronauts Charles Duke and John Young returned to their capsule. In the process of putting their suits and other things away, Duke commented to Ground Control:

Duke: Houston, the lunar dust smells like gunpowder. [Pause]

England: We copy that, Charlie.

Duke: Really, really a strong odor to it.

First of all, how’s that for a title?

This introduction tells a fascinating story in just 57 words. Admittedly, the unique topic of cosmic moon dust makes it easier to capture readers’ interest. But the author’s choice to include this short exchange between Charles Duke and the Houston Space Center also pulls us right into the scene.

4. The personal story introduction example

Wordtune blog: Take Smart Notes From a Textbook (Using AI + Templates)

Call me crazy, but I’ve spent $11,750 on note-taking tools.

Physical stationery in the form of highlighters, post-its, colored pens, subject notebooks, roller scales—you name it. My beautifully-written, detailed, color-coded notes gave me the feeling of being a productive high-achiever. 

But these notes rarely translated into results. I was consistently in the average tier of students, despite my organized study practices—till year two of highschool. It was then that I realized all I was doing was beautifying text and not understanding information. 

From then on, I set out on a journey to understand which notetaking methods worked for my subjects. I translated this into a 9.2/10 CGPA in my 10th-grade examination and a 1900 score on my SATs. In addition, I was able to achieve these results while reducing my study time by half.

Today, I’m going to show you how to do the same with my step-by-step playbook. This article covers advanced tips for students wanting to upgrade their note-taking skills.

This introduction has a great hook that draws us in immediately: Hold on. $11,000 dollars on pens and post-its?? Then it tells an emotionally engaging story of failure to success. Finally, it clearly prepares us for what’s to come. All these are hallmarks of a strong introduction. 

5. The common problem introduction example

Eleven Writing blog: 7 Reasons Your Business Should Invest In High-quality Blog Articles

Many businesses publish a new blog article, they wait, and then…

Nothing happens.

The anticipated flood of new traffic never materializes. The few visitors that arrive don’t click any links, sign up to your list, or share your article.

The marketing department starts to wonder if a blog is really worth the money and hassle compared to other available channels.

But what if better blog content could change all this?

This introduction was written by one of the SEO experts at Eleven Writing, the writing agency where I work as a writer, editor, and account manager. It features a short and punchy story with a relatable twist. “And then… Nothing happens.” Translation: 🤦

It finishes with an intriguing “What if?” scenario, which leads into an article of tips and practical takeaways. And it’s a reminder of another important point: make sure your article actually fulfills any promises you make in your introduction.

6. The alarming introduction example

European Commission: Consequences of climate change

Climate change affects all regions around the world. Polar ice shields are melting and the sea is rising. In some regions, extreme weather events and rainfall are becoming more common while others are experiencing more extreme heat waves and droughts. We need climate action now, or these impacts will only intensify.

Climate change is a very serious threat, and its consequences impact many different aspects of our lives. Below, you can find a list of climate change’s main consequences.

The above introduction comes from the European Commission and discusses the dangers of climate change. It starts with a bold and disarming statement: climate change affects everybody. 

It discusses just a few of the consequences of climate change, priming the reader for what’s to follow, and then provides a simple bridge into the rest of the article. 

It’s short and to the point, but uses descriptive, intense language to convey urgency and emotionally engage the reader.

7. The recap introduction example

Harvard Business Review: Rescuing ESG from the Culture Wars

In the past year, ESG investing has become caught up in America’s culture wars, as prominent GOP politicians claim that it is a mechanism investors are using to impose a “woke” ideology on companies. Former Vice President Mike Pence has railed against ESG in speeches and in an op-ed. A variety of Republican governors and red-state legislatures are considering executive action and legislation to boycott asset managers that use ESG as a screening tool for their investments. And in Washington, various Congressional committees have pledged to hold hearings in which the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and major asset managers will face public questioning about the legality of ESG investing.

This introductory paragraph from the Harvard Business Review dumps the reader into the throes of a heated political debate.  Whether readers agree or disagree, powerful verbs like “railed against” and politically charged language like “culture wars” and “woke” are sure to grab the attention of those on both sides of the political spectrum. 

8. The common problem intro example #2

KonMari blog: 5 Rituals to Build Self-Acceptance

Self-criticism is an all too common struggle. Even the most successful people in the world experience bouts of imposter syndrome and low self-esteem. But the person you’ll spend the most time with in your life is yourself. We owe it to ourselves to strengthen our self-compassion and embrace self-love.

One of the simplest ways to build self-acceptance is to make it a part of your self-care routine. The following rituals, sourced from mindfulness experts and one of our Master KonMari Consultants, can be completed in as little as five minutes daily. Try one for a month — you’ll be surprised how much better you treat yourself.

This intro comes from the queen of tidiness, Marie Kondo, and manages to both connect with the reader and gracefully plug an advertisement for KonMari’s consulting services. There’s a common idea in SEO that “linking away” in the introduction is bad practice, but in this case, it transforms an educational article into a commercial funnel. 

There’s another neat trick in this intro: it extends a challenge to the reader. Try one of the methods below and see how much better you feel after a month. With a promise like that, who wouldn’t keep scrolling?

9. The 'new angle' introduction example

Crippled CEO Blog: Resistance and Leadership Capital

So much has been written on how important it is to have the right people in your company. All a business is, really, is a collection of people. That’s it. So, it follows that getting the people right is practically the only thing that truly matters.

And while I have seen this repeated ad nauseam, I don’t see a lot of people saying what those right (or wrong) people look like – what attributes they possess.

So, I wanted to talk about one of those attributes, and in particular one that I think isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself isn’t known, making it impossible to look out for at all.

This attribute is resistance.

Eric Lupton blogs about his experiences and perspective as a business leader with cerebral palsy. This introduction uses incisive language that will no doubt appeal to business readers and high-powered execs. 

But it also comes from a very personal perspective, like much of Lupton’s writing, and so we feel like we’re about to sit down and speak one-on-one with someone who very clearly knows what they’re talking about. 

It has a conversational tone (“So, I wanted to talk about…”) and promises to reveal to us something that “isn’t just overlooked, but the very concept itself is unknown.” Intrigued? I was. 

Start writing!

A strong introduction paragraph bridges the gap between an intriguing title and an article’s real value. It pulls the reader in with boldness, intrigue, storytelling, or relatability.

It’s an art that takes practice, but these introduction paragraph examples show it can be done right. There are also some great tools out there to help you out. Wordtune’s Spices feature can offer ideas for analogies, examples, statistics, facts, and relevant quotes — all great sources of inspiration for a strong introduction paragraph. 

After that, it’s your turn. Add personality, connect with your readers, and write more introductions, and you’ll be on your way to keeping your audience on the page.  

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How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career. 

Our specialists will write a custom essay specially for you!

The picture enumerates the characteristics of a formal essay.

Writing a formal essay may not be the easiest task. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to guide you through the process. This article will:

  • explain what a formal essay is;
  • show how to write it step by step;
  • provide you with an essay sample. 

👔 Formal Essay Definition

  • ✅ How to Write
  • ✍️ Writing Rules
  • 🖥️ Essay Format
  • 📑 Sample Paper

🔍 References

A formal essay is a well-structured piece of writing with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. This type of essay often includes cited research, uses an academic tone, and is written in 3rd person. While writing a formal essay, it’s necessary to back up your arguments with factual evidence.

What Is an Informal Essay vs. Formal Essay?

Essays come in two formats: formal and informal (also known as personal .) They differ in terms of style and context. You can choose one of the formats depending on the situation and the type of paper you need to write.

Don’t know how to tell the difference between them? Well, here are some key characteristics of these essay types:

As you can see, these types of writing are almost total opposites. Informal essays are only reserved for creative assignments, which means that most of the papers you write need to be formal.

Just in 1 hour! We will write you a plagiarism-free paper in hardly more than 1 hour

Our article on creative essays can help you write an informal paper. But how do you craft a perfect formal essay? Keep reading to find out.

✅ How to Write a Formal Essay

Traditionally, a formal essay it’s composed of 3 sections: an introduction, 3 or more body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Let’s examine each part in detail.

Formal Essay Introduction

The introduction is what your essay starts with. Its primary goal is to catch the reader’s attention with a hook, briefly introduce the topic, and lead toward the thesis statement located at the end of the first paragraph.

Here is what you might want to keep in mind while writing the introduction:

If you want some more inspiration for your introduction, check out our article on hooks in writing .

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Now on to the thesis statement : the key idea of your essay. When working on it, keep in mind that it should answer the central question in your topic and reflect your essay’s overall structure. your essay’s overall structure.

Suppose your topic is related to the teaching methods involving poetry. In that case, the thesis statement can be like this:

Teaching methods that involve reading and writing poetry in elementary school are beneficial for children as they enhance their capacity for empathy, develop creativity, and help with self-realization.

Formal Essay Body

The next part of an essay is the main body paragraphs. They support the thesis statement with well-developed arguments and explore the topic in-depth. Each body paragraph starts with a topic sentence stating its main point. The length of a paragraph can vary, but the best option is to have between 4 and 7 sentences.

To make the text flow easily, you may use transitional words. Here are some examples:

  • after all, 
  • for instance, 
  • on the one/other hand, 
  • initially, 
  • as a result.

How to Write a Formal Essay Conclusion

Lastly, every essay needs closure. A good conclusion summarizes the essay’s main ideas, includes a paraphrased thesis, and encourages the readers to think more about the topic.

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The structure of a conclusion may change slightly depending on the subject. For instance, it can suggest some solutions to a problem, express an opinion, or give a recommendation. It’s important to remember that the conclusion is a part that emphasizes your essay’s most important points and doesn’t introduce new information.

If you’re curious about writing each essay part, check out our article on 5-paragraph essays .

✍️ Formal Writing Rules

Just like choosing the proper attire to wear to a formal event, we need to use the right words while writing a formal essay. Here are some suggestions that can help you maintain a formal tone in your paper:  

Dos of formal writing

  • Pay attention to your vocabulary. The words you will use in a formal essay will likely have a nuanced meaning. Make sure you know exactly what the terms mean, and do your best to sound precise.
  • Use punctuation correctly. Here are some of the things to watch out for: Avoid exclamation marks; Use dashes for insertions; Use colons with enumerations; If you’re unsure of whether to use a punctuation mark or not, rewrite the sentence in a way that doesn’t require it.
  • Use varied sentence structure. In formal writing, there is always a danger of sounding monotonous. Avoid repeating sentence structures to make your essay more readable.
  • Provide references. It’s essential to cite every idea that you borrow. Try to paraphrase quotations from your sources: it will help you avoid plagiarism.

Don’ts of formal writing

  • Avoid using pronouns.  With words such as “I,” “me,” “we,” or “us,” an essay becomes wordy. It also makes the author seem less sure of their ideas. If you want to use personal pronouns, try substituting them with words like “the reader,” “viewers,” or “one.”
  • Avoid using slang expressions and nonstandard diction. Slang words in a formal essay will make it less appealing to the readers. If you want to be taken seriously, it’s best to avoid those expressions and use proper Standard English.
  • Avoid informal tone.  When you write a formal essay, incorporate the language and the expressions you would use while delivering a speech, not the words you use when you casually talk to friends. A formal tone suggests that the author is serious about the topic and respects the audience.
  • Avoid passive voice. Passive verbs are hard to read, and they are wordy. Use active voice to sound more straightforward and concise.

Contractions in Formal Writing

A contraction is usually a combination of two words into one, such as “don’t,” “isn’t,” “can’t,” and “wouldn’t.” When you work on a formal essay, it’s essential to be careful about contractions. It’s inappropriate to use them in academic writing, so it’s best to stick to the full variant.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. For instance, when working with direct quotations, it’s essential to reproduce words exactly as they are used in the original. To learn more about it, be sure to check out the University of North Florida’s article on in-text citations .

What to Use Instead of “You” in an Essay

Another common mistake students make is using the “you” and “yours” pronouns to address the readers. This mistake can make the essay overly informal and lead to misinterpretations of the text.

How do you fix it? Our advice is to replace 2nd-person pronouns with the following words:

  • individuals,

You can find more formal writing tips in this informative video from Smrt English:

🖥️ Formal Essay Format

Now that we’ve discussed formal essay writing in detail, it’s time to look at the formatting. A formal essay is usually written in MLA or APA formats. If you’re asked to write a paper in one of these formats, you may find the guidelines below helpful:

📑 Formal Essay Example

Here is an excellent sample of a formal essay that uses all the guidelines mentioned in this article. It will help you to produce a perfect paper of your own:

For more information, check out Purdue OWL’s resources on various formatting styles .

Formal Essay Topics

  • Stress management techniques
  • The effects of coffee
  • Negative effects of technology on children
  • Causes and outcomes of organizational conflicts in sports 
  • Different types of friends
  • Same-sex marriages in the United States 
  • Are early marriages harmful or beneficial?
  • How do nutrition and hydration improve athletes’ performance?
  • Is polygamy morally acceptable?
  • Different features of sports business
  • What characterizes friendship in the age of media ?
  • Positive and negative effects of tourism on environment in the Caribbean
  • How does society treat single parents ?
  • How does the uninvolved parenting style affect child’s future well-being?
  • The role of family relationships in Odyssey
  • Financial concepts in sport finance
  • Main features of a strong marriage
  • The importance of media coverage for sport teams 
  • Reasons why students choose to get internship
  • The role of stadiums in the sports industry
  • The multiracial family: the Carters case analysis
  • Characteristics of children’s sports 
  • Crucial factors affecting health fitness
  • How is technology used in hotel management? 
  • Structure and operational context of Four Seasons
  • What are the main qualities of a true friend? 
  • Different websites that promote rental properties
  • The imperative aspects of tourism
  • Importance of hotel training
  • What factors determine adolescents’ adjustment after they experience parental divorce ?
  • How does tobacco use affect the human body?
  • The importance of language and world view for communication 
  • What makes a combination of reinforcement and punishment in parenting efficient? 
  • The scientific approach of sports economics 
  • How does divorce affect children?
  • Living on-campus vs. living off-campus when attending university: a comparison
  • How does the New Moves program promote a healthy lifestyle?
  • How to be an effective counselor
  • Various types of restaurants in Ireland 
  • Carolina Dog’s characteristics 
  • Comparison of Monzameon’s The Love Suicides at Amijima and Tartuffe by Moliere
  • Comparing homosexual and heterosexual families
  • How is family presented in Everyday Use by Alice Walker ?
  • In what ways can Anaerobic Threshold be assessed?
  • Is bad parenting a healthcare problem?
  • Why student-athletes should benefit from sports
  • Mind-body awareness and its health benefits 
  • Can punishment boost academic performance?
  • Techniques to teach students swimming
  • Issues faced by the sports licensing field

Thanks for reading through this guide! We hope that you found it helpful and now have a better idea of how to write an excellent formal essay. Don’t hesitate to share our article with a friend who may need it. Good luck!

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline
  • What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples
  • How to Write a Précis: Definition, Guide, & Examples 

❓ Formal Essay FAQs

It’s best not to use pronouns such as “I,” “my,” “we,” “our,” etc., in a formal essay since it give the paper an informal tone and the text becomes wordy. It also makes the writer seem less sure about their ideas.

It’s better to avoid using parentheses and dashes in formal academic writing. If the information you want to include in the essay is important enough, it should be a part of the sentence. Otherwise, you can simply omit it.

The formal and informal essays differ in style and context. While a formal essay is a piece of well-structured writing that tries to convince the reader by providing arguments, an informal essay has no set structure. It reflects the author’s personal thoughts or opinions.

Starting your sentence with “because” in formal writing is not the best idea. The word “because” is a subordinate conjunction, which means it’s used to join the main clause to a subordinate clause, not to start a sentence.

It’s best to avoid using 1st- and 2nd-person pronouns, slang expressions, nonstandard diction, and contractions in a formal essay. They are primarily used in daily speech and are considered inappropriate in academic writing. 

  • Point of View in Academic Writing: St. Louis Community College
  • Components of a Good Essay: University of Evansville
  • Introductions & Conclusions: University of Arizona Global Campus
  • How to Improve Your Academic Writing: University of York
  • Nine Basic Ways to Improve Your Style in Academic Writing: University of California, Berkeley
  • Academic Writing Style: Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper: University of Southern California
  • Formal and Informal Style: Northern Illinois University
  • Formal Writing: Davenport University: LibGuides
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The English Digest

Formal and Informal Introductions in the English Language - The English Digest

  • Formal and Informal Introductions in the English Language

What is the difference between formal and informal introductions in the English language? 

In the English language, there are distinct differences between formal and informal introductions. Formal introductions are used in professional and business settings, as well as in more formal social situations. Informal introductions, on the other hand, are used in casual and personal settings, such as among friends and family.

Some of the key differences between formal and informal introductions are:

  • Language : Formal introductions use more proper and polished language, while informal introductions use more casual language.
  • Tone: Formal introductions are more serious and professional in tone, while informal introductions are more relaxed and friendly.
  • Context: Formal introductions are used in professional and business settings, as well as in more formal social situations, while informal introductions are used in casual and personal settings.
  • Attire: Formal introductions often require more formal attire, while informal introductions may not have any specific attire requirements.

Formal Introduction:

In a formal introduction, the language used is usually more structured and polite, and the introduction may include titles or honorifics to show respect for the person being introduced. The tone is also more serious and professional. Examples of formal introductions include introducing business partners, introducing someone at a job interview, or introducing a guest speaker at a formal event.

Examples of Formal Introductions:

Formal Introductions 1:

  • May I introduce you to my colleague, Mr./Ms. Smith?
  • Let me introduce you to our CEO, Mr./Ms. Brown.
  • This is our company’s Director of Operations, Mr./Ms. Johnson.
  • I’d like to introduce you to our guest speaker, Dr. Williams.
  • Please allow me to introduce you to our Chief Financial Officer, Mr./Ms. Davis.
  • I’d like to introduce you to the Vice President of Sales, Mr./Ms. Lee.
  • May I introduce you to our Head of Marketing, Mr./Ms. Rodriguez?
  • Please meet our Executive Director, Mr./Ms. Patel.
  • Let me introduce you to our Chairman of the Board, Mr./Ms. Green.
  • Allow me to introduce our Head of IT, Mr./Ms. Wilson.
  • May I present our Chief Operating Officer, Mr./Ms. Smith?
  • I’d like to introduce our company’s Chief Technology Officer, Mr./Ms. Brown.
  • Please meet our Director of Human Resources, Mr./Ms. Johnson.
  • May I introduce you to our General Counsel, Mr./Ms. Williams?
  • Let me introduce you to our company’s President, Mr./Ms. Davis.
  • I’d like to introduce you to the Vice President of Finance, Mr./Ms. Lee.
  • Please allow me to introduce you to our Head of Operations, Mr./Ms. Rodriguez.
  • May I introduce you to our Chief Executive Officer, Mr./Ms. Patel?
  • I’d like to introduce you to our company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Mr./Ms. Green.
  • Please meet our Chief Information Officer, Mr./Ms. Wilson.

Formal Introductions 2:

  • Introducing business partners: “I would like to introduce you to our new business partner, Mr. John Smith.”
  • Introducing someone at a job interview: “This is Mary Jones, the candidate for the position of Marketing Manager.”
  • Introducing a guest speaker at a formal event: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor to introduce our keynote speaker for tonight, Dr. Jane Doe.”
  • Introducing a senior executive: “May I introduce you to our CEO, Mr. Robert Johnson.”
  • Introducing a diplomat: “I would like to introduce the ambassador of Germany, His Excellency Hans Schmidt.”
  • Introducing someone to a group: “Everyone, this is my colleague, Mr. David Brown.”
  • Introducing a client to a team: “I would like to introduce you to our new client, Mr. Michael Johnson.”
  • Introducing a new employee: “I am pleased to introduce our new team member, Ms. Jennifer Lee.”
  • Introducing a dignitary: “May I present to you the governor of the state, the Honorable John Smith.”
  • Introducing a professor: “I would like to introduce you to Professor Anna White, who will be joining us for the lecture today.”

Formal introduction in a conversation 1:

John: May I introduce you to our CEO, Mr. Brown? Mr. Brown, this is Maria, our new marketing specialist.

Mr. Brown: Hello Maria, welcome to the team. I’m glad to have you on board.

Maria: Thank you, Mr. Brown. I’m excited to be here.

Formal introduction in a conversation 2:

John: Good morning, Mr. Smith. It’s an honor to meet you.

Mr. Smith: Good morning, John. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.

John: May I introduce myself? I’m John Doe, the new marketing executive for your company.

Mr. Smith: Yes, of course. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you. Welcome aboard.

John: Thank you, sir. I’m excited to be a part of the team.

Formal introduction in a conversation 3:

John: Good morning, sir. I would like to introduce you to our new business partner, Mr. Robert.

Boss: Thank you, John. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Robert.

Mr. Robert: Nice to meet you too, sir. Thank you for having me.

Boss: Of course. Let me introduce you to some of the other executives on our team.

Mr. Robert: That would be great, thank you.

Informal Introduction

On the other hand, informal introductions are usually more relaxed and casual in tone. The language used may be more conversational and may not include titles or honorifics. Informal introductions are often used in social settings among friends and family or in casual networking situations. Examples of informal introductions include introducing a friend to someone at a party or introducing yourself to someone new in a casual setting.

Informal Introductions 1:

  • Hey, this is my friend Mark.
  • What’s up? This is my buddy James.
  • Let me introduce you to my colleague, Sarah.
  • Meet my new roommate, Tom.
  • Have you met my friend, John?
  • Hi, this is my pal, Alex.
  • I’d like you to meet my friend, Lisa.
  • Say hello to my neighbor, Dave.
  • This is my classmate, Rachel.
  • This is my friend from college, Adam.
  • Meet my childhood friend, Mike.
  • I’d like to introduce my friend, Samantha.
  • Have you met my coworker, Emily?
  • Let me introduce you to my teammate, Ben.
  • This is my partner, Sarah.
  • I’d like you to meet my roommate, Jack.
  • Meet my friend from the gym, Tim.
  • Say hi to my best friend, Jessica.
  • This is my cousin, Kevin.
  • This is my girlfriend, Lauren.

Examples of Informal Introductions 2:

  • Introducing a friend: “Hey, this is my friend Sarah. Sarah, meet Jack.”
  • Introducing someone at a party: “Hey, everyone, this is my friend Alex. Alex, these are my friends from college.”
  • Introducing yourself to a new neighbor: “Hi, I’m Emily. I just moved in next door.”
  • Introducing a colleague to a friend: “This is my colleague, Alex. Alex, meet my friend Emily.”
  • Introducing a friend to a roommate: “Hey, this is my friend Tom. Tom, this is my roommate Sarah.”
  • Introducing yourself to a new coworker: “Hi, I’m Mike. I work in the IT department. Nice to meet you.”
  • Introducing yourself to someone at a social gathering: “Hi, I’m Lisa. I don’t think we’ve met before.”
  • Introducing a new friend to a group: “Everyone, this is my new friend Katie. Katie, meet my friends from high school.”
  • Introducing yourself to a stranger: “Excuse me, I don’t mean to bother you, but I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Peter.”
  • Introducing someone to a group of friends: “Hey, everyone, this is my cousin Nick. Nick, meet my friends from college.”

Informal introduction in conversation 1:

Mark: Hey, have you met my friend Tom yet?

Lisa: No, I don’t think so.

Mark: Tom, this is Lisa. Lisa, this is my friend Tom.

Tom: Hi, Lisa. Nice to meet you.

Lisa: Nice to meet you too, Tom.

Informal introduction in a conversation 2:

Maria: Hey John, this is my friend Anna. We went to college together.

John: Nice to meet you, Anna. So, what did you study in college?

Tom: Hi, this is my girlfriend, Jessica.

Jessica: Nice to meet you Tom’s friends. Thanks for having me over.

Tom’s friend: Good to meet you too, Jessica. Tom has told us so much about you.

Informal introduction in a conversation 3:

Sarah: Hey, Emily, this is my friend Tom. Tom, this is my neighbor Emily.

Tom: Hi, Emily. Nice to meet you.

Emily: Nice to meet you too, Tom.

Sarah: Emily just moved in next door. Tom is a friend from college.

Tom: Oh cool, where did you move from?

Emily: I moved from out of state. It’s nice to meet some friendly neighbors.

Informal introduction in a conversation 4:

Samantha: Hey, this is my friend Tom.

Tom: Hi, nice to meet you.

Samantha: Tom, this is my roommate, Sarah.

Tom: Nice to meet you, Sarah.

Sarah: Nice to meet you too, Tom. So how do you and Samantha know each other?

Tom: We work together at the restaurant down the street.

Overall, the difference between formal and informal introductions lies in the level of formality and tone of the language used, as well as the context in which the introduction is taking place.

Also, Refer to:

  • A list of 1000 Proverbs in English with their Meaning
  • Animal Idioms in English
  • Figures of Speech in English
  • How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay?
  • How to Write a Compare and Contrast Essay?
  • How to Write an Argumentative Essay?
  • How to Write a Persuasive Essay?
  • How to Write an Expository Essay?
  • How to Write an Imaginative Essay? 
  • How to Write an Analytical Essay?
  • How to Write a Reflective Essay?
  • How to Write a Research Essay?
  • How to Write a Narrative Essay?
  • How to Write a Descriptive Essay?
  • Essay Writing
  • A Detailed List of 1100 English Verbs

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An informal email to a friend

An informal email to a friend

Learn how to write an informal email to a friend.

Do the preparation task first. Then read the text and tips and do the exercises.

Preparation

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How's it going?

Sorry I haven't been in touch for such a long time but I've had exams so I've been studying every free minute. Anyway, I'd love to hear all your news and I'm hoping we can get together soon to catch up. We just moved to a bigger flat so maybe you can come and visit one weekend?

How's the new job?  

Looking forward to hearing from you!

I've been meaning to write to you for ages now so don't worry! How did your exams go? When will you know your results? I'm sure you did brilliantly as always!

As for me, I'll have been in the new job three months by the end of next week so I'm feeling more settled in. At first I felt like I had no idea what I was doing but now I realise it's normal to feel like that. There was a lot to learn – there still is actually – and I soon had to get used to the idea that I can't know everything. I used to work late a lot and at weekends but I'm slowly getting into a normal routine.

Which means I'd love to come and visit! We really need a good catch up! I can't believe we haven't seen each other since Carl's wedding. How does next month sound?

Anyway, I'd better get back to work.

Congratulations on the new flat! Can't wait to see you!

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Matching_MjMwNTE=.xml

GapFillTyping_MjMwNTI=.xml

What's the best way to stay in touch with friends you don't see often?

Language level

Well, I think the best way to stay in touch with my friends is call them or write them e-mails. Another way is by visiting their social networks, comments their publications or putting Likes on their photos. They love that.

  • Log in or register to post comments

The best way to keep in touch is to go and see them!

I was pulling your leg! It was the best way before the internet was invented.

After the advent of the Internet, nobody can complain about not being aware of your friends and family. There are a lot of ways we can choose according to our situation.

In my view, video and voice calls make a more tangible connection. I usually reach out to them on special occasions like their birthday. But at other times, send a text and voice message.

If I would like to catch my friend on the hop, on her birthday, I will write a letter. This sounds old-fashioned but, in this era, receiving a letter is an unusual and exciting way to hear from someone.

I prefer to stay in touch with my friends by using instant messaging apps like WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger.

I agree, but i think THE BEST WAY IS TO see one anotHer . I know i'm old school

the best way to stay in touch with my friends i don't see often is texting them since we are occupied with our study and we also don't have much free time to meet in person.

I use Facebook and other social media to see what my friends are doing on daily basis. But if I want to know what is really happen I have to call them. The best way to know what's going on and how someone is feeling is to meet him and talk

I think so in all things that you right Sanja.

I think the most important is offline meetings. The best way is go to interesting place and after all speak about most interesting events in life. For example, I can go to cinema and then walk in park with guitar and ice cream and speak about everything!

What's your assement about this email ? thank you for advance.

Dear Bob I Hope this letter will find you and your entire family in good health. It's been a while! I'm writing to tell you about my recent relocation to a new house. As I told you the last time we spoke on the phone that I've got a new job, so it saves money, avoids traffic and it requires less effort to get to my office. My new house is close to Victoria métro station and it's located in the town's center. It's a second floor apartement with two bedrooms, a leavingroom, a small dining room, a bathroom and of corse a kitchen, it's rather roomy for that reason why I'm grateful for it. Besides the neighborhood is serene and beautiful as well. Would you like to visit us for a few days during the next holiday, I'm sure you'll enjoy the area, so we are waiting for you. I look forward to seeing you in my new home Take care Warm wishes Adil.

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    Informal essay introduction example. It all started with a basic order of chicken in my university cafeteria. I ate the chicken, then thought to myself, "There was an animal in my plate just a few minutes ago.". This thought planted the idea of giving up meat in my brain that day.

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    aspect of the essay. For example, while it may be acceptable to write a two-paragraph (or longer) introduction for your papers in some courses, instructors in other disciplines, such as those in some Government courses, may expect a shorter introduction that includes a preview of the argument that will follow.

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    To create a striking conclusion, one should inform about a research topic once again, restate a thesis statement, and sum up the key points of an essay. One should not include or introduce new information in this section because an introduction fits this purpose or the body. The conclusion is a full stop, not a comma.

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    Steps for Writing an Informal Essay. Here are the steps for writing an informal essay. Select the topic: You have an extraordinary chance to choose any subject for your paper. A casual method of composing gives an incredible opportunity to expound on anything you desire. Pick a theme that will be truly intriguing to you.

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    We can write an informal essay for you. Buy Informal essay. Step 1 - Read Some Informal Essays It can be really helpful to read some examples of informal essays before attempting to write your own. Reading someone else's essay can help you see how they use language in a less formal way and how they present their topic on a more personal level.

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  22. An informal email to a friend

    Do you want to improve your writing skills and communicate better with your friends? In this lesson, you will learn how to write an informal email to a friend, using appropriate language, tone and format. You will also see some examples of informal emails and practice your own writing. Join the LearnEnglish - British Council community and start writing today!