• If you are writing in a new discipline, you should always make sure to ask about conventions and expectations for introductions, just as you would for any other 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.  
  • In some disciplines (Government, Economics, and others), it’s common to offer an overview in the introduction of what points you will make in your essay. In other disciplines, you will not be expected to provide this overview in your introduction.  
  • Avoid writing a very general opening sentence. While it may be true that “Since the dawn of time, people have been telling love stories,” it won’t help you explain what’s interesting about your topic.  
  • Avoid writing a “funnel” introduction in which you begin with a very broad statement about a topic and move to a narrow statement about that topic. Broad generalizations about a topic will not add to your readers’ understanding of your specific essay topic.  
  • Avoid beginning with a dictionary definition of a term or concept you will be writing about. If the concept is complicated or unfamiliar to your readers, you will need to define it in detail later in your essay. If it’s not complicated, you can assume your readers already know the definition.  
  • Avoid offering too much detail in your introduction that a reader could better understand later in the paper.
  • picture_as_pdf Introductions

IMAGES

  1. College Essay Format: Simple Steps to Be Followed

    what makes an effective academic essay

  2. FREE 26+ Sample Essay Templates in Word, Google Docs, Pages, PDF

    what makes an effective academic essay

  3. 32 College Essay Format Templates & Examples

    what makes an effective academic essay

  4. Academic Essay Writing

    what makes an effective academic essay

  5. How to Write an Academic Essay in 7 Simple Steps

    what makes an effective academic essay

  6. Essay Writing and Academic Writing: Similarities and Differences

    what makes an effective academic essay

VIDEO

  1. How to write an Effective Essay- by Ashutosh Pandey

  2. How to Write an Essay: 4 Minute Step-by-step Guide

  3. How to write a good essay: Paraphrasing the question

  4. 7 Ways to Improve English Writing Skills

  5. How to Write an Effective Essay: The Introduction

  6. Writing Skills: The Paragraph