Essay introductions are like first handshakes.

• ·        When they are warm, intentional, and engaging, they invite you in with curiosity. 
• ·        But when they are barely hanging, generic, or confusing, the connection with the audience weakens before it even begins.

Hence, both the handshake and the introduction must have a purpose. Both also must set the tone, spark interest, and hint at the depth to come. However, this is where they stop being alike.

An essay's introductory paragraph is not just a greeting. It is more like you are convincing the reader to continue reading. So, let's get to know the different types of introductions and how to write each one.

Set Your Essay's First Impression with a Gripping Introduction

If your essay's beginning reads out like: 

-        "In the rapidly changing world…"

-        "Amid the complexities of modern…"

-        "In today's interconnected global society…"

-        "Throughout the course of history…"

-        "As technology continues to evolve…"

Stop right there! You need to rewrite it. Either by yourself, or hire an essay writing service to help you. Because if you don't, your teacher will know in an instant that they were written by generative AI.

Here's Why You Cannot Fool the Reader

The instructors/readers have seen such examples a hundred times. They can tell you didn't write it because it feels generic and detached. Moreover, it doesn't even have a strong introduction hook that sounds intentional and would make the reader stop and think.

Next, if your composition begins with a phrase like:

-        "There are many important topics in today's world…"

-        "This essay will discuss…"

-        "In this paper, I will talk about…"

-        "The topic of the essay is…"

Such content starters are also highly discouraged, especially in academic writing. Apart from this, they are too cliché to be used in 2025, are vague, non-intriguing, and will pull zero engagement into your content. They even lack the storytelling tone, which is the most essential for an impactful introduction.

Popular Mistakes that Students Usually Make

If you are a secondary-level student and are still not working with a high school essay writing service, there is a 1 in 3 chance that you, too, are doing the essay introductions wrong. Suppose your class has 30 students; as per the observations and studies, around 10 may still be using weak, outdated beginning phrases. There are also several other mistakes that the learners make.

Therefore, look at the pie chart below and consider it a sign to continue reading this guide. It will not only teach how to write an engaging introduction, but will also give you several starters to use in the future.

5 Steps of Writing a Gripping Introduction

v Step 1: Hook the Reader

First of all, start with something that pulls your reader in. It could be a startling fact, a personal story, or a powerful question. Whatever it is, it should simply spark curiosity and make your reader think, I want to read more. Moreover, your hook sets the mood for your composition, so make it punchy, fresh, and closely connected to your topic.

v Step 2: Provide Background

Now that you have grabbed attention, help your reader understand what is going on. Consider this your chance to briefly explain the topic. However, do not get started with details. Just add in a definition if needed, maybe a bit of history, or the reason why this issue matters today.

v Step 3: State Your Thesis

After that, move to the third part, which is also the heart (middle) of your introduction. This is where you mention what you believe and how you are going to prove it. However, be very clear and precise about it so that your reader knows what to expect.

v Step 4: Map the Structure

Next, give the reader a guide to your essay by saying something like, "First, we will explore this, then look at that, and finally wrap it up with this." Also, make sure you are only listing the most important things for a quick glimpse of the entire composition.

v Step 5: Check and Revise

Once it's written, don't just leave it there. Instead, read it out loud, fix the awkward phrases, and make sure it actually excites you. If it feels dull, rethink your hook or sharpen your tone.

Essay Starters That You Can Use in the Future

þ  "Even silence, at times, speaks louder than words." (Quote)

þ  "In the middle of a busy street in London, I saw…" (Narrative)

þ  "This is not just about climate change, it is about survival." (Statement)

þ  "Have you ever wondered how fear shapes our decisions more than facts?" (Question)

þ  "It started with a simple 'no', and turned into a..." (Narrative Hook)

þ  "Every revolution begins as a whisper no one hears." (Poetic Metaphor)

þ  "Why do some societies thrive while others collapse under pressure?" (Analytical Question)

þ  "We tend to forget that history isn't written, it is rewritten." (Reflective Statement)

þ  "The problem with rules is, someone had to break them first." (Playful Provocation)

þ  "It's easy to ignore a problem when it's not yours." (Ethical Prompt)

þ  "Cracked phone screen tells more about human behavior than you'd expect." (Curious Observation)

Commonly Asked Questions of a Student

·         Do I need a hook in every introduction?

Yes, a hook is necessary because it is like the "hello" in a conversation. It sets the tone. So, if you don't add one, your content will not be able to instantly draw the readers in, and your essay will have no personality.

·         Should I write the introduction first or last?

Honestly, many students prefer writing it last after they have the body sorted, but it is entirely your choice. You can start writing it whenever it is feasible for you.

·         How can my introduction be meaningful and still be relevant to the topic?

In order to establish a meaningful connection, you need to start with something relatable. It could be a story, a moment, a question, or even a relatable image. All of these will gently lead the reader towards the main body.

·         How do I know if my introduction is engaging enough?

If you want to know, you must read it aloud to a friend. However, when there is no one around, you can simply read it to yourself. Once you start reading it, it will start making sense to you. This means it is good to go. However, if it feels boring, then something is definitely wrong.

The Summary

So far, we have discussed how to and how not to begin an essay introduction. Plentiful examples have also been shared with you to save for later, so that you do not make the same mistake again.

Or else, your content will have zero readability and will never engage the reader enough to keep them hooked. In a nutshell, writing the best introductions is an art. If you don't practice it, you might never be able to impress the reader. Plus, getting an A+ on the essay will also be a distant dream.