1. Techniques for Introductions

2. Use a quotation, a surprising fact,
or a statistic.
• Examples:
– A paper on male violence could begin by giving
statistics of the number of crimes committed by
men.
– A paper about Catholicism could begin with a
quotation from the Pope.

3. Ask a question or describe a
problem.
• Examples:
– A paper on climate change might begin with a
description of the greenhouse effect.
– A paper about space travel might begin by asking
whether the reader has ever seen the movie Star
Wars.

4. Tell a story or give a personal
reason for your interest.
• Examples:
– A paper about cigarette smoking might begin with
a personal example of quitting smoking.
– A paper about immigration might begin with a
story of the author’s grandmother.

5. Define a word that is central to
your topic.
• Examples:
– A paper about genetically modified food could
begin with a definition of the phrase “genetically
modified.”

6. Give historical background or a
historical comparison or contrast.
• Examples:
– A paper about the death penalty might begin with
a brief history of capital punishment.
– A paper about universal health care in the US
might begin with a brief history of the US health
care industry.

7. Give historical background or a
historical comparison or contrast.
• Examples:
– A paper about the death penalty might begin with
a brief history of capital punishment.
– A paper about universal health care in the US
might begin with a brief history of the US health
care industry.