The introduction is one of the most important parts of your non-fiction writing. It sets the tone for your piece and determines whether your readers will keep reading. A strong introduction grabs their attention and encourages them to explore your ideas further. Here are some tips on how to write a great introduction!

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

1. Start With A Hook

Begin with something that grabs your reader's attention. This could be:

→ A Personal Story: Share a brief, relatable story that connects to your topic. Personal anecdotes can draw readers in and make your writing feel more human. For example, if you're writing about the importance of time management, you might start with a moment when you realized you were overwhelmed and needed to change your ways.

→ A Surprising Fact Or Statistic: Share an eye-opening statistic that highlights the significance of your topic. For instance, if you're discussing healthy eating, you could start with a fact about how many people don't meet their daily nutritional needs.

→ A Provocative Question: Ask a question that makes readers think or piques their curiosity. For example, "Have you ever wondered why so many people struggle with stress management?" This invites readers to ponder the question and encourages them to read on for answers.

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

2. Set The Context

Once you have your readers' attention, provide some background information. This helps them understand why your topic is important. You can briefly explain:

→ The relevance of your subject matter.

→ Any current trends or events related to your topic.

→ Key terms or concepts that will be discussed later in your piece.

This context lays the groundwork for what's to come and shows readers why they should care about the information you're sharing.

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

3. Outline Your Main Points

Give readers a preview of what they can expect in your article. Briefly outline the main points you'll cover. This gives structure to your introduction and helps readers understand the flow of your writing. For instance:

"In this article, we will explore three key strategies for effective time management: setting clear goals, prioritizing tasks, and eliminating distractions."

This not only informs readers about what to expect but also keeps them engaged, as they'll be eager to learn how you will elaborate on these points.

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

4. Establish Your Voice

Your introduction is also a great place to establish your writing voice. Make sure your tone matches the content and your target audience. Whether your style is formal, conversational, or humorous, stay consistent throughout your piece. This helps build a connection with your readers and makes your writing more enjoyable.

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

5. End With A Strong Thesis Statement

Conclude your introduction with a clear thesis statement. This is a concise summary of your main argument or purpose. A strong thesis helps guide your readers and clarifies what you aim to achieve in your writing. For example:

"This article will demonstrate that by mastering time management techniques, individuals can reduce stress and increase productivity in their daily lives."

﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀ ﹀

Conclusion

Writing a great introduction in non-fiction is about capturing your reader's attention, providing context, outlining your main points, establishing your voice, and ending with a strong thesis statement. By following these tips, you can create an engaging and informative introduction that encourages readers to dive deeper into your writing. Remember, a captivating introduction sets the stage for a successful piece, so take the time to craft it thoughtfully!