How to Write a Formal Essay: Part 2 – The Introduction

A simple introduction usually contains three parts: “the hook,” “a general discussion of the topic,” and your “thesis statement (your opinion).” Advanced students do not always need to follow this pattern, but for those still learning, it is better to start with this structure.

Topic: It is important that young students learn English these days. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

Example Introduction

[The Hook →] What is the world’s international language? Three languages are possible candidates. More than one billion people speak Chinese. Many countries also regard Spanish as their official language, and French is often used as the language of diplomats. [General Discussion →] At present, English is the most widely used international language for several reasons. It is therefore necessary to become fluent in English if we want to be successful. [Thesis Statement →] However, I do not agree with these statements.

MOST COMMONLY USED KINDS OF INTRODUCTION

PATTERN 1: BEGIN IMMEDIATELY WITH YOUR OPINION

In this pattern, you start with your opinion and include your reasons (without explaining them in detail). The explanation comes in the body. This is the most common type of introduction, but it is also the most elementary. Writers usually just answer or paraphrase the question.

Example: It is important that young students learn English these days. Do you agree or disagree with this statement?

• Statement: I agree that young students should learn English because…
• Your Reasons: They can get good jobs, find information quickly, and communicate with foreigners easily. 

Paragraph form: I agree that young students should learn English because they can get good jobs, find information quickly, and communicate with foreigners easily.

PATTERN 2: BEGIN WITH A QUESTION

In this pattern, you can start by asking one or more questions. Make sure the questions are interesting enough to keep your readers engaged.

• Questions: What is the world’s international language? Three languages are possible candidates. More than one billion people speak Chinese. Many countries also consider Spanish their official language, and French is often used as the language of diplomats.
• Introduce the Topic: At present, English is the most commonly used international language for several reasons. It is therefore necessary to be fluent in English to be successful.
• Your Idea: However, I do not agree with these statements. 

Paragraph form: What is the world’s international language? Three languages are possible candidates. More than one billion people speak Chinese. Many countries also consider Spanish their official language, and French is often used as the language of diplomats. At present, English is the most commonly used international language for several reasons. It is therefore necessary to be fluent in English to be successful. However, I do not agree with these statements.

PATTERN 3: BEGIN WITH A GENERAL DISCUSSION OF THE FIELD

In this pattern, you first discuss the general field, then introduce the topic, and finally give your opinion.
(Here, English is part of the field of “Language” or “Education.”)

• Field: Languages are essential because they separate us from animals. Through language, people can express their ideas, feelings, and goals. Language has brought us knowledge and understanding. Without language, humankind might never have evolved.
• Introduce the Topic: One of the most widely used languages in the world is English. Some people say that being able to read, speak, and write in English is very important today.
• Your Idea: However, I disagree (for several reasons). 

Paragraph form: Languages are essential because they separate us from animals. Through language, people can express their ideas, feelings, and goals. Language has brought us knowledge and understanding. Without language, humankind might never have evolved. One of the most widely used languages in the world is English. Some people say that being able to read, speak, and write in English is very important today. However, I disagree for several reasons.

PATTERN 4: BEGIN WITH A QUOTE OR A PROVERB

In this pattern, use a quote from a famous person (dead or alive) or a popular proverb. Mention the source, explain the meaning, and then present your opinion. Make sure the quote or proverb is related to your topic and opinion.

• Quotation and Its Meaning: “The English language is nobody's special property,” said Derek Walcott, a Nobel Prize winner for Literature. He also said that “it is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.” This means that English has become the language of the world. The United States or the United Kingdom does not own English anymore.
• Your Idea: In my opinion, English now belongs to everyone who wants to use it. For many reasons, students must learn English for a better future. 

Paragraph form: “The English language is nobody's special property,” said Derek Walcott, a Nobel Prize winner for Literature. He also said that “it is the property of the imagination: it is the property of the language itself.” This means that English has become the language of the world. The United States or the United Kingdom does not own English anymore. In my opinion, English now belongs to everyone who wants to use it. For many reasons, students must learn English for a better future.

Next, Part 3: Writing the Body of the Essay