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The Lexington Review

A Journal of Scholarly Writing from the Baruch College Writing Center

Applying Existing Frameworks of Analysis to Your Essay

by Zefyr Lisowski

Applying a specific framework to analyze a text can be one of the trickiest, but most satisfying, aspects of writing an essay. It’s hard to achieve a balance between introducing a scholarly approach you’ll be drawing from and providing enough independent analysis to make an original argument. However, student writer Emma Paisley Schultz walks that line effectively in her essay “ Applications of Social Psychology to Real World Issues: Social Distancing and Mask Wearing. ”

We’ll be walking through some of what Paisley does especially well in this writing guide, but please consider reading Paisley’s essay in full—and of course try out these skills yourself, as well! We’ll walk through the first few paragraphs in particular to see how she applies the framework of social psychology to build her argument, and then jump forward in the essay to see it applied elsewhere.

Introducing the issue you want to analyze

At the onset of the pandemic in March 2020, people around the world were faced with immense fear, anxiety, and depression as they became increasingly concerned about the current and potential hardships they would face in the following months, which became years. COVID-19 would have the greatest direct impact on people’s social lives, forcing them to retreat inside their homes and socialize in ways they largely never had. Indeed, through each phase of the coronavirus, the greater American society has observed a huge range of behavioral responses to these tremendous lifestyle changes. 

Paisley uses her first paragraph to introduce the incident she plans to analyze—the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Note that she provides a specific date (March 2020) and describes the emotions felt by people during this time clearly (“immense fear, anxiety, and depression”). With this first paragraph, we still don’t quite see what her main thesis is—which is fine! Longer and more complex papers, of which this is one, can have a multiple-paragraph thesis—although that’s generally discouraged in shorter pieces. But even within this multi-paragraph thesis, the last sentence (“through each phase of the coronavirus, the greater American society has observed a huge range of behavioral responses to these tremendous lifestyle changes”) hints at some of the concerns this paper will address: namely, behavioral responses to the lifestyle changes brought about by the pandemic.

Introducing the framework of analysis you plan to use

In certain parts of the United States during those initial months, there were people partying on Florida’s beaches during their spring break as though no virus was killing thousands of their family members, friends, and neighbors. 14 At this same time, other Americans obsessively washed their hands, wore masks everywhere they went, and became borderline agoraphobic, refusing to leave their homes even for groceries and toilet paper. It is important to understand that people’s concerns about contracting the virus are closely linked with how valuable American society deemed them to be, considering that college-aged Floridian partygoers’ fearlessness stood in stark contrast to the trepidation of people with preexisting health conditions and elderly individuals residing in nursing homes. Through the lens of social psychology, it is interesting to theorize exactly why many of these social behaviors stood in great contrast to one another. By examining people’s behaviors with respect to mask-wearing and social distancing, social psychologists may better understand the impact of important psychological concepts like cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, negativity bias, social comparison, persuasion, and conformity. 

The second paragraph expands on the behavioral responses alluded to in the previous paragraph by highlighting several specific responses Americans had: disregarding public safety to party versus retreating into homes to isolate. But that’s not all that the paragraph introduces. In the second half of the paragraph, Paisley lays out the key concepts the paper itself will focus on: “cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, negativity bias, social comparison, persuasion, and conformity.” By introducing these concepts so clearly, Paisley provides a “road map” to her essay, helping us know where the paper is going and how to read it. (For more help structuring an essay, refer to our writing guide on signposting .)

The next part of this paper will run through one of these concepts, seeing how it expands and connects to various responses during the pandemic. Let’s look at one now.

Applying a framework of analysis to a specific example

While intrinsic factors, like the confirmation and negativity biases, influenced people’s behavior, extrinsic forces were at play as well. To explain why some habitually wore masks while others did not, it is pertinent to understand the powers of persuasion at this time. Persuasion is the communication from a communicator to an audience about a particular issue or topic that aims to change the audience’s opinions, attitudes, or behaviors. 3 There are three major elements of persuasion: the source of the communication (also known as the communicator), the nature of the communication, and the characteristics and mindset of the audience. 6 The communicator of a persuasive message, for instance, has a great impact on how influential the message is on their audience. For New Yorkers, Governor Andrew Cuomo was one of these prominent communicators that had a great impact on them. Governor Cuomo established himself as a credible individual in the first few months of the pandemic, particularly when he began to hold regular televised conferences during which he informed the public about any updates with concern to the virus in New York… At these conferences, he spoke directly to the public, brought in experts to explain the science behind the nature of the virus and clarify any confusion, and offered graphs to demonstrate how social distancing would reduce the rate at which people were becoming infected. 5

In this excerpt from a later paragraph, Paisley briefly summarizes the previous two paragraphs, not excerpted here. (“While intrinsic factors, like the confirmation and negativity biases, influenced people’s behavior, extrinsic forces were at play as well.”) This is a great way to transition between paragraphs; by recapping what she said before, she’s then able to pivot, in the second half of the sentence, to describing what was left out of this earlier analysis (“extrinsic forces were at play as well”). Then, using concrete and well-cited language, she explains what the topic of the paragraph is—persuasion—and what its main parts are. Finally, she connects persuasion to a specific example for analysis— Gov. Cuomo’s initial televised COVID press conferences, which generated a popular goodwill for him before waves of scandals took down his administration. The rest of this paragraph goes on to analyze more specifically how Cuomo used persuasion during these conferences, but as a foundation, Paisley sets a great one here.

Let’s look at one more part of Paisley’s paper, her conclusion.

Writing an effective conclusion for your paper

From the partiers in Florida to the elderly in nursing homes to political figures like Andrew Cuomo, there were many social psychological influences to be observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. While social distancing and mask-wearing were largely abnormal before the pandemic, both of these social behaviors were pertinent to preventing more deaths, especially during a time where there were limited medical resources to support people. Even though vaccinations are now readily available, the effects of cognitive dissonance, confirmation bias, negativity bias, social comparison, persuasion, and conformity are still prevalent in people’s behaviors as a spectrum exists of individuals who are wholly comfortable returning to regular life and others who remain cautious against the virus, especially with the looming threat of stronger strains entering New York. No matter what the future has in store, reflecting upon why people acted irresponsibly and how people were convinced to act differently through social psychology is vitally important to understand how to save as many lives until the pandemic’s bitter end.

In this excerpt, Paisley repeats her thesis (“From the partiers in Florida to the elderly in nursing homes to political figures like Andrew Cuomo, there were many social psychological influences to be observed during the COVID-19 pandemic”), and then pivots to focusing on how these phenomena are still present today. Finally, she jumps forward to think about the future, while also repeating the importance of the work that she’s done in the paper—which is often a great strategy to end an essay on. The conclusion is often called the “so what” paragraph—it’s a place where you can lay out, more explicitly, why what you’re writing about is important, and how it can connect to the future as well.

Now that you’ve finished reading through this guide, practice applying an existing framework of analysis to your own writing!

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A clear, arguable thesis will tell your readers where you are going to end up, but it can also help you figure out how to get them there. Put your thesis at the top of a blank page and then make a list of the points you will need to make to argue that thesis effectively.

For example, consider this example from the thesis handout : While Sandel argues persuasively that our instinct to “remake”(54) ourselves into something ever more perfect is a problem, his belief that we can always draw a line between what is medically necessary and what makes us simply “better than well”(51) is less convincing.

To argue this thesis, the author needs to do the following:

• Show what is persuasive about Sandel’s claims about the problems with striving for perfection.
• Show what is not convincing about Sandel’s claim that we can clearly distinguish between medically necessary enhancements and other enhancements.

Once you have broken down your thesis into main claims, you can then think about what sub-claims you will need to make in order to support each of those main claims. That step might look like this:

• Evidence that Sandel provides to support this claim
• Discussion of why this evidence is convincing even in light of potential counterarguments
• Discussion of cases when medically necessary enhancement and non-medical enhancement cannot be easily distinguished
• Analysis of what those cases mean for Sandel’s argument
• Consideration of counterarguments (what Sandel might say in response to this section of your argument)

Each argument you will make in an essay will be different, but this strategy will often be a useful first step in figuring out the path of your argument.  

Strategy #2: Use subheadings, even if you remove them later  

Scientific papers generally include standard subheadings to delineate different sections of the paper, including “introduction,” “methods,” and “discussion.” Even when you are not required to use subheadings, it can be helpful to put them into an early draft to help you see what you’ve written and to begin to think about how your ideas fit together. You can do this by typing subheadings above the sections of your draft.

If you’re having trouble figuring out how your ideas fit together, try beginning with informal subheadings like these:

• Introduction  
• Explain the author’s main point  
• Show why this main point doesn’t hold up when we consider this other example  
• Explain the implications of what I’ve shown for our understanding of the author  
• Show how that changes our understanding of the topic

For longer papers, you may decide to include subheadings to guide your reader through your argument. In those cases, you would need to revise your informal subheadings to be more useful for your readers. For example, if you have initially written in something like “explain the author’s main point,” your final subheading might be something like “Sandel’s main argument” or “Sandel’s opposition to genetic enhancement.” In other cases, once you have the key pieces of your argument in place, you will be able to remove the subheadings.  

Strategy #3: Create a reverse outline from your draft  

While you may have learned to outline a paper before writing a draft, this step is often difficult because our ideas develop as we write. In some cases, it can be more helpful to write a draft in which you get all of your ideas out and then do a “reverse outline” of what you’ve already written. This doesn’t have to be formal; you can just make a list of the point in each paragraph of your draft and then ask these questions:

• Are those points in an order that makes sense to you?  
• Are there gaps in your argument?  
• Do the topic sentences of the paragraphs clearly state these main points?  
• Do you have more than one paragraph that focuses on the same point? If so, do you need both paragraphs?  
• Do you have some paragraphs that include too many points? If so, would it make more sense to split them up?  
• Do you make points near the end of the draft that would be more effective earlier in your paper?  
• Are there points missing from this draft?  
• picture_as_pdf Tips for Organizing Your Essay

Writing With Purpose: The essential role of framework in successful academic essays

In academic writing , a well-structured and well-crafted framework is essential. It serves as the backbone of the essay, providing a clear and organized structure that supports the argument or idea being presented. Writing an academic essay without a proper framework is like attempting to build a house without a blueprint; it may be possible, but the end result is likely to be haphazard and unorganized. Let us discuss the five things you should know about the importance of framework when writing an academic essay.

The Purpose of the Essay

Without a clear understanding of the purpose, it is challenging to create a framework that effectively supports the argument or idea being presented. Therefore, it is essential to define the purpose of the essay in the introduction and to develop the framework with this purpose in mind.

For instance, if the purpose of the essay is to analyze a specific literary work, the framework should focus on the central themes and literary devices used in the work. Similarly, if the purpose is to present a persuasive argument, the framework should provide evidence and support for the argument being presented.

Thorough Research

The research should be of high quality, credible, and relevant to the topic being discussed. The literature should be integrated seamlessly into the framework, supporting the argument or idea presented in the essay.

It is also essential to consider the types of research needed to create a framework. The research could be primary, secondary, or tertiary, depending on the subject matter. For example, if the essay is about a historical event, primary sources such as diaries, journals, and newspapers from the time period would be necessary. However, if the essay is on a current event, secondary and tertiary sources, such as scholarly articles, books, and news reports, would be more appropriate.

Developing a Clear Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the central idea or argument that the essay will be based on. It should be clear, concise, and specific. The thesis statement should be developed early on in the writing process and used to guide the development of the framework. The framework should be built around the thesis statement, providing evidence and support for the argument being presented.

A well-written thesis statement is critical for the success of the essay. It should be strong and compelling, providing a clear direction for the essay. A weak thesis statement will make it challenging to develop a framework and to present a persuasive argument.

Organizing the Framework Effectively

Organization is a crucial aspect of developing a successful framework. The organizational structure should be selected based on the purpose of the essay and the argument being presented. A well-organized framework allows the reader to easily follow the argument being presented and understand the connections between the different parts of the essay.

There are several types of organizational structures used in academic writing, such as chronological, cause-and-effect, and problem-solution structures. The choice of structure depends on the purpose of the essay and the argument being presented.

Using Evidence and Support

Evidence and support are essential for a successful academic essay. The evidence should come from credible sources and should be integrated seamlessly into the framework. Different types of evidence can be used, such as statistics, studies, and expert opinions. The evidence should support the argument being presented and should be used to persuade the reader of the validity of the argument.

It is also essential to consider the use of counterarguments and opposing views in the framework. Acknowledging and refuting opposing views strengthens the argument and demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter.

Editing Is a Crucial Aspect

When writing an academic essay, defining a clear framework is essential for conveying your argument or idea in a logical and structured way. However, even with a well-defined framework, the essay is not complete until it has gone through the editing process. Editing is a critical part of academic writing that ensures the essay is concise, coherent, and effective in communicating your message.

The importance of editing in defining the framework of your academic essay lies in its ability to refine and clarify your ideas. As you edit, you will identify areas where the framework may need to be adjusted or strengthened. This process of refinement is an essential step in creating a well-structured essay.

One of the main benefits of editing is that it helps to eliminate any unnecessary information that may distract from the central argument or idea. By removing superfluous information, you can create a more focused and coherent essay. This focus allows your reader to easily follow your argument and understand the connections between the different parts of your essay.

Editing also helps to identify any inconsistencies or contradictions in your framework. By reviewing your essay for logical flow and consistency, you can ensure that your argument is sound and that your framework supports your thesis statement.

Another crucial aspect of editing is ensuring that the language used in the essay is clear, concise, and effective. Word choice, sentence structure, and tone all play a role in communicating your message effectively. Careful editing helps to identify areas where the language could be improved to convey your argument more clearly.

Additionally, editing helps to eliminate errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These errors can be distracting to the reader and detract from the credibility of your argument . Careful essay editing ensures that it is free from these errors and presents a professional and polished image.

A proper framework provides a clear and organized structure that supports the argument or idea being presented in the essay. The five things to consider when creating a framework are defining the purpose of the essay, conducting thorough research, developing a clear thesis statement, organizing the framework effectively, and using evidence and support to persuade the reader of the validity of the argument.

Defining the purpose of the essay is critical because it guides the development of the framework. Thorough research that is of high quality, credible, and relevant to the topic being discussed is necessary to create a strong framework. Developing a clear and concise thesis statement early on in the writing process is essential to guide the development of the framework.

Organizing the framework effectively ensures that the reader can easily follow the argument being presented and understand the connections between the different parts of the essay. Using evidence and support from credible sources persuades the reader of the validity of the argument. The use of counterarguments and opposing views demonstrates an understanding of the subject matter and strengthens the argument being presented.

In conclusion, a proper framework is essential in academic writing. By considering the purpose of the essay, conducting thorough research, developing a clear thesis statement, organizing the framework effectively, and using evidence and support, writers can create an essay that is well-structured and persuasive. A well-crafted framework is like a blueprint for a successful essay, providing a clear structure that supports the argument or idea being presented.

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Many types of writing follow some version of the basic shape described above. This shape is most obvious in the form of the traditional five-paragraph essay: a model for college writing in which the writer argues his or her viewpoint (thesis) on a topic and uses three reasons or subtopics to support that position. In the five-paragraph model, as illustrated below, the introductory paragraph mentions the three main points or subtopics, and each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence dealing with one of those main points.

SAMPLE ESSAY USING THE FIVE-PARAGRAPH MODEL

Remember, this is a very simplistic model. It presents a basic idea of essay organization and may certainly be helpful in learning to structure an argument, but it should not be followed religiously as an ideal form.

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Organizing Your Social Sciences Research Paper

• Theoretical Framework
• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
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• Glossary of Research Terms
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• Narrowing a Topic Idea
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Theories are formulated to explain, predict, and understand phenomena and, in many cases, to challenge and extend existing knowledge within the limits of critical bounded assumptions or predictions of behavior. The theoretical framework is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study. The theoretical framework encompasses not just the theory, but the narrative explanation about how the researcher engages in using the theory and its underlying assumptions to investigate the research problem. It is the structure of your paper that summarizes concepts, ideas, and theories derived from prior research studies and which was synthesized in order to form a conceptual basis for your analysis and interpretation of meaning found within your research.

Abend, Gabriel. "The Meaning of Theory." Sociological Theory 26 (June 2008): 173–199; Kivunja, Charles. "Distinguishing between Theory, Theoretical Framework, and Conceptual Framework: A Systematic Review of Lessons from the Field." International Journal of Higher Education 7 (December 2018): 44-53; Swanson, Richard A. Theory Building in Applied Disciplines . San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler Publishers 2013; Varpio, Lara, Elise Paradis, Sebastian Uijtdehaage, and Meredith Young. "The Distinctions between Theory, Theoretical Framework, and Conceptual Framework." Academic Medicine 95 (July 2020): 989-994.

Importance of Theory and a Theoretical Framework

Theories can be unfamiliar to the beginning researcher because they are rarely applied in high school social studies curriculum and, as a result, can come across as unfamiliar and imprecise when first introduced as part of a writing assignment. However, in their most simplified form, a theory is simply a set of assumptions or predictions about something you think will happen based on existing evidence and that can be tested to see if those outcomes turn out to be true. Of course, it is slightly more deliberate than that, therefore, summarized from Kivunja (2018, p. 46), here are the essential characteristics of a theory.

• It is logical and coherent
• It has clear definitions of terms or variables, and has boundary conditions [i.e., it is not an open-ended statement]
• It has a domain where it applies
• It has clearly described relationships among variables
• It describes, explains, and makes specific predictions
• It comprises of concepts, themes, principles, and constructs
• It must have been based on empirical data [i.e., it is not a guess]
• It must have made claims that are subject to testing, been tested and verified
• It must be clear and concise
• Its assertions or predictions must be different and better than those in existing theories
• Its predictions must be general enough to be applicable to and understood within multiple contexts
• Its assertions or predictions are relevant, and if applied as predicted, will result in the predicted outcome
• The assertions and predictions are not immutable, but subject to revision and improvement as researchers use the theory to make sense of phenomena
• Its concepts and principles explain what is going on and why
• Its concepts and principles are substantive enough to enable us to predict a future

Given these characteristics, a theory can best be understood as the foundation from which you investigate assumptions or predictions derived from previous studies about the research problem, but in a way that leads to new knowledge and understanding as well as, in some cases, discovering how to improve the relevance of the theory itself or to argue that the theory is outdated and a new theory needs to be formulated based on new evidence.

A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your particular study. The theoretical framework must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic of your research paper and that relate to the broader areas of knowledge being considered.

The theoretical framework is most often not something readily found within the literature . You must review course readings and pertinent research studies for theories and analytic models that are relevant to the research problem you are investigating. The selection of a theory should depend on its appropriateness, ease of application, and explanatory power.

The theoretical framework strengthens the study in the following ways :

• An explicit statement of  theoretical assumptions permits the reader to evaluate them critically.
• The theoretical framework connects the researcher to existing knowledge. Guided by a relevant theory, you are given a basis for your hypotheses and choice of research methods.
• Articulating the theoretical assumptions of a research study forces you to address questions of why and how. It permits you to intellectually transition from simply describing a phenomenon you have observed to generalizing about various aspects of that phenomenon.
• Having a theory helps you identify the limits to those generalizations. A theoretical framework specifies which key variables influence a phenomenon of interest and highlights the need to examine how those key variables might differ and under what circumstances.
• The theoretical framework adds context around the theory itself based on how scholars had previously tested the theory in relation their overall research design [i.e., purpose of the study, methods of collecting data or information, methods of analysis, the time frame in which information is collected, study setting, and the methodological strategy used to conduct the research].

By virtue of its applicative nature, good theory in the social sciences is of value precisely because it fulfills one primary purpose: to explain the meaning, nature, and challenges associated with a phenomenon, often experienced but unexplained in the world in which we live, so that we may use that knowledge and understanding to act in more informed and effective ways.

The Conceptual Framework. College of Education. Alabama State University; Corvellec, Hervé, ed. What is Theory?: Answers from the Social and Cultural Sciences . Stockholm: Copenhagen Business School Press, 2013; Asher, Herbert B. Theory-Building and Data Analysis in the Social Sciences . Knoxville, TN: University of Tennessee Press, 1984; Drafting an Argument. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Kivunja, Charles. "Distinguishing between Theory, Theoretical Framework, and Conceptual Framework: A Systematic Review of Lessons from the Field." International Journal of Higher Education 7 (2018): 44-53; Omodan, Bunmi Isaiah. "A Model for Selecting Theoretical Framework through Epistemology of Research Paradigms." African Journal of Inter/Multidisciplinary Studies 4 (2022): 275-285; Ravitch, Sharon M. and Matthew Riggan. Reason and Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide Research . Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2017; Trochim, William M.K. Philosophy of Research. Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006; Jarvis, Peter. The Practitioner-Researcher. Developing Theory from Practice . San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, 1999.

Strategies for Developing the Theoretical Framework

I.  Developing the Framework

Here are some strategies to develop of an effective theoretical framework:

• Examine your thesis title and research problem . The research problem anchors your entire study and forms the basis from which you construct your theoretical framework.
• Brainstorm about what you consider to be the key variables in your research . Answer the question, "What factors contribute to the presumed effect?"
• Review related literature to find how scholars have addressed your research problem. Identify the assumptions from which the author(s) addressed the problem.
• List  the constructs and variables that might be relevant to your study. Group these variables into independent and dependent categories.
• Review key social science theories that are introduced to you in your course readings and choose the theory that can best explain the relationships between the key variables in your study [note the Writing Tip on this page].
• Discuss the assumptions or propositions of this theory and point out their relevance to your research.

A theoretical framework is used to limit the scope of the relevant data by focusing on specific variables and defining the specific viewpoint [framework] that the researcher will take in analyzing and interpreting the data to be gathered. It also facilitates the understanding of concepts and variables according to given definitions and builds new knowledge by validating or challenging theoretical assumptions.

II.  Purpose

Think of theories as the conceptual basis for understanding, analyzing, and designing ways to investigate relationships within social systems. To that end, the following roles served by a theory can help guide the development of your framework.

• Means by which new research data can be interpreted and coded for future use,
• Response to new problems that have no previously identified solutions strategy,
• Means for identifying and defining research problems,
• Means for prescribing or evaluating solutions to research problems,
• Ways of discerning certain facts among the accumulated knowledge that are important and which facts are not,
• Means of giving old data new interpretations and new meaning,
• Means by which to identify important new issues and prescribe the most critical research questions that need to be answered to maximize understanding of the issue,
• Means of providing members of a professional discipline with a common language and a frame of reference for defining the boundaries of their profession, and
• Means to guide and inform research so that it can, in turn, guide research efforts and improve professional practice.

Adapted from: Torraco, R. J. “Theory-Building Research Methods.” In Swanson R. A. and E. F. Holton III , editors. Human Resource Development Handbook: Linking Research and Practice . (San Francisco, CA: Berrett-Koehler, 1997): pp. 114-137; Jacard, James and Jacob Jacoby. Theory Construction and Model-Building Skills: A Practical Guide for Social Scientists . New York: Guilford, 2010; Ravitch, Sharon M. and Matthew Riggan. Reason and Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide Research . Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2017; Sutton, Robert I. and Barry M. Staw. “What Theory is Not.” Administrative Science Quarterly 40 (September 1995): 371-384.

Structure and Writing Style

The theoretical framework may be rooted in a specific theory , in which case, your work is expected to test the validity of that existing theory in relation to specific events, issues, or phenomena. Many social science research papers fit into this rubric. For example, Peripheral Realism Theory, which categorizes perceived differences among nation-states as those that give orders, those that obey, and those that rebel, could be used as a means for understanding conflicted relationships among countries in Africa. A test of this theory could be the following: Does Peripheral Realism Theory help explain intra-state actions, such as, the disputed split between southern and northern Sudan that led to the creation of two nations?

However, you may not always be asked by your professor to test a specific theory in your paper, but to develop your own framework from which your analysis of the research problem is derived . Based upon the above example, it is perhaps easiest to understand the nature and function of a theoretical framework if it is viewed as an answer to two basic questions:

• What is the research problem/question? [e.g., "How should the individual and the state relate during periods of conflict?"]
• Why is your approach a feasible solution? [i.e., justify the application of your choice of a particular theory and explain why alternative constructs were rejected. I could choose instead to test Instrumentalist or Circumstantialists models developed among ethnic conflict theorists that rely upon socio-economic-political factors to explain individual-state relations and to apply this theoretical model to periods of war between nations].

The answers to these questions come from a thorough review of the literature and your course readings [summarized and analyzed in the next section of your paper] and the gaps in the research that emerge from the review process. With this in mind, a complete theoretical framework will likely not emerge until after you have completed a thorough review of the literature .

Just as a research problem in your paper requires contextualization and background information, a theory requires a framework for understanding its application to the topic being investigated. When writing and revising this part of your research paper, keep in mind the following:

• Clearly describe the framework, concepts, models, or specific theories that underpin your study . This includes noting who the key theorists are in the field who have conducted research on the problem you are investigating and, when necessary, the historical context that supports the formulation of that theory. This latter element is particularly important if the theory is relatively unknown or it is borrowed from another discipline.
• Position your theoretical framework within a broader context of related frameworks, concepts, models, or theories . As noted in the example above, there will likely be several concepts, theories, or models that can be used to help develop a framework for understanding the research problem. Therefore, note why the theory you've chosen is the appropriate one.
• The present tense is used when writing about theory. Although the past tense can be used to describe the history of a theory or the role of key theorists, the construction of your theoretical framework is happening now.
• You should make your theoretical assumptions as explicit as possible . Later, your discussion of methodology should be linked back to this theoretical framework.
• Don’t just take what the theory says as a given! Reality is never accurately represented in such a simplistic way; if you imply that it can be, you fundamentally distort a reader's ability to understand the findings that emerge. Given this, always note the limitations of the theoretical framework you've chosen [i.e., what parts of the research problem require further investigation because the theory inadequately explains a certain phenomena].

The Conceptual Framework. College of Education. Alabama State University; Conceptual Framework: What Do You Think is Going On? College of Engineering. University of Michigan; Drafting an Argument. Writing@CSU. Colorado State University; Lynham, Susan A. “The General Method of Theory-Building Research in Applied Disciplines.” Advances in Developing Human Resources 4 (August 2002): 221-241; Tavallaei, Mehdi and Mansor Abu Talib. "A General Perspective on the Role of Theory in Qualitative Research." Journal of International Social Research 3 (Spring 2010); Ravitch, Sharon M. and Matthew Riggan. Reason and Rigor: How Conceptual Frameworks Guide Research . Second edition. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE, 2017; Reyes, Victoria. Demystifying the Journal Article. Inside Higher Education; Trochim, William M.K. Philosophy of Research. Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006; Weick, Karl E. “The Work of Theorizing.” In Theorizing in Social Science: The Context of Discovery . Richard Swedberg, editor. (Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press, 2014), pp. 177-194.

Writing Tip

Borrowing Theoretical Constructs from Other Disciplines

An increasingly important trend in the social and behavioral sciences is to think about and attempt to understand research problems from an interdisciplinary perspective. One way to do this is to not rely exclusively on the theories developed within your particular discipline, but to think about how an issue might be informed by theories developed in other disciplines. For example, if you are a political science student studying the rhetorical strategies used by female incumbents in state legislature campaigns, theories about the use of language could be derived, not only from political science, but linguistics, communication studies, philosophy, psychology, and, in this particular case, feminist studies. Building theoretical frameworks based on the postulates and hypotheses developed in other disciplinary contexts can be both enlightening and an effective way to be more engaged in the research topic.

CohenMiller, A. S. and P. Elizabeth Pate. "A Model for Developing Interdisciplinary Research Theoretical Frameworks." The Qualitative Researcher 24 (2019): 1211-1226; Frodeman, Robert. The Oxford Handbook of Interdisciplinarity . New York: Oxford University Press, 2010.

Another Writing Tip

Don't Undertheorize!

Do not leave the theory hanging out there in the introduction never to be mentioned again. Undertheorizing weakens your paper. The theoretical framework you describe should guide your study throughout the paper. Be sure to always connect theory to the review of pertinent literature and to explain in the discussion part of your paper how the theoretical framework you chose supports analysis of the research problem or, if appropriate, how the theoretical framework was found to be inadequate in explaining the phenomenon you were investigating. In that case, don't be afraid to propose your own theory based on your findings.

Yet Another Writing Tip

What's a Theory? What's a Hypothesis?

The terms theory and hypothesis are often used interchangeably in newspapers and popular magazines and in non-academic settings. However, the difference between theory and hypothesis in scholarly research is important, particularly when using an experimental design. A theory is a well-established principle that has been developed to explain some aspect of the natural world. Theories arise from repeated observation and testing and incorporates facts, laws, predictions, and tested assumptions that are widely accepted [e.g., rational choice theory; grounded theory; critical race theory].

A hypothesis is a specific, testable prediction about what you expect to happen in your study. For example, an experiment designed to look at the relationship between study habits and test anxiety might have a hypothesis that states, "We predict that students with better study habits will suffer less test anxiety." Unless your study is exploratory in nature, your hypothesis should always explain what you expect to happen during the course of your research.

The key distinctions are:

• A theory predicts events in a broad, general context;  a hypothesis makes a specific prediction about a specified set of circumstances.
• A theory has been extensively tested and is generally accepted among a set of scholars; a hypothesis is a speculative guess that has yet to be tested.

Cherry, Kendra. Introduction to Research Methods: Theory and Hypothesis. About.com Psychology; Gezae, Michael et al. Welcome Presentation on Hypothesis. Slideshare presentation.

Still Yet Another Writing Tip

Be Prepared to Challenge the Validity of an Existing Theory

Theories are meant to be tested and their underlying assumptions challenged; they are not rigid or intransigent, but are meant to set forth general principles for explaining phenomena or predicting outcomes. Given this, testing theoretical assumptions is an important way that knowledge in any discipline develops and grows. If you're asked to apply an existing theory to a research problem, the analysis will likely include the expectation by your professor that you should offer modifications to the theory based on your research findings.

Indications that theoretical assumptions may need to be modified can include the following:

• Your findings suggest that the theory does not explain or account for current conditions or circumstances or the passage of time,
• The study reveals a finding that is incompatible with what the theory attempts to explain or predict, or
• Your analysis reveals that the theory overly generalizes behaviors or actions without taking into consideration specific factors revealed from your analysis [e.g., factors related to culture, nationality, history, gender, ethnicity, age, geographic location, legal norms or customs , religion, social class, socioeconomic status, etc.].

Philipsen, Kristian. "Theory Building: Using Abductive Search Strategies." In Collaborative Research Design: Working with Business for Meaningful Findings . Per Vagn Freytag and Louise Young, editors. (Singapore: Springer Nature, 2018), pp. 45-71; Shepherd, Dean A. and Roy Suddaby. "Theory Building: A Review and Integration." Journal of Management 43 (2017): 59-86.

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The Seeds We Sow

Supporting blooming minds, sharing teacher finds, building a framework for essay writing.

July 6, 2016

When you tell your students they’ll be writing an essay in class, do you initially get a classroom full of smiling, happy faces, or do you hear the audible sound of dread spread through the room? That may be a little exaggerated, but for most teachers, the word “essay” doesn’t typically bring about the most positive of emotions in students.

Essay writing can cause a good deal of stress for some young writers, simply because they’re not confident with their writing abilities and/or the framework of essay writing. Here are 6 steps you can implement into your essay-writing routine to build a stronger framework for your students.

The thesis statement is a very important part of almost any essay. It is what gives the essay a foundation and direction. The topic, a claim about the topic, and a few points to support it are all parts of a a strong thesis, and it’s important for students to realize that these sentences contain the focus of the essay and tell the reader what it’s going to be about.

Here are some features of a strong thesis:

• A strong thesis expresses one main idea
• A strong thesis expresses a clear, specific point of view
• A strong thesis makes a bold claim (it’s OK if the reader disagrees with it)
• A strong thesis is original
• A strong thesis invites discussion (they don’t just state the obvious)

A weak thesis will only cause the rest of the essay to fall apart, so be sure to help your students, through modeling and examples, to know what a strong thesis needs and how to write one.

An essay outline is a road map to follow. It can be written before or after a thesis statement, and it serves as a guide to following through to the final writing product. There are many graphic organizers that aid students in creating a basic essay outline, but as long as students understand what needs to be included in an outline, they really can create their own; some printable organizers can be too restrictive.

Here’s what to include in a good essay outline:

• Introduction- including something to get the reader’s interest
• Thesis statement- usually a statement that has three points you’re going to talk about in your essay
• Body of the essay- usually includes a paragraph dedicated to each of the three points you’re going to talk about
• Supporting details and evidence- found within the body of the essay for each paragraph; two or three pieces of evidence, facts, details, and examples for each point that support what you’re talking about
• Conclusion- a summary, or fresh restate, of the thesis statement; includes a meaningful “wrap-up” to give the essay greater meaning by reinforcing the main idea (remember that a conclusion is not a place to bring up new ideas)

To keep an essay strong, word choice is key; words that are expressive, creative, interesting, and effective keep an essay from falling apart. Using descriptive words allows an author to show and not just tell.

Here are some keys to using descriptive words to keep any essay strong:

• use vivid sensory details where you can (paint a picture and appeal to your reader’s senses)
• make use of figurative language, when appropriate, to help paint that picture
• use specific nouns, adjectives, and strong action verbs
• keep descriptive writing organized (chronological, spatial, and order of importance)

The real meat of any paragraph comes in the supporting details.  A paragraph topic sentence without the supporting details is like a sandwich with only the bread; the good stuff comes with the descriptions, facts, evidence, and examples that back up the claim.

Here are some important points to consider when adding effective supporting details to any essay:

• if you make a statement, just remember you need to be able support it
• supporting details should be convincing
• facts and statistics aren’t the only things that can support a claim
• remember examples are sometimes more interesting for a reader; tell a story from your own experience or make something up–as long as it illustrates your point
• don’t include details that do nothing to support the topic/claim

After an essay is written, taking a small break is always a good idea. Encourage students to take time away from their essay for a brief time so they can return to it with a fresh set of eyes. Most likely when they return to it, they’ll be able to look at it in a different way, and when it’s time for revisions and editing, they’ll be more open to making the changes needed for improvement. Just remember, sometimes our brains just need a little break!

Here are some easy and quiet break suggestions you can implement into your essay-writing routine:

• going to get a drink
• taking a small, quiet walk around the room
• reading for a few minutes
• working on something else for a minute or two

The last step in essay writing is the double-checking (or triple or quadruple-checking, for that matter). This is the part where you need to check, check, check. Students need to understand that once an essay is written, it most likely needs some editing and revisions. They need to understand this is a necessary part of the writing process; it’s not because they’ve failed to do it right the first time.

Here are some ways you can help your students with revisions and editing:

• don’t just require students take time to complete revisions–you most likely will not see improved writing
• provide specific comments
• ask questions directed at specific content
• design writing activities or lessons that help students to establish a purpose
• motivate students to make revisions because of the intended publication of the essay (whether it be reading finished works to the class, posting on a classroom blog or other social place, creating a finished work for a classroom library, sharing with a partner or small group, etc.)

I hope these six simple steps will help you and your students to build a stronger framework for essay writing. To help you get started in your classroom today, I’ve included a  downloadable note-taking visual your students will be able to add to their writing journals or folders. All you have to do is teach the mini-lesson(s) so they have the information to add to their step-by-step visual.

Happy writing!

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Basic essay structure

Improve your writing

Organise your essays to demonstrate your knowledge, show your research and support your arguments

Essays are usually written in continuous, flowing, paragraphed text and don’t use section headings. This may seem unstructured at first, but good essays are carefully structured.

How your assignment content is structured is your choice. Use the basic pattern below to get started.

Essay structure

An essay consists of three basic parts:, introduction.

The essay itself usually has no section headings. Only the title page, author declaration and reference list are written as headings, along with, for example, appendices. Check any task instructions, and your course or unit handbook, for further details.

Content in assignment introductions can vary widely. In some disciplines you may need to provide a full background and context, whereas other essays may need only a little context, and others may need none.

An introduction to an essay usually has three primary purposes:

• To set the scene
• To tell readers what is important, and why
• To tell the reader what the essay is going to do (signposting)

A standard introduction includes the following five elements:

• A statement that sets out the topic and engages the reader.
• The background and context of the topic.
• Any important definitions, integrated into your text as appropriate.
• An outline of the key points, topic, issues, evidence, ideas, arguments, models, theories, or other information, as appropriate. This may include distinctions or contrasts between different ideas or evidence.
• A final sentence or two which tells the reader your focal points and aims.

You should aim to restrict your introduction to information needed for the topic and only include background and contextual information which helps the reader understand it, or sets the scene for your chosen focal points.

In most essays you will have a considerable range of options for your focus. You will be expected to demonstrate your ability to select the most relevant content to address your focal points.

There are some exceptions. For example, if an assignment brief specifically directs the essay focus or requires you to write broadly about a topic. These are relatively rare or are discipline-specific so you should check your task instructions and discipline and subject area conventions.

Below are examples of an opening statement, a summary of the selected content, and a statement at the end of the introduction which tells the reader what the essay will focus on and how it will be addressed. We've use a fictional essay.

The title of our essay is: 'Cats are better than dogs. Discuss.'

To submit this essay you also would need to add citations as appropriate.

Example of opening statements:

People have shared their lives with cats and dogs for millenia. Which is better depends partly on each animal’s characteristics and partly on the owner’s preferences.

Here is a summary of five specific topics selected for the essay, which would be covered in a little more detail in the introduction:

• In ancient Egypt, cats were treated as sacred and were pampered companions.
• Dogs have for centuries been used for hunting and to guard property. There are many types of working dog, and both dogs and cats are now kept purely as pets.
• They are very different animals, with different care needs, traits and abilities.
• It is a common perception that people are either “cat-lovers” or “dog-lovers”.
• It is a common perception that people tend to have preferences for one, and negative beliefs about and attitudes towards, the other.

Example of closing statements at the end of the introduction:

This essay will examine both cats’ and dogs’ behaviour and abilities, the benefits of keeping them as pets, and whether people’s perceptions of their nature matches current knowledge and understanding.

Main body: paragraphs

The body of the essay should be organised into paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with a different aspect of the issue, but they should also link in some way to those that precede and follow it. This is not an easy thing to get right, even for experienced writers, partly because there are many ways to successfully structure and use paragraphs. There is no perfect paragraph template.

The theme or topic statement

The first sentence, or sometimes two, tells the reader what the paragraph is going to cover. It may either:

• Begin a new point or topic, or
• Follow on from the previous paragraph, but with a different focus or go into more-specific detail. If this is the case, it should clearly link to the previous paragraph.

The last sentence

It should be clear if the point has come to an end, or if it continues in the next paragraph.

Here is a brief example of flow between two summarised paragraphs which cover the historical perspective:

It is known from hieroglyphs that the Ancient Egyptians believed that cats were sacred. They were also held in high regard, as suggested by their being found mummified and entombed with their owners (Smith, 1969). In addition, cats are portrayed aiding hunters. Therefore, they were both treated as sacred, and were used as intelligent working companions. However, today they are almost entirely owned as pets.

In contrast, dogs have not been regarded as sacred, but they have for centuries been widely used for hunting in Europe. This developed over time and eventually they became domesticated and accepted as pets. Today, they are seen as loyal, loving and protective members of the family, and are widely used as working dogs.

There is never any new information in a conclusion.

The conclusion usually does three things:

• Reminds your readers of what the essay was meant to do.
• Provides an answer, where possible, to the title.
• Reminds your reader how you reached that answer.

The conclusion should usually occupy just one paragraph. It draws together all the key elements of your essay, so you do not need to repeat the fine detail unless you are highlighting something.

A conclusion to our essay about cats and dogs is given below:

Both cats and dogs have been highly-valued for millenia, are affectionate and beneficial to their owners’ wellbeing. However, they are very different animals and each is 'better' than the other regarding care needs and natural traits. Dogs need regular training and exercise but many owners do not train or exercise them enough, resulting in bad behaviour. They also need to be 'boarded' if the owner is away and to have frequent baths to prevent bad odours. In contrast, cats do not need this level of effort and care. Dogs are seen as more intelligent, loyal and attuned to human beings, whereas cats are perceived as aloof and solitary, and as only seeking affection when they want to be fed. However, recent studies have shown that cats are affectionate and loyal and more intelligent than dogs, but it is less obvious and useful. There are, for example, no 'police' or 'assistance' cats, in part because they do not have the kinds of natural instincts which make dogs easy to train. Therefore, which animal is better depends upon personal preference and whether they are required to work. Therefore, although dogs are better as working animals, cats are easier, better pets.

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Better Essays: Signposting

Paragraphs main body of an assessment

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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