To fashion an effective introduction, consider the following options:

"A striking fact or detail: The detail must arouse curiosity or interest and point to what follows in the paper.  

• Not this: A lot of sexual abuse goes on these days.
• But this: During the time it takes to read this sentence, three people will be sexually abused.
• Not this: Frustration is a very unpleasant feeling.
• But this: You have only 50 cents on a hot, dry day, yet a can of cold soda pop costs 55 cents.

"A direct opening, setting the mood or scene: The opening statements should be brief, specific, and original, not dull and too familiar. You want to set up a warm, inviting tone.

• Not this: Terminally ill people go through a lot of suffering.
• But this: Until I was diagnosed with AIDS two years ago, I had no idea of the emotional distress suffered by terminally ill people.
• Not this: I am going to tell about bigotry.
• But this: I thought I understood racial bigotry: I wasn't a bigot, but I'd know bigotry when I saw it.

"An anecdote: You can expand upon the previous strategy and use a brief narrative (emphasis mine).  

• Not this: I am going to tell about bigotry.
• But this: During my trip to California last July, I stopped for a quick meal, never imagining what I was getting into. As soon as I walked into that pizza parlor and heard nothing but Spanish, I felt out of place. True, I had studied Spanish in school and could carry on a simple conversation. But for the first time in my memory, I was the minority person. I tried to look and act calm, but I was very uneasy. My understanding of racial bigotry began in that moment and has grown ever since.

"A quotation: The quotation needs to be well-worded, and it must pertain to the paper.

• Not this: 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' said Yogi Berra. (quoted in a paragraph about musical performances)
• But this: 'It ain't over 'til it's over,' said Yogi Berra. (quoted in a paragraph about trying hard in a piano contest) 
• Not this: 'If you have a perfect cast, a perfect director, and a rotten script, you've got a rotten movie,' said Gene Wilder. (quoted in a paper about dating)  
• But this: 'If you have a perfect cast, a perfect director, and a rotten script, you've got a rotten movie,' said Gene Wilder. (quoted in a paper about the importance of good writing)  

"A rhetorical question: The question must lead into the topic, and it must be sharply focused to get your readers' interest. It must not be overly general, nor can it just dangle at the opening, only to be ignored as you write further.  

• Not this: Isn't life something?  
• But this: Have you ever stood by, helpless, while an infant floated face down in a pool?
• Not this: What do you know about mountain climbing?

• But this: Who would have thought mountain climbing would take so much preparation?"  

(Pemberton 257-58)

Updated: 08.18.07