The writing of a scientific research or reflection essay generally contains several parts. In this article we will explain how to make an introduction to an essay, and we will offer you some suitable examples for each topic.

  • Discover the 8 parts of a news story.

INDEX
1. How to make an introduction to an essay
2. Examples of an introduction to an essay

How to make an introduction to an essay
In the essay we address the consolidation of knowledge or the development of an investigation through the approach of hypotheses and thesis. The introduction of an essay is very important , because in it we set the objectives, we open a series of questions, we explain the methodology and we quote the bibliographical supports.

1. Set the objectives of the essay
By setting the objectives of an essay we are, at the same time, justifying the choice of topic. Below you will see some examples, but for example, we can say that since bullying has increased in recent years according to the figures, it is appropriate to address the origins of the problem and its possible solutions.
So while we’re signaling ownership of the topic, we’re setting goals. The essay can be long, but the more synthetic the introduction, the better. In summary, in the first part of the introduction you have to take into account the following:

  • How interesting is the topic I have chosen?
  • What is new and what can I contribute to the debate?
  • What are the objectives to be developed?
  • What solutions do I intend to find?
  • What practical or theoretical application does the essay have?
  • What hypothesis do I start from?
  • What thesis am I trying to refute?

2. Raise some questions about the subject
Following this first part, which is the most important, we can open a space to open questions that will later be raised , and will be tried to be resolved, in the development of the parts of the essay. The objective of raising these questions is none other than to capture the reader’s attention and encourage debate. Invite him to think.
In turn, by posing these questions we can indirectly indicate a structure of it. When opening a question, we can explain the content of the part .

Questions must meet the following conditions.

  • Set questions that surprise and that raise a novelty in the matter.
  • They can be rhetorical questions. In any case, try to keep them short and simple.
  • Subordinate and very complex questions can distract the reader’s attention.
  • Each question must be accompanied by a thematic block.
  • The questions must be open. The resolution belongs to the essay.
  • It can serve to introduce concepts and familiarize the reader with them.

There are a few steps before you start writing. | Thought Catalogue.

3. We explain the methodology
This is also a very important part, because the final result of the trial is largely derived from the methodology used. Especially in scientific essays , the methodology is not something trivial, but defines by itself the character of the investigation, its intentionality, and its chances of success.
This is something vital because beyond the exposition of the subject and its justification, when explaining the method we try to convey conviction, reliability and success in the search for answers.

It is the defense of your way of operating, and you must take into account:

  • Why have I chosen this research method and not another?
  • Because this methodology can lead me to the desired results.
  • Does this methodology suppose an innovation in the application to the chosen topic?
  • What specific particularities have I found during its application.
  • What techniques does the chosen methodology demand?
  • As I have developed the method to reach the results.

4. Commentary on the bibliography
This is an expendable part, but in some investigations it is convenient to comment on why some reference works have been chosen and not others. The introduction is the ideal place to make a bibliographical comment, which in no case should be a list. This will correspond to the part of the bibliography that is incorporated at the end of the essay.
So keep in mind:

  • You do not need to cite books according to the citation rules. The title (and the author, if relevant) is sufficient.
  • This is a justification for the choice of these works. Avoid being too dense.
  • Try to answer why you have chosen these books and not others.
  • How does the choice of this bibliography affect the line of research?
  • Is there a book that deserves a special mention?
  • You can take the opportunity to make some thanks.
  • Consult the APA rules for citation of papers.

APA citation example. | Assigned.

Examples of an essay introduction
Below we will show you some examples on how to make an essay introduction. Keep in mind that not all themes require the same structure, that’s why we show you several models according to the theme.

1. Scientific essay
The depletion of traditional energy sources opens the debate on the urgency of the development of renewable energies in our society. That is why in this essay we will analyze what types of renewable energy exist and what practical application they can have in people’s daily lives.

  1. What does solar, hydraulic, geothermal or wind energy consist of and what practical applications do they have?
  2. What degree of development do these energies have in Spain at present, and what perspectives are contemplated?
  3. What technological development is needed to make them profitable and can they be applied in practice?
  4. What news can we bring?

In the first part of the essay we will analyze the state of renewable energies in Spain, while in the second part we will try to provide new points of view on their possible development. We will also introduce a practical example of a new method to take advantage of geothermal energy and apply it to practice.
To do so we have resorted to the latest advances in the development of geothermal energy in the absorption refrigeration system . By means of this methodology we have made a practical experiment whose details will be presented in the following essay.
The basic rules for writing a good introduction. | Rawpixel.

2. Philosophical essay
The introduction of a new philosophical paradigm in recent decades, which is known as structuralism, and which has given rise to a phenomenon known as postmodernity, pushes us to dig into its theoretical foundations and try to explain what it consists of and what its practical consequences are. has in today’s societies.

  1. What is structuralism based on and who are the most important authors
  2. Why has it managed to become a hegemonic thought system
  3. How valid is it and what specific things does it influence?
  4. What is postmodernity and in what things of our current society can we see it ?

For this reason, in the first part of the essay we will analyze the ideas of structuralist philosophy, and then see how it evolves to the present day. Then we will expand the focus and analyze postmodernity as a global phenomenon and current paradigm.
The entire investigation is based on Perry Anderson’s work The Origins of Postmodernity and culminates with an analysis of the extension of this ideology in politics, economics, culture and other social fields.

3. Social science essay
In a globalized world such as today’s, it is evident that mobility has increased throughout the planet. People move from one place to another, but not always for pleasure or business. The phenomenon of migration is more current than ever, and in Europe it has been felt as a result of the wave of refugees from the Middle East.

  1. What are the main causes of the great migrations of recent years?
  2. From what countries do the migrants of the 21st century flee and what destinations do they prefer?
  3. What figures are currently used, and what limits and controls have European states set?
  4. What are the migratory perspectives for the coming years ?

To carry out a well-founded study, we have resorted to fundamental and up-to-date works such as Brief history of migrations, by Livi Bacci, or Refugees, by Sami Nair. We have also used the reports and documents of large organizations such as the United Nations or states such as Germany or Spain.

  • You can also check what the language functions are.

4. Essay on current affairs
The development of the so-called gender ideology and its detractors are the motivation for this essay, which has no other objective than to reflect on the issue of gender and identity, and delve into the new theories about these. concepts.

  1. Can we establish how many genders there are, or should we overcome the concept of gender linked to identity
  2. How has the idea of ​​gender evolved in the last decades?
  3. What is gender ideology
  4. What arguments do you have for, and what against?

To get to the bottom of the matter, in the first part of the essay we try to establish the theoretical basis of gender ideology and analyze its evolution to the present day. In the second part, we have conducted some interviews with defenders and detractors of gender ideology, to understand the debate and draw conclusions.
For the theoretical part, we have resorted to Judith Butler’s book The Disputed Gender, which is considered the foundational work of gender ideology.

  • Now that you’ve made the introduction, discover how to do the full essay.