Brainstorm keywords that you might use in the introduction. For instance, if the topic is about the Civil War, the phrases "Union Army" or "Battle of Gettysburg" may come to mind. Write down the words or phrases that come to you while brainstorming.
Decide if you want to write a narrative introduction or a factual one. In a narrative introduction, you tell a story. A writer using a narrative introduction might begin with, "I stumbled upon a secret while visiting the park." The writer would then formulate a brief story around that statement. A factual introduction is more formal and uses facts such as, "Unemployment rose to 9 percent last June." Identify one of these styles after reflecting on your topic.
Select a writing style for your introduction. R. O. Aquino, author of "English for College Learners," describes several introductory styles. Choose the "Dramatic" opening to begin the essay with a statement that grabs the reader's attention. "The Sun would vaporize the Earth if it exploded" is an example of a dramatic opening.
Choose the "Relevant Quote" opening instead if you wish to begin with a quotation. Otherwise, use the "Funnel" opening to begin with a general statement and conclude with a specific one. For instance, you might begin with "Oil prices affect the global economy" and end with "Gas stations in North Dakota are dwindling."
Write a powerful opening sentence for the introduction after you decide on a writing style. The first sentence in an introduction is the most important because it should grab your audience's attention and make then want to read more.
Review your intro and evaluate its effectiveness. Remove extraneous words and correct grammar problems. You only have so many words to introduce your essay and hook the reader.