Why do we have introductions? They are there to attract readers, tell them roughly what to expect, and give them a clue to your tone and purpose. Introductions also help readers to assess their knowledge and views about your topic. It does not matter whether you write your introduction first as a way of orienting yourself or if you do it later when you are sure about what your essay contains. There are many different ways you can choose to open your piece of writing. This will in part depend on what you are writing: a discussion, a debate, a story, a news item and so on. You can start with a question. It certainly starts the reader thinking about your topic. Make sure, though, that the question is not too obvious. You can start by telling your readers what to expect. You mention the topic and explain how you are going to treat it. This gives the essay a very clear structure and can be very helpful with a difficult subject. You can start with a description of a situation that leads you into the topic. An essay on divorce could start with a family argument, a distressed child or a court scene depending on your purpose. You can present your topic, state why it is important, and mention different views or solutions, followed by your preference. For example, you can give your opinion on introducing new forms of gambling as a way to raise more money for the government. Is this harmless entertainment or a terrible social evil? Another approach is to make some general statements about a subject until you come to your main point. You can describe the beauty of Victoria Harbour and how it is getting smaller because of reclamation. Thesis: Reclamation of the harbour should stop now. Or you can tell a story; say something very surprising, find a suitable quotation, or write a short, relevant dialogue. Final note: try to avoid over-used openings: Nowadays many ... Exercise 1 Nowadays many countries are sending rockets into space. The United States was the first to reach the moon and walk on it. Space probes have been sent to many planets. We are learning a lot about Mars, the Red Planet. It is the fourth planet from the Sun. There is a space station where the Russians and Americans are doing many experiments. Recently there have been problems with the space shuttle. China has started its own space programme and people are very proud of its achievements. Modern telecommunications depend on satellites. Space programmes are very expensive. Are they justified? Discuss this disorganised introduction. What are its faults and how can they be put right? Exercise 2 Re-shuffle these sentences to produce an effective introduction. a. Not only is this unsightly and uncivilised but it is unhygienic. b. Walk down the streets of Hong Kong at almost any time, particularly near a market, and what do you see? c. We must clean up our city before disaster strikes. d. Disease spreads fast where people are close together. e. Rubbish lying everywhere. Suggested solution: b/e/a/d/c