While the thesis statement may be designed to clearly indicate the essay question, the writer’s stance and the general structure of the body section, the purpose of the background information is (1) to introduce the overall topic, (2) to contextualise that topic by providing key information, (3) to explain and define any difficult or subject-specific terminology, and (4) to signify the purpose of the essay and the overall importance of the selected topic.Īs will be further explored in Chapter 2, there are a number of optional background elements that may be included at the writer’s discretion – such as a hook to interest the reader or a definition of any key terms or abbreviations. What’s the purpose of background information?īefore beginning to plan or construct an academic introduction, a writer should carefully consider the purpose of the introductory paragraph – and more specifically its background information. Finally, Chapter 3 explores five pieces of advice that students should follow if they wish to create effectively written background information with confidence and ease. After introducing those concepts and elements below, Chapter 2 then deconstructs these aspects more carefully, providing a variety of examples to guide the reader. Because such background may comprise up to 80% of an essay introduction, this three-lesson course aims to explore the concepts, purpose and recognisable elements of effective background information.

Although academic tutors (and students) often spend the most time analysing and perfecting the thesis statement, stance and outline of an introductory paragraph, in reality the majority of an essay’s introduction is often dedicated to the inclusion of background information.

Introductory paragraph definition