How to Start an Essay: Add Background Information to Write a Strong Introduction

In this video, I will walk you through how to start your essay with an effective introduction paragraph. Personally, I feel like many do not address this issue and it results in many poorly written essays. I want to teach you how to weave background information into your introductory paragraph to ensure you snag that A+!

I begin the video by addressing the purpose of background information in your introduction paragraph. Next, I give you a simple formula that will change the way you start your essay. Then I include multiple examples to not just tell you the process but show you the process. I hope my examples help you become a better writer!

0:00 Introduction to Background Information
0:39 Purpose of Introduction Paragraph
2:19 Analyze Your Essay Question
3:05 Secret 5W's + H Formula
5:01 Edit Questions
5:32 Write Introduction Paragraph
7:13 Example of Background Information
7:51 Review, Revise and Edit Introduction Paragraph

Whether you are a teacher trying to help ALL your students navigate the writing process, a parent struggling at home to help their child with distance learning or a student that just got a massive essay in class, this channel is for you! I walk you through the entire writing process from start to finish. In this channel, you will find research-based, classroom-tested, student approved literacy skills for equitable education!

If you want to check the gear used in this video:

My hope is that these videos will help you as you write in school and at home. I am a classroom teacher myself, so I know how hard teaching writing is. I use all these videos in my own classroom to support and differentiate the learning for ALL my students. I have found these videos extremely helpful for ALL students especially English Language Learners. I also provide free classroom materials to help you teach writing to ALL your kids.

[joquinn-yw]

My teacher i giving us these videos and we've watched a ton.. you have no idea how much it's helping

[spotify_editzzz]

OMG! Thank you soooop much for this video and many others. They are the most helpful ones on YouTube!

[FernandoUribe-ms]

This helped me a You have no idea. Thank you.

[Zoe-gpuj]

Thanks this is super helpful! Especially because I don't have a teacher to help me anymore.

[Abb.]

Really great explanation, thank you very much and your wife too 😂💚

[ayakawkab]

Such as a great and helpful video! I still taking notes from u Mr. Messinger

[jamesmoriarty]

Way to go, Nephew!! Mister Messinger!!

[mohamadkorkaji]

this is the best video and its helpful

[Alexisthebom]

Thank goodness you made this video I am in fifth grade I have a test and I am struggling

[yellow]

Thank you so much. I have an exam tomorrow wish me luck!

[RankingTheMouse]

Research is super important, thank you for this!! And keep the good links coming

[qadeermuhammad]

Thanks a lot for making such an informative video!

[DarkSirnWolf_]

I like videos they are really helpful. But even though it isn't really important what I might say is that all the heroes are great no matter what they have in common or different. Thanks again for the videos though.

[aniyahjohnson]

Idk how this didn't help me at all im only a 5th grader and without this essay i work my hw until 1 am and now ad a essay woww

[PattyKuluCakes]

The upsidedown number "3" at 5:02 is triggering my OCD.