How can a writer create an introduction that connects with the reader?

A strong introduction makes a reader feel understood.

It names a specific feeling or experience. It offers a new way to think about a common problem. It gives the reader permission to change their behavior.

A writer can name a specific, difficult feeling. This makes the reader feel seen. A writer can challenge common advice that does not work. This creates a shared understanding with the reader. A writer can offer a new idea or a different approach. This gives the reader a reason to keep reading. A writer can reframe a weakness as a strength. This sparks the reader's curiosity.

A writer wants to help students who feel lonely. The writer starts by describing the feeling of dread when the lunch bell rings. This feeling is common for many students. The writer then challenges the advice to 'just be yourself.' This advice often makes lonely students feel worse. The writer suggests stopping the effort to make people like them. This gives students permission to relax. The writer states that interesting people are not always popular. This helps students see their outsider status differently. The introduction makes the student feel understood and hopeful.

More from the same record, pulled by shared topic — not written new for this page.

A strong introduction makes a reader feel understood. It names a specific feeling or experience. It offers a new way to think about a common problem. It gives the reader permission to change their behavior.