An introduction to an essay serves as a roadmap for the rest of the essay. It should provide a clear and concise overview of the main points that will be addressed in the essay. The introduction should also include a thesis statement, which is a sentence or two that summarizes the main argument or point of the essay.
A good example of an introduction with a thesis statement might look something like this:
Introduction:
The concept of identity has been a central theme in literature for centuries, with writers and poets exploring the ways in which individuals forge their own sense of self and place in the world. In the modern world, the search for identity is often complicated by the influence of social media and the pressure to conform to certain standards and expectations.
Thesis statement:
In this essay, I will argue that the characters in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye struggle with identity and belonging as they navigate the complexities of adolescence and the expectations placed upon them by society.
This introduction provides a clear overview of the main points that will be addressed in the essay, and the thesis statement provides a specific focus for the essay. It outlines the specific argument that the essay will make and sets the stage for the rest of the essay. So, the introduction of an essay with a thesis statement should be clear, concise, and specific, setting the stage for the rest of the essay and providing a roadmap for the reader.