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Edited by Teresa, omniomi, Cheesehead, Lillian May and 10 others




A good introduction to a wikiHow article should summarize the content of an article and capture the reader's interest in approximately five sentences. Here are some ways to add an introduction to either a new or existing article:

Learn more after the jump.

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Edit Steps

  1. 1
    Capture a reader's interest in the opening statement.
    • Example: Have you ever wondered how to write an engaging introduction?
    • Example: Writing a great introduction is easy when you know how.
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  2. 2
    Include the purpose of the article to quickly inform the reader.
    • Use keywords and major concepts.
    • Provide descriptive yet interesting detail.
    • Example: Changing the air filter in your car keeps the engine clean and improves your fuel mileage.
    • Example: Organizing a kitchen keeps things close at hand, easy to find and clutter-free.
  3. 3
    Create a closing statement to lead a reader onto the article.
    • Example: Here are a few easy steps:
    • Example: Just follow these steps for a great result:
    • Example: Read on to find out:
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Edit Tips

  • Search wikiHow for similar topics and introductory ideas.
  • Click here for articles in need of a new introduction.
  • Use terms to address the general public.
  • Avoid personal reference. Use "you or your" to address the reader.
  • Search for the same topic on Google.
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Edit Warnings

  • Avoid short introductions, such as "Here is how to do XYZ:". And, plus, after Google had some problems with this in their searches, the use of the term "Here is how to" has been outlawed, and is now adding more work for others to clean up.[1]. Please completely refrain from using that term, when typing your introduction. Use the phrase "This article can/This article..." instead.

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Edit Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://forums.wikihow.com/discussion/7935/lots-of-edits-on-introductions-coming.-heres-why/#Item_2

Article Info

Categories: Writing and Editing

Recent edits by: Chris, 80_Calo, A mad writer

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