Question

How would I write a brief introduction for a college essay? What would be the best way to start it?

Answer 1

The easiest introduction, and often the most clear, is one where you start with a general question/background on the topic, then supply a thesis statement and proposed organization (which just describes for the reader the points you are going to make), and close with a lead in to the first paragraph. So if my assignment was to argue that China should contribute to European financial stability I could write an outline like this:

European Financial Crisis Background
Thesis: China Should contribute to European financial stability by buying euro bonds
Points (these will be listed in the introduction and become the paragraphs of the essay):
1) China should use it's 3.2 trillion in foreign currency reserves to buy Euro bonds because if they convert it to RMB it will revalue their currency
2) The EU is one of China's greatest trade partners
3) Containing the sovereign debt crisis is in all nations' interests and taking a lead role would cement China's international reputation

Then a linking statement to start paragraph 1.