i feel i can use the information to write the body paragraphs
Excellent observation here! Yes, start by reading some great articles and writing body paragraphs with the best information.
Only after you have written all the body paragraphs should you go back and write an intro. Or if you get a good idea, write the intro after you have written at least 3 body paragraphs.
The intro paragraph expresses the main idea or theme of the whole essay. It's like... what all the body paragraphs add up to.
:-)