The Research Paper: Introductions LAP 1: The Writing Process/Introduction

Eight Methods of Introduction 1. Story 2. Series of three or more questions (be careful about choosing this) 3. Quotations 4. Definitions 5. Vivid Descriptions 6. Series of Examples 7. Facts or Series of Statistics 8. General Background

Introductions Introductions should illustrate or give an example of your thesis statement. Generally, for the length of essay that will be written, 5-7 sentences are sufficient (75-100 word count). The thesis is the main idea you are developing in your essay. It is the last sentence in the introduction.

Components of the Introduction In this order: Hook Background Information Three-pronged Thesis statement

Types of Hooks A hook is named for its ability to catch the reader’s attention and make the reader want to read on. It is essential that stories, news articles, and especially essays begin with strong hooks because a writer is often judged within the first few sentences.

Types of Hooks (continued) Anecdote/Scenario Vivid Image Quote from Literature Dialogue Startling Statement or Fact Analogy Humor Question(s)

Background Information Background information provides readers with any information necessary to understand the rest of the story.

Thesis Statement A thesis statement is the main idea the author is developing in the essay. For the research paper, it will be the last sentence in your introduction and restated in your conclusion. The thesis statement is similar to the topic sentence. Subject of Research Paper + 3 points of research about the subject= unbiased stance on topic of research

How to write a thesis statement Step 1: Write down your main point. This should answer all the questions in the assignment and it should be specific and focused. A simple way to write a thesis is to think of it as an equation: What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis Statement

How to write a thesis statement Step 2: If a reader can say "how?" or "why?" or "so what?" after reading your thesis, you need to alter your thesis so that it answers those questions.

How to write a thesis statement Step 3: Does the rest of your essay support your thesis? (Are you discussing these three points in your body paragraphs?) Sometimes you can write your whole essay and realize that it has nothing to do with the thesis you wrote earlier. That’s okay. You either have to change your whole paper to fit your thesis, or modify your thesis to fit your paper. As long as your have a strong, cohesive essay in the end, it doesn’t matter what order you write things in.