Essay writing 1: Writing introductions Gabriel Tordjman Dawson college winter 2017

An introduction: introduces the reader to your topic thus does not assume the reader knows the topic but addresses the general reader. (imagine someone like you in another class). is relatively short: one paragraph maximum. includes a one sentence thesis statement that summarizes the main focus or idea of your entire essay (at the end of the paragraph).

Introductions to academic papers should have the following: 1) Hook: something that pulls the reader into your paper topic. This should be interesting, signaling importance or relevance of your topic. 2) Transition: Sentence that connects the hook with the thesis. 3) Thesis statement: Sentence that summarizes the overall main point of the paper. (source: Galludet university, http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english-center/writing/guide-to-writing- introductions-and-conclusions.html)

Introductions Often move from the general to the specific May include essential contextual information Are not overloaded with details that ought to be Addressed in the body.

Examples of introduction 1 Humanities appears to be struggling for survival in our modern, practical world. Funding agencies in the USA have often threatened to “pull the plug” on humanities and declining enrollment shows students are also questioning the relevance of this ancient curriculum. Though humanities is often viewed by students and others as a useless distraction, it is actually the key to a genuine education for citizenship in our society. “Hook” “Transition to thesis statement” “Thesis statement”

Examples of introduction 1 Note how the first sentence tries to “HOOK” THE READER BY PROVIDING SOMETHING INTERESTING, SIGNIFICANT, IMPORTANT ABOUT THE TOPIC. NOTE HOW THE FIRST SENTENCE IS ON A MORE GENERAL LEVEL BUT THE SUBSEQUENT SENTENCES DIRECT THE READER TO THE SPECIFIC THESIS TO BE ADDRESSED. (THINK OF AN UPSIDE DOWN TRIANGLE): NOTE HOW SOME IMPORTANT CONTEXTUAL INFORMATION IS PROVIDED NOTE HOW THE INTRODUCTION IS NOT OVERLOADED WITH MATERIAL BELONGING IN THE BODY.

Examples of introduction 2 “Little Red Riding Hood” is one of the most well-loved and well-known children’s stories. Most people see it as a charming story with no further significance. But a close analysis reveals that there is a deeper message to this story which alludes to the dangers of dealing with strangers. “Hook” “Transition to thesis statement” “Thesis statement”

WRITING INTRODUCTIONS FOR ASSIGNMENTS BASED ON ASSIGNED QUESTIONS Sometimes, teachers will ask you to answer an assigned question in an essay. Usually, it is good to avoid simply reproducing the question in your introduction. Instead, try to answer (briefly) the assigned question. This answer will be your thesis statement. NOW Construct An INTRODUCTION (FOLLOWING PREVIOUS SUGGESTIONS) WHICH INCLUDES YOUR ANSWER TO THE ASSIGNED QUESTION I.E., YOUR THESIS STATEMENT

HERE IS AN ASSIGNED QUESTION: “PROVIDE AN EXPLANTION OF ONE THEORY OF EVOLUTION WHICH PRECEDED DARWIN’S OWN THEORY OF EVOLUTION BY NATURAL SELECTION.”

HERE IS THE WRONG WAY TO ANSWER THIS ASSIGNED QUESTION: “PROVIDE AN EXPLANTION OF ONE THEORY OF EVOLUTION WHICH PRECEDED DARWIN’S OWN THEORY OF EVOLUTION BY NATURAL SELECTION.” This essay will explain one theory of evolution which preceded Darwin’s theory of evolution by natural selection”.

HERE IS THE right WAY TO ANSWER THIS ASSIGNED QUESTION: “PROVIDE AN EXPLANTION OF ONE THEORY OF EVOLUTION WHICH PRECEDED DARWIN’S OWN THEORY OF EVOLUTION BY NATURAL SELECTION.” Evolution is one of the most powerful scientific ideas ever presented. Many believe Charles Darwin invented the idea of evolution. In reality, other authors had thought of evolution long before Darwin. In particular, Charles Darwin’s grandfather, Erasmus Darwin, provided a theory which argued that life had come from pre-existing life in many ways similar to the French biologist Jean Baptiste Lamarck. “Hook” “Transition to thesis statement” “Thesis statement”

Suggestion for introductions: Note how good “hooks” signal the relevance, importance or interest of your topic in some way. sometimes good “hooks” appear to try to “debunk” common misperceptions or challenge accepted views. introductions are concise and get to the point quickly introductions are not overly broad or off-topic and prepare the way for the thesis statement even in the first sentence.

Suggestion for introductions: Note how In many cases, introductions ought to be written last, once you have written a draft of your entire essay. Only then do many of us have an idea of what we wish to say in an introduction! The last point shows an important benefit of writing: it is a process by which we wind up clarifying our thoughts. By the end of researching and drafting we finally understand exactly what we want to say. That’s why writing drafts is important!

Bibliography Galludet university, “Guide to Writing Introductions and Conclusions” http://www.gallaudet.edu/tip/english-center/writing/guide-to-writing- introductions-and-conclusions.html University of Toronto, “writing” http://www.writing.utoronto.ca/advice/planning-and-organizing/intros- and-conclusions