Introductions

Why write an introduction? You introduction has several purposes. It should attract your readers and catch their interest. It should introduce your readers to the topic of your essay. It should provide readers with any background information that will be interesting or useful to them as they prepare to read your essay.

One purpose of the introduction Your introduction needs to attract your reader! This is sometimes called a “hook.”

You have seen how the writers in our textbook attracted readers: Sometimes by using a “story within a story” James Lincoln Collier’s anecdote about Argentina. Sometimes with interesting figurative language Helen Keller comparing herself to a lost ship. Richard Lederer comparing short words to light and long words to darkness. Sometimes with pointed, specific language Russell Baker says he found English “dull and boring” (interesting, when the title of the essay tells us he became a writer!)

There are many other kinds of hooks, such as… (Surprising) fact or observation Question Historical overview (if it’s important to your paper)

There are also hooks to avoid! Dictionary definition “Tone: the way a writer…” Announcements “In this paper, I will analyze…”

Here are more hooks to avoid! Broad generalization “Everyone in the world knows…” “Since the beginning of time…” “Have you ever…?” Most second-language speakers learn this hook around level 4. By college, you have become more sophisticated, and this hook needs to be “retired.” 

Some first sentences from the examples: “When you speak and write, there is no law that says you have to use big words. “ “Close your eyes and picture Family Dinner.” “Be Specific.” “Books and articles on good writing are numerous, but where can you find sound, practical advice on how to writer poorly?”

One way to think of an introduction… In general, an introduction is like a funnel.

The introduction moves from broad information to narrow information Broad information: context of the essay Name of text Background of text: where and when was it published? Name of author Pertinent background about the author Any other information your reader might need to understand your essay Narrow information: your thesis statement

The three most important features of your introduction: Hook (attract your readers) Context (background information about the text and anything else your readers might need to know about or that you think might draw them in to your essay) Thesis (last sentence of your intro – you know all about this!)

Try it out! Attract your readers Give the context: (this order is variable) Author + any background that might be useful Text + any background that might be useful Any other important points so that your readers can follow you Finish with your thesis