Essay Basics: Introduction BRENDA WHITE 2012

Introduction: Basics There are as many ways to write an introduction as there are people who write essays. There is no magic formula, but there are basic ideas that can be included in the introduction. Remember, this is the introduction so no specifics yet. General yet pointed statements about the topic and purpose are appropriate. Sentences might lead up to the thesis statement, which can appear near the end of the paragraph. Sometimes a quote is used here; be sure it is relevant and “just right”.

Introduction General Info. Every essay begins as an idea in the writer’s head; this idea morphs into an argument or thesis (the writer’s point of view). The argument (thesis) is supported by facts, details, examples, quotes, and other information. With organization and structure, these ideas are formed into an argumentative essay. An introduction can be one paragraph long in a short essay. A long essay might require a two-paragraph introduction. A thesis statement can be stated directly or, less commonly, it can be implied.

Introduction Main Ideas All the main points are mentioned in the introduction, although no details are given there. Main points might be a list, or they might each have their own sentence. Subsequent paragraphs will discuss the main points one at a time. The main point paragraphs should be presented in the same order that they are presented in the introductory paragraph. This is what the reader is looking for, and the reader might be confused if the points are switched around.

Introduction Example In Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen uses letters to allow characters who are far away to communicate with one another. In that respect, letters offer a view of everyday life in the nineteenth century England. Even more important, however, is the letters’ literary purpose. Austen relates some of the most important information of the narrative through letters and, by doing so, concisely presents key information about plot. At the same time, because the action is told through the letter writer’s point of view, she conveys characters’ attitudes toward events. Finally, the reactions the letters evoke from their readers give information about the attitude of the people who read them. The letters Elizabeth receives contain crucial information that leads to profound changes in her character—changes that make it possible for her to acknowledge her love for Darcy and that lead to her marriage.

Introduction Exercise Using the introductory paragraph in the previous slide, identify all the following components: Thesis statement Main ideas, all Transitions, all

Introduction Quiz Every essay begins as what in the author’s head? Then, this morphs into what, which becomes the basis for the essay? T or F: A thesis statement must be the last sentence in the introductory paragraph T or F: A thesis statement must be directly stated and cannot be implied. T or F: An introduction can be more than one paragraph long, but a short essay should limit its introduction to only one paragraph.