How to Make Them Work For YOU! Introductions How to Make Them Work For YOU!

Purposes for Introductions Listen Up! The opening/introduction: grabs the reader’s attention shows an organizational structure of the paper connects to the body paragraphs of the writing includes a thesis that is stated

Strategies for Introductions/Leads A writer may begin with… anecdote or scenario (a brief story that captures the essence of the issue or situation) an interesting fact a description taking a stand a contrasting situation a combination of the above list

Some Leads to Avoid Definition’s Question’s A unfocused lead (“Adoption programs in this country have some flaws. They are not completely bad, but they need to be dealt with. There are a couple of things I am concerned about, even though, overall, adoption is a good thing.”)

The purpose of this essay is to... Do Not Start With... In my opinion... In this paper I will... The purpose of this essay is to...

Elements in the Introduction: Opening Sentence: start your paper with a Hook - general statement about your topic that catches the reader’s attention. (Refer to the Strategies/Leads) Add a Linking Sentence – provides more information about the topic connecting the Hook with your Thesis Statement. Thesis Statement - states your position on the topic that you will support with evidence in your body paragraphs. Transition Sentence - closes your introduction – serves as a bridge to your first body paragraph.

Remember... Your Introduction... You are shaking hands with a new person, your reader, for the first time. It's an important first connection. You want to say, "Listen Up! I have something important to say." This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA