Writing an Introduction

What is the Purpose of an Introduction? Introduction is a preview to your reader about what will be discussed in the paper It is a wide overview of the topic, and will then end at a specific thesis statement

What Should it Include? Should begin with a broad sentence, over viewing your topic Should be concise (not many words) Should include some areas of study involved in the topic Should end with a thesis statement Beginning of Introduction Broad Thesis Specific

Tips for Writing Keep it Short Define the Problem The reader, by the end of the introduction, should know exactly what you are trying to achieve with the paper Organization As you write the paper, you may find that it goes in a slightly different direction than planned. Source: http://explorable.com/how-to-write-an-introduction.html#ixzz2BXN40qc8

What it Consists Of… At least 5 sentences giving your audience an overview of your topic The final sentence will be your thesis statement Your first sentence may consist of a ‘hook’ or may be a declarative statement about your topic

Example ‘Hooks’ Surprising fact: The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary. The famous government building was constructed in the 1940s, when segregation laws required that separate bathrooms be installed for people of African descent. This building isn’t the only American icon that harkens back to this embarrassing and hurtful time in our history. Across the United States there are many examples of leftover laws and customs that reflect the racism that once permeated American society. Quotation: Hillary Rodham Clinton once said that “There cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard.” In 2006, when Nancy Pelosi became the nation’s first female Speaker of the House, one woman’s voice rang out clear. With this development, democracy grew to its truest level ever in terms of women’s equality. The historical event also paved the way for Senator Clinton as she warmed her own vocal chords in preparation for a presidential race.

Other Example ‘Hooks’ Curiosity: A duck’s quack doesn’t echo. Some people might find a deep and mysterious meaning in this fact … Definition: A homograph is a word with two or more pronunciations. Produce is one example …

Example Introduction: Sigmund Freud It is difficult to imagine thought in the modern world without the impact of Sigmund Freud. With Freud, as with all significant thinkers, even people who have never directly encountered his work hold ideas that derive directly or indirectly from his thought. Psychology, sociology, anthropology, art, literary criticism, and education have all been influenced by Freud’s ideas. Few thinkers seem to polarize readers to the degree he does. Encountering his ideas, many people have been enthusiastic and held to his teaching with almost religious fervor; many others are dismissive and hostile with intensity far beyond the merely intellectual. It is important, however, to have a fundamental understanding of his ideas in order to see with greater clarity both the valuable contributions and real shortcomings of his ideas.

Example Introduction: Teenagers in Gangs Teenagers in many American cities have been involved in more gangs in the last five years than ever before. These gangs of teens have been committing a lot of violent crimes. The victims of these crimes are both gang members and people outside of gangs. Many people do not want to travel to areas in our cities because of the danger from this problem.  For this terrible situation to stop, it is going to take a combined effort on the part of many people. Excellent, supervised after-school programs, more jobs available for teens, and healthy family relationships will go a long way towards ending this crisis in our society.

Example Introduction: The Crusades During the Middle Ages in Europe and the Middle East there was much armed conflict between Christians and Muslims. Christians called these conflicts the Crusades because they were fighting under the sign of the cross to save the holy lands of the Bible from being desecrated by non-Christians. However, the true reason for fighting for these lands was less than holy. It was mainly a desire for economic gain that prompted the Christian leaders to send soldiers to fight in the Holy Land.

What We’ve Learned… Introductions need to have a beginning sentence that has either a hook or a declarative statement (ex. The Nazi Regime impacted a majority of Europe during WWII) They need to be a broad overview (specifics will be in the rest of the research paper) They need to include your thesis statement, which is a preview of what will be discussed

What You Need to Do… Write your own introduction and thesis statement for your topic I will come around if you need help Think about what you want your audience to know, why is your topic important?, what is interesting about your topic?