Comp 2B, LAP 3, Day 6 Types of Introductions Essay structure—using evidence Sample essay

Homework Bring a magazine ad into Day 10’s class (changed from the LAP). Bring in a draft of your introduction and first body paragraph to next class.

Introductions Must… Define the issue Are there any terms that are unclear? Is it clear that the current situation is a problem? What will your readers already know and what do they need explained?

Introductions must… Catch the reader’s attention End with a TRANSITION and your position statement Use one of the following methods: Opposite of Thesis Anecdote Quotes Statistics

Opposite of Thesis Concede that the other side has a few good points

Opposite of Thesis Example We don’t have a lot of money, I know. We are constantly revising our budget and checking our bank account balance to see if we’ll make the bills every month. We skimp on things like dinners out and new clothes in order to save. But, as I’m sure you’ll soon agree, it’s time to spend a little bit more. It’s time for me to get a new car.

Anecdote A short, entertaining story

Anecdote Example It happened very suddenly. I looked in my review mirror and nothing was behind me. As I backed out of the driveway, I continued looking over my shoulder to make sure all was clear. Without warning—BAM! I crashed into the car across the street. This wouldn’t have happened if I were driving a different car. That’s why I should get a new car.

Quote Should come from someone with knowledge of the situation—an authority or someone directly affected by the problem

Quote Example When Mary Ann got her new Civic a few weeks ago, she couldn’t stop talking about it. “It is so comfortable,” she said over and over. “And I feel so safe in it!” I wish I could say the same for my car. But maybe soon I can. I should get a new car.

Statistics Should be powerful enough to grab the reader’s attention Must be from a reliable source—and you must cite your source in the text of your writing Don’t use this if you want to use these same statistics later in your paper

Statistics Example The 2014 Honda Civic gets exemplary MotorTrend crash test ratings. For the front occupant in a side impact crash, the Civic gets four stars. For every other type of crash test conducted, the Civic receives the highest rating, five stars. This is above and beyond my Taurus’s mostly three star ranking (Consumer Reports). I think it’s pretty clear. I should get a new Civic.

How do I decide which method to use? Consider your IDEAS Have you conducted surveys and gathered great statistics? Have you asked teachers or students for their opinions and received quotable quotes? Is there a clear “other side” that you should address up front? Do you have a great story to tell?

How do I decide which method to use? Consider your AUDIENCE What will appeal to your audience? Are you writing to someone who enjoys a good story? Does your audience need a lot of numbers to feel convinced? Do you remember a conversation you could quote from?

How do I decide which method to use? Consider your PURPOSE Some issues need to be explained through a good anecdote—it’s the only way to bring the issue home Some are numbers-related and need statistics

Essay Structure 3 body paragraphs: 1. Body paragraph #1: 1 reason you’re right plus evidence 2. Body paragraph #2: a second reason you’re right plus evidence 3. Refutation Paragraph: 1 reason your opposition thinks you’re wrong, and at least 2 reasons with explanation of why your opposition is wrong Begin and end each body paragraph with a topic sentence and a concluding sentence.

Weaving in the details… Be sure to transition between your reasons: Ex. Another reason we need a new car is… Be sure to tie your evidence clearly to your reason– don’t make your audience do the reasoning for you.

Paragraph Structure Topic Sentence (states claim #1) Context, Evidence, and any necessary evaluation Concluding Sentence

CQE Example First, a new car would be safer. As we both know, it is difficult to see out of the rear window of my car. We’ve both almost had accidents backing up in it, and I’ve even had an actual fender bender. My car also isn’t the best when it comes to government crash test ratings. It gets five stars for a passenger’s side front impact crash, but it only gets four stars for the driver’s side front impact; side impact ratings are even worse, with only three stars for a side impact crash to either the rear or the front occupant (Consumer Reports). Compare these results to my dream car, the Honda Civic, which gets four stars for the front occupant side impact crash and five stars for everything else (Consumer Reports). Safety should always be our number one priority, so we should get a new car.

Sample essay sample