The Writing Process Introductions

Writing Introductions One of the key ideas to writing an introduction is that it must INTRODUCE your paper to the reader. The introduction must start off very general and move towards the specific as you get closer to your thesis statement.

Think of an introduction like this… GENERAL VERY SPECIFIC

Attention-Getter (a hook) Thesis Statement A.N.T Format to Writing In order to move from the more general to the more specific, you should follow A.N.T Attention-Getter (a hook) Necessary Information Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement As mentioned before, the thesis statement is the argument you are trying to make in the paper. In order to construct the thesis statement, you must have a topic and limiting ideas.

Example of Thesis Question: What characteristic traits make it possible for Montresor to be successful with his revenge? Thesis: In “The Cask of Amontillado,” Montresor is successful in getting his revenge because of his vengeful nature, his ability to use reverse psychology and manipulation to get people to do what he wants, and his intelligent choices.

Attention-Getter An attention-getter grabs the readers interest at the beginning of an essay and makes them want to continue to read. Possible attention-getters: Ask a rhetorical question Use an appropriate quotation (from the story or not) State an unusual or shocking fact Start with an anecdote (a short funny story)

Necessary Information Since you are introducing your information in the introduction, you must give your audience the proper background to go forward. Necessary Information: Author Title Brief plot summary (2 or 3 sentences)

Example of an Introduction Murder!  Is this a right way to get back at someone?  Montresor believes it is in Edgar Allan Poe's "The Cask of Amontillado."  In the story, Montresor tells the reader that he was insulted by Fortunato.  It is because of this insult that Montresor has vowed revenge.  He finds Fortunato on the streets during carnival and lures him into his family's catacombs under the pretense of having Fortunato test wine.  Once they are in the catacombs, Montresor chains Fortunato to a wall of granite and buries him alive.  He was able to achieve this murder because of his ability to manipulate and his intelligence.