Introductions

Introductions and conclusions can be the most difficult parts of papers to write. Remember that you want to transport your reader into the world you are creating with your writing. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. Your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper. Make them see why this topic matters!!!

Start by thinking about the question that you are trying to answer Start by thinking about the question that you are trying to answer. Decide how general or broad your opening should be. You can even try to write your introduction last. You will have to revise at some point to make sure that the introduction, all of the evidence and the conclusion reflect the argument that you intend to make.

Open with an “Attention Grabber.” An intriguing example. A provocative quotation. A puzzling scenario. A vivid and perhaps unexpected anecdote. A thought-provoking question. Pay special attention to your first sentence. Be straightforward and confident.

No-No’s You don’t have much to say. Several very vague sentences that exist just to take up “Introduction Space.” Restating the question. There is no specific or interesting or original statement in the introduction. The Dictionary Introduction. Use your own terms and words to define the theme or topic. “Since the dawn of man…” Tries to state the timeless relevance of the thesis. This is completely ineffective. The book Report. Tells the name and author of the source and other basic facts. This offers details that I already know. These details will be completely irrelevant to your thesis as well.

Paragraphs Unity and coherence of ideas among sentences. A group of sentences that support one main idea.

Writing Process Brainstorming – This step CANNOT be skipped. Creating a Thesis – focused, not vague Organizing the information and evidence you accumulated in the brainstorming process.

Thesis EVERYTHING in your essay MUST relate to the thesis. Introduction – “Wham! Pow!” Paragraph One – Has one main idea related to thesis. EVERYTHING in the body is related to the main idea. Paragraph Two – Has another main idea related to thesis. EVERYTHING in the body is related to this Conclusion – This is the last thing your audience reads.

Writing your paragraphs EVERY idea should be supported by evidence and details that work together. EVERY sentence in a paragraph should be related to a single main idea. EVERY paragraph should be related to the thesis.

Paragraph One * What is the main idea? Write your topic sentence. 1. Explain the main idea. What is your thinking about the topic or focus of the paragraph? 2. Give an example. 3. Explain the example by relating it to the topic sentence. 4. Continue steps 1-3 until you are finished with the main idea and topic in Paragraph One. * Complete the paragraph by transitioning into the second paragraph.

Paragraph Two Follow the steps for Paragraph One.

NoNo’s The paragraph has no topic sentence. The paragraph has more than one main idea. The paragraph has no internal transitions.

From The Writing Center at UNC www.writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/paragraphs