Research Paper Introduction

Writing the Introduction Every essay has three parts: a beginning, a middle, and an end. The beginning is also called the introduction. The introduction has two main purposes: 1. It must grab the reader’s attention. You need to draw your reader in and make him/her want to read more. 2. It must present the paper’s main idea, or thesis statement. This prepares the reader for the direction the essay is going to take.

Three Parts to the Introduction The introduction usually has three parts: 1. The grabber (hook or lead) that consists of a few sentences that pull the reader into the essay. This is what grabs the reader’s attention. 2. The informational sentences that connect the grabber to the thesis statement. These sentences may define key points, supply necessary background information, or both. 3. The thesis statement is a single sentence that states the main idea of the essay. ** Your introduction will be one paragraph in length.

The Grabber The grabber sentences hook your readers. The purpose is to grab the attention of your readers and make sure they want to keep reading. The hook refers to the opening sentences of your introduction. A good hook grabs your readers and reels them right in to your thesis.

THE INFORMATIONAL SENTENCE The informational sentences act like a bridge to make a smooth connection between the grabber and the thesis statement. You don't always need to include a transitional sentence, but you should always evaluate your introduction to see if one is necessary.

THE THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement is often the last sentence in the introduction. It clearly states the main idea of the essay, expresses your opinion or point of view towards the topic, and indicates the structure of the essay. Your essay will revolve around your thesis statement.

The Grabber This is your hook! This is where you must capture the attention of your readers and make them want to read on! There are many ways to capture the attention of your readers in the introduction. Here are some examples: Anecdote: a brief incident that relates to the theme of the essay Startling fact or opinion: a piece of information that will get your reader's attention Rhetorical question: a meaningful question that does not demand an answer, or one that gets the reader thinking about your topic. Quotation: someone else's words that relate to the topic Description: a brief description of a scene, person, or object that appeals to the reader's senses

Anecdote Anecdote: A brief incident that relates to the theme of the essay. One of the best techniques for generating audience interest in your topic is to begin your essay with an anecdote. An anecdote is a brief account of an amusing or attention-getting incident.  Since most people enjoy a good story, an anecdote is often a good way to begin your essay. But make sure that the anecdote is short and to the point and relates to the main idea of your essay. In the following example, notice how an anecdote has been used to create an interesting, lively introduction. When Jonathan Swift described Gulliver’s trip in the land of Lilliput in Gulliver’s Travels, Swift depicted scientists who had one eye turned inward and the other aimed at the stars.

Introduction using an Anecdote as a hook When Jonathan Swift described Gulliver’s trip in the land of Lilliput in Gulliver’s Travels, Swift depicted scientists who had one eye turned inward and the other aimed at the stars. In the case of two high school science teachers I had at this school, life imitates Swift’s art. The school district should require all teachers, especially those in science, to have an interest in students as well as expertise and curiosity. Grabber (hook) Transitional sentence Thesis statement

Startling Fact or Opinion Startling fact or opinion: A piece of information that will get your reader's attention. Sometimes a statistic or fact will add emphasis or interest to your essay, and help you to assert a strong voice.  A surprising or unusual fact makes your readers curious.  They can't wait to read on. When using this technique, it is sometimes a good idea to include the source of your information. In the following examples notice how a surprising fact has been used to grab the reader's interest. Television is so popular that over 128 million sets are now being used in 98 percent of American households. According to the Nielsen Company, which takes television surveys, each week the small screen holds the attention of children under five for an average of 23.5 hours and adults for an average of 44 hours. Indeed, the typical viewer spends more time in front of the television set than he or she spends on any other activity except sleep.

Introduction using a Startling Fact or Opinion as a hook Television is so popular that over 128 million sets are now being used in 98 percent of American households. According to the Nielsen Company, which takes television surveys, each week the small screen holds the attention of children under five for an average of 23.5 hours and adults for an average of 44 hours. Indeed, the typical viewer spends more time in front of the television set than he or she spends on any other activity except sleep. However, far from being the “idiot box” that it is often called, television offers viewers many benefits. Television can be educational, as well as entertaining. Grabber (hook) Transitional sentence Thesis statement

Rhetorical Question Rhetorical question: A meaningful question that does not demand an answer, or one that gets the reader thinking about your topic. Using a rhetorical question as a grabber is a thought-provoking way to start an essay.  If it's a strong question, one without an obvious answer, you will get your readers hooked, as they ponder the answer.  Sometimes it's effective to answer the question right away as you lead into the thesis statement. Look at how this question-type opener gets the audience thinking. What do smoke signals, wax tablets, and the telegraph all have in common? They were all tools used for communication. Some of these tools were more sophisticated than others, but all of them served the same purpose. They allowed people to communicate with each other.

Introduction using a Rhetorical Question as a hook What do smoke signals, wax tablets, and the telegraph all have in common? They were all tools used for communication. Some of these tools were more sophisticated than others, but all of them served the same purpose. They allowed people to communicate with each other. Maybe in a few thousand years, our way of communicating will become obsolete. However, there’s no denying the importance of the cell phone, the computer, and the postal service in our society today. Grabber (hook) Transitional sentence Thesis statement

Quotation Quotation: Someone else's words that relate to the topic. Beginning your essay with a quotation that is relevant to your topic is another way to start an introduction. This method can often stimulate the audience's interest through humor or other devices, while also suggesting that you have thought about--and researched--your topic. Use quotations whose length and complexity are appropriate to the length and complexity of your essay. Avoid opening with a quotation from a dictionary or a cliche. In the following example, notice how a quotation gives interest and anticipation to the hook. “Never do yourself what you can afford to pay someone else to do.”

Introduction using a Quotation as a hook “Never do yourself what you can afford to pay someone else to do.” This is a motto my brother lives by. If everyone lived by this motto, there would be lots of jobs available for the people who would gladly accept the tasks and the money! Grabber (hook) Transitional sentence Thesis statement

Description Description: A brief description of a scene, person, or object that appeals to the reader's senses. Depending on the length of your essay and your topic, you may decide to lead gradually into your thesis by depicting a scene that will appeal to your audience's senses and set the mood for you essay.  Notice how this technique brings life to this introduction. For anyone fortunate enough to have a wood-burning fireplace, sitting in front of a healthy fire on a frosty winter afternoon provides a sense of comfort and luxury.

Introduction using a Description as a hook For anyone fortunate enough to have a wood-burning fireplace, sitting in front of a healthy fire on a frosty winter afternoon provides a sense of comfort and luxury. Unfortunately, many fireplace owners do not understand the three essential steps for achieving a successful fire. Everyone needs to learn the basics of preparing the fireplace, arranging the materials before igniting, and tending the fire. Grabber (hook) Transitional sentence Thesis statement

Sample Introduction for the topic: A Hero What makes someone a hero? Is a hero someone who soars across the sky wearing a red cape? Is a hero someone who successfully attempts feats of superhuman strength? What requirements must someone meet in order to be considered a hero? A true hero is simply someone who stands for what is right, even when this opinion is unpopular, and who is willing to make sacrifices in order to help others. Jonas, the protagonist in Lois Lowry’s The Giver, believes in the importance of individuality in a world where nearly everyone else is content with Sameness, and he risks his own life in order to make life more fulfilling for the people in his community. For these reasons, Jonas is an example of a literary hero. Grabber (hook) Thesis statement Transitional sentence

Now it’s your turn!! Remember that the introductory paragraph is the reader's first glimpse of you and your topic. You want to make a good impression! Write a grabber (hook) for your essay. Write your transitional sentence(s). Add the thesis statement that you've written.