The Funnel Introduction

The Funnel The Lead Broad Specific Thesis

The Lead (Hook, Grabber) The purpose of the lead is to grab the reader’s attention and draw him/her into your thinking 4 types (def/stat, quotation, rhetorical question, anecdote) Never directly address the reader (no “you” or implied “you”) The lead must be general-- it should not give away the topic of the essay. It must NOT state your position...keep your reader guessing until the thesis.

What’s wrong? Informative Prompt: Write an essay about an unusual food you have eaten. Explain what makes it so unusual. Do you like to eat? What’s the weirdest thing you ever ate? Have you ever sat down at lunch only to have your friends stare and laugh at your food? Plato said, “Knowledge is food for the soul.” The weirdest food I ever ate was chocolate covered ants. Last summer my family took trip to Japan. The plane ride took over 12 hours. My little brother complained the whole time. When we finally got there, my dad had us get on the wrong train...

Now it’s your turn Write two different types of grabbers for the following informational prompt: Write an essay about an unusual food you have eaten. Explain what makes it so unusual.

Better Grabbers Every day I grab the brown bag lunch from my locker and head to the cafeteria with the same dread, the same pit in my stomach. I know what awaits me: the giggles, stares, and comments from my “friends” as I eat what my Papa has made for my midday meal. What makes a certain food considered a delicacy to one person and grotesque to another? The actor Woody Allen once said, “I want my food dead --not sick, not wounded -- dead.” After my trip with my family to Japan, I can sympathize.

Thesis statement Like a main idea sentence (1 sentence) for the entire essay Belongs at end of introductory paragraph--last sentence Should never contain the phrases “I think, I believe, I feel, In my opinion” etc. Should be worded as fact, even if it is an opinion Must clearly answer the task of the prompt May contain the three supporting ideas or reasons (A, B, C for the three body paragraphs) Ex. Escargot is the most unusual thing to ever cross my plate because it is not easily available, it’s not something most Americans eat, and most people don’t consider snails human food.

Introductions They can be a road map for your essay Once you have your grabber, decide on thesis. Come up with the three supporting ideas/reasons. Now, work on funnel. Remember: NO elevator shafts. Introductions needs to be at least 4 sentences -- grabber, 2 funneling sentences, and thesis. Your funneling sentences should not give away your punchline...save that for the thesis. Rule of thumb: Don’t even mention the topic until the sentence before the thesis