1. Writing an Effective Introduction
I can write an effective introduction to engage my reader, introduce my topic, and present my position.

2. Agenda
If necessary, complete research and synthesis with evidence chart.
Writing an Introduction
Overview
Sample Strategies
Practice
Homework: Write an introduction to your research paper with a strong argumentative thesis!
Utilize handout from today and last class!

3. Introduction Your introductory paragraph should do two things:
Introduce your reader to your topic
Present your thesis
Follow along with your “Writing an Effective Introduction” handout as we discuss.

4. Introducing your Topic:
Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers.
What your topic is
Why it is important
How you plan to proceed with your discussion

5. Some sample strategies to start an essay:
Asking a Question
Defining a Term
Creating a Narrative
Sharing an Anecdote
Explaining a Quotation/Epigram
Reporting a set of Key Facts

6. Example: Introduction with a Question
How would you feel if you knew, at this moment, that some criminal is writing your name, address, and Social Security number on credit card applications and plans to charge thousands of dollars worth of merchandise on those credit cards? More importantly, how do you know that this is not happening?
Millions of people have become victims of identity theft, and they often find out only after thousands of dollars have been stolen using their names. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime.

7. Example: Defining a Term
Our identity is what makes us unique. It is "the distinguishing character or personality of an individual," and when one is a victim of identity theft, it is this "distinguishing character" that is stolen: one's name, address, Social Security number, employment history, credit history, and more.
It therefore is no wonder that victims of identity theft often feel a deep sense of violation as they struggle to reclaims their good names. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime.

8. Creating a Narrative vs. Sharing an Anecdote
Creating a Narrative is creating a story that illustrates a key point relating to your topic.
Sharing an Anecdote is relating an event from your personal life that connects to your topic.

9. Example: Introduction with a Narrative
Joe Stevens was finally ready to purchase a home. He spent years putting money into a savings account, paid off his credit cards, and diligently paid every bill on time. Confident of his good credit rating, Joe visited the bank to inquire about a mortgage, but he discovered startling information: Joe defaulted on a home loan, had $40,000 in credit card debt, and had a car repossessed for lack of payment.
Joe Stevens, like many Americans, is a victim of identity theft. Instead of preparing to move into a new home, Joe began the long journey to restore his good name and to reclaim his identity. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime.

10. Example: Introduction with a Quote
In Shakespeare's Othello, Iago claims that he "who steals my purse steals trash / But he that filches from me my good name / Robs me of that which not enriches him, / And makes me poor indeed" ( ).
Today, identity theft is a new way that thieves steal both the "purses" and the good names of innocent victims, and these thieves are enriching themselves at the expense of their victims. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime.

11. Epigram A rhetorical device that is a memorable, brief, interesting and surprising satirical statement
“Mankind must put an end to war, or war will put and end to mankind.” – John F. Kennedy
“It is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.” – Eleanor Roosevelt
“If we don’t end war, war will end us.” – H.G. Wells
“Live simply, so that others may simply live.” – Mother Teresa

12. Example: Introduction with Key Facts
Identity fraud is the fastest growing crime in the United States. In 2004, over nine million Americans, or approximately one person in 24, became victims of identity fraud or identity theft, at a cost to the economy of 52.6 billion dollars ("2005 Identity Fraud Survey Report").
Because many cases of identity fraud and identity theft may go unreported, the numbers could be even higher. Identity theft is a serious problem that claims millions of innocent victims, and the government must implement better regulations to help put an end to this crime.

13. A Note About Introduction Strategies:
You may have used these strategies before, but the key to this working well is that you don’t simply introduce the strategy and then jump to your thesis.
These are often used and sometimes cliché strategies.
For this to work well, you must intentionally choose one or more strategies that help you discuss your topic clearly in a way that your intended audience will appreciate and understand.

14. Thesis Guidelines A Good Thesis: Is specific, not general.
Should be something you believe in and care about.
Gives the reader some sense of the structure of your paper.

15. Five Ineffective Introductions:
The place holder introduction.
The restated question introduction.
The Webster’s Dictionary introduction.
The “dawn of man” introduction.
The book report introduction.

16. Final TIPS:
Avoid statements like “In this paper, I will argue that…”, “In my opinion…”, “I think…”
Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and error-free way.

17. Homework Due Next Class! Write an introduction to your research paper.
Be sure to include:
An engaging introduction strategy
Transition that introduces the topic
A strong argumentative thesis with:
Qualifier, Topic, Strong Verb, Reasons, and Universal Idea
This should be typed in a GoogleDoc that you can access at home and at school.