1. The Introduction: Goals, Objectives, and Hypotheses
Today’s agenda:
Examine the introductions of papers written by students in past classes.
In-class exercise: edit a “mock” introduction using “track- changes.”
In-class writing: prepare a second draft of the introduction of your paper.
Peer review and editing.

2. Class activity:
Examine introductions in papers written by students in past classes based on field trips. The papers have been modified somewhat for instructional purposes. The idea is to see in the work of others the kinds of mistakes that you might make. This should help develop the skills needed to edit our own work. As in many tasks, the ability to “self-correct” is essential for increased writing proficiency.

3. Then,
Choose one of the “mock” introductions and do what you can to improve it. Look at content as well as grammar and punctuation. Indicate changes using “track-changes.” Then send your edited version to me, attached to .

4. In-class activity (15 minutes or so):
Write a second draft of the Introduction of your own study, building on the statement of objectives that you already prepared. You may find it helpful to write an outline or list the topics of each of the paragraphs. Where do you want to begin and how do you want to lead the reader to your objectives?

5. Then:
Switch places and edit the work of your neighbor using track-changes. Pay attention to all the details: word-order, misspellings, punctuation, etc. Don’t let anything slip by!

6. Wrap-up on the Introduction:
The beginning is essential if you are to draw in readers from a wide range of disciplines, which you should want to do. Where to begin? This depends on the intended audience and what you perceive to be the most interesting aspect.
The paragraphs that follow must flow smoothly, leading progressively to sharper focus on the specific goals and hypotheses. Do not over-emphasize details such as site and species too early or you will drive away prospective readers.
The last paragraph is crucial; it lays out the overall goals or objectives and the specific hypotheses or predictions. All these concepts must have been foreshadowed by text earlier in the Introduction. Do not spring something on the readers that they do not expect!

7. Assignment:
Continue to work on the introduction of your own paper and me a polished draft (no later than Sunday night) so I can see how you’re doing. I’ll return it with suggestions indicated with track-changes.