Introduction: The Hook

Grab the reader's attention by…

Stating your position Posing a question Using a quotation Giving an example  Setting up for a surprise

Introduction: Thesis Statement

All writing in the

Introduction must lead to the thesis statement

The Thesis Statement

The Thesis Statement consists of 3 parts…

Topic

Stance

Plan

Topic

The "topic" is the main subject you will discuss in

your essay.

Example:

Modern Technology

Literary Example:

Moby Dick by Herman Melville

StanceThe "stance" is the

position you will take on that topic.

Example:

Modern Technology can have negative effects

Literary Example:

The main character, Ishmael, feels uncertain about the meaning of

life

PlanThe "plan" is how you

will organize your statement to best convey

your stance.Example:

Responsible for pollution, holes in the ozone layer and the extinction of some

animal species

Literary Example:

The repeated use of white, a color that is associated with emptiness and

meaninglessness

The Thesis StatementCombine the above three elements (topic, stance, plan) into a single main

thesis statement:

Example:

Although technology has made modern life easier, it can have

negative effects such as pollution, holes in the ozone layer and the

extinction of some animal species.

The Thesis StatementCombine the above three elements (topic, stance, plan) into a single main

thesis statement:

Literary Example:

In Moby Dick, Hermann Melville exposes Ishmael’s feelings of

uncertainty about the meaning of life through the repeated use of white, a color associated with

emptiness and meaninglessness.