The Introductory Paragraph

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Why write an Introductory paragraph?

Why write an Introductory paragraph?

To create interest in your subject

Why write an Introductory paragraph

To create interest in your subject

To intro-duce the subject

Why write an Introductory paragraph

To create interest in your subject

To provide necessary background

To state the main point--the thesis--of your essay

Why write an Introductory paragraph

To create interest in your subject

To provide necessary background

To state the main point--the thesis--of your essay

To set the direction of the essay.

What is the subject?

The subject is the simple topic you intend to write about. Examples:– my best friend– welfare reform– euthanasia

What is a thesis?

The thesis goes a step beyond the simple subject. It states an idea or

opinion about the subject.

It generally includes the main sub-points, the reasons supporting the main idea.

Sample Subject and Thesis Subject: my dog Frank Thesis: Because of his playful, intelligent,

and highly neurotic personality, life was never boring with my dog Frank.

Notice how the thesis states an idea about the subject--that life was never boring with him.

Notice that it also states the three reasons why that is true--that he’s playful, intelligent, and neurotic.

Placement of Thesis

The thesis should appear as the final sentence of your introductory paragraph.

This placement leaves the thesis firmly in your readers’ minds as they begin to read the body of your essay--the paragraphs that support your thesis.

What precedes the thesis?

Introductions begin with a broad subject and gradually focus on, or funnel down to, your specific topic and thesis.

Your opening sentences should relate to your main subject, but should be more general.

Example: Start with pets in general and gradually focus on dogs, then on your dog, then on his personality traits.

Sample Introduction

The number of pets has increased sharply during the last decade. The majority of parents feel that pets help their children to learn a sense of caring and responsibility. People who live alone find that pets provide companionship, and elderly people especially benefit from having something to love that shows affection in return. Because they can return affection in ways that other creatures such as hamsters and fish can not, cats and dogs have long remained the most

popular pets, and the majority of American households now include at least one feline or canine member to brighten the lives of the humans living there. Always eager to follow anyone from room to room, to sleep underfoot or to poke his nose into a hand for attention, the collie-poodle mix mutt I grew up with ingratiated himself with all members of the family and, indeed became a family member himself whose pictures remain in the family albums and whose

personality remains in our hearts fifteen years after his death. Now scattered over three states, when my family members get together on rare occasions, we find ourselves frequently asking, “Do you remember the time when Frank . . . ?” Invariably, the memories spill forth as a living tribute to a complex canine personality. Because of his playful, intelligent, and highly neurotic personality, life was never boring with Frank around the house.

Structure of Sample

Notice how the sample introduction begins by talking in general terms about pets.

It gradually turns to a brief discussion of why people own pets.

Structure of Sample

Eventually, it focuses on why many people choose dogs and cats.

Finally, it funnels down to the specific topic (the writer’s dog Frank) and sets the direction for the coming paragraphs by naming the three characteristics that affected the family members’ lives.

Structural Diagram of Introduction

Thesis

1-2 general sentences about broad subject area to be discussed1-2 specific sentences about

the subject area

1-3 general sentences leading into topic

1-3 specific sentences about

topic

Purpose of the Thesis

Remember that the thesis serves as a blueprint for the essay, setting up a plan for the paragraphs to follow.

In a sense, the thesis also serves as a contract with the reader, making a promise that the writer must then fulfill.

Based on the thesis of the sample introduction, readers would expect the writer to include a paragraph on Frank’s playfulness, a second on his intelligence, and a third on his neuroses.

Tip for Writing a Good Thesis The thesis is

sometimes described as a subject plus an attitude.

Frank’s personality (subject) kept life from being dull (attitude).

Tip for Writing a Good Thesis The thesis is

sometimes described as a subject plus an attitude.

Frank’s personality (subject) kept life from being dull (attitude).

Subject

Attitude

THESIS

+

Another Thesis-Writing Tip

The thesis frequently also outlines the writer’s main points.

Because of his playful, intelligent, and highly neurotic personality, life was never boring with Frank around the house.

Another Thesis-Writing Tip

The thesis frequently also outlines the writer’s main points.

Because of his playful, intelligent, and highly neurotic personality, life was never boring with Frank around the house.

Subject

Attitude

Main Points

THESIS

+

Warning # I

In your introduction, never directly announce your intention or refer to your writing.

Sentence to avoid: In this essay, I plan to discuss my dog’s personality characteristics and the reasons why they kept our household from being boring.

Warning # 2

In your introduction, never apologize. Sentences to avoid:

– Although I can’t do Frank’s personality justice, his playful, intelligent, and neurotic personality . . .

– Even though I’m no expert, I’ll try to explain . . .

Remember . . .

You can write an effective introduction if you . . .

Remember . . .

You can write an effective introduction if you . . .– begin with a general idea and gradually

funnel down to your specific subject.

Remember . . .

You can write an effective introduction if you . . .– begin with a general idea and gradually

funnel down to your specific subject.– end with a clear thesis sentence

expressing your attitude about the subject and setting the direction for the coming paragraphs.

Remember . . .

You can write an effective introduction if you . . .– begin with a general idea and gradually

funnel down to your specific subject.– end with a clear thesis sentence

expressing your attitude about the subject and setting the direction for the coming paragraphs.

– avoid direct statements of your intentions, references to your essay, and apologies.

Happy essay writing!