How to Write An Effective Introductory Paragraph

What goes into an introduction?

Hook/General Statement!Addresses the big focus of the assignment, but also mentions something about what you are specifically discussing!

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Introduce your subject!Who are you writing about?!Biographical information and facts

What goes into an introduction?

Bridge Sentence!Address the assignment in more detail!How did you find connections between the writer’s identity and their writing?!

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Thesis Statement!Should be able to stand alone!If a person were to read just your thesis statement, they should know exactly what your paper will be about.

1) Hook/General Statement

Works to pique the reader’s interest!Addresses both the overall assignment question while introducing the specific focus of the paper!Do not mention your subject just yet!

Examples of Hooks/General Statements

There are many connections a person can make between a writer and their work.!For years, writers have been putting their identity into their written work.

A person can be shaped by a their experiences and their history, and these aspects are often evident in a person’s personal work.!Writers are often most inspired by the people and events that they encounter in their life, creating a thread that connects their identity with their writing.

Bad Hook/!General Statements

Good Hook/!General Statements

2) Introduce Your Subject

Include biographical information here, but not too much!What are some things about your writer that may be pertinent to the reader?!Create a picture of your subject for the reader!Does NOT have to be long - can be done in 1-2 sentences

Examples of Introducing the Subject

Amy Tan is a best-selling novelist who was born in Oakland, California on February 19, 1952. Born to John and Daisy Tan, Amy lived in several California communities as a child. Growing up, she read plenty of books, which she calls “her salvation.” She is married to Lou DeMattei, who is not Chinese; they don’t have any children together. …

Amy Tan, a first-generation Chinese American born to Chinese immigrant parents, is a novelist who has written countless stories celebrating the history of China and its people.

Bad Subject Intro Good Subject Intro

3) Bridge Sentence(s)

How does your subject relate to the general topic of the paper?!Mention some ways that their writing is connected to their identity

Examples of Bridge Sentences

Tan has written a lot of books. In her books, she talks a lot about girls without moms. Also, she writes about people who are confused about her culture. Lastly, she loves English, so she writes about that, too.

Her novels have inspired various movies and works of theater, but her own work has been influenced by aspects much closer to home. Tan’s novels, such as The Joy Luck Club, Saving Fish from Drowning, and her newest novel, The Valley of Amazement, all echo various facets of her identity - a daughter looking for a definitive bond with her mother; a young woman confused by her cultural identity due to her ability to speak multiple languages; and a lover of the English language.

Bad Bridge Sentences Good Bridge Sentences

4) Thesis Statement

What is your paper about?!Do NOT beat around the bush!!Thesis should be able to stand alone!

If a person were to read ONLY your thesis statement, they should be able to tell what your paper is about.

Examples of Thesis Statements

Amy Tan shows her identity by writing about her family, English, and being Chinese.

Amy Tan’s novel The Valley of Amazement is a product of Tan’s familial relationships, her love for the English language, and her culturally diverse heritage.

Bad Thesis Statement Good Thesis Statement

There are many connections a person can make between a writer and

their work. Amy Tan is a best-selling novelist who was born in

Oakland, California on February 19, 1952. Born to John and Daisy Tan,

Amy lived in several California communities as a child. Growing up,

she read plenty of books, which she calls “her salvation.” She is

married to Lou DeMattei, who is not Chinese; they don’t have any

children together. Tan has written a lot of books. In her books, she talks

a lot about girls without moms. Also, she writes about people who are

confused about her culture. Lastly, she loves English, so she writes

about that, too. Amy Tan shows her identity by writing about her

family, English, and being Chinese.

BAD INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH

Writers are often most inspired by the people and events that they encounter in their life,

creating a thread that connects their identity with their writing. Amy Tan, a first-generation

Chinese American born to Chinese immigrant parents, is a novelist who has written

countless stories celebrating the history of China and its people. Her novels have inspired

various movies and works of theater, but her own work has been influenced by aspects

much closer to home. Tan’s novels, such as The Joy Luck Club, Saving Fish from Drowning,

and her newest novel, The Valley of Amazement, all echo various facets of her identity - a

daughter looking for a definitive bond with her mother; a young woman confused by her

cultural identity due to her ability to speak multiple languages; and a lover of the English

language. Amy Tan’s novel The Valley of Amazement is a product of Tan’s familial

relationships, her love for the English language, and her culturally diverse heritage.

GOOD INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH