Introduction Writing

Writing an Engaging Introduction

Objective for Day 1

​You already know how to write an introduction. Today, we will focus on how to ENHANCE your intros to make them stronger 💪

Parts of an Intro (Review):

• ​Hook: Grab's the reader's attention​

• Background info/Bridge: gets your reader ready to hear the thesis statement

• Thesis statement (or claim): This statement tells your reader EXACTLY what to expect and what your essay is all about.

• Ideas to develop: these are basically your reasons or main points you want the author to consider

• Wrap-up: This signals that the REAL information is about to come.

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Multiple Choice

What is the MOST important element of your essay?

• The hook

• The wrap-up

• The claim

Hook's

What makes the hook actually GRAB the reader's attention?

Some Hook Techniques​

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• Hooks that are questions can sometimes be boring or sound too much like the thesis which isn't very fun. Good questions make the reader think deeply!

• Hooks that are quotations can be tricky if you use quotes from the sources. However, cool quotes from famous people (even if you just say "someone famous once said") are always eye-catching!

• Hooks that are anecdotes can be too long sometimes. However, a meaningful, short story that matches the topic will get the reader wanting more1

• Hooks that are definitions of the topic can be a good way to hook the reader on a complex topic.

• Hooks that are statistics can be a good way to shock your reader!

Multiple Choice

What are the different options for your HOOK?

• a saying, a poem, a number, or a thesis

• a quote, a thesis, an interpretation, or an anecdote

• a quote, an anecdote, a statistic, or a definition

• a statistic, a definition, a thesis, or a claim

Multiple Choice

The purpose of a BRIDGE is to

• speak about the prompt in more general terms before getting to your specific thesis.

• speak about the prompt in more specific terms before getting to your general thesis.

Claims

How can I make sure my thesis is clear and concise?

​A clear AND consise claim

• can be found EASILY in your intro

• is one sentence that tells your reader EXACTLY what you will discuss

• ​is straight to the point and does not give examples.

Multiple Choice

Your claim should...

• question the prompt

• ignore the prompt

• destroy the rompt

• answer the prompt

Make your reasons BROAD!

When your reasons are TOO SPECIFIC, you won't be able to give very many examples.​

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You can write about 2 or 3 reasons, it's up to you. BUT make sure ALL of your reasons can have LOTS of examples.​

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Sometimes using more advanced vocabulary can help you create better reasons.

​Broad versus specific examples

Too broad: Alligators and crocodiles have lots of differences.

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Too specific: Alligators and crocodiles are different because Alligators have a round snout and Crocodiles have a sharp snout, plus Crocodiles are more friendly to humans than crocodiles.​

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Just right: Alligators and crocodiles differ in their physical appearanceand attitudes around humans.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is an example of good, broad reasons that can have lots of examples?

• NBA Youngboy is the best rapper alive because he has the most fans on social media and in real life.

• Drake is the best rapper alive because he has the most albums out of all of the new era rappers, and he was an actor first, then turned into a rapper.

• Kodak black is the best rapper alive because he is relatable and has a lot of influence. over new age rappers.

Counterclaim

​How can I mention what someone else may argue without sounding like an OPP?

​Briefly mentioning the Counterclaim

In this first stage, you turn against your argument to challenge it. The following is a listing of ways to approach introducing counter-arguments and templates for structuring them: 

1. Imagine a skeptical reader  

Yet some readers may challenge the view that _________.  

2. Cite an actual source, critic or group of critics, who might resist your argument 

 Here many feminists would probably object that _________. 

3. Look at your arguments themselves for possible:

• problems with your conclusion 

  • Others, however, may conclude _________.  

• disadvantages to what you propose 

  • This proposed solution does have some disadvantages __________.  

• alternative explanations that makes more sense. 

  • Alternatively, this issue could be viewed _________.  

​Pull up your essay and re-read your intro. Get ready to enhance it!!

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Now...