Writing Effective Introductions

Which of the following is NOT a technique for writing an effective introductory paragraph?

• Using a quotation

• Asking a question

• Stating a startling fact

• Providing a definition

• Listing the main points of the essay

What is the purpose of the lead in an introductory paragraph?

• To introduce the topic of the essay

• To grab the reader's attention

• To provide background information on the topic

• To state the thesis statement

• To summarize the main points of the essay

What is the purpose of the bridge in an introductory paragraph?

• To introduce the topic of the essay

• To grab the reader's attention

• To provide background information on the topic

• To state the thesis statement

• To transition from the lead to the thesis statement

What is the thesis statement in an introductory paragraph?

• The first sentence of the paragraph

• The second sentence of the paragraph

• The last sentence of the paragraph

• The sentence that states the main argument of the essay

• The sentence that summarizes the main points of the essay

Which of the following is the most effective way to start an introductory paragraph?

• With a quotation from an expert on the topic.

• With a question that the reader will want to answer.

• With a startling fact or statistic.

• With a definition of the key terms.

• With a brief overview of the essay's main points.

Which of the following is the best way to transition from the lead to the thesis statement in an introductory paragraph?

• Use a semicolon to connect the two sentences.

• Use a transition word like "in addition" or "however."

• Use a phrase like "to put it another way."

• Use a question to introduce the thesis statement.

• State the thesis statement in the first sentence.

Which of the following is the most important part of an introductory paragraph?

• The lead

• The bridge

• The thesis statement

• The supporting evidence

• The conclusion.

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of a good thesis statement?

• It is specific and narrow.

• It states the main idea of the essay.

• It is arguable.

• It is the same as the topic of the essay.

Where should the thesis statement be placed in an essay?

• In the introduction paragraph.

• In the body paragraphs.

• It can be placed in any paragraph.

• In the conclusion paragraph.

Which of the following is the best way to revise a thesis statement?

• (A) Make it more specific.

• (B) Make it more arguable.

• Both (A) and (B).

• (D) None of the above.