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Make it Essay Introductions

Make it Essay Introductions. Sparkle!. A strong introduction should contain:. A clear precise THESIS (i.e. the main idea/argument/focus of your essay) A stylistically interesting and effective opening a clear identification of the essays subject (e.g. title and author)

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Make it Essay Introductions

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  1. Make it Essay Introductions Sparkle!

  2. A strong introduction should contain: • A clear precise THESIS (i.e. the main idea/argument/focus of your essay) • A stylistically interesting and effective opening • a clear identification of the essays subject (e.g. title and author) • Some sense of the organization pattern of the paper (e.g. the number and order of the main ideas in the body)

  3. MAKE A POINT Narrow down your topic and create a thesis that is clear and specificin defining the focus and controlling idea of your essay. Your thesis should introduce the specific topic, the idea that is developed about the topic, and which character(s) are used to develop the idea. FOR EXAMPLE:

  4. TOPIC / QUESTION Explain how Shakespeare employs imagery in Macbeth to reflect aspects of character and/or theme in the play.

  5. Poor / Limited “Shakespeare uses a lot of imagery in Macbeth.”

  6. Satisfactory(60%) “Shakespeare employs sleep imagery in Macbeth to develop character.”

  7. Proficient(70%-80%) “Shakespeare employs sleep imagery in Macbeth to develop the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.”

  8. Excellent(80% plus) “Shakespeare employs sleep imagery in Macbeth to develop the idea of ever increasing guilt and paranoia in the characters of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.”

  9. WOWFactor Make a great first impression by creating a stylistically interesting and effective introduction. In the first sentence of your paper, take the reader to the heart of your issue in an interesting way. To achieve a stylistically interesting and effective opening:

  10. Avoid broad and essentially meaningless generalizations (e.g. In the world today, Throughout history, In modern society, etc.).

  11. Avoid mechanical introductions to the text (e.g.. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird…) These openings work, but they are not exceptional and will not get you an exceptional mark.

  12. Consciously practice the stylistic strategies. Be concise. Move to the specific subject and thesis of your paper quickly.

  13. AvoidtheOrdinary! Suggestions for strong opening sentences.

  14. Ask a rhetorical question to set the issue for the essay. Your job in the rest of your essay is to answer the question.

  15. Start with a Personal Anecdote. This isn't a great choice for critical/literary essays, but a great idea for personal essays.

  16. Include a carefully chosen quotation. This is a great idea for critical essays. Choose a significant quote from your text (e.g. Macbeth or TKM), or a famous quote that is tight to the topic.

  17. State the issue right of the bat (if there is one).

  18. Make a titillating observation. Evoke interest in your essay by making an observation. This works for personal essays, but again might not be appropriate for critical essays.

  19. CAN I SEE YOUR ID? Clearly identify the title of the text you are using and the writer’s full name somewhere in your introduction. You choose the where and the how.

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