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Introductions

Introductions. Review. Parts of an Introduction (In order of appearance). Grabber/ Opening Statements. While you are trying to draw your reader in, this is the place where you can experiment a little. Avoid tired ways of opening an essay and try something new. Below are a few suggestions:

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Introductions

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  1. Introductions Review

  2. Parts of an Introduction(In order of appearance)

  3. Grabber/ Opening Statements • While you are trying to draw your reader in, this is the place where you can experiment a little. Avoid tired ways of opening an essay and try something new. Below are a few suggestions: • Beginning with parallel sentence structure and stylistic repetition • Beginning with a one-word sentence • Using inverted sentence structure • Beginning with a relevant quote that is woven throughout the introduction (Do not simply use the quote once) • Following one character through the introduction • Use a common saying in an uncommon way Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

  4. Overview of Topic • Many of you forget this part of the introduction. You cannot simply jump right into your topic. Your need to ease your reader into your essay. • For example, if your essay is on deception in The Kite Runner, you need to begin with a quick introduction to the novel. Remember, this is the only place that plot summary is appropriate—use it sparingly. • This is not just a general summary, it is one that sets up the premise of the story in relation to your theme or topic-- he summary should lean toward the topic; it should not be random information about the novel that has nothing to do with your essay. • Every essay should have an overreaching topic (a piece of literature for example) and a focusing topic (this should be evident in your thesis). Take the example above—the overreaching topic is The Kite Runner the focusing topic is deception. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

  5. Bridge • The purpose of the bridge is to move from your overreaching topic to your focusing topic. • Generally, your bridge will only be a sentence or so long. • It prepares your reader for the thesis statement. Take a look at the introduction below. The bridge is underlined. Human dignity and compassion are what makes mankind unique and separates them from the animal world. The movie, A Lesson Before Dying, illustrates what happens to both a community and a family when a man loses his humanity. In the movie, Jefferson is jailed for a crime that he did not commit. During his trial, Jefferson’s attorney uses a metaphor for the jury; the attorney calls Jefferson a hog to illustrate the futility of executing him. This event takes a toll on Jefferson’s self image, and he begins to live the remainder of his life as the white man’s stereotype. Although Jefferson is initially resigned to live as the white man views him, he eventually sees the merit of proving his human dignity before he dies. The underlined sentence is the bridge because it moves from discussing the movie as a whole into the idea of stereotypes. Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

  6. Thesis Statement • This is one of the most important part of an essay. Without it, your reader is lost and your essay has no direction. There are 3 parts to a thesis Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

  7. The Two Clause Thesis • So most of you are used to writing a very straightforward thesis, such as this: “Hosseini’s book includes elements of classic literature mixed with current events.” • This thesis has all the parts necessary for a thesis, but it may not say much. Whenever you write about literature you are creating a persuasive essay. You need to be trying to convince your reader of something. • The thesis above only informs the reader of the subject of the book. It offers no argument, insight, or depth of analysis. This is where the second clause comes in. • Because Hosseini’s book includes elements of classic literature mixed with current events, he is able to break through cultural barriers and teach readers about the humanity in the Middle East that is often overshadowed by hate. • This is nearly the same thesis as above, but now it has a second clause in which the writer is addressing the persuasive nature of the paper. Without it, the writer has a “so what paper”. AVOID THESE! Free Template from www.brainybetty.com

  8. Final Reminders • The introduction sets the tone for your paper. • A good introduction is 5+ sentences. • The reader should be clear on where you are going after reading your introduction • It may be easier to start with a thesis, write the body paragraphs, then come back and do the introduction.

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