Many students write poor introductions that needlessly repeat information and turn off the reader with too much background information
A good introduction gets to the heart of the subject and captures the interest of the reader
In trying to gain the reader's attention, though, you don’t need to say anything controversial or mind-blowing. All you need to do is concentrate on writing the most relevant information
The purpose of an introduction is to prepare
the reader for the body of writing that comes
after it.You know what you are writing about and why. But unless you inform your readers of this in an introduction, they will feel lost and judge your essay to be an unclear piece of work
A good introduction
indicates the topic that the essay is aboutd8s
describes how the body of the essay iss organized
explains the point of writing the essay
the point of writing an essay is usually to argue for a thesis, so you will need to explain what thesis you argue for and how you argue for it – this is called a
thesis-statement, and most essay introductions include one
Your essay lacks only two paragraphs no
the introduction and the conclusion
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These paragraphs will give the reader a point of entry to and a point of exit from your essay
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The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus
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A) Begin with an attention grabber
The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas
1Startling information
This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers
It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to makeIf you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of
elaboration
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2Anecdote
An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point
Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topicmt2. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully
3Dialogue
An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point
Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of
elaboration
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4Summary Information
A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis
If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement
Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement
The conclusion
brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic
All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an
anecdote
can end your essay in a useful way
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