introduction paragraph for long composition

Long Composition: Introduction Name

Date

Three Parts: Attention Catcher, Bridge, and Thesis. At least 3 sentences, but better at 5 or more. It

depends on the length of the essay and time allotted.

Purpose: The introduction should be designed to attract the reader’s attention and focus the

attention on the main idea of the essay’s focus.

1. ATTENTION CATCHER. The introduction begins with an attention catcher which captures the

reader’s attention and piques their curiosity.

Examples:

A Startling Statement

This statement evokes the readers’ curiosity. They want to read on because they want to know what

you’re talking about. Your statement should be sensibly connected to your thesis. If you use this

type of AC, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration of further description, explanation, or

discussion.

Anecdote

An anecdote is a very short story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point,

and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.

A Statement of Issue

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.

2. BRIDGE. If the attention catcher was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that

will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.

3. THESIS. Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement. The thesis shows that your introduction is

over and states the main idea that you will supply evidence for. The thesis is basically the theme of

your essay. It’s your opinion of an issue or idea. (Thesis = Issue + Opinion)

Sample Introduction Paragraphs

A. “We May Be Through With the Past, But the Past Ain’t Through With Us.” What is in the past is in

the past. We cannot erase or edit anything that’s happened in the past. Yet, despite our inability to

control it, human life revolves around it. Our pasts control the events, the actions, and the habits of

our present. Our past is reflected in us every day.

B. No one is able to see the world through the same set of eyes. Therefore, each person interprets

everything slightly different from the next person. A playwright has the difficult task of uniting an

audience’s perspective so it can see what he or she wants it to see. In Long Day’s Journey Into Night,

through setting, lighting, and stage direction, Eugene O’Neill focuses us on the flaws of each

member of the Tyrone family and their inability to tell the truth to themselves.

C. “RETARD!!! YOU’RE SO GAY! WHY DON’T YOU GO HANG YOURSELF!?” One way or another, we have

all been caught saying these phrases to another person, mostly taking it as a joke between friends.

But, what about the person who doesn’t take it jokingly? What about the person who is prosecuted

by taunts and teasing constantly and is being told these things literally? We are all guilty of this. At

one point and time, we have taken granted the feelings of another individual and ridiculed them so

we could get a laugh and feel good about ourselves. The rights of this individual have been violated

and scarred by the constant jokes of who they are. Is there a set of unlisted rights that a person has

that every human subconsciously knows about, but purposely ignores? I believe there is.

D. Brittany and Madonna kissed? As I read the article about their socking lip lock, one reporter’s view

caught my eye. He regarded it as a desperate attempt to make up for lost record sales on the

musicians’ latest albums. Wow! The music industry sure has changed in the last decade. Instead of

judging with our ears, publicity suggests that Americans today cannot judge music without their

eyes as well. It is impossible to ignore the media attention given to musicians today for reasons

other than would be expected. Their music may be unheard, but their image rings loud and clear.

What is responsible for this recent shift in musical appeal?

Evaluate the following introductions.