Writing an IntroductionWriting an Introduction

OrWhy doesn’t anyone want to

read my paper?

OrWhy doesn’t anyone want to

read my paper?

This powerpoint willThis powerpoint will• explain the functions of

introductions, • provide you with examples of

introductions to be avoided,• offer strategies for writing effective

ones.

• explain the functions of introductions,

• provide you with examples of introductions to be avoided,

• offer strategies for writing effective ones.

The Role of IntroductionsThe Role of

Introductions• Your introduction acts as a

bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the "place" of your analysis.

• Your introduction acts as a bridge that transports your readers from their own lives into the "place" of your analysis.

The Role of IntroductionsThe Role of

Introductions• If your readers pick up your paper

about Othello, for example, they need a transition to help them leave behind the world of Tucson, network television, e-mail, and their fight with their BFF to help them temporarily enter the world of Shakespeare’s society.

• If your readers pick up your paper about Othello, for example, they need a transition to help them leave behind the world of Tucson, network television, e-mail, and their fight with their BFF to help them temporarily enter the world of Shakespeare’s society.

The Role of IntroductionsThe Role of

Introductions• By providing an introduction that

helps your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about, you give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying.

• By providing an introduction that helps your readers make a transition between their own world and the issues you will be writing about, you give your readers the tools they need to get into your topic and care about what you are saying.

Why bother writing a good introduction?

Why bother writing a good introduction?

OrDoesn’t my teacher have to

read my paper anyway?

OrDoesn’t my teacher have to

read my paper anyway?

1. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work.

1. You never get a second chance to make a first impression. The opening paragraph of your paper will provide your readers with their initial impressions of your argument, your writing style, and the overall quality of your work.

A concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing, and your paper.

A concise, engaging, and well-written introduction will start your readers off thinking highly of you, your analytical skills, your writing, and your paper.

2. Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers:

• what your topic is, • why it is important, and • how you plan to proceed with your

discussion.

2. Your introduction is an important road map for the rest of your paper. Your introduction conveys a lot of information to your readers:

• what your topic is, • why it is important, and • how you plan to proceed with your

discussion.

2. It should contain a thesis that will assert your main argument. It will also, ideally, give the reader a sense of information you will use to make that argument and the general organization of the paragraphs that follow. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.

2. It should contain a thesis that will assert your main argument. It will also, ideally, give the reader a sense of information you will use to make that argument and the general organization of the paragraphs that follow. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.

Why bother writing a good introduction?Why bother writing a good introduction?

3. Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper, capture your readers' interest, and make them want to read the rest of your paper.

3. Ideally, your introduction will make your readers want to read your paper, capture your readers' interest, and make them want to read the rest of your paper.

3. Opening with a compelling story, a fascinating quotation, an interesting question, or a stirring example can get your readers to see why this topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an interesting intellectual conversation.

3. Opening with a compelling story, a fascinating quotation, an interesting question, or a stirring example can get your readers to see why this topic matters and serve as an invitation for them to join you for an interesting intellectual conversation.

Five Kinds of Less Effective Introductions

Five Kinds of Less Effective Introductions

OrSo that’s why no one wants to

read my paper!

OrSo that’s why no one wants to

read my paper!

The Place Holder IntroductionThe Place Holder Introduction• Essentially, this kind of weaker

introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don't really say much. They exist just to take up the "introduction space" in your paper. If you had something more effective to say, you would probably say it, but in the meantime this paragraph is just a place holder.

• Essentially, this kind of weaker introduction contains several sentences that are vague and don't really say much. They exist just to take up the "introduction space" in your paper. If you had something more effective to say, you would probably say it, but in the meantime this paragraph is just a place holder.

The Place Holder Introduction

The Place Holder Introduction

• Weak Example: In Shakespeare’s play, Othello, many things lead to Othello’s tragic demise. A tragic hero must have a tragic ending. In the end, Othello kills Desdemona and then himself. This is an example of a why Othello is a tragedy.

• Weak Example: In Shakespeare’s play, Othello, many things lead to Othello’s tragic demise. A tragic hero must have a tragic ending. In the end, Othello kills Desdemona and then himself. This is an example of a why Othello is a tragedy.

The Restated Question Introduction

The Restated Question Introduction

• Restating the question can be an effective strategy, but it can be easy to stop at JUST restating the question instead of offering a more effective, interesting introduction to your paper.

• Restating the question can be an effective strategy, but it can be easy to stop at JUST restating the question instead of offering a more effective, interesting introduction to your paper.

The Restated Question Introduction

The Restated Question Introduction

• Weak Example: Who or what is responsible for Othello’s tragic demise? There are many answers that could be argued as the reasons for Othello’s fall. This essay will examine who or what is responsible for Othello’s fall.

• Weak Example: Who or what is responsible for Othello’s tragic demise? There are many answers that could be argued as the reasons for Othello’s fall. This essay will examine who or what is responsible for Othello’s fall.

The Webster's Dictionary Introduction

The Webster's Dictionary Introduction

• This introduction begins by giving the dictionary definition of one or more of the words in the assigned question.

• This introduction begins by giving the dictionary definition of one or more of the words in the assigned question.

The Webster's Dictionary Introduction

The Webster's Dictionary Introduction

• Anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and copy down what Webster says (or paste it right from Dictionary.com) - it may be far more interesting for you (and your reader) if you develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your class and assignment.

• Anyone can look a word up in the dictionary and copy down what Webster says (or paste it right from Dictionary.com) - it may be far more interesting for you (and your reader) if you develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your class and assignment.

The Dawn of Man Introduction

The Dawn of Man Introduction

• This kind of introduction generally makes broad sweeping statements about the relevance of this topic since the beginning of time. It is usually very general and fails to connect to the thesis. You might write this kind of introduction when you don't have much to say--which is precisely why it is ineffective.

• This kind of introduction generally makes broad sweeping statements about the relevance of this topic since the beginning of time. It is usually very general and fails to connect to the thesis. You might write this kind of introduction when you don't have much to say--which is precisely why it is ineffective.

The Book Report Introduction

The Book Report Introduction

• This introduction is what you had to do for your fifth-grade book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book.

• This introduction is what you had to do for your fifth-grade book reports. It gives the name and author of the book you are writing about, tells what the book is about, and offers other basic facts about the book.

The Book Report Introduction

The Book Report Introduction

• You might resort to this sort of introduction when you are trying to fill space because it's a familiar, comfortable format. It is ineffective because it offers details that your reader already knows and that are irrelevant to the thesis.

• You might resort to this sort of introduction when you are trying to fill space because it's a familiar, comfortable format. It is ineffective because it offers details that your reader already knows and that are irrelevant to the thesis.

Strategies for Writing an Effective Introduction

Strategies for Writing an Effective Introduction

• Pay special attention to your first sentence. If any sentence in your paper is going to be completely free of errors and vagueness, it should be your first one. Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and error-free way.

• Pay special attention to your first sentence. If any sentence in your paper is going to be completely free of errors and vagueness, it should be your first one. Start off on the right foot with your readers by making sure that the first sentence actually says something useful and that it does so in an interesting and error-free way.

• Be straightforward and confident. Avoid statements like "In this paper, I will argue…." While this sentence points toward your main argument, it isn't especially interesting. It might be more effective and convincing to say what you mean in a declarative sentence. Assert your main argument confidently. After all, you can't expect your reader to believe it if it doesn't sound like you believe it!

• Be straightforward and confident. Avoid statements like "In this paper, I will argue…." While this sentence points toward your main argument, it isn't especially interesting. It might be more effective and convincing to say what you mean in a declarative sentence. Assert your main argument confidently. After all, you can't expect your reader to believe it if it doesn't sound like you believe it!

Using the Prompt/QuestionUsing the Prompt/Question

• Start by thinking about the question in the prompt. Your entire essay will be a response to the assigned question, and your introduction is the first step toward that end.

• Start by thinking about the question in the prompt. Your entire essay will be a response to the assigned question, and your introduction is the first step toward that end.

Using Your Prompt/QuestionUsing Your Prompt/Question

• Your direct answer to the assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will be included in your introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off point.

• Your direct answer to the assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will be included in your introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off point.

Using the “Big Picture”Using the “Big Picture”

• One strategy might be start off with a big picture sentence, a broad statement about the subject.

• One strategy might be start off with a big picture sentence, a broad statement about the subject.

Using Background InformationUsing Background Information

• Works well when audience is already interested and you can come directly to the point. Especially useful for exams since there is limited time or no need to be subtle.

• Works well when audience is already interested and you can come directly to the point. Especially useful for exams since there is limited time or no need to be subtle.

“With inflation low, many companies have understandably lowered prices and the oil industry should be no exception. Consequently, homeowners have begun wondering whether the high price of home heating oil is justified given the economic climate. It makes sense, therefore, for us to start examining the pricing policy of the major American oil companies.” (economics essay -Patterns for College Writing)

“With inflation low, many companies have understandably lowered prices and the oil industry should be no exception. Consequently, homeowners have begun wondering whether the high price of home heating oil is justified given the economic climate. It makes sense, therefore, for us to start examining the pricing policy of the major American oil companies.” (economics essay -Patterns for College Writing)

The Attention GrabberThe Attention Grabber

• Open with an attention grabber. Sometimes, especially if the topic of your paper is somewhat dry or technical, opening with something catchy can help.

• Open with an attention grabber. Sometimes, especially if the topic of your paper is somewhat dry or technical, opening with something catchy can help.

• Attention-grabbing openers might get your reader interested and also help your reader connect to what might otherwise seem a pretty obscure topic. Essentially, you can use attention-grabbers to help your readers see why your topic is relevant and to help them begin to care about your findings and perspectives.

• Attention-grabbing openers might get your reader interested and also help your reader connect to what might otherwise seem a pretty obscure topic. Essentially, you can use attention-grabbers to help your readers see why your topic is relevant and to help them begin to care about your findings and perspectives.

Examples of The Attention GrabberExamples of The Attention Grabber

• an intriguing example• a provocative quotation• a puzzling scenario• a vivid and perhaps unexpected

anecdote • a thought-provoking question

• an intriguing example• a provocative quotation• a puzzling scenario• a vivid and perhaps unexpected

anecdote • a thought-provoking question

A Surprising StatementA Surprising Statement

• Use an unexpected statement to catch the audience’s attention and make them want to read more.

• Use an unexpected statement to catch the audience’s attention and make them want to read more.

A Surprising StatementA Surprising Statement

Believe it or not, most people who live in the suburbs are not white and rich. My family, for example, fits into neither of these categories. Ten years ago, my family and I came to the United States from Pakistan. My parents were poor then, and by some standards, they are still poor even though they both work two jobs.

Believe it or not, most people who live in the suburbs are not white and rich. My family, for example, fits into neither of these categories. Ten years ago, my family and I came to the United States from Pakistan. My parents were poor then, and by some standards, they are still poor even though they both work two jobs.

A Surprising Statement (cont’d.)A Surprising Statement (cont’d.)

Still, they eventually saved enough to buy a small house in the suburbs of Chicago. Throughout the country, there are many suburban families like mine who are working hard to make ends meet so that their children can get a good education and go to college. (composition essay – Patterns for College Writing)

Still, they eventually saved enough to buy a small house in the suburbs of Chicago. Throughout the country, there are many suburban families like mine who are working hard to make ends meet so that their children can get a good education and go to college. (composition essay – Patterns for College Writing)

Begin with a QuotationBegin with a Quotation

• Use a quotation to arouse audience interest

• Use a quotation to arouse audience interest

A QuotationA Quotation

“The rich are different,” F. Scott Fitzgerald said more than seventy years ago. Apparently, they still are. As an examination of the tax code shows, the wealthy receive many more benefits than the middle class or poor do. (accounting paper – Patterns for College Writing)

“The rich are different,” F. Scott Fitzgerald said more than seventy years ago. Apparently, they still are. As an examination of the tax code shows, the wealthy receive many more benefits than the middle class or poor do. (accounting paper – Patterns for College Writing)

Begin with an Anecdote or StoryBegin with an Anecdote or Story

• Lead your reader to the thesis with an anecdote or story that pertains to your topic or thesis.

• Lead your reader to the thesis with an anecdote or story that pertains to your topic or thesis.

Anecdote or StoryAnecdote or Story

Three years ago, I went with my grandparents to my first auction. They live in a small town outside of Lancaster, PA, where it is common for people to auction off the contents of a home when someone moves or dies.

Three years ago, I went with my grandparents to my first auction. They live in a small town outside of Lancaster, PA, where it is common for people to auction off the contents of a home when someone moves or dies.

Anecdote or Story (cont’d.)Anecdote or Story (cont’d.)

As I walked through the crowd, I smelled funnel cakes frying in the food trucks, heard the hypnotic chanting of the auctioneer, and sensed the excitement of the crowd. Two hours later, I walked off with and old trunk that I bought for thirty dollars and a passion for auctions that I still have today. (composition essay - Patterns for College Writing)

As I walked through the crowd, I smelled funnel cakes frying in the food trucks, heard the hypnotic chanting of the auctioneer, and sensed the excitement of the crowd. Two hours later, I walked off with and old trunk that I bought for thirty dollars and a passion for auctions that I still have today. (composition essay - Patterns for College Writing)

Begin with a QuestionBegin with a Question

• Although your thesis cannot be a question, you can begin with a question. A rhetorical question can be intriguing.

• Although your thesis cannot be a question, you can begin with a question. A rhetorical question can be intriguing.

Begin with a QuestionBegin with a QuestionWhat was it like to live through the

holocaust? Elie Wiesel, in One Generation After, answers this question by presenting series of accounts about ordinary people who found themselves imprisoned in Nazi death camps. As he does so, he challenges some of the assumptions we have about the Holocaust and those who survived it. (sociology book report - Patterns for College Writing)

What was it like to live through the holocaust? Elie Wiesel, in One Generation After, answers this question by presenting series of accounts about ordinary people who found themselves imprisoned in Nazi death camps. As he does so, he challenges some of the assumptions we have about the Holocaust and those who survived it. (sociology book report - Patterns for College Writing)

Begin with a ContradictionBegin with a Contradiction

• Open your essay with an idea that people believe is true and then show how it is inaccurate.

• Open your essay with an idea that people believe is true and then show how it is inaccurate.

Begin with a ContradictionBegin with a Contradiction

Many people think that after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the colonists defeated the British army in battle after battle. This commonly held belief is incorrect. The British were defeated not because the colonial army was strongest, but because George Washington refused to be led into a costly winner-take-all battle and because the British government lost interest in pursuing an expensive war three thousand miles from home. (history take-home exam- Patterns for College Writing)

Many people think that after the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776, the colonists defeated the British army in battle after battle. This commonly held belief is incorrect. The British were defeated not because the colonial army was strongest, but because George Washington refused to be led into a costly winner-take-all battle and because the British government lost interest in pursuing an expensive war three thousand miles from home. (history take-home exam- Patterns for College Writing)

Begin with a Fact or Statistic

Begin with a Fact or Statistic

• Find an interesting or startling fact or statistic that will hook your audience.

• Find an interesting or startling fact or statistic that will hook your audience.

Begin with a StatisticBegin with a StatisticAccording to a recent government study,

recipients of Medicare will spend billions of dallars on drugs over the next ten years. This is a very large amount of money, and it illustrates why lawmakers must do more to help older Americans with the cost of medications. Although the current legislation is an important first step, more must be done to help the elderly afford the drugs they need.(public policy essay- Patterns for College Writing)

According to a recent government study, recipients of Medicare will spend billions of dallars on drugs over the next ten years. This is a very large amount of money, and it illustrates why lawmakers must do more to help older Americans with the cost of medications. Although the current legislation is an important first step, more must be done to help the elderly afford the drugs they need.(public policy essay- Patterns for College Writing)

Writing Your Introduction Last

Writing Your Introduction Last

• Try writing your introduction last. You may think that you have to write your introduction first, but that isn't necessarily true, and it isn't always the most effective way to craft a good introduction.

• Try writing your introduction last. You may think that you have to write your introduction first, but that isn't necessarily true, and it isn't always the most effective way to craft a good introduction.

Writing Your Introduction Last

Writing Your Introduction Last

• It is perfectly fine to start out thinking that you want to argue a particular point, but wind up arguing something slightly or even dramatically different by the time you've written most of the paper.

• It is perfectly fine to start out thinking that you want to argue a particular point, but wind up arguing something slightly or even dramatically different by the time you've written most of the paper.

Writing Your Introduction LastWriting Your Introduction Last

• The writing process can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through complicated issues, refine your thoughts, and develop a sophisticated argument.

• The writing process can be an important way to organize your ideas, think through complicated issues, refine your thoughts, and develop a sophisticated argument.

• Sometimes it helps to write up all of your evidence first and then write the introduction -- that way you can be sure that the introduction matches the body of the paper.

• Sometimes it helps to write up all of your evidence first and then write the introduction -- that way you can be sure that the introduction matches the body of the paper.

• Don't be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later. Some people find that they need to write some kind of introduction in order to get the writing process started. Be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if need be.

• Don't be afraid to write a tentative introduction first and then change it later. Some people find that they need to write some kind of introduction in order to get the writing process started. Be sure to return to your initial introduction later and rewrite if need be.

So, now that you knowSo, now that you know

• the functions of introductions, • examples of introductions to be avoided, • and strategies for writing effective ones,

• the functions of introductions, • examples of introductions to be avoided, • and strategies for writing effective ones,

write an effective, interesting write an effective, interesting introductionintroduction!