Transcript First Impressions

First Impressions
• An introduction serves three purposes:
– To get the readers attention (hook)
– Tell the reader the structure of the paper
– To let the reader know what the piece is about (thesis)
• Before you write your intro:
– Read and understand the assignment
– Do your research
Consider writing your intro last!
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The hook
• Open with an attention grabber:
– Intriguing example
– Quote form a famous person
– Interesting statistic
– Anecdote
– Thought provoking statement
– Declarative statement
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The thesis statement
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One main idea
What you believe or intend to prove
Complete sentence
Concise, clear, specific
Statement not a question
World hunger has many causes and effects.
Hunger persists in Appalachia because jobs are
scarce and farming the steep terrain is rarely
profitable.
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The stuff in-between
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Provides some detail
Previews essay structure
Leads reader from hook to thesis
Use transitions
2-3 sentences
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Reminders
• How long should it be?
• What it isn’t!
• Build reader trust:
– Strong vocabulary
– Good grammar
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What NOT to do
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In this paper I will argue that….
According to Merriam Webster…
In my opinion…
Since the dawn of civilization…
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If the Smiths had known that western reining allowed
helmets, they would have insisted that Carrie wear
one. That may have prevented the head injuries that
left Carrie permanently disabled. Helmets in western
equestrian competition have long been controversial.
Perspectives fall into two main categories:
traditionalists (who prefer a cowboy hat), and more
safety conscious parents and youth organizations.
The AHSA (American Horse Show Association) has yet
to weigh in. With increased scrutiny on sports’
safety, helmets in western competitions should be
mandatory.
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