Types of Introductions: For ENG102 papers, an introduction can be one to three
paragraphs.
CASE 1: Your introduction is one paragraph. It directly states your thesis, perhaps the
subtopics you are going to cover, and/or how you are going to argue/discuss
your topic.
CASE 2: Your introduction is one
or two paragraphs.
1) See CASE 1, but also, as a brief paragraph, you use
one of the creative techniques below, A-G, to hook the attention of the
reader. OR
2) You use one of the
creative techniques below, A-G, to briefly but dramatically hook the attention
of the reader, then quickly in a second paragraph raise and discuss your thesis
in light of the creative method you used as intro.
CASE 3: Your introduction can be up to 3
paragraphs (up to 4 for the larger, 6-8 page paper).
1)As a brief
paragraph, you use one of the creative techniques below, A-G, to hook
the attention of the reader.
2)By end of 1st para
or quickly in the 2nd para. you
raise and discuss your thesis in light of the creative method you used.
3)By the third or so paragraph you present (very briefly) enough history and
definitions to allow an average reader to understand what you are talking
about.
SOME CREATIVE TECHNIQUES FOR
INTRODUCTIONS
Technique STYLES:
Sample intros for the technique
A) Story/Quote/dramatic, important example
(5 Styles) Best if
you…: If you are
creative, have a life experience related to your topic, or know a very
dramatic example |
1)A Dramatic example |
B) Then and Now (7 Styles) Best if
you…: If you are
dealing with a topic or thesis that concerns a very dramatic or impressive
change |
1) The situation before the
issue/achievement, how it used to be.
Then what was done/happened/arrived 6) Achievement
perceived then/ vs perceived 7) Frowned upon
then/highly regarded now |
C) Controversial
Statement (5 Styles) Best if
you…: You want to make
a shocking statement *AND* you HAVE strong proof to counter the initial shock |
1) Is ________ really __________? Or is he pretending? Lying?: |
D) What really
Happened (4 styles) Best if
you…: Know something
most don't/ discover a secret or a hidden truth |
1) Some say this/some say that 4) Too humble to take credit |
E) Biographical Fact
that plays vital role in Achiever's nature (5 Styles) Best if
you…: are doing an
Achiever paper, and there are some unique biographical factors for a person
or group that are significant, surprising, amusing, or vital |
1) Humble
beginnings |
F)
Differences/Different point of view/Compare & Contrast (4 styles) Best if
you…: If your topic
deals with very different things or arguments with radically different points
of view |
1) Many
achievements, but one stands out far above the others |
G) Directly state your
thesis (1 Style) Best if
you…: If you are
strongest at logic, debate, and progressive reasoning, or are doing a short
essay question (less than 1 page) |
|