Writing Effective Introductions: Purpose, Types and Techniques - Prof. Larry T. Carter, Study notes of English Language

Download Writing Effective Introductions: Purpose, Types and Techniques - Prof. Larry T. Carter and more Study notes English Language in PDF only on Docsity! Introductions What is an introduction? It is the first paragraph or several paragraphs of an essay. Why is an introduction important? The introduction serves three purposes: It informs the reader of the general subject of the essay. Done correctly, it catches the reader’s attention. It presents the controlling idea or thesis. Simply, the purpose of an introduction is to prepare the reader to enter into your essay. How to write an introduction: There are two ways to approach an introduction: Write the paper first, and then go back and write the introduction. Write the introduction first, and then write the paper. 7 Types of Introductions: Quotation – This is simply beginning a paper with a quotation. Just make sure the quote is impressive and alluring. Historical Review – This is an introduction that begins with some type of historical background about the issue being presented in the essay. Review of the Controversy – This type of introduction presents a two-sided debate of the issue at hand. It is a review of the controversy itself, where both sides of the controversy are represented in the introduction. From General to Specific – Begin with general details and move to more specific details about the issue at hand. From Specific to General – Begin with specific details (dates, studies, tests, etc.) and end with general information about the issue at hand. Question – Opening an essay with a question will often draw the reader into your essay. It is a very provocative means of placing the reader in an active role. Statement of Thesis – Begin with a challenging assertion – something that catches the reader’s eye.