Download Writing Introductory Paragraphs: Formal vs. Expository or Creative Papers and more Study notes History in PDF only on Docsity! Created by Austin Peay State University, 22 March 2012; revised 19 January 2017 Academic Support Center Writing Center Introductory Paragraphs in Formal and Informal Papers Resource: Capital Community College The Introductory Paragraph in Formal Writing How does the introductory paragraph for formal papers differ from expository or creative papers? The idea that the term “attention-getter” means that the introduction has to “grasp” the reader’s attention mainly applies to creative or expository story writing. Therefore, this style is inappropriate for writing formal papers, such as history, research, education, science, and literature. While the opening paragraph should be written in such a fashion that encourages the reader to want to read the paper, the introductory paragraph is supposed to serve as an introduction—or an overview—of what the paper is about. What information is needed for the introductory paragraph? In addition to a thesis statement, which must be included in any essay, the introduction for formal papers consists of all or as many of the following elements as are appropriate to the paper’s topic: who the paper is about what the paper is about where the topic takes place when the idea(s) occurred how the event(s), technique(s), idea(s) transpired significance of the topic Where does the thesis statement belong in the introductory paragraph? The placement of the thesis will vary depending on professors’ instructions. Regardless, the thesis sentence must be present and clearly stated. Without it, the rest of the paper will lack clear focus and structure. Created by Austin Peay State University, 22 March 2012; revised 19 January 2017 The Introductory Paragraph in English Composition: Expository (or Creative) Writing The introductory paragraph, or opening paragraph, is the first paragraph of your essay. It introduces the main idea of your essay, captures the interest of your readers, and tells why your topic is important. The Introductory Paragraph Starts with a Great First Sentence The introductory paragraph of any paper, long or short, should start with a sentence that piques the interest of your readers. In a typical essay, that first sentence leads into two or three more sentences that provide details about your subject or your process. All of these sentences build up to your thesis statement. The thesis statement is the main subject/idea of the essay. The entirety of your paper hangs on that sentence, but its function is to be informative and direct. The thesis is the core idea—topic—focus--of the paper. It serves as the paper’s purpose, or the reason for writing about a given subject. This means it’s not normally very exciting. Your First Sentence To get your paper off to a great start, you should try to have a first sentence that engages your reader. Think of your first sentence as a hook that draws your reader in. As you have researched your topic, you have probably discovered many interesting anecdotes, quotes, or trivial facts; these make great hooks to use for an engaging introduction. Consider these ideas for creating a strong beginning: Surprising fact: The pentagon has twice as many bathrooms as are necessary. The famous government building was constructed in the 1940s when segregation laws required that separate bathrooms be installed for people of African descent. This building is not the only American icon that harkens back to this embarrassing and hurtful time in our history. Across the United States, there are many examples of leftover laws and customs that reflect the racism that once permeated American society.
