Writing an Introduction

Presentation by MIU Lecturer Paul

Essay Structure
WRITING AN INTRODUCTION
• Since the dawn of man, writing has been used
to communicate ideas. In academic settings,
ideas are typically communicated using formal
types of writing such as essays. Most
academic essays contain an introductory
paragraph, which includes a thesis.
• The Oxford English Dictionary defines an
introduction as, “A preliminary explanation
prefixed to or included in a book or other
writing; the part of a book which leads up to
the subject treated, or explains the author’s
design or purpose. Also, the corresponding
part of a speech, lecture, etc.”
• Michigan State University student Sally used
to have a lot of difficulty writing introductions.
Once she had suffered through writing dozens
of painful introductions, she decided to look
up some tips on how to introduce your essay,
and after that she got a lot better.
 What is an introduction
• It is true that the first impression—whether
it’s a first meeting with a person or the first
sentence of a paper—sets the stage for a
lasting impression.
• The introductory paragraph of any paper, long
or short, should start with a sentence that
peaks the interest of readers.
•  In a typical essay, that first sentence leads
into two or three other statements that
provide details about the writer's subject or
process. All of these sentences build up to the
essay's thesis statement.
 Paragraph has:
1. Attention-Getter (Lead-in)
2. Set Up for the Thesis
3. Thesis/Essay Map
 Attention Getters & Lead-ins
• To get a paper off to a great start, writers
should try to have a first sentence
that engages their reader
• This first sentence should be broadly
related to the topic of the essay.
 Attention Getters & Lead-ins
• Paradoxical or Intriguing Statement
• Shocking Statement or Statistic
• Rhetorical Question 
• Anecdote 
• Statement of the Problem 
• Proverb, Maxim, or Strong Statement
 Paradoxical Statement
• Here are the rules: Ignore all rules.
• I only message those who do not message.
• "Men work together whether they work
together or apart."
 Shocking statements
• Even though we live in the 21st century, there
still are around 3 billions of people living in
poverty.
• 78 % of all pregnant women who see an
ultrasound do not choose abortion
 Rhetorical questions
• What is the meaning of life?
• Why do we go on?
• What's the matter with kids today?
• There's no hope, is there?
• How much longer will this injustice continue?
 Anecdotes
• I once had a border collie. She was so smart.
Every morning, I'd open up the front door and
she'd run out, pick up the newspaper, and
deliver it to my husband at the breakfast
table.
 Problem statement
• According to 2008 figures from the Pew
Research Center, 97% of today's K-12 students
spend many hours each week playing video
games.
 Quoting
• "Any achievement in business is never
accomplished by a single person; a team of
skilled members from diversified fields is
always needed“ by Einstein. 
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
• In today’s rapidly changing technology market,
only technopreneurs who possess certain
qualities will succeed while those who do not
will falter and fall in the battlefield.
• The three core qualities that a technopreneur
must possess to be successful are vision, a
never-say-quit attitude and an innovative
mind.
THESIS STATEMENT
 Thesis statement

• Because it starts broad, and gradually narrows towards a focused, but not
overly specific thesis. The thesis is specific enough to fully explore the essay,
but it's not so specific that there is nothing more to write about.
 TOPIC + CONTROLLING IDEA
• has a clearly stated opinion,
but does not bluntly announce the opinion ("In this
essay I will..."), 
• is narrow enough to write a focused essay, but is
also broad enough to write at least 3 body paragraphs, 
• is clearly stated in specific terms, 
• is easily recognized as the main idea, 
• is forceful and direct, is not softened with token
phrases ("in my opinion" or "I think"), and
can list the 3 main points that will be made.
 Poor examples
• Playing basketball is great. [make it specific.]
• The Decline of Detroit Football. [should not be a
title]
• My topic is about the problems I had beginning
high school. [don’t announce]
• Why is it important not to be in ISS? [question is
not recommended.]
• Florida is in the southern part of the United
States. [fact]
 Good examples
• Playing basketball will improve athletic skills.
• Detroit football has recently experienced a decline
in popularity due to performance, trades, and
ticket prices.
• I had various problems when I began high school.
• It is important not to be in ISS because a student
will miss out on important educational
opportunities.
• Florida is the best spring-break destination.
SAMPLE INTRODUCTION
 Attention-Getter
• After the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on
New York's World Trade Towers and the Pentagon,
the debate surrounding racial profiling in airports
intensified. Many people believed that profiling
was the best way to identify possible terrorists, but
many others worried about violations of civil
liberties. While some airports began to target
passengers based solely on their Middle Eastern
origins, others instituted random searches instead. 
 Background
• Neither of these techniques seems likely to
eliminate terrorism. Now many experts in the
government and in airport security are
recommending the use of a national ID card or
Safe Traveler Card. 
 [Thesis]
•  If every US citizen had such a card, airlines
could screen for terrorists more effectively
than they do now and avoid procedures that
single out individuals solely on the basis of
race.