WRITING INTRODUCTIONS

Introductions A strong introduction to an essay should

be . . . Engaging (being with a ‘hook’) Informative Contain at least 5 to 7 sentences End with a clear and compelling Thesis

Statement

3 ways to begin introductions . . .

1) Begin with a question.

Examples: What makes a good short story? How do short stories reveal their

universal themes?

3 ways to begin introductions . . . 2) With a startling statement.

Examples: Imagine a literary work with no conflict.

3 ways to begin introductions . . .

3) With a famous quotation.

According to Wally Lamb, “A writer weaves a fabric of lies in hopes of revealing deeper human truths”.

After you beginning “hook”, lead slowly into your THESIS STATEMENT.

Your THESIS STATEMENT explains to the reader what your essay is about, and should always include TAG (title, author, genre)

In Formal Essays Avoid first person and contractions Always transition from one idea to the

next Use specific details and

elaborate/develop your paragraphs Use proper spelling and grammar

Example . . . Wally Lamb once said “A writer weaves a

fabric of lies in order to reveal deeper human truths”. The validity of this statement can be seen in many stories, but more specifically in Chekhov’s short story “The Bet”. In Chekhov’s story, the universal theme that life’s most important values come from inside and not from material things is illustrated mainly through his use of irony, conflict and setting.

Practice Choose a story from the unit and write

an essay that analyzes the literary techniques and elements and author uses to convey the theme in that story.

Classwork:

Write an excellent introduction to the essay topic on the previous page.

When you are finished, hand me your paragraph and use the remainder of the class to study for the test.