How to Use What They Give You…

Introductory Statement(s) [General]

Transition Sentence

“Set Up” Sentence(s)

Thesis [Specific]

4-7 Sentences

“As humans, we can’t help but feel curious from time to time. As the old saying goes, however, curiosity can sometimes “kill the cat.” In the Greek myth about Pandora, curiosity (and how it can get the best of a person) plays a key role in the plot. Pandora’s experiences with curiosity ultimately serve as a warning to humans. By opening the forbidden box and releasing negative emotions in the world, Pandora learns the hard way that curiosity can lead to a person’s downfall. The myth of Pandora instructs humans that both good and bad things can result from curiosity.

Behold the power of the Funnel Introduction!

The hardest part of ANY essay is simply starting it….

Sometimes it can take forever to figure out how to begin your introduction…

Consider the following tips for your introductory statement…◦ Remember, the introductory statements are the

first 2-3 sentences of your entire essay. This is where you can introduce a GENERAL concept for the reader to consider.

Tip #1: Start with a question◦ Sometimes a though-provoking question is all you

need to hook the reader. Tip #2: Start by defining difficult terms

◦ There’s no use talking about theme or mood if the reader isn’t familiar with the concept. Start by defining it for them!

Tip #3: Use a well-selected quotation◦ A related quote from a historical person or famous

author is sometimes all you need to get your reader interested

Tip #4: Use a anecdote (or quick story)◦ When writing persuasive essays or personal

essays, sometimes a quick, related story is all you need to get the reader interested.

Tip #5: Use a dramatic or shocking statement◦ What better way to get the readers attention in

an essay about recycling than to explain exactly how the natural world is dying on a daily basis

Tip #6: Begin with a funny story to set a humorous tone◦ This works well in personal essays and persuasive

essays, not necessarily expository essays (i.e., essays about literature)

Having trouble figuring out how to begin? Not sure what “general concept” to introduce in the first few lines? USE WHAT THEY GIVE YOU IN THE PROMPT!!!!

For example:◦ If the question is “How does Pandora’s curiosity

get the best of her and what is the result for humankind?,” look closely at what is being asked.

◦ The “general concept” has to do with large ideas, not author name or book title.

Example #1: In a short essay, explain the symbolism of the caged bird in The Awakening.

Example #2: After reading To Kill a Mockingbird, write a short essay explaining a major theme in the novel.

Example #3: How does the poet’s tone change from the beginning of the poem to the end?

Example #4: How does the author use imagery in his work to help the reader visualize the scene?