Introductions

1. small group work

read each other’s introductions

2. introductionstypesin-class task - introduction selectionin-class task - TOEFL introductions

Lesson 7

What does an introduction do?

1. It introduces the topic of the essay.

2. It attracts the reader’s attention.

3. It gives the reader a ‘map or a plan’ of the essay.

introduction devicesThere are a number of devices you can use to make your introduction interesting for the reader.

thesis statement

use a story

give detailsuse a statistic

use a definition

use a quotation

use a question

introduction devices

thesis statement

For the last thirty years there has been overwhelming evidence that smoking can cause considerable harm to the human body. Current research has also shown that, not only are smokers in danger, but also people who breathe in passive smoke. Considering this research and the general mood of the populace, this paper posits that smoking should banned in all public places.

This is the traditional style of opening a paper. You write a summary of what your paper will be about.

introduction devices

use a story

The storm had arrived without warning, bringing with it wind and hail, the size of marbles. They had struggled to pitch their tent and get inside while the wind tried to blow them off the narrow ridge they were forced to choose as a tent site. The wind, howling around their small tent, showed no signs of abating; they were stuck on top of an isolated mountain, two days walk from the nearest road. Yet, they were not worried: they had enough food and water to last four days; their gear was the best money could buy; and they knew where they were. Their preparation had saved them from a potential disastrous trip: without proper preparation, a trip into the wilderness can quickly turn from a pleasant trip into a living nightmare.

This is a good way to catch a reader’s attention; it makes your report very personal and catches the reader’s attention.

introduction devices

give details/statistic

On average, between June and November, over 27 typhoons form in the tropical seas east of the Philippines. These typhoons are responsible for much death and destruction throughout eastern and northern Asia; yet, they are also welcomed for the essential rains they bring. What causes a typhoon to form and why are they so destructive?

Immediately giving the reader a specific detail makes the reader think about the topic.

Giving a figure or fact or describing something in detail immediately attracts the reader’s attention.

introduction devices

use a definition

A term that is frequently used in the Japanese media recently is ‘freeter’. This expression refers to the large number of young people who have decided to turn their backs on the traditional job market, lauded for its job security and employee loyalty, and instead have embraced the world of part-time work and all of its economic and social insecurity.

When the topic of your writing is an unusual or new term, giving a definition from the start immediately gives the reader the necessary knowledge to understand your introduction.

Also, it can attract the reader’s attention.

introduction devices

use a quotation

"It's just a job. Grass grows, birds fly, waves pound the sand. I beat people up." This quote, given by Muhammad Ali, a former world champion heavyweight boxer, succinctly illustrates the conflicting opinions on boxing; Is it a sport, or is it a legalized form of violence. To many opponents of boxing it is the latter.

If you have a quote that gives an insight into your topic, or shows an opinion concerning your topic, this can help to make your opening more appealing and stimulating for the reader

introduction devices

use a question

What is AIDS? Where did it come from? How is it caught? What can be done to prevent it? These are some of the questions asked by junior high school students in Japan after listening to the harrowing story of an HIV positive senior high school student; a former user of a cellular phone dating service in Osaka. Her story has prompted many schools to provide information, in clear and simple terms, to their students after they displayed nearly total ignorance of the disease and its dangers.

This is the probably the easiest method of opening, but is one that can be overused.

It is effective because what you are going to write about is immediately shown to the reader.

in-class task

Closing the gap in the world grain harvest this year, following four consecutive grain harvest shortfalls, each larger than the one before, will not be easy. The grain shortfall of 105 million tons in 2003 is easily the largest on record, amounting to 5 percent of annual world consumption of 1,930 million tons.

A.

statistic/detail

in-class task

One of Betty Rowland’s greatest joys is to sit next to her kitchen window, look out on to her small lawn and once lovingly cared for flowerbeds and see her grandchildren play. As she sits and tries to enjoy her tea between bouts of coughing and wheezing, she thinks of what it was like to be out there, enjoying the fresh air and sun. Wishful thinking on her part: Betty suffers from one of Australia’s most common lung diseases, chronic emphysema – a life-threatening condition caused by years of smoking. Her chances of being able to play with her grandchildren outside are rapidly fading, a result of her decision to smoke and look cool thirty odd years ago.

B.

story

in-class task

‘Think globally, act locally.’ This has been the catch cry of the environmental movement for the last two decades. Yet, in Japan, only over the last five years or so, has this way of thinking become firmly established. Communities from different backgrounds are now making contact with each other to help spread the message of ‘looking after’ nature, not exploiting it. Examining this philosophy, we can all find things that we can do to improve, not only our local community, but the world community.

C.

quote

in-class task

Australia has long been known as a country of beach-lovers. On any given day during summer, the beaches, near any of the major urban centers, are covered in people enjoying the beach and the ocean. Yet, because of this entrenched cultural and historical link to the beach, Australia is also known as the ‘skin cancer capital of the world.’

D.

detail/quote

in-class task

Oscar Wilde once wrote that newspaper reporters could not tell the difference between a bicycle crash and the end-of-the-world. The criticism of reporters and the stories they write has been increasing, not only in America, but also here in Japan. The public is demanding more information on policies and government programs and less on the lives of the rich and famous. Two recent incidents have pushed the role of reporters and society to foreground: the post office reform bill; and the Japan Highway Association scandal.

E.

quote/thesis

in-class task

A category 5 hurricane is recognized by scientists, and anyone who has experienced one, as being one of the most powerful natural forces on earth: The wind speed can reach 65 metres per second, or close to 240 kph; Over 300 ml of rain may fall within an hour. This devastating force, combined with the geographic layout of New Orleans, surrounded by three bodies of water, caused the greatest natural disaster the United States has ever seen. Yet, the geographical factors were not the only reason for the incredible loss of human life and grief the people of New Orleans experienced; there were many other man-made factors responsible.

F.

detail/statistic/thesis

in-class task 2

Should students in elementary school have homework or not? Explain your opinion and support it with specific

examples.

What type of essay is this?

What should you write about?

argument

reasons for or not for homework

in-class task 2

In elementary I had homework every day. I did not like to do homework when I started school but after grade 3 I began to like it more. Homework was good for me because it made me review my school work at home. But, not every one likes homework. Some people think students in elementary school should have no homework.

too much personal detail opinion of writer

unclearoutline of essay unclear

A

in-class task 2

On average, Japanese elementary school students do 2 hours of homework each night. Compared with Australian and American students, Japanese students are doing 90 minutes more homework. Therefore, it would be reasonable to suggest that Japanese students should out-perform both American and Australian students on key tests; yet, this is not the case. More homework doesn’t result in better students.

interesting statistics

author’s opinion is clearoutline of essay clear - could be better

B

in-class task 2

It is difficult to say whether homework is good or not. Of course, those who favor homework point out that schools do not teach enough these days. If students study at home, then they will get better grades. In primary school I did at least one hour of homework at night. Each side has good arguments.

no interesting pointsauthor’s opinion is not clear

wrong essay type - discussion

C

in-class task 2

In Japan, most elementary school students have homework each night. Homework usually consists of Japanese ‘kanji’, mathematics and reading. Grade 1 students usually do about 30 minutes of homework a night, while Grade 6 students do, on average, 90 minutes of homework. Homework is necessary for students to get good grades.

has too much detailauthor’s opinion could be clearer

no outline of essay plan

D

homework

1. Rewrite your introduction.2. Read the essay on page 34.