5 Elements of an Introduction

Hook

Also called an attention getter, this is the first sentence in your essay. Note that in shorter writing assignments, you may be given specialized instructions on what to do with this sentence.

Author

The first and last name of the person who literary work you are analyzing. Note that after this initial introduction, you should only use the author's last name if you refer to him again.

Thesis Statement

This is the LAST sentence in your paragraph and it is ONE MAIN IDEA and an OPINION. It is the critical sentence that defines your entire essay.

Pertinent Background Information

This is the critical background information that the reader needs to put your argument in context.

Title

This is the title of the work you are analyzing in your essay. Remember the rules that determine whether this should be underlined/italicized or put into quotation marks.