Writing Essay_Introduction

II. Connecting Information

After the hook, the writer usually writes connecting information, which is three to five sentences that help connect the reader to the topic. These sentences can be background information about the topic of they can be examples. e.g.: Her daily routine was not glamorous. She did everything from sweeping the floors to cooking the meals. If someone had asked Cinderella which chores she did not particularly like, she probably would have answered, "Why, none, of course. Housework is my duty!" From these sentences, the reader has a good idea of what the topic might be —— unpleasant household chores.

The hook _ Begin with a famous quote

Begin with a famous quote. Study this example: "I have a dream." Many readers may think that this hook will lead into a discussion of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s life or his struggles. In fact, this hook begins an essay on the topic of sleep patterns.

Hook vs Main Idea (2)

However, in academic writing, beginning with a sentence that plainly states the main idea is NOT preperred because it gives away the main idea of the essay too soon. As a result, your readers may not be interested in reading the rest of the essay. Stating the main idea will not grab your reader's attention, so be sure to begin your essay with an interesting hook.

Hook vs Main Idea (1)

In English writing, the main idea, or thesis, of an essay is usually in the introduction, but it is generally not the first sentece. (The hook is usually the first sentence or the first few sentences.)

The Thesis Statement (II) Indirect Thesis Statement

Other writers are not so direct.

The Thesis Statement (1) Direct Thesis Statement

Some writers want to give a specific outline of their essays in their essays in their thesis statements.

The Introduction

The introduction is the first part of an essay, usually the first paragraph. The introduction does not have to be written first, however. Some writers design and write this part of the essay last or at another point in their writing process. The introductory paragraph usually consists of three parts: the hook, connecting information, the thesis statement.

I. The hook

The opening sentence of any essay is called the hook. A hook in writing is used to engage the readers in the subject and keep their attention throughout the essay. OR The hook is the opening statement or statements of an essay. Just as people use a hook at the end of a fishing pole to catch a fish, writer s use a hook to catch the readers' attention. If a hook does its job well, readers will stay with the essay and want to read the rest of it. The hook is the one part of any essay where you can be as creative as you want.

III. The Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is usually the last part of the introduction. It is usually one sentence. Basically, there are two kinds of thesis statements —— direct and indirect. (They may also be called stated and implied thesis statements.)

The hook _ ask a question

There are many different ways to write a hook. Ask a question. If readers want to know the answer to the question, they are "hooked" and will read the essay. For example, a writer might begin an essay about the need for more regulations on technology usage with this question: How many people begin their mornings — every day— by checking their cell phones? Most readers will not know the answer to this question, but they will probably be interested and want to find out more about the topic.

The hook _ use a surprising or shocking statistic

Use a surprising or shocking statistic. Here are two examples: The divorce rate in the United States is well over 50 percent. If world temperatures continue to rise, Singapore and New York may be under water by the year 2050.

The hook _ use a unique scenario to catch readers' attention

Use a unique scenario to catch readers' attention. Here is an example: Traveling at more than one hundred miles an hour, he feels as though he is not moving. He is engulfed in complete silence. For a moment, it is as if he has entered another dimension. Are you hooked? Do you want to read the rest of the essay? This essay is about the exciting sport of skydiving.

The hook _ use an interesting observation

Use an interesting observation. Here is an example: European economists are not sleeping well these days. This observation makes readers want to know why economists are not sleeping well. This hood leads to the main idea of the essay, which will highlight the three main causes of recession in Europe.