An Overview All about introductions Grabber A compelling opening sentence that entices the reader to continue reading In a paper exploring the theme of power in Julius Caesar which of the following sentences would entice you to read on ID: 271031
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Slide1
The dreaded 5-paragraph essay
An OverviewSlide2
All about introductions!
Grabber: A compelling opening sentence that entices the reader to continue reading
In a paper exploring the theme of power in
Julius Caesar
, which of the following sentences would entice you to read on?
Lord Acton might have just attended a performance of
Julius Caesar
when he noted that “power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”
In
Julius Caesar
, power is a corrupting influence.
In this essay, I will examine the corrupting influence of power in
Julius Caesar.
In
Julius Caesar
, power is an intoxicating but often poisonous brew. Slide3
Options to avoid
Restating the question to your
reader
:
“
If
you could build a perfect community, what would you include?”
This
is technically a rhetorical question, but it’s just restating the question. This is unoriginal as a zinger, too
)
Random noise:
“
Honk
. What’s that noise? Oh, it’s one of my community’s high-tech buses!”
This
worked in 4
th
grade, but you can do better
!Slide4
Options to try
Rhetorical Question:
Human beings are far from perfect, but is it possible, perhaps, for humans to create a perfect environment?
This
includes a
shocking
statement.
Quotation:
Albert Camus wrote, “Utopia is that which is in contradiction with reality.”
However
,
utopia
can
be
a reality.
T
his
also
includes
a
shocking
statement
.
Anecdote (brief story or description relating to topic):
Imagine a world of utter tranquility: meandering paths curve through groves of colorful wildflowers, people lounge in the afternoon shade sipping lemonade and reading in hammocks, and each sunrise ushers in a day more perfect than the last. Slide5
Background information
How do you get from your grabber to your thesis?
It depends on the topic!
Think about how to put the topic in a larger context
Make sure you’ve narrowed down your topic by the end of your introSlide6
The Thesis: Your paper’s
main argument
A lawyer cannot make a case without making a plea; a writer express his opinion without
without
a thesis
1 or 2 sentences @ end of introduction
declarative sentence; avoid questions
basic formula: (
I think that)
___________________ because
reason 1, reason 2, reason 3.
List your reasons in the order in which you will discuss them in the body of your paper.
Remember: must answer the prompt question directlySlide7
You need evidence!
Body paragraphs
M
ain part of your paper
develop your assertion with convincing details and/or reasons
Need two main things
a topic sentence
2 to 3 reasons or examples for your assertion
For example, here is the basic format if I am writing a paragraph about my hometown’s natural features:Slide8
My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful. Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep. The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree. These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.
This paragraph contains a
topic sentence
,
3 supporting sentences
, and a
concluding sentence
. Slide9
Additional details added on top of the basic framework make a paragraph more interesting:
My hometown is famous for several amazing natural features. First, it is noted for the Wheaton River, which is very wide and beautiful.
On either side of this river, which is 175 feet wide, are many willow trees which have long branches that can move gracefully in the wind. In autumn the leaves of these trees fall and cover the riverbanks like golden snow.
Also, on the other side of the town is Wheaton Hill, which is unusual because it is very steep.
Even though it is steep, climbing this hill is not dangerous, because there are some firm rocks along the sides that can be used as stairs. There are no trees around this hill, so it stands clearly against the sky and can be seen from many miles away.
The third amazing feature is the Big Old Tree.
This tree stands two hundred feet tall and is probably about six hundred years old.
These three landmarks are truly amazing and make my hometown a famous place.Slide10
Transitions: we love them!
Don’t forget about these helpful little guys:
Furthermore, moreover, additionally, also, again
Accordingly, as a result, consequently, hence, otherwise, therefore, thus
In essence, in other words, in short, to put it differently
For example, for instance
Likewise, similar
First of all, to begin with, in the first place, at the same time, for now, for the time being, in time, in turn, later on, meanwhile, nextSlide11
“All’s well that ends well”
An effective conclusion will do three things:
1. Restate the thesis in a new way
2. Sum up the main points of your argument
3. Go out with a bang!
How do you go out with a bang???
SAVE SOMETHING for the end!
an insight
an image
a quotation
a powerful statement