Introduction

The introduction clearly reflects the goal or purpose of the assignment as well as the position the author is taking about the topic that is being developed.

.

Part 1: The attention grabber or hook.

The purpose of the hook or a lead is to "capture" the reader's attention, to entice the reader to want to read further.

The following are methods of grabbing or hooking the reader:

Relate the topic to recent news.

Justify your qualifications to write the essay.

Use an anecdote or incident to introduce the topic.

Use a striking contrast between common ideas and your topic.

Ask a question (but do not address the reader as "you.")

Use a surprising fact or statistic.

Use an interesting quotation.

Use dialogue.

Make a "compelling statement" to "challenge readers" (Johnson-Sheehan and Paine 408)

The following are methods of getting the reader's attention through the use of a lead:

A scene setter

An anecdote

Case histories

Personal sketch

See

Writing Today, "Using a Lead to Draw in the Readers" (Johnson-Sheehan and Paine 409-410)

Part 2: Relevant background and transition

This part of the introduction serves to explain to the reader the reason for addressing the topic.

Additionally, this background provides a transition from the attention grabber to the focus of the paper.

Part 3: The thesis, a clear statement of the main focus of the paper.

This statement, in one or more sentences, organizes the points that follow.

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic, stating the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.

• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.

Click on the Thesis link for more about the thesis and source of definition.