Writing the Comparison/Contrast Essay Introductions
Roles of the Introduction Catch the reader’s attention Introduce reader to topic Includes thesis statement (last sentence of intro)
Structure of an introduction Start out general and get more specific with each sentence Funnel: Pick subject by picking key word/words from thesis Thesis is your restriction- Warning: You cannot argue the thesis in the intro!
Thesis Statement Express an opinion about the significance of the similarities or differences you’ve decided to discuss One sentence- make opinion clear Ex: While Anna Nicole Smith’s greed degrades society’s image of women, Angelina Jolie’s ambition produces an image that serves as a model to all.
Types of Introductions Incident or Example Anecdote Quotation (remember to cite source) Startling statement Analogy Definition--- BORING Description
Introduction Example Women have fought for years to earn the same rights as men, but now seem to be purposefully degrading their status in society. Role models for women often come from the popular media, but today’s celebrities are often caught in the battle of greed and ambition. Some celebrities seem more interesting in furthering themselves financially no matter what the moral or ethical cost their action has on others. On the other hand, other celebrities try very hard to show a positive role model for women, by helping others. Angelina Jolie and Anna Nicole Smith are prime examples of both sides of this spectrum. Whereas Jolie is an ambitious actress dedicated to the empowerment of women, Smith is a greedy celebrity focused on furthering her finances no matter the cost, and therefore damaging the image of women in society.
Misc. Tips NEVER say “In this essay…” or “This essay will be about…” Write thesis first- work backward Write one body paragraph first- then go back to introduction Think of how you will make the conclusion relate back to the introduction- stories, quotes, etc. must also relate to conclusion if used.