1. Improving Introductions
Mr. Gunn’s Class
Spring 2011

2. What are the purposes of
introductions?
Why are introductions
important?

3. Purposes for Introductions
The introduction
grabs the reader’s attention.
clearly implies an organizational structure of the paper.
includes support that is specific and relevant and provides a clear, connected lead-in to a paper’s main idea or thesis.
includes a thesis that is stated or implied.

4. Question?
What are some typical ways student might start an essay badly (ineffectively)? (Think words/phrases used)

5. Ineffective Introductions
I hope you enjoy…
Hi, my name is…
You are going to learn about…
This essay/letter is about…
I am going to tell you about…
There are three reasons…

6. What are some effective ways
to introduce
a piece of writing?

7. Introduction Strategies
A writer may begin with
an anecdote or scenario
a quotation or dialogue
a brief history or overview
5 W’s of situation or issue
an interesting fact
a description
a question
taking a stand or making an announcement
a contrasting situation
a combination from this list.

8. Your Task
Consider an element of literature that was used effectively in The Hot Zone to make the story more interesting or understandable. It could be figurative language, imagery, characterization or any other element of your choice.
Write just the introduction to an essay that explains how an element you chose made the story more interesting or understandable.
Remember to include the four purposes of an introduction in your writing. Due Thurs. Apr. 28