As we mentioned in the previous Step, the introduction is a special-purpose paragraph which orients your reader to the topic and tells him what you are trying to prove. It should attract the reader's attention and lead him into the essay. It often defines important terms, gives necessary background information, and previews the main points of the essay. And, of course, it always contains that thesis sentence - the statement of what it is the essay will attempt to prove. In this lesson we will look at two useful forms of the introduction.
FUNNEL INTRODUCTION This is one of the simplest introductions, so named because it begins with a very broad general idea and continues with more and more specific ideas until it arrives at the thesis sentence -the most specific idea in the introductory paragraph. On this page is an example of the funnel introduction, with an explanation of how it moves from the most general, through progressively more specific ideas, to a statement of the thesis. Remember that the introduction is a special kind of paragraph and does not follow the usual structure of general statement supported by specifics.
The life of a teenager in modem America is not always pleasant. He is faced with a multitude of conflicts and problems, many of which seem almost impossible to overcome. Most of these problems center around school, not at all surprising considering that the teenager devotes an average of eight hours a day to school and school-related activities. The primary problem created by school is the intense pressure for good grades.
| Notice how this introductory paragraph starts with a very general idea. | "The life of a teenager in modem America is not always pleasant" |
| Then it moves to a more specific aspect of that idea. | his "conflicts and problems" |
| The next idea is till more specific. | "most of these problems center around school |
| The final statement is the thesis and is the most specific in the paragraph. | "The primary problem created by school is the intense pressure for good grades") |
EXERCISE A. Try writing a funnel introduction to the essay you wrote for Step 39. Start with the most general idea you can think of that is related to your thesis. Get progressively more specific (at least two more steps) until you arrive at the thesis.
CONTRAST INTRODUCTION This is another type of introduction that is easy to write and is especially appropriate when your thesis contradicts or modifies a commonly held belief or assumption. For example, if your thesis sentence is, "It is more difficult to learn to ski than most people realize," you could write an introduction such as this:
Most people assume that learning to ski is not extremely difficult. They imagine the process consists of little more than strapping on two long boards and pushing off at the top of a hill Learning to ski is more difficult than these people realize, and it requires long hours of practice, extremely good physical condition, and a lot of determination.
Notice that the contrast introduction starts off with a discussion of some commonly held belief or assumption. This assumption is explained in detail and then the thesis, the opposite of this assumption, is presented at the end of the introduction.
Here is another example of the contrast introduction:
To a great many adults, a teenager is typically a shiftless, lazy, irresponsible kid, who cares about nothing but his own selfish interest and who never gets his hair cut or takes a bath. These adults see the average young person as a spoiled brat who resents authority and stays out late at night drag racing. However, these adults are badly mistaken. The typical teenager is not only intelligent and enthusiastic, but he also has a keen sense of responsibility and eagerness to help others. (Thesis Statement is underlined.)
EXERCISE B. Using the thesis sentence that you wrote for Step 39, write a contrast introduction similar to the examples given above. First ask yourself what commonly held belief or idea your thesis contradicts. Start your introduction with a presentation of this assumption, explain it in some detail (a couple of sentences), and then, after a signal of contradiction (however, on the other hand, but), present your thesis. Write your introduction.
INTRODUCTION AS PREVIEW
A good-introduction often contains a preview of the main points that are going to be used to support the thesis. The writer gives the reader a sort of "map of the landscape" or hint of the organization of the essay to make it easier for him to follow. The preview can come either before or after the thesis sentence and should be worked into the introduction very gradually. Avoid such obvious and awkward statements as “I shall prove this thesis by showing that . . .” Here is an introduction based on the funnel example above, but with a preview of the supporting points added.
The life of a teenager in modem America is not always pleasant. He/She is faced with a multitude of conflicts and problems, many of which seem almost impossible to overcome. Most of these problems center around school, not all surprising, considering that the teenager devotes an average of eight hours a day to school and school-related activities. The primary problem created by school is the intense pressure for good grades. In some cases the teenager is expected by his/her parents to do well in order to get into college. In others, teachers are the ones who create the pressure, by setting standards that are too high for the average student. Sometimes the pressure comes from the teenager.
You will remember that the thesis statement is "the primary problem created by school is the intense pressure for good grades." Notice that following the thesis are 3 causes of the problem. These are the 3 main points, or factors, of the thesis that will be used to prove or explain it. Introducing them in the opening paragraph gives the reader a hint of how the paper will be organized. Given this preview, you would expect that the writer of the essay will devote one supporting paragraph to parents, another to teachers, and a third to the teen.
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