Writing an ENGAGING Introduction

Bootcamp Day 1

Objective:

You already know how to write an introduction. Today, we will focus on how to ENHANCE your intros to make them stronger 💪

Parts of an Intro: (Review)

• Hook: Grab's the reader's attention

• Background info/Bridge: gets your reader ready to hear the thesis statement

• Thesis statement (or claim): This statement tells your reader EXACTLY what to expect and what your essay is all about.

• Ideas to develop: these are basically your reasons or main points you want the author to consider

• Wrap-up: This signals that the REAL information is about to come.

Hook's

What makes the actually GRAB the reader's attention?

• Hooks that are questions can sometimes be boring or sound too much like the thesis which isn't very fun. Good questions make the reader think deeply!

• Hooks that are quotations can be tricky if you use quotes from the sources. However, cool quotes from famous people (even if you just say "someone famous once said") are always eye-catching!

• Hooks that are anecdotes can be too long sometimes. However, a meaningful, short story that matches the topic will get the reader wanting more1

• Hooks that are definitions of the topic can be a good way to hook the reader on a complex topic.

• Hooks that are statistics can be a good way to shock your reader!

Thesis statements

How can I make sure my thesis is clear and concise?

A clear thesis statement:

• can be found EASILY in your intro

• is one sentence that tells your reader EXACTLY what you will discuss

• is straight to the point and does not give examples.

Ideas to develop

How should I discuss my main points/reasons in my intro?

Make your reasons BROAD

When your reasons are TOO SPECIFIC, you won't be able to give very many examples.

You can write about 2 or 3 reasons, it's up to you. BUT make sure ALL of your reasons can have LOTS of examples.

Sometimes using more advanced vocabulary can help you create better reasons.

Broad versus specific examples

Too broad: Alligators and crocodiles have lots of differences.

Too specific: Alligators and crocodiles are different because Alligators have a round snout and Crocodiles have a sharp snout, plus Crocodiles are more friendly to humans than crocodiles.

Just right: Alligators and crocodiles differ in their physical appearance and attitudes around humans.

Remember!! Introductions start off GENERAL (with a hook) and should get more and more specific (Thesis and reasons)