Introduction

*As you get started on the first draft of your essay, here are some points to remember:
-have a clear plan for your essay before you start writing. Your essay will probably change as you write and research more, but having a paragraph-by-paragraph plan will help you get started, will make the essay seem manageable and will guide you as your thoughts develop. Think about how you will organise your essay. Ann Hogue offers a range of Patterns of Organisation in essay writing that you will be familiar with from first semester. You are free to develop your essay around one single Pattern of Organisation or a combination. Before you start, think about what will be the best way to discuss your topic and develop your argument (narrative, logical division of ideas, comparison, cause-effect). See Ann Hogue pages 298-309.
-use complete paragraphs throughout the essay. Remember, each paragraph develops one idea (perhaps a subtopic) and uses examples, quotes, statistics to support and substantiate your argument. Keep the reader interested by using a variety of patterns of organisation (description, sequence, cause-effect, comparison). Go over your notes from last semester if you've forgotten what a paragraph is. NOTE: Last semester, your paragraphs were limited to around seven sentences. This semester you are free to write longer paragraphs where necessary. Remember one topic per paragraph, and each paragraph must have a TOPIC SENTENCE.
-try to use quotes and paraphrasing throughout your essay. Refer to your research material to support your argument.
-keep returning to your thesis statement and be sure that each paragraph supports and develops the thesis of your essay.

*Introductory Paragraph
In class this week, you will think about, plan and draft your introductory paragraph for your essay.

Your introductory paragraph has three main functions:
-gets the reader's attention and interest
-introduces the topic
-introduces your thesis statement

There are various ways to write an introductory paragraph. Ann Hogue (p291-293) explains the 'Funnel' introduction, where you begin with a general statement of the topic and then gradually become more and more focussed until the last two sentences which contain your thesis statement. Hogue suggests four ways to approach an introductory paragraph (see Hogue for example paragraphs):

-Describe a dramatic event
-Present surprising statistics, facts, or examples
-Give historical background
-Tell an entertaining story

These are good ways to start an essay, but you may want to attempt a more sophisticated and academic approach to the introduction. If so, In the introductory paragraph to an academic article it is a good idea to:
-refer to two or three of the main arguments around your topic, citing their sources and quoting from research material where appropriate. This shows you have a knowledge of the field and that your essay contributes to a larger discussion.
-define your key terms where appropriate. If you're talking about 'human environment' or 'discrimination' or 'national profit' or some other broad term, offer a brief definition so your basic topic is very clear to the reader from the start.
-clearly state your argument in the context of the current academic/political debate.

Hints
-Try to find an interesting quote to engage your reader's interest and lend your writing authority.
-If you're working on a topical social issue or events and have access to interviews of people with first-hand experience in the issue or event, you might want to start with a quote or story from one of those people.

Remember, you have to catch the reader's interest from the first sentence. Make them want to read on.