The Intro Paragraph

Follow these four easy steps in creating a concise and clear introductory paragraph:

      The Hook: Make sure you begin your introduction with a sentence that is not overly dramatic, but also not too boring (This is a difficult task).

Do not use overly broad or generic hooks:

—  “Throughout human history…”

—  “According to Webster’s dictionary definition of…”

—  “Every individual on this planet is unique…”

     Concepts: Make sure you introduce the concepts you will be talking about. Define any specific terms/ concepts in the essay prompt that may be difficult to understand. Elaborate on them briefly (a sentence or two) if it will help the clarity of your essay.

·         For example: Explain the term “allusion.” Explain why people feared authoritarian forces in the 40s, 50s, and 60s. Explain how female characters are typically portrayed by men before the women’s rights movement. Discuss the use of first person narration.

     Context: Set up the context for the essay. Introduce the author and text you will be discussing. Name drop, title drop, and theme drop. Do not give a summary of the plot!

     Thesis: The end of your introductory paragraph should be your thesis statement which should be the general argument and purpose of your paper.

Basic Example Intro Paragraphs: Label each of the four steps on the margin of each body paragraph.

When John Steinbeck wrote many of his famous works, the Great Depression was dragging on as millions of Americans desperately searched for work. As the workforce became increasingly competitive and individualistic, the feeling of loneliness and isolation from others would naturally have become the norm in American working culture. One novella that captures this strong sense of loneliness is Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men, which depicts different characters’ experiences with loneliness whether they are isolated from society, or surrounded by others. In the novella, Steinbeck displays the different reactions that Crooks and Curley’s Wife have to loneliness to demonstrate that companionship is absolutely necessary for happiness.