Techniques for Writing Essay Introduction

You can use many techniques for writing introductions. The ones described here are hooks to engage readers.

1. Posing an interesting or controversial question or questions. This technique works well as a hook to draw the reader into the essay. After writers pose the questions, they give general ideas and background information and, finally, the thesis statement. (p.15)

2. Employing(используя) the funnel (воронка ) method. This is probably the most common technique to attract the reader. An introduction that uses the funnel method begins with general ideas about the topic. These ideas gradually(постепенно) become more and more focused(целенаправленными)until they reach their(достичь своих) most specific and focused point in(сосредоточина в точке) the thesis statement. The funnel method is very common in academic writing. It is not always the most attention-getting method, but it is very effective in introducing readers to complex topics.

3. Using a relevant quotation. Writers who use this technique are careful to choose quotations written by authorities or by someone who says something especially relevant to their topic. They can then follow this quotation with related background information, which leads into the thesis statement. (p. 16)

4. Making a startling ( сенсационный) or dramatic observation or describing a scene in a dramatic, humorous, or otherwise interesting way. (p. 16) Further background(справочная) information then follows the “dramatic” hook of the opening, which leads to (приводит к)the thesis statement.

5. Turning an argument “on its head” (p. 17) This fairly sophisticated attention-getting introduction begins with the sentence or two presenting a point of view that is really the opposite of what the writer wants to say. At the end of this introduction, the writer overturns(писатель переаорачивает) this idea completely and presents the thesis statement, which is the opposite of what he or she started with. This type of introduction is especially useful when the purpose of the essay is to give an opinion or make an argument.

Read the essay introduction and answer the questions

“You are what you eat”. This saying is true, to a great degree, for all of us. Most of the food we take in acts as fuel and is gradually digested and converted to the muscle and other types of tissue in our bodies. However, recent research has confirmed that some foods do more than merely contribute to our physical health; some foods are important to our emotional health as well. These foods are referred to by doctors and psychologists as “mood foods” or “comfort foods”, and their importance to our overall health cannot be overestimated. The process by which mood foods act on our bodies to relieve stress and to remote an overall feeling of well being is a three-step process.

- Which “hook” technique is used in this introduction?

- What is the thesis statement? Write it out.

- Is this a direct or indirect thesis statement?

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14