Reference no: EM133421319

Writing Introductions

A good introduction is the perfect host. First, it draws readers into the essay, promising to share something interesting or meaningful. Second, it tantalizes them with a preview of what they will learn -the thesis of the essay. Third, it sets just the right tone for the experience by introducing the writer's attitude toward the subject and the readers.

You can learn in other process sections how to develop a thesis and set the tone. Here we can work on the more challenging task of hooking the interest of readers. Fortunately, writers have a number of possible strategies to use:

• Tell a story. Stories from history or personal experience engage our interest and our emotions.
• Quote someone else. A poetic statement can provoke readers to think; a thoughtful statement from an expert can signal that others share your view.
• Pose a question. A provocative question readers would like to answer can encourage them to read on.
• Describe a situation. A few vivid descriptions can engage readers' imaginations.
• Offer a surprising fact or statistic. Information that shows the seriousness of the issue can make readers feel a duty to learn more.
• Get to the point. Sometimes an audience would prefer a very concise statement of the subject, your point about it, and what main ideas you will cover.

1. Activity: Hit the Ground Running
Below is an introduction that gets right to the point. It does not, however, grab the interest of readers likely to read articles on exercise. In the space below, write the introduction twice, using two different strategies from the list above.
Exercise is important. Unfortunately, too few Americans get enough daily exercise. If Americans would commit to exercising for twenty minutes, three times a week, they would see individual benefits like weight reduction, reduced stress, and improved productivity. They would also see social benefits like decreased health costs and greater civility.

Writing Conclusions
A good conclusion is an after-dinner mint. If essays were dining experiences, the conclusion would be the dessert that brings a clean finish to the experience. The thesis and main ideas are reasserted, and readers get the sense that they have been entertained or educated in some way. At the same time, like any good candy, the conclusion leaves readers wanting more. The conclusion encourages them to continue thinking or to act on the recommendations you have made. Encouraging readers to continue thinking while trying to bring closure to the essay is challenging. Without adding new information that should be developed in the essay's body, you must continue to stimulate readers, leaving them with a good taste in their mouths. Fortunately, you have a number of possible strategies to use:
• Recall the introduction. Refer back to the opening story, quote, or statistic to show how far readers have come in their understanding.

• Quote someone else. A poetic statement can highlight the subject's profound qualities; a thoughtful statement from an expert can remind readers that others share your view.
• Give readers something to do. Motivate readers to get involved, then give them one small task they can do right away, like writing a letter to their representatives.
• Make it personal. Connect your subject with readers to show why they need to continue studying this subject.
• Ask "what's next?" Tell readers about the questions that remain about your topic and what areas of study need exploration as a result of your work.
• Enlarge the scope. Showing how the subject is mixed up with larger issues will emphasize its importance.
• Get to the point. Sometimes an audience would prefer the thesis and main points restated in a fresh way.

1. Activity: End in a Bang, Not a Whimper
Below is a conclusion that gets right to the point. It does not, however, encourage readers to think about the subject beyond the essay. In the space below, rewrite this conclusion twice, using two different strategies from the list above.

Exercise provides tremendous individual and social benefits. Some of benefits can be realized even if Americans commit themselves to exercising a total of one hour a week.