Monday, November 9, 2009

Advice on Introductions


    So now that you have the topic that you are writing about, it is time to formulate your introduction paragraph.  The Intro is going to set the tone of your essay.  In one way it is a type of road map, a guide for your reader.  So, for example lets say the essay I need to write about is the following:

Explain why Vanilla is the best flavor ice cream.

My Introduction might look like this:

     Each year millions of Americans head to their freezer to indulge on one of the most popular desserts in the country, ice cream. There are many flavors of ice cream in the market today, a person can choose from Raspberry/Walnut or a scoop of Snickers Fudge.   However, each year the most popular flavor of ice cream that is bought and sold, is vanilla. Vanilla ice cream outsells any other flavor that is offered.  Vanilla is also used as the base for many other flavors such as Snickers Fudge and Oreo.  Vanilla ice cream is, the best flavor of ice cream.

    Ok, now facts and opinion aside on the topic, the Introduction is pretty good and here is why:

1. The last sentence is the thesis sentence. So when it is time to write the first body paragraph there will be a natural flow to the essay.

2. It is short and to the point, no "fluff" or filler in this intro.

3. I had a strong opening sentence, or a hook to it.

4. I presented my reasons, "most popular" and "base for other flavors" that support my thesis in the Intro. 

Now I would be ready to write my body paragraphs.  

Tonight for homework you are to type up your introduction for the Lowell Essay.  

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