Intro

Who am I? Essay

WRITING THE INTRODUCTION

PURPOSE: The purpose of the introduction to any essay is to get the reader’s attention creatively and to introduce the main idea of the essay.

There are three sections to an introduction; they need to be linked closely so that each section flows into the next section with a common thread:

A. The OPENER:  It would, of course, be good to begin with an effective attention getter.  The attention getter should be original, specific, accurate, relevant, and useful.

Here are some options:

a definition

short personal experience

an anecdote (story)

a fact/observation/statement

a quotation (from another literary work/notable person)

an allusion

a thought-provoking question

Example Topic: Homelessness (in Angels with Dirty Faces)

A Quotation

Cliff Smith, coordinator of the Homeless Shelter Program once said, “Realistically, you aren't going to be able to completely end homelessness. But we certainly can do a much better job than we're doing right now.”  This perspective on homelessness…

A Statement

I’m aggravated when people describe a homeless person as detestable.  They may without a home, but they are still a human being worthy of respect. 

Now You Try:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Finally, transfer the Opener above to the first page of your rough draft packet.

B. The IDENTIFICATION: This part of the introduction links the OPENER to the THESIS (see below) by narrowing the scope of the essay/topic and providing pertinent information to aid in understanding the upcoming THESIS.

Here are some things you must include:

title (in quotes!!)

author

Here are some things you should include:

the issue/topic under discussion

background information for the song/topic

Example Topic: homelessness

In his song “Angels With Dirty Faces,” Homeboy Sandman uses various images and scenarios, that resonate with my view of homeless people. In doing this, Sandman is able to create a critique that breeds thought provoking ideas and compassion.

C. The OPENER and IDENTIFICATION should connect to your THESIS - the main idea that will be supported by every sentence you write from now on.  The thesis should be one, complete sentence that takes a stand or makes a judgment/interpretation about the song you are discussing.  

Sample Thesis: Though I want to wait for an extraordinary person to stop injustice, Homeboy Sandman identifies situations where I can choose to help others or ignore their situations.

I’m aggravated when people describe a homeless person as detestable.  They may without a home, but they are still a human being worthy of respect.  In his song “Angels With Dirty Faces,” Homeboy Sandman uses various images and scenarios, that resonate with my view of homeless people. In doing this, Sandman is able to create a critique that breeds thought provoking ideas which provoke my desire to help the homeless. Though often I want to wait for an extraordinary person to stop injustice, Homeboy Sandman identifies situations where I can choose to help others or ignore their situations.