About.com’s article on introductory paragraphs said that the first sentence in any writing is like making a first impression in person. This sentence should pique the reader’s interest and should make them want to read more. The introductory paragraph consists of sentences that build up and lead to the thesis statement; which is not very interesting because it is informative and direct. The article says that using anecdotes, quotes, or facts from the actual research the author accumulated on the topic is a great way to engage the reader. The article then gives some example on how to use facts, humor, and quotations to open up an introductory paragraph. Next, it gives a few more examples to help writer’s open up their intro paragraph. The examples include: curiosity, definitions, and anecdotes. Lastly, it says to “End with a Good Beginning,” which means to come back after the first draft is written and change anything that needs to be changed and give the intro paragraph a boost.
The second site I read was a website dedicated to writing and grammar and they had a pretty cool setup. The first thing they went over was things not to do in an introductiory paragraph. The writer should never apologize in their writing or act like they don’t know what they are talking about. Writers should also avoid directly stating thier intentions for the paper or essay. Writers should also avoid using dictionary definitions and dilly-dallying. They should phrase the definition in their own words and they should get to the point in a timely fashion. The article also gives two things that a intro paragraph should accomplish: it should get the reader’s interest so that they want to read more; and it should also inform the reader what the essay will be about. Next, the article gives 5 basic patterns that professional writers follow to grab a reader’s attention: historical review, anecdotal, suprising statement, famous person, and declarative. The article then goes on to explain each topic and gives examples for each one. Finally, the article says the writer’s should experiment with each pattern and figure out which one is better for thier essay.
I think the descriptions of the different patterns that professional writer’s use is a great tool to consult for me because I can try using different patterns for my own writing. I also think that the what not to do section from the same article is a great tool as well because I have noticed that I have done some of those things before. I also noticed that both articles generally say the same thing and they both give great things to help writers out. I have one main idea for my introduction: I’m going to use a statistic or a fact from the research I have found to attract the reader’s attention. But I was also thinking of using a suprising statement that the reader might not know about my topic so maybe they would want to read and learn more. Personally, I think the introduction is the hardest part of any writing but with both of these sites it should be easier.
Fleming, G. (n.d.). The Introductory paragraph. Retrieved from http://homeworktips.about.com/od/paperassignments/a/introsentence.htm
Livermore, H. (n.d.). A Proper introduction. Retrieved from http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/intros.htm
marlen Said:
on 02/22/2010 at 7:43 AM
I’m still not seeing proper formatting in your writing! Where are the references/works cited for this blog entry?