How to write an Introductory Paragraph

For Analytical Essays

Basic Instructions Like the basic paragraph, the

introductory paragraph opens with a very general statement about the topic, and is often followed by some supporting examples, but the paragraph then finishes with a narrow statement about the topic. This narrow statement is called the main thesis.

Example Intro paragraph Utopia and dystopia are the two extremes of

society. A dystopia is all too easily accomplished from the great intentions of a perfect utopian society. No matter how good the idea is for equality, it is all too simple for this idealistic world to be turned into a dystopia when the population is protected from seeing the power that the authority holds and they rule the public with fear. The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, presents a wonderful example of a utopian society in which a great idea works for a period of time, but eventually turns into a dystopia ruled by fear.

Start with Background Information Your introduction should give your reader

background information about your topic.

Ex. Utopia and dystopia are the two extremes of society. A dystopia is all too easily accomplished from the great intentions of a perfect utopian society. When a utopian society is strived for it is normally based off of equality for all, protection, and freedom from hunger.

More detailed information or additional information

No matter how good the idea is for equality, it is all too simple for this idealistic world to be turned into a dystopia when the population is protected from seeing the power that the authority holds and they rule the public with fear.

Thesis Statement Think of this as your topic sentence for

the essay. You must make the sentence:1. subjective – it must be an

opinion.2. it must mention the title(s)3. it must mention the subject/main

idea

Thesis Statement - example

The novel Animal Farm, by George Orwell, presents a wonderful example of a utopian society in which a great idea works for a period of time, but eventually turns into a dystopia ruled by fear.

Title and author

Purpose/main idea

Utopia and dystopia are the two extremes of society.

Let’s look again at how the paragraph starts general and becomes more specific

Utopia and dystopia are the two extremes of society.

A dystopia is all too easily accomplished from the great intentions of a perfect utopian society.

No matter how good the idea is for equality, it is all too simple for this idealistic world to be turned into a dystopia when the population is protected from seeing the power that the authority holds and they rule the public with fear. The novel Animal Farm, by George

Orwell, presents a wonderful example of how although a utopian society in which a great idea works for a period of time, but eventually turns into a dystopia ruled by fear.

General

More specific

More explanation

Very specific thesis

Avoid Avoid dramatic introductions (beginning

an essay with a question or exclamation is generally best to avoid).

Do not use the first (I) or second (you) person in your essay.

Try to make your introduction engaging but not too overzealous.

Finally, the conclusion, in summaryJust as every essay has a clear beginning, it should have a clear ending. The last paragraph, also know as the conclusion, should make your essay sound finished.

The concluding paragraph typically has two parts:

1. The summary statement is one or two sentences which restate the thesis in a fresh way to reinforce the essay's main idea.

2. The clincher is a final thought which should create a lasting impression on the reader.

Summary Statement

The summary statement is an effective way to start your concluding paragraph because it helps to drive home the ideas you've expressed in your essay.

Look at your thesis statement again and rework it in a new way. Avoid repeating key words and phrases from the thesis statement because you don't want the summary statement to sound boring or repetitive. Using a thesaurus is a good way to find new, interesting words.

Summary Statement examples Here are some examples of thesis statements and summary

statements:

Thesis Statement: Many Americans are buying the Toyota Corolla because of its competitive price, fuel economy, and high resale value.

Summary Statement: Reasonable pricing, low miles per gallon, and an attractive resale value have all contributed to the popularity of the Toyota Corolla in today's market.

Thesis Statement: San Francisco is a stimulating place to visit because of its magnificent location, its theaters and art galleries, and its many fine restaurants.

Summary Statement: If you love beautiful surroundings, world class theater and art, and an exquisite meal, then San Francisco is the place for you.

The Clincher The clincher, also referred to as the

closer, is your last opportunity to connect with the reader.

One way to make the most of this moment is to return to the technique you used for your grabber.

The Clincher Use a rhetorical device; ask a

question.

Ex. Has Rainsford become as evil as General Zaroff or is he simply so tired that he sleeps soundly?

Ex. Will the bagboy and the girl ever get together?

The Clincher Use a new quotation to sum up your

point.

Ex. Forbidding teenagers from doing something has never been a good idea. “For never was there a tale of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

The Clincher

Answer the question, “so what?” So both poems use rain as a symbol. So what? Why is it important?

The Clincher

universalize (compare to other situations).

Ex. Much like Harry Potter getting dropped on his aunt and uncle’s doorstep, the idea of storking has its positives and negatives.

suggest results or consequences.

Ex. If it’s true that “into everyone’s life, a little rain must fall,” then all of the previous uses of rain reflect life.

Avoid

As you write your conclusion, try to avoid the "so-as-you-can-see" ending and the "in conclusion my thesis statement proves that" or "states that" ending. All of these are overused and worn out. You've already made your thesis and reasoning clear. You don't need to tell us that you've just told us something.

Avoid

•Any conclusion should never repeat the assertions presented in the essay word-for-word.

•If the writer wants to make the conclusion really successful it must be short but very clear.

•This is the last part of the essay and it makes the final impression on the reader.

•A good conclusion is always creative and logically sound.