connects the hook to the thesis statement
summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Opening with a Story (Anecdote)
A good way of catching your reader’s attention is by sharing a story that sets up your paper. Sharing a story gives a paper a more personal feel and helps make your reader comfortable.
This example was borrowed from Jack Gannon’s The Week the World Heard Gallaudet (1989):
Astrid Goodstein, a Gallaudet faculty member, entered the beauty salon for her regular appointment, proudly wearing her DPN button. (“I was married to that button that week!” she later confided.) When Sandy, her regular hairdresser, saw the button, he spoke and gestured, “Never! Never! Never!” Offended, Astrid turned around and headed for the door but stopped short of leaving. She decided to keep her appointment, confessing later that at that moment, her sense of principles had lost out to her vanity. Later she realized that her hairdresser had thought she was pushing for a deaf U.S. President. Hook: a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic.
Transition: connects the hook to the thesis statement
Thesis: summarizes the overall claim of the paper
» Specific Detail Opening
Giving specific details about your subject appeals to your reader’s curiosity and helps establish a visual picture of what your paper is about.
Hands flying, green eyes flashing, and spittle spraying, Jenny howled at her younger sister Emma. People walked by, gawking at the spectacle as Jenny’s grunts emanated through the mall. Emma sucked at her thumb, trying to appear nonchalant. Jenny’s blond hair stood almost on end. Her hands seemed to fly so fast that her signs could barely be understood. Jenny was angry. Very angry. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with a Quotation
Another method of writing an introduction is to open with a quotation. This method makes your introduction more interactive and more appealing to your reader.
“People paid more attention to the way I talked than what I said!” exclaimed the woman from Brooklyn, New York, in the movie American Tongues. This young woman’s home dialect interferes with people taking her seriously because they see her as a New Yorker’s cartoonish stereotype. The effects on this woman indicate the widespread judgment that occurs about nonstandard dialects. People around America judge those with nonstandard dialects because of _____________ and _____________. This type of judgment can even cause some to be ashamed of or try to change their language identity.* | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Open with an Interesting Statistic
Statistics that grab the reader help to make an effective introduction.
American Sign Language is the second most preferred foreign language in the United States. 50% of all deaf and hard of hearing people use American Sign Language (ASL).* ASL is beginning to be provided by the Foreign Language Departments of many universities and high schools around the nation. The statistics are not accurate. They were invented as an example. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
» Question Openings
Possibly the easiest opening is one that presents one or more questions to be answered in the paper. This is effective because questions are usually what the reader has in mind when he or she sees your topic.
Is ASL a language? Can ASL be written? Do you have to be born deaf to understand ASL completely? To answer these questions, one must first understand exactly what ASL is. In this paper, I attempt to explain this as well as answer my own questions. | a specific example or story that interests the reader and introduces the topic. connects the hook to the thesis statement summarizes the overall claim of the paper |
Source : *Writing an Introduction for a More Formal Essay. (2012). Retrieved April 25, 2012, from http://flightline.highline.edu/wswyt/Writing91/handouts/hook_trans_thesis.htm
The conclusion to any paper is the final impression that can be made. It is the last opportunity to get your point across to the reader and leave the reader feeling as if they learned something. Leaving a paper “dangling” without a proper conclusion can seriously devalue what was said in the body itself. Here are a few effective ways to conclude or close your paper. » Summary Closing Many times conclusions are simple re-statements of the thesis. Many times these conclusions are much like their introductions (see Thesis Statement Opening).
Because of a charter signed by President Abraham Lincoln and because of the work of two men, Amos Kendall and Edward Miner Gallaudet, Gallaudet University is what it is today – the place where people from all over the world can find information about deafness and deaf education. Gallaudet and the deaf community truly owe these three men for without them, we might still be “deaf and dumb.” |
» Close with a Logical Conclusion
This is a good closing for argumentative or opinion papers that present two or more sides of an issue. The conclusion drawn as a result of the research is presented here in the final paragraphs.
As one can see from reading the information presented, mainstreaming deaf students isn’t always as effective as educating them in a segregated classroom. Deaf students learn better on a more one-on-one basis like they can find in a school or program specially designed for them. Mainstreaming lacks such a design; deaf students get lost in the mainstream. |
» Real or Rhetorical Question Closings
This method of concluding a paper is one step short of giving a logical conclusion. Rather than handing the conclusion over, you can leave the reader with a question that causes him or her to draw his own conclusions.
Why, then, are schools for the deaf becoming a dying species? |
» Close with a Speculation or Opinion This is a good style for instances when the writer was unable to come up with an answer or a clear decision about whatever it was he or she was researching. For example:
Through all of my research, all of the people I interviewed, all of the institutions I visited, not one person could give me a clear-cut answer to my question. Can all deaf people be educated in the same manner? I couldn’t find the “right” answer. I hope you, the reader, will have better luck. |
» Close with a Recommendation
A good conclusion is when the writer suggests that the reader do something in the way of support for a cause or a plea for them to take action.
American Sign Language is a fast growing language in America. More and more universities and colleges are offering it as part of their curriculum and some are even requiring it as part of their program. This writer suggests that anyone who has a chance to learn this beautiful language should grab that opportunity. |
202-448-7036
Gallaudet University, chartered in 1864, is a private university for deaf and hard of hearing students.
Copyright © 2024 Gallaudet University. All rights reserved.
800 Florida Avenue NE, Washington, D.C. 20002
Introductions, thesis statements, and roadmaps - graduate writing center.
The first paragraph or two of any paper should be constructed with care, creating a path for both the writer and reader to follow. However, it is very common to adjust the introduction more than once over the course of drafting and revising your document. In fact, it is normal (and often very useful, or even essential!) to heavily revise your introduction after you've finished composing the paper, since that is most likely when you have the best grasp on what you've been aiming to say.
The introduction is your opportunity to efficiently establish for your reader the topic and significance of your discussion, the focused argument or claim you’ll make contained in your thesis statement, and a sense of how your presentation of information will proceed.
There are a few things to avoid in crafting good introductions. Steer clear of unnecessary length: you should be able to effectively introduce the critical elements of any project a page or less. Another pitfall to watch out for is providing excessive history or context before clearly stating your own purpose. Finally, don’t lose time stalling because you can't think of a good first line. A funny or dramatic opener for your paper (also known as “a hook”) can be a nice touch, but it is by no means a required element in a good academic paper.
This index links to the most relevant page for each item. Please email us at [email protected] if we're missing something!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
What this handout is about.
This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.
Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.
A thesis statement:
If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)
A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.
Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .
If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :
Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:
Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.
You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.
After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:
Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.
This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.
Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:
Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.
You begin to analyze your thesis:
Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:
In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.
After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:
Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.
This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.
We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.
Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.
Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.
Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.
Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.
You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Make a Gift
4-minute read
Never underestimate the power of an essay hook . This opening statement is meant to grab the reader’s attention and convince them to keep reading. But how do you write one that’ll pack a punch? In this article, we’ll break this down.
An essay hook is the first thing your audience will read. If it doesn’t hook them right off the bat, they might decide not to keep reading. It’s important that your opening statement is impactful while not being too wordy or presumptuous.
It’s also crucial that it clearly relates to your topic. You don’t want to mislead your readers into thinking your essay is about something it’s not. So, what kind of essay hook should you write? Here are seven ideas to choose from:
Everyone likes a good story. If an interesting story or anecdote relates to your essay topic, the hook is a great place to include it. For example:
The key to a good story hook is keeping it short and sweet. You’re not writing a novel in addition to an essay!
Another great essay hook idea is to lay out a compelling fact or statistic. For example:
There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Make sure it’s relevant to your topic, accurate, and something your audience will care about. And, of course, be sure to cite your sources properly.
If you want to get a little more creative with your essay hook, try using a metaphor or simile . A metaphor states that something is something else in a figurative sense, while a simile states that something is like something else.
Metaphors and similes are effective because they provide a visual for your readers, making them think about a concept in a different way. However, be careful not to make them too far-fetched or overly exaggerated.
Asking your audience a question is a great way to hook them. Not only does it make them think, but they’ll also want to keep reading because you will have sparked their curiosity. For example:
Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.
Try to avoid using questions that start with something along the lines of “Have you ever wondered…?” Instead, try to think of a question they may never have wondered about. And be sure not to answer it right away, at least not fully. Use your essay to do that!
Making a bold statement or declaring a strong opinion can immediately catch people’s attention. For example:
Regardless of whether your reader agrees with you, they’ll probably want to keep reading to find out how you will back up your claim. Just make sure your declaration isn’t too controversial, or you might scare readers away!
Laying out a common misconception is another useful way to hook your reader. For example:
If your readers don’t know that a common belief is actually a misconception, they’ll likely be interested in learning more. And if they are already aware, it’s probably a topic they’re interested in, so they’ll want to read more.
You can put your descriptive powers into action with your essay hook. Creating interesting or compelling imagery places your reader into a scene, making the words come alive.
A description can be something beautiful and appealing or emotionally charged and provoking. Either way, descriptive writing is a powerful way to immerse your audience and keep them reading.
When writing an essay, don’t skimp on the essay hook! The opening statement has the potential to convince your audience to hear what you have to say or to let them walk away. We hope our ideas have given you some inspiration.
And once you finish writing your essay, make sure to send it to our editors. We’ll check it for grammar, spelling, word choice, references, and more. Try it out for free today with a 500-word sample !
Post A New Comment
5-minute read
Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...
6-minute read
If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...
9-minute read
Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...
8-minute read
Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...
7-minute read
Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...
Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...
University of Minnesota Crookston
Effective introductions and thesis statements, make them want to continue reading.
Writing an effective introduction is an art form. The introduction is the first thing that your reader sees. It is what invests the reader in your paper, and it should make them want to continue reading. You want to be creative and unique early on in your introduction; here are some strategies to help catch your reader’s attention:
Your introduction also needs to adequately explain the topic and organization of your paper.
Your thesis statement identifies the purpose of your paper. It also helps focus the reader on your central point. An effective thesis establishes a tone and a point of view for a given purpose and audience. Here are some important things to consider when constructing your thesis statement.
The thesis is often located in the middle or at the end of the introduction, but considerations about audience, purpose, and tone should always guide your decision about its placement.
Sometimes it’s helpful to wait to write the introduction until after you’ve written the essay’s body because, again, you want this to be one of the strongest parts of the paper.
Example of an introduction:
Innocent people murdered because of the hysteria of young girls! Many people believe that the young girls who accused citizens of Salem, Massachusetts of taking part in witchcraft were simply acting to punish their enemies. But recent evidence shows that the young girls may have been poisoned by a fungus called Ergot, which affects rye and wheat. The general public needs to learn about this possible cause for the hysteria that occurred in Salem so that society can better understand what happened in the past, how this event may change present opinion, and how the future might be changed by learning this new information.
By Rachel McCoppin, Ph.D. Last edited October 2016 by Allison Haas, M.A.
Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.
Part Two Paragraph Writing Skills and Essay Introduction
Learning Objectives
Read the following paragraph and essay. Discuss the questions that follow.
Places in Making American Friends
There are three places to make friends in the United States. The first place is in the neighborhood. When I visited the U.S. as a child ten years ago, I met an American girl whose house was near mine. We were shy in the beginning but soon started riding our bikes in the neighborhood. We chased [1] each other and had a good time. A few months later, her family moved to another state. I have fond [2] memories of her and think that we will be able to reconnect and renew our friendship if we meet again. Secondly, going to an American school provides an opportunity to make friends. I attended an American elementary school for about six months. I was very nervous about being the only one who looked different. However, some classmates and teachers were kind enough to approach me. They were very understanding even though I did not always understand them. Some of them even helped me with school work and in the gym class. As a young girl in a foreign country, I was very grateful for their friendship. Now I am in America again. I need and value friendship as much as when I was a child. I go to a church once a week and attend a Bible study class where I meet many young adults. There, I have made some friends with whom I talk about not only God but also different cultures. For example, some of them are interested in Japanese music and Anime, so I share some of my favorite music and Anime with them. Sometimes I teach Japanese to them, and they teach English to me. Exchanging information with each other is a good way of establishing and strengthening [3] the relationship. I have learned from my experiences in the neighborhood, school, and church in America over the years that with an open and sincere heart, I am able to find good friends.
By M. Ohbayashi (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. U sed with permission.
When I was a child, I had an opportunity to come to the United States a few times to visit my grandmother, uncle, and aunt, who were living in the U.S. Many years later, in January 2020, my mother and I were able to immigrate here. Since I was not an outgoing type of person, I had just a few friends in Japan. However, I have met a lot of Americans and have been able to make friends with some of them. The three places to make friends in the U.S. for me are my neighborhood, school, and church.
The first place is in the neighborhood. When I visited the U.S. as a child ten years ago, I met an American girl whose house was near mine. We were shy in the beginning but soon started riding our bikes in the neighborhood. We chased each other and had a good time. I also went to the pool with my grandmother and her family in summer. Although the pool was deep and I was scared, she and her family helped me enjoy swimming without fear. Besides riding bikes and swimming, we both loved dogs. We each had one. Even the dogs became friends as we played with them with balls. A few months later, her family moved to another state. I have fond memories of her and think that we will be able to reconnect and renew our friendship if we meet again.
Secondly, going to an American school provides an opportunity to make friends. I attended an American elementary school for about six months. I was very nervous about being the only one who looked different. I also did not know how to behave differently in an American school. However, some classmates and teachers were kind enough to approach me. They spoke slowly and patiently with simple English words. They were very understanding even though I did not always understand them. Some of them even helped me with school work and in the gym class. As a young girl in a foreign country, I was very grateful for their friendship. Thanks to them, school became wonderful to me.
Now I am in America again. I need and value friendship as much as when I was a child. I go to a church once a week. One day I met a girl who was studying Japanese. We began to talk with each other. She invited me to a Bible study class, and there I met many young adults. In the beginning, I felt nervous and shy just like the time when I attended the American elementary school for the first time many years before. However, as time went by, I started to like the Bible study class and made some friends with whom I talk about not only God but also different cultures. For example, some of them are interested in Japanese music and Anime, so I share some of my favorite music and Anime with them. Sometimes I teach Japanese to them, and they teach English to me. Exchanging information with each other is a good way of establishing and strengthening the relationship.
Fortunately, I have met many kind Americans who have become my good friends. Though my shyness sometimes stands in the way, I have been trying hard to overcome it by initiating conversations with as many people as possible. I have learned that with an open and sincere heart, I am able to find good friends.
By M. Ohbayashi (student), Writing III, Harper College. U sed with permission.
Discussion Questions:
You have learned and practiced how to write well-organized, well-developed paragraphs. Now it is time to expand your writing expertise [4] to essays!
In Unit 3 Parts and Characteristics of a Good Paragraph, you learned that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea . ( Open Unit 3 here . )
In this unit, you will learn that an essay is a group of paragraphs about one main idea . An essay can be as short as three paragraphs but as long as many paragraphs that span [5] multiple pages.
Here is a summary of similarities and differences between a paragraph and an essay:
Similarities | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ | |
√ | √ |
Differences | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
topic sentence, usually in the beginning | thesis statement, usually at end of introduction | |
some details | more details | |
one paragraph | three or more paragraphs (In this course, we are studying five-paragraph essays.) | |
shorter time | longer time |
Essay assignments are very common in college courses. In this course, you are going to learn only the basic concepts and organization of essays that contain five paragraphs. There are other ways of writing built on this basic model, and you will learn them in future semesters.
As you already have much experience writing paragraphs, a good start with essays is to expand [6] an existing paragraph, as you have seen in the beginning of this unit. Below is a structural comparison between a paragraph and an essay.
Read the following paragraph and then the essay. Compare the two by answering the questions that follow.
My Joy in Baking
Baking is my favorite hobby. When I was a child, I like d sweets a lot, especially pastry. Since my mom could not bake, I always went to my friend Natalia’s house to learn baking because her mom was excellent in it. Though t he learning process was not that easy , I enjoyed it . I tried and ruined [7] a lot of ingredients, but I did not lose hope. Then I started to get better and better. I tried cupcakes and cookies. It gave me confidence and excitement to think that I could bake for myself. Now I am an adult with a family of my own, and this hobby has not changed. It relaxes me to bak e. When I have a n exhausting day or feel stressed out, the idea of crea ting something sweet and fresh makes me feel relaxed . I also like to share the fruit [8] of my hobby with my family and friends. Baking for them gives me joy. To have a happy moment together on any occasion [9] with sweet treats makes my relationship with them stronger. These are all the reasons why baking is my favorite hobby. I would recommend it to anyone who loves sweets and is looking for ways to bring happiness to other people.
By N . Mamurova (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. Used with permission.
A hobby is a regular activity performed for enjoyment during spare time. People can choose any hobbies that are right for them: music, sports, cooking, sewing, gardenin g , and so on. As a child, I like d sweets a lot, especially pastry. This is why baking became and has always been my favorite hobby.
Though the learning process was not easy, I enjoyed it . Since my mom could not bake, I always went to my friend Natalia’s house to learn baking because her mom was excellent in it. I tried and ruined a lot of ingredients, but I did not lose hope. After a few months, I started to get better and better. On Natalia’ s 10 th birthday, I made pretty cupcakes, even with yellow and pink icings on them. Her mom was very impressed. It gave me confidence and excitement to think that I could bake by myself and bring more happiness to an already joyful event.
Now I am an adult with a family of my own, and this hobby has not changed. It relaxes me to bake. When I have an exhausting day or I am stressed out, the idea of creating something sweet and fresh makes me feel relaxed. Being a mom and a student, my schedule is full. However, nothing else relieves my stress more than baking after a difficult examination at the college: the aroma of butter and sugar, the slowly forming cookies in the oven, and the pleasant and crunching sound as I bite into my creations – all eases the tension of my whole being.
Most importantly, sharing my baking has strengthened my relationship with my family and friends. Enjoying a happy moment together on any occasion with sweet treats gives me joy. Once a friend of mine was sick, but she immediately got much better when I brought her a home-baked, mouth-watering apple pie. I have learned that helping others does not have to be a huge endeavor [10] . Small acts of kindness are just as valuable and meaningful.
A hobby takes time to perfect but brings joy in the process. I am so glad that I have found my pleasure in baking, and I intend to enjoy it for many more years to come. I would recommend it to anyone who loves sweets and is looking for ways to bring happiness to other people.
By N . Mamurova (student), ESL Writing III, Harper College. Used with permission.
Questions | Paragraph | Essay |
---|---|---|
The word “hook” may remind you of a piece of plastic or metal on the wall on which you can hang your coat. The hook holds the coat and prevents it from falling to the floor. In the same way, a hook in the beginning of an essay aims to hold the readers’ attention so that they keep reading. The main purpose of a hook is to introduce the topic and to get the readers interested.
There are different ways to write a hook. The most common ones are introducing the background or discussing some general information related to the topic.
Discuss the hook in the essays “Places in Making American Friends” and “My Joy in Baking”. Does it introduce the topic and get you interested in reading the essay?
Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is a sentence that contains the main idea of the entire essay.
The rules for the topic sentence also apply to the thesis statement.
Exercise 1. Use the expressions below to develop thesis statements.
surprises / U.S.
Thesis statement: I encountered some surprises in my first few weeks of living in the U.S.
1. children / parents’ influence
2. marriage / fights
3. dream job / hard work
4. self-discipline / success
5. bilingual / benefits
6. money / problems
7. government / assisting college students
8. personality / happiness
Exercise 2. Study the introductory paragraph in “Places in Making American Friends” and “My Joy in Baking”. Then choose two of the thesis statements from Exercise 1 to write two introductory paragraphs.
The principles for the transitions, supporting ideas, and conclusion in a paragraph also apply to an essay. In an essay, there are more supporting details than in a paragraph.
Study and discuss the following outline developed from the example thesis statement in Exercise 1.
Parts of an Essay | Outline ideas |
---|---|
Introductory Paragraph | |
Hook | my background of coming to the U.S. and love travelling |
Thesis Statement | I encountered some surprises in my first few weeks of living in the U.S. |
Supporting Paragraphs | |
Topic sentence 1 | surprise about nature |
Details 1 | from airport to house, saw trees, flowers, squirrels, geese, cardinal, not in my country |
Topic sentence 2 | surprise about customs |
Details 2 | no air dry laundry outside, dandelions not ok, clean lawn |
Topic sentence 3 | surprise about friendly people |
Details 3 | friendly to strangers, parks, stores, smile, not in my country, afraid of getting hurt, teach children |
Concluding Paragraph | three good surprises about nature, customs, people. Like US, second home. |
Exercise 3. Use the above outline as an example. From the two topics you worked on in Exercise 1 and Exercise 2, write an essay outline for each.
Parts of an Essay | Outline ideas |
---|---|
Introductory Paragraph | |
Hook | |
Thesis Statement | |
Supporting Paragraphs | |
Topic sentence 1 | |
Details 1 | |
Topic sentence 2 | |
Details 2 | |
Topic sentence 3 | |
Details 3 | |
Concluding Paragraph |
Read the two essays below. The first one is developed from an earlier outline. As you read, discuss the questions:
Now you are ready to write your own essay! As you have learned in Unit 2 The Writing Process ( Open Unit 2 here ), the best way to plan a paragraph is to follow the proper steps.
An Essay Writing Assignment
Purpose : To show your understanding of planning and writing an essay. Use the writing process to help you.
Topic : You have three choices from below.
Brainstorm and Outline : Brainstorm for ideas. Then organize the ideas by using the outline template below to make an outline. Your outline is due on _________. Bring it to class.
Essay : Your essay should have a title, an introductory paragraph with a hook and a thesis statement, 3 supporting paragraphs each starting with a topic sentence followed by lots of details, and a concluding paragraph. Use appropriate transitions to connect the supporting paragraphs. There should be a total of 5 paragraphs in the essay.
Format : Type your essay, double spaced, font size 12, with 1-inch margins on four sides of the page. Type your name, class, and date on the upper right-hand corner of the page. The first line of each paragraph should be indented. Save your essay in a Word file.
Self Checklist : When you finish writing, use the Self Checklist below. Put a checkmark beside each item if you think you did a good job in that area. Otherwise, improve your essay until you can check off the item. Save your work again.
Submission : Submit your essay on the Blackboard. Go to your Blackboard course site and follow the instructions there. Due by __________.
You have three choices for your topic.
Choice 1:
Choose one of the paragraphs you have written in this course and expand it into an essay.
Choose one of the thesis statements, introductory paragraphs, and outlines in Exercise 1, 2, and 3 in this unit. Then write an essay based on your outline.
Choose one of the following new topics. If you plan to have a different one, please talk with your professor first.
Essay Outline Template
Essay Self Checklist
1 | Is my essay clear to understand? | |
---|---|---|
2 | Do I have an interesting hook and a clear thesis statement? Is the thesis statement located at the end of the introductory paragraph? | |
3 | Did I begin each supporting paragraph with a topic sentence? Did I include lots of details in each paragraph? | |
4 | Did I connect the supporting paragraphs with appropriate transitions? | |
5 | Did I include a concluding paragraph? | |
6 | Did I try my best to use correct sentence structure (simple, compound, complex)? | |
7 | Did I try my best to use correct grammar such as nouns, pronouns, word form, word order, and others? | |
8 | Did I try my best to have correct spelling, punctuation, and capitalization? | |
9 | Did I follow the proper paragraph format? |
Note: #6 – #8 may include more specific aspects of grammar depending on how many editing units you have already studied.
NSNT Practice
Go to The NSNT Free Writing Approach and Additional Weekly Prompts for Writing in Appendix A. ( Open Appendix A here. ) Choose two topics that you have not written about. You may start with the NSNT approach. Then revise and edit at least one of them into an essay. You are encouraged to share your writing with your partner and help each other improve.
Vocabulary Review
The words here have appeared in this unit. The best way to learn them is to guess the meaning of each word from the context. Then hover your computer mouse over the number beside each word to check its meaning and part of speech. These words are also listed in the footnote area at the end of each unit.
Here, you can use the flashcards below to review these words.
Building Academic Writing Skills Copyright © 2022 by Cui, Lin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
Which section of your essay can make your readers dip their toes into your writing? Is it the body paragraphs where all the analysis is laid out? Or maybe the introduction, where you present your thesis statement and voice your perspective on the subject? Well, if you think it is the latter, then we must agree with your decision. However, let's get more specific; if we take the introductory paragraph to pieces, which piece gets the most recognition? You must have guessed from the article's title that we're talking about a hook. But first, let's define what is a hook for an essay before we walk you through the reasons why it deserves our pat on the back.
The hook is the initial sentence in a written work. Whether you're asking how to write a hook for a song, blog post, or term paper, know that the purpose of any effective hook is to seize the reader's attention. It can be one sentence long, often for shorter pieces, or composed of several lines - usually for larger pieces. Making the reader want to keep reading is what an essay hook accomplishes for your paper, just as an intriguing introduction does for any piece.
Our main emphasis in this guide is on creating a good hook for an essay. Nonetheless, these fundamental guidelines apply to nearly every format for communicating with your audience. Whether writing a personal statement, a speech, or a presentation, making a solid first impression is crucial to spur your readers into action.
Although it is a tough skill to master, understanding how to write a hook is crucial for academic writing success. By reviewing the most prevalent kinds of essay hooks, you can discover how to effectively captivate readers from the start and generate a hook that is ideal for your article. To do so, let's head over to the following sections prepared by our dissertation writers .
By mastering how to write a hook for a college essay, you have the opportunity to stand out from the hundreds of applicants with identical academic portfolios to yours in your college essay. It should shed light on who you are, represent your true nature, and show your individuality. But first, you need an attention-grabbing start if you want the admissions committee to read more of yours than theirs. For this, you'll require a strong hook.
When wondering how to write a good hook for an essay, consider setting the scene. Open in the middle of a key moment, plunge in with vivid details and conversation to keep your essay flowing and attract the reader. Make the reader feel like they are seeing a moment from your life and have just tuned in.
Starting with a specific example is also a great idea if you're explaining how you acquired a particular skill or unique accomplishment. Then, similar to how you established the scenario above, you may return to this point later and discuss its significance throughout the remaining sections.
Using an anecdotal hook doesn't necessarily mean that your essay should also be humorous. The joke should be short and well-aimed to achieve the best results. To assist the reader in visualizing the situation and understanding what you are up against when tackling a task or overcoming a challenge, you might also use a funny irony. And if this sounds too overwhelming to compose, buy an essay on our platform and let our expert writers convey your unmatched story!
If you write a strong hook, your instructor will be compelled to read your argument in the following paragraphs. So, put your creative thinking cap on while crafting the hook, and write in a way that entices readers to continue reading the essay.
Statistics serve as a useful hook because they encourage research. When used in argumentative writing, statistics can introduce readers to previously undiscovered details and data. That can greatly increase their desire to read your article from start to finish. You can also consider this advice when unsure how to write a good hook for a research paper. Especially if you're conducting a quantitative study, a statistic hook can be a solid start.
Another answer to your 'how to write a hook for an argumentative essay' question is to use a common misconception. What could be a better way to construct an interesting hook, which should grab readers' attention, than to incorporate a widely held misconception? A widespread false belief is one that many people hold to be true. When you create a hook with a misinterpretation, you startle your readers and immediately capture their interest.
The finest hooks for a persuasive essay capture the reader's interest while leading them to almost unconsciously support your position even before they are aware of it. You can accomplish this by employing the following hook ideas for an essay:
By posing a query at the outset of your essay, you may engage the reader's critical thinking and whet their appetite for the solution you won't provide until later. Try to formulate a question wide enough for them to not immediately know the answer and detailed enough to avoid becoming a generic hook.
This is a fantastic approach to arouse sympathy and draw the reader into your cause. By appealing to the reader's emotions, you may establish a bond that encourages them to read more and get invested in the subject you cover.
Using these strategies, you won't have to wonder how to write a hook for a persuasive essay anymore!
Finding strong essay openers might be particularly challenging when writing a literary analysis. Coming up with something very remarkable on your own while writing about someone else's work is no easy feat. But we have some expert solutions below:
Using a literary quote sounds like the best option when unsure how to write a hook for a literary analysis essay. Nonetheless, its use is not restricted to that and is mostly determined by the style and meaning of the quotes. Still, when employing literary quotes, it's crucial to show two things at once: first, how well you understand the textual information. And second, you know how to capture the reader's interest right away.
This is another style of hook that is frequently employed in literary analysis. But if you wonder how to write a good essay hook without sounding boring, choose a historical person with notable accomplishments and keep your readers intrigued and inspired to read more.
In an informative essay, your ultimate goal is to not only educate your audience but also engage and keep them interested from the very beginning. For this, consider the following:
You might begin your essay with an interesting fact or by giving a definition related to your subject. The same standard applies here for most types mentioned above: it must be intriguing, surprising, and/or alarming.
Another solution to 'How to write a hook for an informative essay?' is to introduce your essay with a relevant question. This hook lets you pique a reader's interest in your essay and urge them to keep reading as they ponder the answer.
Hire a professional to write a top-notch essay or paper for you! Click the button below to get custom essay help.
Are you still struggling with the ideal opening sentence for your essay? Check out some advice from our essay helper on how to write a hook sentence and make your opening stand out.
Now you know how to write a good hook and understand that a solid hook is the difference between someone delving further into your work or abandoning it immediately. With our hook examples for an essay, you can do more than just write a great paper. We do not doubt that you can even write a winning term paper example right away!
Try to become an even better writer with the help of our paper writing service . Give them the freedom to write superior hooks and full essays for you so you may learn from them!
This shouldn't stop you from producing a great essay! Order your essay today and watch your writing come alive.
How to write a hook for an essay, what is a good hook for an argumentative essay.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.
Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.
The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .
Your introduction should include:
Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes
How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.
Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).
It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.
Discover proofreading & editing
Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.
After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.
You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:
It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.
Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.
Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.
Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:
Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:
See an example
Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.
If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .
To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
I. Introduction
Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.
Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.
I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.
I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.
I have clearly specified the focus of my research.
I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .
I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.
I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .
I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .
You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.
If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!
Research bias
(AI) Tools
The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:
and your problem statement
Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.
This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .
Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.
They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.
Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .
Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.
Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .
To define your scope of research, consider the following:
If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.
George, T. & McCombes, S. (2023, November 21). How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction. Scribbr. Retrieved September 23, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/introduction-structure/
Other students also liked, how to choose a dissertation topic | 8 steps to follow, how to write an abstract | steps & examples, get unlimited documents corrected.
✔ Free APA citation check included ✔ Unlimited document corrections ✔ Specialized in correcting academic texts
Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.
Learning objectives.
Picture your introduction as a storefront window: You have a certain amount of space to attract your customers (readers) to your goods (subject) and bring them inside your store (discussion). Once you have enticed them with something intriguing, you then point them in a specific direction and try to make the sale (convince them to accept your thesis).
Your introduction is an invitation to your readers to consider what you have to say and then to follow your train of thought as you expand upon your thesis statement.
An introduction serves the following purposes:
First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader’s mind, which is why the introduction is so important to your essay. If your introductory paragraph is dull or disjointed, your reader probably will not have much interest in continuing with the essay.
Your introduction should begin with an engaging statement devised to provoke your readers’ interest. In the next few sentences, introduce them to your topic by stating general facts or ideas about the subject. As you move deeper into your introduction, you gradually narrow the focus, moving closer to your thesis. Moving smoothly and logically from your introductory remarks to your thesis statement can be achieved using a funnel technique , as illustrated in the diagram in Figure 9.1 “Funnel Technique” .
Figure 9.1 Funnel Technique
On a separate sheet of paper, jot down a few general remarks that you can make about the topic for which you formed a thesis in Section 9.1 “Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement” .
Immediately capturing your readers’ interest increases the chances of having them read what you are about to discuss. You can garner curiosity for your essay in a number of ways. Try to get your readers personally involved by doing any of the following:
Remember that your diction, or word choice, while always important, is most crucial in your introductory paragraph. Boring diction could extinguish any desire a person might have to read through your discussion. Choose words that create images or express action. For more information on diction, see Chapter 4 “Working with Words: Which Word Is Right?” .
In Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , you followed Mariah as she moved through the writing process. In this chapter, Mariah writes her introduction and conclusion for the same essay. Mariah incorporates some of the introductory elements into her introductory paragraph, which she previously outlined in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” . Her thesis statement is underlined.
If you have trouble coming up with a provocative statement for your opening, it is a good idea to use a relevant, attention-grabbing quote about your topic. Use a search engine to find statements made by historical or significant figures about your subject.
In your job field, you may be required to write a speech for an event, such as an awards banquet or a dedication ceremony. The introduction of a speech is similar to an essay because you have a limited amount of space to attract your audience’s attention. Using the same techniques, such as a provocative quote or an interesting statistic, is an effective way to engage your listeners. Using the funnel approach also introduces your audience to your topic and then presents your main idea in a logical manner.
Reread each sentence in Mariah’s introductory paragraph. Indicate which techniques she used and comment on how each sentence is designed to attract her readers’ interest.
It is not unusual to want to rush when you approach your conclusion, and even experienced writers may fade. But what good writers remember is that it is vital to put just as much attention into the conclusion as in the rest of the essay. After all, a hasty ending can undermine an otherwise strong essay.
A conclusion that does not correspond to the rest of your essay, has loose ends, or is unorganized can unsettle your readers and raise doubts about the entire essay. However, if you have worked hard to write the introduction and body, your conclusion can often be the most logical part to compose.
Keep in mind that the ideas in your conclusion must conform to the rest of your essay. In order to tie these components together, restate your thesis at the beginning of your conclusion. This helps you assemble, in an orderly fashion, all the information you have explained in the body. Repeating your thesis reminds your readers of the major arguments you have been trying to prove and also indicates that your essay is drawing to a close. A strong conclusion also reviews your main points and emphasizes the importance of the topic.
The construction of the conclusion is similar to the introduction, in which you make general introductory statements and then present your thesis. The difference is that in the conclusion you first paraphrase , or state in different words, your thesis and then follow up with general concluding remarks. These sentences should progressively broaden the focus of your thesis and maneuver your readers out of the essay.
Many writers like to end their essays with a final emphatic statement. This strong closing statement will cause your readers to continue thinking about the implications of your essay; it will make your conclusion, and thus your essay, more memorable. Another powerful technique is to challenge your readers to make a change in either their thoughts or their actions. Challenging your readers to see the subject through new eyes is a powerful way to ease yourself and your readers out of the essay.
When closing your essay, do not expressly state that you are drawing to a close. Relying on statements such as in conclusion , it is clear that , as you can see , or in summation is unnecessary and can be considered trite.
It is wise to avoid doing any of the following in your conclusion:
Introducing new material in your conclusion has an unsettling effect on your reader. When you raise new points, you make your reader want more information, which you could not possibly provide in the limited space of your final paragraph.
Contradicting or changing your thesis statement causes your readers to think that you do not actually have a conviction about your topic. After all, you have spent several paragraphs adhering to a singular point of view. When you change sides or open up your point of view in the conclusion, your reader becomes less inclined to believe your original argument.
By apologizing for your opinion or stating that you know it is tough to digest, you are in fact admitting that even you know what you have discussed is irrelevant or unconvincing. You do not want your readers to feel this way. Effective writers stand by their thesis statement and do not stray from it.
On a separate sheet of a paper, restate your thesis from Note 9.52 “Exercise 2” of this section and then make some general concluding remarks. Next, compose a final emphatic statement. Finally, incorporate what you have written into a strong conclusion paragraph for your essay.
Collaboration
Please share with a classmate and compare your answers
Mariah incorporates some of these pointers into her conclusion. She has paraphrased her thesis statement in the first sentence.
Make sure your essay is balanced by not having an excessively long or short introduction or conclusion. Check that they match each other in length as closely as possible, and try to mirror the formula you used in each. Parallelism strengthens the message of your essay.
On the job you will sometimes give oral presentations based on research you have conducted. A concluding statement to an oral report contains the same elements as a written conclusion. You should wrap up your presentation by restating the purpose of the presentation, reviewing its main points, and emphasizing the importance of the material you presented. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.
The writing process, explore more of umgc.
Thesis Statement and Controlling Idea
So what? This is the question you will get asked if your thesis statement, or main idea, is not obvious in your paper. Your thesis statement is the most important part of your writing; without it, your paper doesn’t have a main point or stance. A thesis statement states the purpose and topic of your writing, and the controlling idea indicates the direction and, often, the writing strategy you will adopt.
Generally, your thesis is placed at the end of your introduction and is a concise and simple sentence that combines your topic and your position on the topic. Like a road map, your thesis lets your readers know what to expect from the rest of your paper. Your body paragraphs support it, and your essay lacks direction without it.
It is important to keep in mind that this early in your writing, your thesis statement is really a working thesis that you use to begin thinking about your topic. You may revise this thesis many times before you are finished thinking and ready to write your final draft. Below are some sample thesis statements.
YOUR TOPIC | POSITION | THESIS STATEMENT |
Internet use | Actions need to be taken to help maintain a balance because many people are addicted. | While some argue that daily technology use has little effect on wellbeing, research shows that physical, mental, and social repercussions are undeniable and drastic actions need to be taken to help young people find balance. |
Fast food | Fast food causes health issues. | Consuming fast food regularly leads to heart disease, diabetes, and obesity and there are lifestyle solutions to prevent these health issues. |
Global warming | There are many things we can do to slow global warming. | Global warming is a real threat to the world; as human beings, we can slow climate change by carpooling, using less energy at home, and eating a mostly plant-based diet. |
Present an argument, stance, or claim. Can your audience argue with it?
Provide a key to the organization of your paper. Can you construct body paragraphs that support it?
Mirror the assignment prompt. Are you following what is expected of you?
Present the thesis at the end of the introduction.
Answer the question: “so what?”
Present an argument that can be supported by reputable research. Is your argument logical?
Embrace the “how” and “why” elements. It’s a great strategy to present the problem, examine why it’s a problem, and show how it can be fixed.
Include announcement style language like “this paper will discuss” or “this will be shown in this essay.”
Be informative only with no argument or stance, such as, “Some high school seniors decide to take a gap year.”
Include overly broad or generalized statements like, “Kids of this generation are lazy.”
Force the reader to guess what the paper will prove or discuss
Be questions.
Your thesis is one statement at the end of your introduction and should be clear, concise, and arguable.
Without a thesis, your paper lacks direction and purpose.
Mailing Address: 3501 University Blvd. East, Adelphi, MD 20783 This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License . © 2022 UMGC. All links to external sites were verified at the time of publication. UMGC is not responsible for the validity or integrity of information located at external sites.
Chapter 1: College Writing
How Does College Writing Differ from Workplace Writing?
What Is College Writing?
Why So Much Emphasis on Writing?
Chapter 2: The Writing Process
Doing Exploratory Research
Getting from Notes to Your Draft
Introduction
Prewriting - Techniques to Get Started - Mining Your Intuition
Prewriting: Targeting Your Audience
Prewriting: Techniques to Get Started
Prewriting: Understanding Your Assignment
Rewriting: Being Your Own Critic
Rewriting: Creating a Revision Strategy
Rewriting: Getting Feedback
Rewriting: The Final Draft
Techniques to Get Started - Outlining
Techniques to Get Started - Using Systematic Techniques
Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Freewriting
Writing: Getting from Notes to Your Draft - Summarizing Your Ideas
Writing: Outlining What You Will Write
Chapter 3: Thinking Strategies
A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone
A Word About Style, Voice, and Tone: Style Through Vocabulary and Diction
Critical Strategies and Writing
Critical Strategies and Writing: Analysis
Critical Strategies and Writing: Evaluation
Critical Strategies and Writing: Persuasion
Critical Strategies and Writing: Synthesis
Developing a Paper Using Strategies
Kinds of Assignments You Will Write
Patterns for Presenting Information
Patterns for Presenting Information: Critiques
Patterns for Presenting Information: Discussing Raw Data
Patterns for Presenting Information: General-to-Specific Pattern
Patterns for Presenting Information: Problem-Cause-Solution Pattern
Patterns for Presenting Information: Specific-to-General Pattern
Patterns for Presenting Information: Summaries and Abstracts
Supporting with Research and Examples
Writing Essay Examinations
Writing Essay Examinations: Make Your Answer Relevant and Complete
Writing Essay Examinations: Organize Thinking Before Writing
Writing Essay Examinations: Read and Understand the Question
Chapter 4: The Research Process
Planning and Writing a Research Paper
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Ask a Research Question
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Cite Sources
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Collect Evidence
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Decide Your Point of View, or Role, for Your Research
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Draw Conclusions
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Find a Topic and Get an Overview
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Manage Your Resources
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Outline
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Survey the Literature
Planning and Writing a Research Paper: Work Your Sources into Your Research Writing
Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Human Resources
Research Resources: What Are Research Resources?
Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found?
Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Electronic Resources
Research Resources: Where Are Research Resources Found? - Print Resources
Structuring the Research Paper: Formal Research Structure
Structuring the Research Paper: Informal Research Structure
The Nature of Research
The Research Assignment: How Should Research Sources Be Evaluated?
The Research Assignment: When Is Research Needed?
The Research Assignment: Why Perform Research?
Chapter 5: Academic Integrity
Academic Integrity
Giving Credit to Sources
Giving Credit to Sources: Copyright Laws
Giving Credit to Sources: Documentation
Giving Credit to Sources: Style Guides
Integrating Sources
Practicing Academic Integrity
Practicing Academic Integrity: Keeping Accurate Records
Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material
Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Paraphrasing Your Source
Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Quoting Your Source
Practicing Academic Integrity: Managing Source Material - Summarizing Your Sources
Types of Documentation
Types of Documentation: Bibliographies and Source Lists
Types of Documentation: Citing World Wide Web Sources
Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations
Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - APA Style
Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - CSE/CBE Style
Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - Chicago Style
Types of Documentation: In-Text or Parenthetical Citations - MLA Style
Types of Documentation: Note Citations
Chapter 6: Using Library Resources
Finding Library Resources
Chapter 7: Assessing Your Writing
How Is Writing Graded?
How Is Writing Graded?: A General Assessment Tool
The Draft Stage
The Draft Stage: The First Draft
The Draft Stage: The Revision Process and the Final Draft
The Draft Stage: Using Feedback
The Research Stage
Using Assessment to Improve Your Writing
Chapter 8: Other Frequently Assigned Papers
Reviews and Reaction Papers: Article and Book Reviews
Reviews and Reaction Papers: Reaction Papers
Writing Arguments
Writing Arguments: Adapting the Argument Structure
Writing Arguments: Purposes of Argument
Writing Arguments: References to Consult for Writing Arguments
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Anticipate Active Opposition
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Determine Your Organization
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Develop Your Argument
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Introduce Your Argument
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - State Your Thesis or Proposition
Writing Arguments: Steps to Writing an Argument - Write Your Conclusion
Writing Arguments: Types of Argument
Dictionaries
General Style Manuals
Researching on the Internet
Special Style Manuals
Writing Handbooks
Collaborative Writing: Assignments to Accompany the Group Project
Collaborative Writing: Informal Progress Report
Collaborative Writing: Issues to Resolve
Collaborative Writing: Methodology
Collaborative Writing: Peer Evaluation
Collaborative Writing: Tasks of Collaborative Writing Group Members
Collaborative Writing: Writing Plan
General Introduction
Peer Reviewing
Working with Your Instructor’s Comments and Grades
Devising a Writing Project Plan and Schedule
Reviewing Your Plan with Others
By using our website you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more about how we use cookies by reading our Privacy Policy .
Thesis dialogue blueprint, writing wizard's template, research proposal compass.
Understanding the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence is essential for effective writing. Both play vital roles in structuring an academic paper, but they serve distinct purposes. A thesis statement presents the main argument of the paper, while topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph. Knowing how to use both correctly can greatly enhance the clarity and focus of your writing.
A thesis statement and a topic sentence serve different purposes in writing. A thesis statement presents the main argument of your paper , while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a specific paragraph. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effective writing.
The thesis statement acts as a roadmap for your entire paper, guiding the reader through your argument. In contrast, topic sentences help to organize individual paragraphs, ensuring that each one relates back to the thesis. This structure helps maintain clarity and focus throughout your writing.
Many students confuse thesis statements with topic sentences. A common misconception is that a topic sentence can serve as a thesis statement. However, a thesis statement is different from a topic statement ; it articulates a specific argument rather than merely stating what the paper is about. This misunderstanding can lead to vague writing and unclear arguments.
Establishing direction.
A thesis statement is essential because it provides a clear direction for your paper. It tells the reader what to expect and helps you stay focused on your main argument. Without it, your writing may wander off-topic, making it hard for readers to follow your ideas.
Your thesis statement acts as a roadmap for the reader. It highlights the main points you will discuss, ensuring that they understand the purpose of your paper. This clarity is crucial for keeping your audience engaged and informed.
A strong thesis statement helps in organizing your thoughts and arguments. It ensures that all parts of your paper connect back to the main idea, creating a cohesive piece of writing. This coherence is vital for effective communication, especially in academic settings where clarity is key.
In summary, a well-crafted thesis statement is not just a formality; it is the backbone of your writing. It helps you articulate your ideas clearly and keeps your readers engaged. As you work on your thesis, consider resources like research rebels® for tips on crafting effective statements. They provide valuable insights that can make your thesis writing process smoother and more enjoyable.
Specificity and clarity.
A strong thesis statement must be specific and clear. It should directly state your main argument without any ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "Many people think that social media is bad," you could say, "Social media platforms, by promoting unrealistic standards , contribute to increasing anxiety among teenagers." This version is more focused and sets a clear direction for your paper.
Your thesis should present a claim that can be debated. This means it should not be a simple fact but rather an assertion that others might disagree with. For instance, saying "Climate change is real" is a fact, but saying "Government policies should prioritize renewable energy to combat climate change" invites discussion and debate.
A strong thesis statement is backed by evidence. This means you should be prepared to support your claim with facts, statistics, or examples. For instance, if your thesis is about the impact of technology on education, you might include studies that show how technology improves learning outcomes.
Characteristic | Description |
---|---|
Specificity | Clearly states the main argument without vagueness. |
Debatable | Presents a claim that can be argued against. |
Supporting Evidence | Backed by facts, statistics, or examples to strengthen the argument. |
Defining topic sentences.
A topic sentence is a crucial element in academic writing. It introduces the main idea of a paragraph, setting the tone and direction for the sentences that follow. This sentence acts as a guide for both the writer and the reader, ensuring clarity and focus.
Topic sentences help in connecting ideas across paragraphs. By clearly stating the main point, they allow readers to follow the flow of the argument. This connection is essential for maintaining coherence in your writing.
When you structure your arguments, topic sentences play a vital role. They not only summarize the main point of the paragraph but also relate it back to the thesis statement. This relationship reinforces the overall argument of your paper, making it more persuasive.
In summary, effective topic sentences are essential for clear and organized writing. They help in defining the main idea, connecting thoughts, and structuring arguments, ultimately guiding the reader through your work.
Creating a cohesive argument.
To create a strong argument in your writing, both thesis statements and topic sentences play crucial roles. Your thesis statement serves as the main idea of your entire paper , while topic sentences introduce the main idea of each paragraph. This relationship helps to ensure that every part of your essay supports your overall argument.
When you write, it's important to connect your ideas smoothly. Topic sentences can act as bridges between paragraphs, guiding the reader from one point to the next. For example, if your thesis statement discusses the impact of climate change, a topic sentence in the next paragraph might introduce a specific effect, like rising sea levels. This creates a logical flow in your writing.
Each topic sentence should relate back to your thesis statement. This means that as you develop your paragraphs, you should always ask yourself how each point supports your main argument. This connection not only strengthens your writing but also helps your reader follow your reasoning.
In summary, understanding how thesis statements and topic sentences interact is essential for crafting a well-structured essay. By ensuring that each topic sentence aligns with your thesis, you create a clear and compelling argument that engages your reader.
For additional support in writing your thesis, consider resources like the [ Thesis Dialogue Blueprint ](https://researchrebels.com/products/thesis-dialogue-blueprint) from Research Rebels, which can help alleviate thesis-related anxiety. You can also explore the Thesis Success Essentials for free templates that guide you through the writing process.
Vagueness and ambiguity.
One of the most common mistakes in writing thesis statements and topic sentences is vagueness . When your sentences lack specific details, they can confuse the reader. For example, instead of saying, "Many people think that dogs are great pets," you could say, "Many families prefer small dog breeds, like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians , for their friendly nature and low maintenance ." This change makes your point clearer and more engaging.
Another frequent error is overgeneralization. This happens when you make broad claims that are hard to support. For instance, saying, "All dogs are friendly" is too sweeping. Instead, you might say, "While many dogs are friendly, certain breeds, like Chihuahuas , can be more reserved around strangers." This approach allows for a more nuanced discussion.
A lack of focus can also weaken your writing. If your thesis or topic sentence tries to cover too much, it can lose its impact. For example, instead of writing, "This paper will discuss dogs, cats, and birds," you should narrow it down to something like, "This paper will focus on the benefits of owning dogs as pets ." This specificity helps guide your writing and keeps your audience engaged.
Vagueness | Lack of specific details | "Many people think dogs are great pets." |
Overgeneralization | Making broad claims that are hard to support | "All dogs are friendly." |
Lack of Focus | Covering too much in one statement | "This paper will discuss dogs, cats, and birds." |
By avoiding these common errors, you can create stronger thesis statements and topic sentences that effectively communicate your ideas and engage your readers.
Analyzing strong examples.
When crafting a thesis statement, it’s essential to ensure that it is clear and concise. Here are some examples of effective thesis statements:
Weak thesis statements often lack clarity or specificity. Here are examples of ineffective thesis statements:
In real-world scenarios, effective thesis statements can be found in various forms of writing, from academic papers to opinion pieces. For instance, in the article " Mastering Business Statistics with 'Statistics for Managers Using Microsoft Excel'", the thesis emphasizes the importance of statistical literacy in business decision-making. This clear focus helps guide the reader through the complexities of the subject.
By understanding how to write a thesis fast and easily, you can enhance your writing skills and create compelling arguments that engage your audience.
Strategies for clarity.
When you write a topic sentence, make sure it clearly states the main idea of the paragraph. This helps your readers understand what to expect. A good topic sentence should be specific enough to guide the reader but general enough to allow for discussion. For example:
To keep your writing on track, ensure that each topic sentence relates directly to your thesis statement. This connection helps maintain a clear focus throughout your paper. You can ask yourself:
Transitions are essential for smooth reading. When moving from one paragraph to another, consider using transition words in your topic sentences. For instance:
By following these strategies, you can craft effective topic sentences that enhance the clarity and flow of your writing. Remember, a well-structured paragraph begins with a strong topic sentence that guides the reader through your argument.
Capturing interest.
A strong thesis statement and clear topic sentences are essential for grabbing your reader's attention. When you present a compelling argument right from the start, you invite your audience to engage with your work. This initial hook is crucial in academic writing, as it sets the tone for the entire paper.
Once you have captured your reader's interest, it’s important to keep them engaged. Well-crafted topic sentences act as signposts, guiding readers through your arguments. They help maintain focus by clearly stating what each paragraph will discuss. This clarity allows readers to follow your line of thought without getting lost.
A well-defined thesis statement encourages readers to think critically about your argument. It invites them to consider your perspective and the evidence you present. By clearly stating your main point, you challenge your audience to engage with your ideas and form their own opinions. This interaction is vital for fostering a deeper understanding of the topic.
In summary, both thesis statements and topic sentences play a significant role in engaging readers. They not only capture interest but also maintain attention and encourage critical thinking. By focusing on these elements, you can enhance the overall effectiveness of your writing.
Revising your thesis and topic sentences is crucial for creating a strong academic paper. A well-crafted thesis statement serves as the backbone of your essay , guiding your arguments and ensuring clarity. As you write, revisit your thesis to ensure it reflects your evolving ideas and insights. This process helps maintain focus and coherence throughout your work.
To effectively revise your thesis and topic sentences, consider the following steps:
Engaging in discussions about your thesis and topic sentences can lead to valuable insights. Collaborating with others allows you to refine your ideas and strengthen your arguments. Remember, revising is not just about correcting mistakes; it’s about enhancing the overall quality of your writing. By focusing on these aspects, you can create a more compelling and coherent academic paper that effectively communicates your ideas.
In summary, revising your thesis and topic sentences is an essential part of the writing process. By following these steps and seeking feedback, you can ensure that your writing remains focused and impactful. This will ultimately lead to a more engaging and persuasive essay.
Historical perspectives.
The concept of a thesis statement has evolved significantly over time. Originally, the term "thesis" comes from the Greek word thésis , which Aristotle discussed in his works. In the past, thesis statements were often vague and lacked the clarity needed for effective academic writing. Today, a strong thesis statement is essential for guiding readers through complex arguments.
In modern academic writing, thesis statements have become more focused and specific. They serve as a roadmap for the reader, outlining the main argument and direction of the paper. This shift reflects a broader trend towards clarity and precision in academic discourse. For instance, many educators now emphasize the importance of crafting a thesis that is not only clear but also debatable, allowing for meaningful discussion.
Looking ahead, the role of thesis statements is likely to continue evolving. As academic writing becomes more interdisciplinary, the expectations for thesis statements may shift. Writers will need to adapt their thesis statements to address diverse audiences and incorporate various perspectives. This adaptability will be crucial for maintaining relevance in an ever-changing academic landscape.
Aspect | Past Approach | Current Approach | Future Considerations |
---|---|---|---|
Clarity | Often vague | Specific and clear | Need for adaptability |
Debate | Rarely debatable | Encouraged | Emphasis on diverse viewpoints |
Structure | Loose and informal | Well-structured | Interdisciplinary approaches |
In summary, understanding the evolution of thesis statements helps you appreciate their importance in academic writing. As you learn how to write dissertation fast , remember that a well-crafted thesis statement is your first step toward effective communication in your research.
Thesis statements have changed a lot over time, and understanding this evolution can really help you in your writing. If you're feeling stuck or anxious about your thesis, don’t worry! Visit our website to discover our easy-to-follow Thesis Action Plan that can guide you step by step. Take control of your academic journey today!
In summary, understanding the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence is essential for effective writing. A thesis statement presents the main argument of a paper, guiding the reader on what to expect. It is a clear, focused claim that can be debated and supported with evidence. On the other hand, a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a paragraph, helping to organize thoughts and maintain clarity. Recognizing these distinctions not only improves writing skills but also enhances critical thinking. By mastering both elements, students can create more coherent and persuasive essays.
What is the difference between a thesis statement and a topic sentence.
A thesis statement presents the main argument of a paper, while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a specific paragraph.
A thesis statement gives direction to the entire paper and helps the reader understand the main point.
A strong thesis statement should be clear, specific, and debatable, providing a focus for your paper.
Topic sentences guide the reader through each paragraph, showing how it connects to the overall argument.
Common mistakes include being too vague, too broad, or lacking a clear argument.
Make sure your topic sentences are specific and directly related to the main idea of the paragraph.
Yes, as you research and write, you may refine your thesis statement to better reflect your findings.
Revision helps ensure clarity, focus, and coherence in your writing, making your arguments stronger.
© 2024 Research Rebels, All rights reserved.
Your cart is currently empty.
Twain High School
Thesis vs. hook.
COMMENTS
The hook is where the reader begins reading an essay. But it is not where the writer begins writing an essay. A good essay is thought though and written out of order. The proper sequence in which to write an essay (after you have organized it) is. Thesis, first; body paragraph topic sentences, second;
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
1) Hook: Description, illustration, narration or dialogue that pulls the reader into your paper topic. This should be interesting and specific. 2) Transition: Sentence that connects the hook with the thesis. 3) Thesis: Sentence (or two) that summarizes the overall main point of the paper. The thesis should answer the prompt question.
Introductions, Thesis Statements, and Roadmaps. The first paragraph or two of any paper should be constructed with care, creating a path for both the writer and reader to follow. However, it is very common to adjust the introduction more than once over the course of drafting and revising your document. In fact, it is normal (and often very ...
Hook vs lead-in transition to the thesis. As you can tell, writing a hook for an essay can be challenging enough on its own. However, it can be extra challenging when you confuse the hook with other important parts of your intro. For example, some writers confuse the hook with the lead-in transition to the thesis itself.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons: It gives your writing direction and focus. It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point. Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
A thesis statement: tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion. is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself.
How to write a thesis statement for persuasive essays. Similar to argumentative essays, persuasive essays follow many of the same guidelines for their thesis statements: decisive language, specific details, and mentions of subtopics. However, the main difference is that, while the thesis statements for argumentative and expository essays state facts, the thesis statements for persuasive essays ...
And be sure not to answer it right away, at least not fully. Use your essay to do that! 5. Declaration. Making a bold statement or declaring a strong opinion can immediately catch people's attention. For example: Putting an end to school shootings is the most important issue facing the United States.
Cite a dramatic fact or statistic. Your introduction also needs to adequately explain the topic and organization of your paper. Your thesis statement identifies the purpose of your paper. It also helps focus the reader on your central point. An effective thesis establishes a tone and a point of view for a given purpose and audience.
To understand the similarities and differences between a paragraph and an essay; ... Essay: Your essay should have a title, an introductory paragraph with a hook and a thesis statement, 3 supporting paragraphs each starting with a topic sentence followed by lots of details, and a concluding paragraph. Use appropriate transitions to connect the ...
The hook needs to set the scene early, hitting the reader with information that captures their interest right from the start. When considering how to compose a hook, think about the content of the essay. The hook is a strong start to your essay, and the rest of the essay should follow suit with clean, clear, and creative writing.
Determine the effect you wish to accomplish before selecting a hook. Choose a hook at the end of the writing process. Even though it should be the first sentence of your paper, it doesn't mean you should write your hook first. Writing an essay is a long and creative process. So, if you can't think of an effective hook at the beginning, just ...
A thesis driven essay is comprised of an initial thesis statement that establishes a claim or argument, and ensuing topic sentences that support and develop that claim. Ideally, a reader would be able to read only the thesis statement and topic sentences of your text, and still be able to understand the main ideas and
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
An introduction serves the following purposes: Establishes your voice and tone, or your attitude, toward the subject. Introduces the general topic of the essay. States the thesis that will be supported in the body paragraphs. First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader's mind, which is why the introduction is so ...
A thesis statement states the purpose and topic of your writing, and the controlling idea indicates the direction and, often, the writing strategy you will adopt. Your thesis is like a road map, guiding your readers so that they know what to expect. Generally, your thesis is placed at the end of your introduction and is a concise and simple ...
Distinguishing Between Thesis Statements and Topic Sentences Clarifying Definitions. A thesis statement and a topic sentence serve different purposes in writing. A thesis statement presents the main argument of your paper, while a topic sentence introduces the main idea of a specific paragraph. Understanding this distinction is crucial for ...
Today, you will be crafting the rest of your writing so I want us to identify the difference between a hook and a thesis in Pérez's work: The hook is always the part that grabs our attention. It's at the very beginning of the piece and tells a story that gets us thinking, "Hmm, tell me more." A thesis is the part that says, "Here is exactly ...