writing an introduction to an essay ppt

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This presentation is designed to introduce your students to the elements of an organized essay, including the introduction, the thesis, body paragraphs, topic sentences, counterarguments, and the conclusion.

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Introduction to Academic Writing

Subject: English

Age range: 11-14

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

29 August 2021

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This editable PowerPoint lesson (17 slides in PPT format) covers the notion of academic argument, audience awareness, and the structure of a 5-paragraph essay (an introduction, three body paragraphs with well-developed topic sentences and key details that support the main idea, and a conclusion). It introduces the idea that English academic writing is direct in nature and should use formal language. Students will evaluate two model essays. They will also use a graphic organizer to brainstorm ideas for an essay of their own where they will have to argue an opinion.

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Writing an Essay Introduction PPT & Activities - Hook, Bridge & Thesis Statement

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Writing an essay is hard enough for students, but the most difficult part? Where to begin. Students struggle mightily with writing an introduction, and so often they just want to give up before they even get started.

This resource provides everything you need to teach students the basics of writing an effective essay introduction , including the hook, bridge and thesis statement . Usable with both informative and argumentative essays, this introductory paragraph how-to includes definitions; explicit instructions on how to write a hook, bridge and thesis statement; multiple examples (and non-examples) for each; along with plenty of practice and assessment activities —not to mention a detailed answer key with written examples as well.

This "Writing the Introduction" resource includes:

• 32-SLIDE FULLY EDITABLE POWERPOINT that walks students through the basics of writing an introduction—including how to write a hook, bridge and thesis statement—along with plenty of examples, practice and assessment activities. (Also included as a PDF to ensure compatibility with all computers, software and fonts.)

• GUIDED NOTES to encourage active student engagement during instruction and support struggling students (and slow note-takers) who may need help capturing key details.

• MULTIPLE PRACTICE AND ASSESSMENT ACTIVITIES AND HANDOUTS in which students analyze examples of effective essay introductions and practice writing a hook, bridge and thesis statement—and, of course, writing a full introduction.

• DETAILED ANSWER KEYS with examples for each step of the writing process and a rubric for self-grading.

The resource works well with any informative (expository, explanatory) or argumentative writing unit. It can be used for step-by-step writing instruction, review, intervention, or enrichment—both for individual students or group work.

I hope your young writers find the lessons engaging, and that the resource helps to further develop their writing skills.

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Introduction to Essay Writing

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Presentation on theme: "Introduction to Essay Writing"— Presentation transcript:

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Writing an Expository Essay

Sep 22, 2014

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Writing an Expository Essay. Expository writing. Exposition, which means explanation is the most common way we communicate. Expository Essays. Expository Essays explain something. They answer questions like: What is it? How should we define it? How do you do it? How does it work?

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Expository writing Exposition, which means explanation is the most common way we communicate.

Expository Essays • Expository Essays explain something. They answer questions like: • What is it? • How should we define it? • How do you do it? • How does it work? • What is the history of it? • What caused it? What are the effects? • What is the meaning of it?

An expository essay… • Informs readers about a meaningful and interesting subject. • Conveys information clearly and completely. • Does not argue for or against the subject or make a judgement about its value or worth.

Basic Essay structure • Introduction: introduce your topic and purpose for writing. State your thesis. • Body: Provide reasons and explanations for your thesis. • Conclusion: wrap up your ideas and restate your thesis. • Note: If you’ve structured an essay properly, you should be able to read the introduction and conclusion and they should make sense together.

Writing an Introduction A good introduction must have the following: • A hook (one to two sentences that grab the reader’s attention) • General introduction to topic • Thesis (one sentence that states the point of the essay).

Writing hooks A hook is an attention-grabbing sentence or two. Your hook could be: • An interesting quote • A short anecdote (brief personal story related to topic) • An interesting fact • Interesting or unusual statement • A question • A strong statement • An exaggeration

Example introductions with hooks • (Using a question) Do you own a pet? Lots of people love animals and many people share their homes with a four legged companion. Typically people tend to have cats or dogs for pets and, typically, people tend to classify themselves as either cat or dog people. Some people may feel that cats make the better pet since they are relatively independent animals, but doesn’t that mean that they really don’t need us? Dogs, on the other hand, can play a huge part in our day-to-day routines. Sometimes there are inconveniences but, for the most part, dogs are great pets because they are beneficial to our lives. • (Using a quote) Samuel Butler states, "The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too". Although this quote is very true, perhaps the best known saying about dogs is that they are man’s best friend. Why are dogs characterized this way, though? Maybe, as Butler indicates, dogs are perceived as man’s best friend because they never judge us and love us unconditionally. More importantly maybe dogs make great pets because they are beneficial to many areas of our lives. *Note how the thesis flows into the ideas of the paragraph and isn’t just dropped into the paragraph awkwardly. You can always add words or rearrange your thesis in order to achieve this – as long as the main idea of your essay is clear. Thesis statement Thesis statement

Creating your own topics:Read through the following topics and create possible expository essay topics Body art smoking Popularity drugs UFC and IFL exams Keep in mind the purpose of an expository essay is to explain, describe or inform. Consider using these words when creating your topics: how? what? why? Example: What is involved in getting a tattoo?

Thesis statements • A thesis statement is one sentence that tells what your essay is about • The formula for writing a thesis for an expository essay is: Topic + point= thesis Keep in mind that for an expository essay your purpose is to explain, describe, or inform.

Expository Topic suggestions: • Describe a world-class athlete. • Describe how communication has changed in the last 20 years. • Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. • What is courage? • What is a soul-mate? • Explain why someone is a leader. • Describe the major stresses on a teen’s life • Explain why teens take up smoking. • Explain why teens might turn to drugs. • Explain why students skip school. • Explain the importance for teens of having a driver’s license. • Explain an important invention. • Explain the benefits of a particular career.

Writing Effective Body Paragraphs • Give a specific example that helps explain your thesis in each body paragraph. • Do not make your whole paper sound like an introduction paragraph. • Begin your body paragraphs with a topic sentence. • Each body paragraph develops one clear, specific reason or example for your thesis statement.

Body Paragraph Example During September 11th, when the terrorists attacked the World Trade buildings, Americans of all races and ages helped each other escape the crumbling buildings. The fireman and police worked overtime and put themselves in danger from the dust and piles of building scraps to help pull the injured out from under the rubble. These men and women gave everyone hope in their heroic, selfless acts. Their actions reveal that it is admirable to put others first.

Another Sample Body Paragraph It is important to care about others because then other people will like you. Everyone wants to have friends. Caring is part of friendship. This student received a bad score because the body paragraph is too vague. What does that mean?

Yet Another Sample Body Paragraph A nurse will spend most of her or his day caring for hurting people. Nurses are one example of people who put others first. • Too vague! Develop the idea! Your paragraph must develop the idea of the nurse helping the sick. This is an okay start, but it’s certainly not a paragraph.

The Last Example of a Body Paragraph The Red Cross is an organization that helps people in need. For example, they respond to hurricane or tornado victims with places of shelter, blankets, clothing, and food. The Red Cross people are volunteers that make life bearable in times of emergencies. It is important to help people in tough times; one never knows when he or she will need assistance.

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Brainstorming before Writing Write an essay explaining how decisions can shape a person’s future. News/History World Events Miley Cyrus Gabby Douglas Books/Movies School/Community Michael Oher – The Blind Side The Outsiders or The Hunger Games

Expository essays - a Re-cap: • Explains/informs/discusses a topic • Includes a thesis • Contains evidence and reasoning • Provides a conclusion

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How to Write an Essay Introduction (with Examples)   

The introduction of an essay plays a critical role in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. It sets the stage for the rest of the essay, establishes the tone and style, and motivates the reader to continue reading. 

Table of Contents

What is an essay introduction , what to include in an essay introduction, how to create an essay structure , step-by-step process for writing an essay introduction , how to write an introduction paragraph , how to write a hook for your essay , how to include background information , how to write a thesis statement .

• Argumentative Essay Introduction Example: 
• Expository Essay Introduction Example 

Literary Analysis Essay Introduction Example

Check and revise – checklist for essay introduction , key takeaways , frequently asked questions .

An introduction is the opening section of an essay, paper, or other written work. It introduces the topic and provides background information, context, and an overview of what the reader can expect from the rest of the work. 1 The key is to be concise and to the point, providing enough information to engage the reader without delving into excessive detail. 

The essay introduction is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire piece and provides the reader with a roadmap of what to expect. Here are key elements to include in your essay introduction: 

• Hook : Start with an attention-grabbing statement or question to engage the reader. This could be a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or a compelling anecdote. 
• Background information : Provide context and background information to help the reader understand the topic. This can include historical information, definitions of key terms, or an overview of the current state of affairs related to your topic. 
• Thesis statement : Clearly state your main argument or position on the topic. Your thesis should be concise and specific, providing a clear direction for your essay. 

Before we get into how to write an essay introduction, we need to know how it is structured. The structure of an essay is crucial for organizing your thoughts and presenting them clearly and logically. It is divided as follows: 2  

• Introduction:  The introduction should grab the reader’s attention with a hook, provide context, and include a thesis statement that presents the main argument or purpose of the essay.  
• Body:  The body should consist of focused paragraphs that support your thesis statement using evidence and analysis. Each paragraph should concentrate on a single central idea or argument and provide evidence, examples, or analysis to back it up.  
• Conclusion:  The conclusion should summarize the main points and restate the thesis differently. End with a final statement that leaves a lasting impression on the reader. Avoid new information or arguments. 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to write an essay introduction: 

• Start with a Hook : Begin your introduction paragraph with an attention-grabbing statement, question, quote, or anecdote related to your topic. The hook should pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading. 
• Provide Background Information : This helps the reader understand the relevance and importance of the topic. 
• State Your Thesis Statement : The last sentence is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be clear, concise, and directly address the topic of your essay. 
• Preview the Main Points : This gives the reader an idea of what to expect and how you will support your thesis. 
• Keep it Concise and Clear : Avoid going into too much detail or including information not directly relevant to your topic. 
• Revise : Revise your introduction after you’ve written the rest of your essay to ensure it aligns with your final argument. 

Here’s an example of an essay introduction paragraph about the importance of education: 

Education is often viewed as a fundamental human right and a key social and economic development driver. As Nelson Mandela once famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” It is the key to unlocking a wide range of opportunities and benefits for individuals, societies, and nations. In today’s constantly evolving world, education has become even more critical. It has expanded beyond traditional classroom learning to include digital and remote learning, making education more accessible and convenient. This essay will delve into the importance of education in empowering individuals to achieve their dreams, improving societies by promoting social justice and equality, and driving economic growth by developing a skilled workforce and promoting innovation. 

This introduction paragraph example includes a hook (the quote by Nelson Mandela), provides some background information on education, and states the thesis statement (the importance of education). 

This is one of the key steps in how to write an essay introduction. Crafting a compelling hook is vital because it sets the tone for your entire essay and determines whether your readers will stay interested. A good hook draws the reader in and sets the stage for the rest of your essay.  

• Avoid Dry Fact : Instead of simply stating a bland fact, try to make it engaging and relevant to your topic. For example, if you’re writing about the benefits of exercise, you could start with a startling statistic like, “Did you know that regular exercise can increase your lifespan by up to seven years?” 
• Avoid Using a Dictionary Definition : While definitions can be informative, they’re not always the most captivating way to start an essay. Instead, try to use a quote, anecdote, or provocative question to pique the reader’s interest. For instance, if you’re writing about freedom, you could begin with a quote from a famous freedom fighter or philosopher. 
• Do Not Just State a Fact That the Reader Already Knows : This ties back to the first point—your hook should surprise or intrigue the reader. For Here’s an introduction paragraph example, if you’re writing about climate change, you could start with a thought-provoking statement like, “Despite overwhelming evidence, many people still refuse to believe in the reality of climate change.” 

Including background information in the introduction section of your essay is important to provide context and establish the relevance of your topic. When writing the background information, you can follow these steps: 

• Start with a General Statement:  Begin with a general statement about the topic and gradually narrow it down to your specific focus. For example, when discussing the impact of social media, you can begin by making a broad statement about social media and its widespread use in today’s society, as follows: “Social media has become an integral part of modern life, with billions of users worldwide.” 
• Define Key Terms : Define any key terms or concepts that may be unfamiliar to your readers but are essential for understanding your argument. 
• Provide Relevant Statistics:  Use statistics or facts to highlight the significance of the issue you’re discussing. For instance, “According to a report by Statista, the number of social media users is expected to reach 4.41 billion by 2025.” 
• Discuss the Evolution:  Mention previous research or studies that have been conducted on the topic, especially those that are relevant to your argument. Mention key milestones or developments that have shaped its current impact. You can also outline some of the major effects of social media. For example, you can briefly describe how social media has evolved, including positives such as increased connectivity and issues like cyberbullying and privacy concerns. 
• Transition to Your Thesis:  Use the background information to lead into your thesis statement, which should clearly state the main argument or purpose of your essay. For example, “Given its pervasive influence, it is crucial to examine the impact of social media on mental health.” 

A thesis statement is a concise summary of the main point or claim of an essay, research paper, or other type of academic writing. It appears near the end of the introduction. Here’s how to write a thesis statement: 

• Identify the topic:  Start by identifying the topic of your essay. For example, if your essay is about the importance of exercise for overall health, your topic is “exercise.” 
• State your position:  Next, state your position or claim about the topic. This is the main argument or point you want to make. For example, if you believe that regular exercise is crucial for maintaining good health, your position could be: “Regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health.” 
• Support your position:  Provide a brief overview of the reasons or evidence that support your position. These will be the main points of your essay. For example, if you’re writing an essay about the importance of exercise, you could mention the physical health benefits, mental health benefits, and the role of exercise in disease prevention. 
• Make it specific:  Ensure your thesis statement clearly states what you will discuss in your essay. For example, instead of saying, “Exercise is good for you,” you could say, “Regular exercise, including cardiovascular and strength training, can improve overall health and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.” 

Examples of essay introduction 

Here are examples of essay introductions for different types of essays: 

Argumentative Essay Introduction Example:  

Topic: Should the voting age be lowered to 16? 

“The question of whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 has sparked nationwide debate. While some argue that 16-year-olds lack the requisite maturity and knowledge to make informed decisions, others argue that doing so would imbue young people with agency and give them a voice in shaping their future.” 

Expository Essay Introduction Example  

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise 

“In today’s fast-paced world, the importance of regular exercise cannot be overstated. From improving physical health to boosting mental well-being, the benefits of exercise are numerous and far-reaching. This essay will examine the various advantages of regular exercise and provide tips on incorporating it into your daily routine.” 

Text: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee 

“Harper Lee’s novel, ‘To Kill a Mockingbird,’ is a timeless classic that explores themes of racism, injustice, and morality in the American South. Through the eyes of young Scout Finch, the reader is taken on a journey that challenges societal norms and forces characters to confront their prejudices. This essay will analyze the novel’s use of symbolism, character development, and narrative structure to uncover its deeper meaning and relevance to contemporary society.” 

• Engaging and Relevant First Sentence : The opening sentence captures the reader’s attention and relates directly to the topic. 
• Background Information : Enough background information is introduced to provide context for the thesis statement. 
• Definition of Important Terms : Key terms or concepts that might be unfamiliar to the audience or are central to the argument are defined. 
• Clear Thesis Statement : The thesis statement presents the main point or argument of the essay. 
• Relevance to Main Body : Everything in the introduction directly relates to and sets up the discussion in the main body of the essay. 

Writing a strong introduction is crucial for setting the tone and context of your essay. Here are the key takeaways for how to write essay introduction: 3  

• Hook the Reader : Start with an engaging hook to grab the reader’s attention. This could be a compelling question, a surprising fact, a relevant quote, or an anecdote. 
• Provide Background : Give a brief overview of the topic, setting the context and stage for the discussion. 
• Thesis Statement : State your thesis, which is the main argument or point of your essay. It should be concise, clear, and specific. 
• Preview the Structure : Outline the main points or arguments to help the reader understand the organization of your essay. 
• Keep it Concise : Avoid including unnecessary details or information not directly related to your thesis. 
• Revise and Edit : Revise your introduction to ensure clarity, coherence, and relevance. Check for grammar and spelling errors. 
• Seek Feedback : Get feedback from peers or instructors to improve your introduction further. 

The purpose of an essay introduction is to give an overview of the topic, context, and main ideas of the essay. It is meant to engage the reader, establish the tone for the rest of the essay, and introduce the thesis statement or central argument.  

An essay introduction typically ranges from 5-10% of the total word count. For example, in a 1,000-word essay, the introduction would be roughly 50-100 words. However, the length can vary depending on the complexity of the topic and the overall length of the essay.

An essay introduction is critical in engaging the reader and providing contextual information about the topic. To ensure its effectiveness, consider incorporating these key elements: a compelling hook, background information, a clear thesis statement, an outline of the essay’s scope, a smooth transition to the body, and optional signposting sentences.  

The process of writing an essay introduction is not necessarily straightforward, but there are several strategies that can be employed to achieve this end. When experiencing difficulty initiating the process, consider the following techniques: begin with an anecdote, a quotation, an image, a question, or a startling fact to pique the reader’s interest. It may also be helpful to consider the five W’s of journalism: who, what, when, where, why, and how.   For instance, an anecdotal opening could be structured as follows: “As I ascended the stage, momentarily blinded by the intense lights, I could sense the weight of a hundred eyes upon me, anticipating my next move. The topic of discussion was climate change, a subject I was passionate about, and it was my first public speaking event. Little did I know , that pivotal moment would not only alter my perspective but also chart my life’s course.” 

Crafting a compelling thesis statement for your introduction paragraph is crucial to grab your reader’s attention. To achieve this, avoid using overused phrases such as “In this paper, I will write about” or “I will focus on” as they lack originality. Instead, strive to engage your reader by substantiating your stance or proposition with a “so what” clause. While writing your thesis statement, aim to be precise, succinct, and clear in conveying your main argument.  

To create an effective essay introduction, ensure it is clear, engaging, relevant, and contains a concise thesis statement. It should transition smoothly into the essay and be long enough to cover necessary points but not become overwhelming. Seek feedback from peers or instructors to assess its effectiveness. 

References  

• Cui, L. (2022). Unit 6 Essay Introduction.  Building Academic Writing Skills . 
• West, H., Malcolm, G., Keywood, S., & Hill, J. (2019). Writing a successful essay.  Journal of Geography in Higher Education ,  43 (4), 609-617. 
• Beavers, M. E., Thoune, D. L., & McBeth, M. (2023). Bibliographic Essay: Reading, Researching, Teaching, and Writing with Hooks: A Queer Literacy Sponsorship. College English, 85(3), 230-242. 

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Basic Guide to Writing an Essay - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Basic Guide to Writing an Essay

Basic guide to writing an essay what is an essay an essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. you may be writing an essay to ... – powerpoint ppt presentation.

• An essay can have many purposes, but the basic structure is the same no matter what. You may be writing an essay to argue for a particular point of view or to explain the steps necessary to complete a task. Either way, your essay will have the same basic format. If you follow a few simple steps, you will find that the essay almost writes itself. You will be responsible only for supplying ideas, which are the important part of the essay anyway.
• Don't let the thought of putting pen to paper daunt you. Get started!
• These simple steps will guide you through the essay writing process
• Decide on your topic.
• Prepare an outline or diagram of your ideas.
• Write your thesis statement.
• Write the body.
• Write the main points.
• Write the subpoints.
• Elaborate on the subpoints.
• Write the introduction.
• Write the conclusion.
• Add the finishing touches.
• Begin your outline by writing your topic at the top of the page.
• Next, write the Roman numerals I, II, and III, spread apart down the left side of the page.
• Next to each Roman numeral, write the main ideas that you have about your topic, or the main points that you want to make.
• If you are trying to persuade, you want to write your best arguments.
• If you are trying to explain a process, you want to write the steps that should be followed. You will probably need to group these into categories. If you have trouble grouping the steps into categories, try using Beginning, Middle, and End.
• If you are trying to inform, you want to write the major categories into which your information can be divided.
• Under each Roman numeral, write A, B, and C down the left side of the page.
• Next to each letter, write the facts or information that support that main idea.
• When you have finished, you have the basic structure for your essay and are ready to continue.
• Now that you have decided, at least tentatively, what information you plan to present in your essay, you are ready to write your thesis statement.
• The thesis statement tells the reader what the essay will be about, and what point you, the author, will be making.
• You know what the essay will be about. That was your topic. Now you must look at your outline or diagram and decide what point you will be making. What do the main ideas and supporting ideas that you listed say about your topic?
• Your thesis statement will have two parts.
• The first part states the topic.
• Kenya's Culture
• Building a Model Train Set
• Public Transportation
• The second part states the point of the essay.
• has a rich and varied history
• takes time and patience
• can solve some of our city's most persistent and pressing problems
• Once you have formulated a thesis statement that fits this pattern and with which you are comfortable, you are ready to continue.
• In the body of the essay, all the preparation up to this point comes to fruition. The topic you have chosen must now be explained, described, or argued. Each main idea that you wrote down in your diagram or outline will become one of the body paragraphs. If you had three or four main ideas, you will have three or four body paragraphs. Each body paragraph will have the same basic structure.
• Start by writing down one of your main ideas, in sentence form. Next, write down each of your supporting points for that main idea, but leave four or five lines in between each point.
• In the space under each point, write down some elaboration for that point. Elaboration can be further description or explanation or discussion.
• Once you have fleshed out each of your body paragraphs, one for each main point, you are ready to continue.
• If your main idea is "reduces freeway congestion," you might say this
• Public transportation reduces freeway congestion.
• Supporting Point
• Commuters appreciate the cost savings of taking public transportation rather than driving.
• Elaboration
• Less driving time means less maintenance expense, such as oil changes.
• Of course, less driving time means savings on gasoline as well.
• In many cases, these savings amount to more than the cost of riding public transportation.
• The introduction should be designed to attract the reader's attention and give her an idea of the essay's focus. Begin with an attention grabber. The attention grabber you use is up to you, but here are some ideas
• Startling information. This information must be true and verifiable, and it doesn't need to be totally new to your readers. It could simply be a pertinent fact that explicitly illustrates the point you wish to make. If you use a piece of startling information, follow it with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Anecdote. An anecdote is a story that illustrates a point. Be sure your anecdote is short, to the point, and relevant to your topic. This can be a very effective opener for your essay, but use it carefully.
• Dialogue. An appropriate dialogue does not have to identify the speakers, but the reader must understand the point you are trying to convey. Use only two or three exchanges between speakers to make your point. Follow dialogue with a sentence or two of elaboration.
• Summary Information. A few sentences explaining your topic in general terms can lead the reader gently to your thesis. Each sentence should become gradually more specific, until you reach your thesis.
• If the attention grabber was only a sentence or two, add one or two more sentences that will lead the reader from your opening to your thesis statement.
• Finish the paragraph with your thesis statement.
• The conclusion brings closure to the reader, summing up your points or providing a final perspective on your topic. All the conclusion needs is three or four strong sentences which do not need to follow any set formula. Simply review the main points (being careful not to restate them exactly) or briefly describe your feelings about the topic. Even an anecdote can end your essay in a useful way. The introduction and conclusion complete the paragraphs of your essay.
• Don't stop just yet! One more step remains before your essay is truly finished.
• You have now completed all of the paragraphs of your essay. Before you can consider this a finished product, however, you must give some thought to the formatting of your paper.
• Check the order of your paragraphs.
• Check the instructions for the assignment.
• Check your writing.

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