Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Draft an introduction
Exploring, planning, and drafting
A process for writing

Introductions are often called hooks because their purpose is to capture the attention of readers and give them a reason to say “Yes, I want to read your essay.” Your introduction will usually be a paragraph of 50 to 150 words (in a longer paper, it may be more than one paragraph) and will include your thesis statement. The most common strategy is to open with a few sentences that engage readers, establish your purpose for writing, and lead readers to your thesis statement.

As you draft your introduction, try to avoid sweeping opening statements such as “Since the beginning of mankind . . .” or “In today’s society . . .”; such broad statements don’t hook readers or show them why your essay is worth reading. Also avoid dictionary definitions or a restatement of the assignment.

ACADEMIC WRITING Depending on your past experiences with writing, you may feel that asserting a thesis in your introduction sounds impolite or even rude. Don’t be afraid to use a direct approach. Make your position clear with a strong thesis in your introduction.

An effective way to hook readers is with an engaging question. In the following introduction, a student reaches out to her readers with this question: Should the government enact laws to regulate healthy eating choices? By showing the debate around the question, she establishes common ground with her readers. The thesis statement answers the question and takes a position. Notice how all the sentences in the introduction move clearly and logically to prepare readers for the student’s thesis.

TIP: For more examples of effective introductions, see the model essays in 5d, 7h, and 63b.

STRATEGIES FOR DRAFTING AN INTRODUCTION

✵ Offer a surprising statistic or an unusual fact

✵ Ask a question

✵ Introduce a quotation

✵ Establish common ground with readers

✵ Provide historical background

✵ Define a key term or concept

✵ Point out a problem, contradiction, or dilemma that needs resolution

✵ Use a vivid example or image