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A strong introduction to an essay should be . . .
Engaging (being with a ‘hook’)
Informative
Contain at least 5 to 7 sentences
End with a clear and compelling Thesis
Statement
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1) Begin with a question.
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Examples:
How can two different characters interpret the
same even differently??
How do dramatic plays reveal their universal
themes?
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2) With a startling statement.
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Examples:
Imagine a literary work with no conflict.
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3) With a famous quotation.
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According to Wally Lamb, “A writer weaves a
fabric of lies in hopes of revealing deeper
human truths”.
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After you beginning “hook”, lead slowly into your
THESIS STATEMENT.
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Your THESIS STATEMENT explains to the reader
what your essay is about, and should always
include TAG (title, author, genre)
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Avoid first person and contractions
Always transition from one idea to the next
Use specific details and elaborate/develop your
paragraphs
Use proper spelling and grammar
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Examine the two different interpretations of
Calpurnia’s dream and explain how Calpurnia and
Decius each take the same symbols and give
them very different readings.
Two individuals can paint the same sunset and create
two strikingly different pictures. Often, what appears
like reality to one person can be perceived much
differently by another. This is especially evident in
Shakespeare’s dramatic play Julius Caesar. In the play,
both Calpurnia and Decius take the same symbols of a
dream and give them very different readings. While
Calpurnia interprets the symbolism as indicative of her
husband’s death, Decius manipulates the same symbols
into a beneficial omen for Caesar.
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Start with TOPIC SENTENCES (say what the
paragraph is going to be about)
Contain SPECIFIC details from the play
Transition into the next paragraph
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Restate thesis
Summarize main points
“Wrap up” the essay with a concluding sentence
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In Act II, Scene II of Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar,
Calpurnia dreams that she sees a statue of
Caesar, “Which like a fountain with an hundred
spouts, / Did run pure blood, and many lusty
Romans / Came smiling and did bathe their
hands in it.” (II. II. 81)
In a 4 paragraph essay, examine the two different
interpretations of Calpurnia’s dream and explain
how Calpurnia and Decius each take the same
symbols and give them very different readings.