Writing a Five-Sentence Introduction: The Basics
Starts general
Becomes specific
Sentence One: The “Hook” or “Grabber”
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Should be general – don’t get too specific just yet
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Should introduce the main idea or theme of your essay
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Should grab the attention of the reader
Sentence Two: “Information-Adding” Sentence
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Should still be general
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Should provide any general background information or definitions that the
reader would need to know in order to understand your topic
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Should elaborate on the main themes or ideas presented in your hook
Sentence Three: “Pivot” Sentence
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Should start becoming more specific – should “pivot” the reader toward the
direction of your thesis statement
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Should introduce the specific book, event or idea you will cover and connect it
to the general themes or ideas you were discussing in your hook.
Sentence Four: The “Set-up” Sentence
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Should specifically focus on the book, event, or idea
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Should “set-up” your thesis by providing any background that will be needed
in order to understand your main point
Sentence Five: Thesis Statement
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The most important sentence in your essay
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Clearly presents the argument of the entire essay
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Clearly responds to the prompt
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Should make three main points that will set up three body paragraphs: this will
help you keep your ideas and paragraphs organized
Sample Introduction for an Essay:
(Macbeth prompt: Analyze the way that the character of Lady Macbeth changes)
(Hook or Grabber): Throughout history, humanity has exhibited a capacity for both
good and evil. (Information-adding Sentence): However, classifying people as purely
good or purely evil can be difficult, since most people change over the course of their lives.
(Pivot Sentence): Such is the case in the play Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, where the
character of Lady Macbeth exemplifies both good and evil tendencies. (Set-up Sentence):
In particular, her “evil” tendencies are typically seen at the beginning of the play, before
she develops into a more complex character. (Thesis Statement): Over the course of the
play, Lady Macbeth changes dramatically by becoming less murderous, less powerhungry, and more remorseful.
Looking more closely at the thesis statement:
Creating a “Three-part Thesis” (a main statement about your entire paper that
specifically lists three main points you will address) is key to organizing your
paper. It should give your argument and three reasons you are arguing this.
In this example, the following three points could be turned into body paragraphs:
1. Less murderous
2. Less power-hungry
3. More remorseful
Thesis Checklist:
Does your thesis state your main argument?
Is it specific enough?
Does it give reasons that support your argument?
Does it have 3 parts?
Is it the last sentence of your introduction?
Is it an opinion?