Step 1: The Hook
This is what you use to get
the reader’s attention.
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
THE “HOOK”
Make it Real-World
Begin your introduction by putting your belief out there to the
reader as something EVERYONE experiences. “The fight for
survival is something that is human instinct: everyone needs to
“survive” their life in one way or another.” Putting it realworld will make the reader say to him/herself, “Yes! I
understand that feeling!”
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
THE “HOOK”
Tell a Story
A brief narrative is an effective way to draw in the reader. A
story can pull in readers in a more emotional manner. Tell a
dynamic story to interest and intrigue your audience, but do not
create a narrative that is too informal for your purpose. For
example, in an oil prices research paper, relate a story about a
barrel of oil and its journey from the well to the gas pump.
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
THE “HOOK”
Set the Scene
Creating a vivid initial image is a strong method to use in a
research paper's introduction because many people react strongly
to visual images. Using descriptive language to create an image is
accomplished by using strong words, descriptive phrases and
sensory details. You could create a clear image of a drilling rig
and its massive pumping capabilities using descriptive and colorful
language.
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
THE “HOOK”
Present Startling Facts or Statistics
Using a surprising fact or statistic can create a powerful
introduction. If the statistic is strong, the reader will be
fascinated and enticed into reading more. Accurate and
cited research will be necessary to use this form of
introduction. A surprising fact about the amount of oil that
Americans use per year could be a way to begin an
introduction for a research paper about oil consumption.
The Transition
How do you create the bridge between
your hook and your background?
This should be 1 or 2 sentences.
Step 2: Background
What does the reader need to know in order to understand your
paper?
In a literary analysis, this could be the name of the novel, the author’s
name, characters, a brief summary of the story or topic, history, etc.
In a research paper, this may be a little background about the topic
you are researching. Where is it? Why is it important? Why did it
NEED to be researched?
The Transition
How do you create the bridge between
your background and your thesis?
This should be 1 or 2 sentences.
Step 3: Thesis Statement
This is one sentence that explains
what you are going to prove in
your paper.
A THESIS STATEMENT IN AN ESSAY
IS A SENTENCE THAT EXPLICITLY
IDENTIFIES THE PURPOSE OF THE
PAPER OR PREVIEWS ITS MAIN
IDEAS.
Definition
A THESIS STATEMENT IS AN ASSERTION, NOT A
STATEMENT OF FACT OR AN OBSERVATION.
- FACT OR OBSERVATION: PEOPLE USE MANY LAWN CHEMICALS.
- THESIS: PEOPLE ARE POISONING THE ENVIRONMENT WITH CHEMICALS MERELY TO KEEP
THEIR LAWNS CLEAN.
A THESIS TAKES A STAND RATHER THAN ANNOUNCING
A SUBJECT.
- ANNOUNCEMENT: THE THESIS OF THIS PAPER IS THE DIFFICULTY OF SOLVING OUR
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
- THESIS: SOLVING OUR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IS MORE DIFFICULT THAN MANY
ENVIRONMENTALISTS BELIEVE.
So, what does that mean?
A THESIS IS THE MAIN IDEA, NOT THE TITLE. IT MUST BE A
COMPLETE SENTENCE THAT EXPLAINS IN SOME DETAIL WHAT
YOU EXPECT TO WRITE ABOUT.
TITLE: SOCIAL SECURITY AND OLD AGE.
THESIS: CONTINUING CHANGES IN THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM MAKES IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO
PLAN INTELLIGENTLY FOR ONE'S RETIREMENT.
A THESIS STATEMENT IS NARROW, RATHER THAN BROAD. IF THE
THESIS STATEMENT IS SUFFICIENTLY NARROW, IT CAN BE FULLY
SUPPORTED.
BROAD: THE AMERICAN STEEL INDUSTRY HAS MANY PROBLEMS.
NARROW: THE PRIMARY PROBLEM OF THE AMERICAN STEEL INDUSTRY IS THE LACK OF FUNDS TO
RENOVATE OUTDATED PLANTS AND EQUIPMENT.
So, what does that mean?
A THESIS STATEMENT IS SPECIFIC
RATHER THAN VAGUE OR GENERAL.
VAGUE: HEMINGWAY'S WAR STORIES ARE VERY GOOD.
SPECIFIC: HEMINGWAY'S STORIES HELPED CREATE A NEW PROSE
STYLE BY EMPLOYING EXTENSIVE DIALOGUE, SHORTER
SENTENCES, AND STRONG ANGLO-SAXON WORDS.
So, what does that mean?
A THESIS STATEMENT HAS ONE MAIN POINT
RATHER THAN SEVERAL MAIN POINTS. MORE
THAN ONE POINT MAY BE TOO DIFFICULT FOR
THE READER TO UNDERSTAND AND THE WRITER
TO SUPPORT.
MORE THAN ONE MAIN POINT: STEPHEN HAWKING'S PHYSICAL DISABILITY HAS NOT PREVENTED HIM
FROM BECOMING A WORLD-RENOWNED PHYSICIST, AND HIS BOOK IS THE SUBJECT OF A MOVIE.
ONE MAIN POINT: STEPHEN HAWKING'S PHYSICAL DISABILITY HAS NOT PREVENTED HIM FROM
BECOMING A WORLD RENOWNED PHYSICIST.
So, what does that mean?
A THESIS STATEMENT HAS ONE MAIN POINT
RATHER THAN SEVERAL MAIN POINTS. MORE
THAN ONE POINT MAY BE TOO DIFFICULT FOR
THE READER TO UNDERSTAND AND THE WRITER
TO SUPPORT.
MORE THAN ONE MAIN POINT: STEPHEN HAWKING'S PHYSICAL DISABILITY HAS NOT PREVENTED HIM
FROM BECOMING A WORLD-RENOWNED PHYSICIST, AND HIS BOOK IS THE SUBJECT OF A MOVIE.
ONE MAIN POINT: STEPHEN HAWKING'S PHYSICAL DISABILITY HAS NOT PREVENTED HIM FROM
BECOMING A WORLD RENOWNED PHYSICIST.
So, what does that mean?
Simple Equations for a Thesis
Specific topic + Attitude/Angle/Argument = Thesis
OR
What you plan to argue + How you plan to argue it = Thesis
How do you know if
you have a solid thesis?
Try these five tests:
Does the thesis inspire a reasonable reader to ask, "How?" or Why?"
Would a reasonable reader NOT respond with "Duh!" or "So what?" or "Gee, no
kidding!" or "Who cares?"
Does the thesis avoid general phrasing and/or sweeping words such as "all" or
"none" or "every"?
Does the thesis lead the reader toward the topic sentences (the subtopics needed to
prove the thesis)?
Can the thesis be adequately developed in the required length of the paper or
project?
Thesis Brainstorming
As you read look for:
Interesting contrasts or comparisons or patterns emerging in the information
Is there something about the topic that surprises you?
Do you encounter ideas that make you wonder why?
Does something an "expert" says make you respond, “No way! That can’t be right!" or "Yes,
absolutely. I agree!"
Example of brainstorming a thesis:
Select a topic: television violence and children
Ask an interesting question: What are the effects of television violence on children?
Revise the question into a thesis: Violence on television increases aggressive behavior in
preschool children.
Remember this argument is your “preliminary” or “working” thesis. As you read you may
discover evidence that may affect your stance. It is okay to revise your thesis!