Introductions and Thesis Statements

1. Introductions and Thesis Statements Comp II

2. Introductions and Thesis • Knowing how to write an introduction is yet another part in the process of writing a research paper. Think of it as a first impression. You want it to be presentable and attractive.

3. Introductions and Thesis • The introduction starts with a broad basis and then narrows it down to your particular field of study. Think of it as an inverted pyramid, where you start with a wide overview but move towards the thesis statement.

4. Introductions and Thesis • It works upon the principle of introducing the topic of the paper and setting it into a broad context, gradually narrowing down to a problem or issue and the thesis. A good introduction explains how you mean to solve the research problem and creates ‘leads’ to make the reader want to delve further into your work.

5. Introductions and Thesis • And speaking of reader…You should assume that your paper is aimed at someone with a good working knowledge of your particular field. For example, a paper about evolutionary adaptations need not go into too much detail about Darwin - it is fairly common knowledge.

6. Introductions and Thesis • Consider background info: Like in any good Hollywood movie, the first task of the introduction is to set the scene, giving your paper a context. While not the only way, this section, comprising the first paragraphs of your introduction, can be based around a historical narrative, from the very first research in the field to the current day. In many fields, this could make up an entire essay in itself, so you have to stick to relevant information.

7. Introductions and Thesis There are a couple tips that can help you write a strong introduction, arousing interest and encouraging the reader to read the rest of your work. • Define the ProblemTheentire introduction should logically end at the thesis statement. The reader, by the end of the introduction, should know exactly what you are trying to achieve with the paper. In addition, your conclusion will refer back to the introduction, and this is easier if you have a clearly defined problem.

8. Introductions and Thesis Also… • Organization
As you write the paper, you may find that it goes in a slightly different direction than planned. In this case, go with the flow, but make sure that you adjust the introduction accordingly. Some people work entirely from an outline and then write the introduction as the last part of the process. This is fine if it works for you.

9. Introductions and Thesis To get your paper off to a great start, you should try to have a first sentence that engages your reader. Think of your first sentence as a hook that draws your reader in. It is your big chance to be so clever that your reader can’t stop. As you researched your topic, you probably discovered many interesting anecdotes, quotes, or trivial facts. This is exactly the sort of thing you should use for an engaging introduction.

10. Introductions and Thesis Consider these ideas for creating a strong beginning. • Surprising Fact, Statistic • Humor • Quotation • Definition • Anecdote • Question

11. Academic Voice Style: Academic voice does not mean stiff, cold, or robotic writing, nor should it entail overly complex sentence constructions that hide the true meaning of the sentence. Academic voice is an effort suppress the natural voice of the author in an effort to focus the reader on the material instead of the author's persona. Therefore, you write most academic papers in third person. If you write in first person (I, we, etc.), the reader tends to focus on the author. If you write in second person (you), the reader tends to focus on her/himself.

12. Academic Voice Audience: The need to write formally generally stems from the demands of the writer’s audience. Just as certain social occasions call for formal attire, certain reading audiences require formal writing. Because your academic writing is addressed to the academic community, it would be inappropriate for you to address this audience the way you would a friend. Furthermore, Developing  an  appropriate  voice  in  academic writing establishes authority and respect for the writer.

13. Academic Voice DO: Read! Improve your vocabulary and think about word choice Improve sentence structure and variety. Read your papers aloud to evaluate sentence quality and appropriateness. Does the voice sound informed? Believable?

14. Academic Voice Don’t use casual phrases: “You know,” “Well,” “Now” or ambiguous words that don’t explain anything: “Very” or “Great”  Avoid clichés. Phrases we have read over and over again are boring and lack creativity and ambition. Avoid repetition. Using the same word and/or phrase multiple times in a single, short paper is uninspired.

15. Academic Voice Avoid colloquialisms (slang and slangy phrases) No-Good Sentence: You can tell the author is really into women’s rights by the way she portrays her female heroes. All-Good Sentence: The author’s portrayal of feminist heroines suggests that she has sympathy with the women’s rights movement.

16. Academic Voice Examples: Casual: Yuck! I hate broccoli with those nasty, stinkin’ mush- rooms. Why do we gotta have these things again, man?! Academic: Very few people enjoy this broccoli and mushroom dish. Therefore, it will not be served again within this calendar year, or the servers will be killed.

17. Academic Voice Examples Casual: Awww, we gotta cancel the party ‘cause it’s totally raining like crazy Academic: Due to the inclement weather, the Annual Tattoo Party will not take place this Thursday at Finster Park. The planning committee will reschedule the event and release information as soon as possible.