Introduction Essay Writing

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• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 3,4

Essay writing

Because we're  many..

• Please raise your hand if you wish to speak

• Put your phones away unless needed for the lesson (upside down)

• Bring reader, paper and pen

• Be silent during instruction

Essay writing 

• Writing Assignment

• Five paragraphs

• Similar to 'betoog'

• Topics will be provided 

Today: General info & introduction

• General information about the essay

• The different steps when writing an essay

• What do you know about the introduction (poll)

•  Different ways to start your introduction

• Thesis statement

Essay info and reading practice

• On the next slide you will find general info on writing a five-paragraph/argumentative essay

• Some words have been partly covered

• Try to guess which words have been covered

• = Exam practice (gapfill)

     The five-paragraph essay

The five-paragraph (argumentative) essay is a format of essay having five paragraphs: one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs with support and development, and one concluding paragraph. Because of this structure, it is also known as a hamburger essay, one three one, or a three-tier essay. Writing the essay teaches you to express certain ideas in an organized manner, complete with evidence that supports your claims.

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The five-paragraph essay

The five-paragraph (argumentative) essay is a format of essay having five paragraphs: one introductory paragraph, three body paragraphs with support and development, and one concluding paragraph. Because of this structure, it is also known as a hamburger essay, one three one, or a three-tier essay. Writing the essay teaches you to express certain ideas in an organized manner, complete with evidence that supports your claims.

Essay writing steps

The different essay writing steps are listed on the next page > drag and drop them into the right order

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• Decide on your topic

• Organize your ideas

• Write the body paragraphs

• Write the introduction

• Add the finishing touches

• Write the conclusion

• Write your thesis statement

When you write an essay (betoog), which do you find easier to write?

1

Introduction and conclusion?

2

Main body (body paragraphs)

Why start with the introduction then?

> It includes the thesis statement which is step 3 (after deciding on your topic and organizing ideas)

We will provide you with the topic (step 1) and will guide you through the organizing of ideas (step 2) for now

So that's why...

You should write the introduction first

1

Yes

2

No

In your introduction use a sentence like: "First I will explain the first argument, then I.."

1

Yes

2

No

You can start your introduction with an anecdote

1

Yes

2

No

Draw attention with a text like: "This issue has been important since the dawn of mankind"

1

Yes

2

No

Different tantalizing introductions

• On the next three slides you see three different ways to start an introduction

• For each slide/introduction write down which method is used to draw the reader's attention: e.g.1= Using a statement 

• Afterwards you will get a multiple choice question that lists the methods (e.g. 1. statement, 2. percentage etc.) 

• Please note that the examples have not been used!!

Introduction: 1

With recent studies showing that, on average, dog owners live up to 24% longer than those without canine companions, there's no doubt that a dog can have a range of physical and mental health benefits for its owner. These include a more active lifestyle, a social network of other pet owners, companionship, and a sense of purpose.

Introduction 2

Global climate change is a crisis that affects everyone, rich and poor, young and old. From rising ocean levels to increased temperature extremes, the world is changing for everyone. How will your life be different in the coming years?

Introduction 3

When I got home from school that day, my grandmother greeted me with a plate of cookies and a worried expression. I hadn't received the scholarship I needed to go to ballet camp, and we'd need to find another way to earn the money. That's when I started my business giving dance lessons to preschoolers, and it's taught me a lot about how to solve problems on my own.

Which methods (hooks) were used to draw the reader's attention in the introductions?

A

1. Anecdote, 2. Opinion, 3. Question

B

1. Surprising fact, 2. Question, 3. Anecdote

C

1. Surprising fact, 2. Anecdote, 3. Opinion

D

1. Surprising fact, 2. Opinion, 3. Anecdote

Hook 1. Use a surprising fact

You can capture the reader's attention with a surprising fact or statement. Then, state your thesis clearly and briefly: 

With recent studies showing that, on average, dog owners live up to 24% longer than those without canine companions, there's no doubt that a dog can have a range of physical and mental health benefits for its owner. These include...

Hook 2. Pose a Question

 

Another way to engage your reader in your essay introduction is to ask a rhetorical question. Choose carefully: 

Global climate change is a crisis that affects everyone, rich and poor, young and old. From rising ocean levels to increased temperature extremes, the world is changing for everyone. How will your life be different in the coming years?

Hook 3. Start with an Anecdote

A short anecdote is a good way to start a personal essay, especially if it fits with your overall theme. 

When I got home from school that day, my grandmother greeted me with a plate of cookies and a worried expression. I hadn't received the scholarship I needed to go to ballet camp, and we'd need to find another way to earn the money. That's why...

Introduction consists of three parts:

"Working part-time as a cashier at the Piggly Wiggly has given me a great opportunity to observe human behavior. Sometimes I think of the shoppers as white rats in a lab experiment, and the aisles as a maze designed by a psychologist. Most of the rats—customers, I mean—follow a routine pattern, strolling up and down the aisles, checking through my chute, and then escaping through the exit hatch. But not everyone is so dependable. My research has revealed three distinct types of abnormal customer: the amnesiac, the super shopper, and the dawdler."

3 parts in introduction

1. Hook (surprising fact, question, anecdote)

2. Transitional phrases

3. Thesis statement

Before explaining the thesis statement..

• Statement: Today's teenagers have a harder time than their parents..

1. Think of three reasons why this is the case and write them down! 

> You need this after the clip (take notes while watching)

Create your thesis statement & intro

1. Create a thesis statement by using 'your reasons':

>> Todays teenagers have a harder time than their parents, because reason 1, reason 2 and reason 3

2. Now write your introduction: 

A. Start with a hook

B. Create a few transitional phrases 

C. End with your thesis statement

What have you learned today?

Homework

1. Write the introduction for an essay about: Today's teenagers have a harder time than their parents

2. Bring your intro to class tomorrow

Sources

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/strong-introduction-examples.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6n0f_bR5aoc&list=PLdufNnQ4ylNssU9kg66yJAYsh1JBxkimz&index=2