Identifying introduction strategies

In this section you are going to further explore the components of an effective introduction. Here is a list of statements. Decide whether each one is true or false based on your reading in the previous section.

• I think using a dictionary definition is the best way to introduce the topic.
  • True
    • Incorrect. It would be far more interesting for you to develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your essay or to use a definition from one of the sources you’ve been reading for class.
  • False
    • Correct. It would be far more interesting for you to develop your own definition of the term in the specific context of your essay or to use a definition from one of the sources you’ve been reading for class.
• The introduction is a road map for the rest of your essay.
  • True
    • Correct. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.
  • False
    • Incorrect. After reading your introduction, your readers should not have any major surprises in store when they read the main body of your paper.
• The introduction is set in stone once it’s written and should not be modified.
  • True
    • Incorrect. Nothing is set in stone in writing. You can change your introduction at any point. However, it must still draw a map for the reader.
  • False
    • Correct. Nothing is set in stone in writing. You can change your introduction at any point. However, it must still draw a map for the reader.
• A thought-provoking question in an introduction is a good way to grab the reader’s attention.
  • True
    • Correct. One the main purpose of the introduction is to grab the reader’s attention. Making them think is a good way to do that.
  • False
    • Incorrect. One the main purpose of the introduction is to grab the reader’s attention. Making them think is a good way to do that.
• Anecdotes should be avoided at all costs.
  • True
    • Correct. Appropriate anecdotes can be an effective way to connect with the reader.
  • False
    • Incorrect. Appropriate anecdotes can be an effective way to connect with the reader.