NinfaJCraig'n blogi

Despite the fact that, as Shakespeare put it, "the pen is mightier than the sword," the pen is not enough to make itself an effective writer. In fact, although we may all like to think of ourselves as the next Shakespeare, inspiration alone is not the key to effective essay writing. You see, the traditions of English essays are more formulaic than you think - and, in many ways, it can be as simple as counting up to five. The principle objective of the introduction is to present your position (also known as "thesis" or "argument"). The issue goes hand in hand but effective introductory paragraphs are much more than that. For example, before receiving this thesis statement, the essay must begin with a "hook" that captures the reader's attention and wants to read them. Examples of effective hooks include relevant citations ("no man is an island") or surprising figures ("three out of four doctors report that ...").

Only then, with the reader's attention "hooked", should you move on to the thesis. The thesis should be a clear, one-sentence interpretation of your position that leaves no doubt in the reader's mind which side you are from the beginning of your essay. You should provide a mini-outline that will preview the examples you use. Support your thesis in the rest of the essay. This not only tells the reader what to expect in the upcoming paragraph, but it also gives them a clearer understanding of what the essay is about.