ESSAY – INTRODUCTION

Introduction structure:

1. hook
2. background information
3. thesis statement

1. Hook:
A hook is used to grab reader’s interest and attract their attention. There are some types of
hook you can use:

a. question:
Have you ever been to a foreign country and felt lonely?

b. quotation / proverb:
There is a proverb that says that "when in Rome, do as the Romans."

c. anecdote:
When I was a kid, my grandmother....

d. a general sentence:
Studying abroad has become a trend among young people.

2. Background information:

You should provide background information in order to:

a. lead the reader from a general idea of your topic to a specific idea

b. introduce the supporting ideas of your thesis - what will be stated in the body paragraphs

Example:
They think that living in a foreign country provides better opportunities for them to learn a new
language and expand their cultural vision. It can also be an opportunity for them to become
more mature.
3. Thesis statement:
A. What is a thesis statement?
a. states the main idea of the essay - topic + focus

b. simple and direct

c. it is usually the last sentence of your introduction

Example:
Taking some time to study abroad is extremely beneficial for young people.

B. Some things you should keep in mind when writing your thesis statement:

a. it's not a fact or observation

Fact or observation:
People use many chemicals.

Thesis statement:
Chemicals that people use have some bad effects on the environment.

b. it takes a stand rather than announcing a subject

Announcement:
The purpose of this essay is the difficulty of solving our environmental problems.

Thesis statement:
Solving our environmental problems is more difficult than many environmentalists believe.

c. it has one main idea rather than several

More than one point:
Knowing a foreign language has many benefits; it also has some disadvantages.

Thesis statement:
Knowing a foreign language has many advantages for university students.
d. it is neither too broad nor too narrow
Too broad:
The World War II changed history.

Thesis statement:
The World War II changed the life style of people in the 40s.

Too narrow:
I grew up in a small village.

Thesis statement:
The village I grew up in was extremley important to helpme
develop my personality.

EXERCISES

A. Read the statements below. Check the ones that are clear thesis statements. In pairs,
discuss what are the problems with the ones you didn’t check (ex: it’s an
announcement).
B. Write an introduction about the following topic:
When choosing a career, financial gain should be the most important consideration.
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