ACADEMIC WRITING

Structure
Title
Introduction
Transitions
Conclusion

Introduction (Opening Paragraph)

The introduction (opening paragraph) has many important functions. First, it should attract the reader and succeed in enticing the reader to continue reading. Second, it should describe to the reader what to expect and what they should look for when reading your text. Third, if your text is an essay, the introduction should state the topic of your essay (thesis statement) and briefly describe your point of view. Finally, it should explain to the reader, the organization or structure of the writing. It is important that the introduction corresponds with the title and the conclusion of the text.

The thesis sentence (or sentences) should state the main purpose or ideas of your writing, your own unique perspective/opinion of the issue being written about. The thesis sentence should be specific and should only cover what you will be writing about in your text. A thesis sentence is generally included in the introduction/opening paragraph.

CHECK POINTS

Does the introduction...
- attract the reader?
- entice the reader to continue reading?
- successfully describe to the reader what to expect from the text?
- include a clearly stated main point (thesis statement) or subject?
- clearly state the writer’s purpose?
- state the primary goals of the writing – simply and definitely?
- succeed in showing the purpose of your text, i.e., to persuade, inform, argue etc.
- succeed in explaining the structure of the writing?
- match the title and conclusion of the text?
- include appropriate, relevant background information on the issue’s written about?
- have all key terms defined (Well? Poorly?)

Is the thesis sentence…
- clearly stated in the introduction?
- effective in attracting the reader’s attention?
- successful in defining or stating the writer’s position of the issue under discussion?