Universidade de Brasília

Instituto de Letras/ Línguas Estrangeiras e

Tradução Professora: Caroline Fernandes-Caetano
Expressão Escrita 2

Writing an Introduction - Strategies and Techniques

Read the following texts:

- “Introductions - The Writing Center - University of North Carolina”
- “Thesis Statements - The Writing Center - University of North Carolina”

In groups, discuss these questions about the texts:

Introductions
1) How are introductions (and conclusions) like bridges? Your introduction and conclusion
act as bridges that transport your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your
analysis.
2) What are some elements in a poorly written introduction that can create and cause a bad
impression on readers? A vague, disorganized, error-filled, off-the-wall, or boring
introduction will probably create a negative impression
3) What is the “question” strategy for writing an introduction? Your direct answer to the
assigned question will be your thesis, and your thesis will likely be included in your
introduction, so it is a good idea to use the question as a jumping off
4) What is the “broad to specific” strategy for writing an introduction? Explain why/how
some “broad” phrases can be too broad and not fit with your writing. One strategy
might be to use a similar model in your own introduction—start off with a big picture
sentence or two and then focus in on the details of your argument about Douglass
5) Why is it important to revise your introduction? Why do they suggest writing it last?
Keep in mind that even a “big picture” opening needs to be clearly related to your topic;
an opening sentence that said “Human beings, more than any other creatures on earth, are
capable of learning” would be too broad for our sample assignment about slavery and
education.
6) What are some examples the author gives us on how to draw readers in? Which have
you used before? Which do you think, as a reader, gets your attention? 1.a provocative
quotation that is closely related to your argument; 2 a puzzling scenario; 3 a vivid and
perhaps unexpected anecdote; Ive never used any of them; I think a puzzling scenario is
great.
7) What are the five examples of less effective introductions? Why are they less effective?
The placeholder introduction, The restated question introduction, The Webster’s
Dictionary introduction, The “dawn of man” introduction, The book report introduction

Thesis statements
1) How do I create a thesis?
2) How do I know if my thesis is strong?