Techniques for Introductions
- 2. Use a quotation, a surprising fact, or a statistic. • Examples: – A paper on male violence could begin by giving statistics of the number of crimes committed by men. – A paper about Catholicism could begin with a quotation from the Pope.
- 3. Ask a question or describe a problem. • Examples: – A paper on climate change might begin with a description of the greenhouse effect. – A paper about space travel might begin by asking whether the reader has ever seen the movie Star Wars.
- 4. Tell a story or give a personal reason for your interest. • Examples: – A paper about cigarette smoking might begin with a personal example of quitting smoking. – A paper about immigration might begin with a story of the author’s grandmother.
- 5. Define a word that is central to your topic. • Examples: – A paper about genetically modified food could begin with a definition of the phrase “genetically modified.”
- 6. Give historical background or a historical comparison or contrast. • Examples: – A paper about the death penalty might begin with a brief history of capital punishment. – A paper about universal health care in the US might begin with a brief history of the US health care industry.
- 7. Give historical background or a historical comparison or contrast. • Examples: – A paper about the death penalty might begin with a brief history of capital punishment. – A paper about universal health care in the US might begin with a brief history of the US health care industry.