Part 5: Understanding the writing point Task 8: Read the following information about introductions.
The kind of information which you should include in an introduction may differ slightly depending on the essay subject, title or genre. However, there are a few general points which you could consider including in any introduction. These are as follows:
1. Interesting opening statement: An interesting fact or statement will both gain the reader’s interest and suggest that you have something interesting to say. A short, powerful, dynamic sentence (rather than a long, detailed one) can often be highly effective in stimulating interest.
2. Attention-grabbing data: Well-chosen and interesting numbers or statistics can sometimes say more than a hundred words of text. Do not just use a random number that you find – choose the data carefully, otherwise it will not have the desired effect.
3. Definition of terms: If you are using specific terms which may be unfamiliar to the reader, or if your essay contains a number of complex technical terms, then it is best to define these at an early opportunity. If doing this, use a subject-specific dictionary, or a scholar’s definition, rather than a general dictionary.
4. Relevant and interesting quotation: A well-chosen and appropriate quotation can give focus and clarity to the specific question you wish to address. Any quotation that you use should be better than what you could say yourself, otherwise there is no point in using it.
5. Background information: Identify the major scholars who have written on the subject before, and why their work is important. If doing this, it is probably best to be brief. You can go into the detailed background information in the second paragraph (and beyond). You should just give an overview in the introductory paragraph.
6. Thesis statement / argument: It is important to tell the reader what the main purpose / central argument of your essay is. There should not be any ambiguity.
7. Outline of sections: Present what you will be looking at in the rest of the essay to show the reader the direction in which you are going. It is important to use a range of verbs here, and it is common to use the present simple tense.
Task 9: Look at the introduction from the essay in Part 3. The different sections have been written in different colours. Write the appropriate heading for each colour. An example is done for you.
The world currently stands at a crossroads, and it appears that the United Nations (UN) is the only organization which can help it go in the right direction. As Ralph Bunche argued, ‘The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.’ Certainly, since it was formed in 1945, the UN has been involved in many important diplomatic incidents, such as the Korean War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. However, in a recent global poll, more than 70% of respondents said that the institution needed reform. The word ‘reform’ can mean different things to different people. To some, it means small changes to the existing structure, whereas to others it means radical transformation. This essay will argue that although the UN still has an important role to play in the 21st
century, in
diplomacy and in other areas it does need to be reformed. As such, this short essay will examine future changes in three key areas: the environment, peacekeeping and economic equality.
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