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Courtney - Thesis and Intros

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Camille Overmoe

This document provides guidance on writing an effective introduction paragraph for an essay. It uses the analogy of building a house to explain the three components of an introduction: the attention grabber as the foundation, the transitional outline as the house itself, and the thesis statement as the roof. It provides examples of each component and demonstrates how to organize them into a complete introduction paragraph. The document encourages the reader by stating that a strong introduction is the first step to completing a successful essay.

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University of Utah Writing Center Marriott Library: Undergraduate Center (2nd Floor) Graduate Center (1180B) Business Building (Room 1171) 801-587-9122 www.writingcenter.utah.edu W O R K S H EE T P R O D U C ED FOR Y OU R EN JO Y M EN T B Y : Courtney Tanner INTRODUCTION & THESIS GETTING STARTING So you have a paper assignment, right? Well then, shoot off some cannons and light some sparklers—it’s party time! . . . No? In that case, sit back and brace yourself. I’m about to drop some knowledge on you. People always say getting started on an essay is the hardest part. But those people are wrong. Dead wrong. All of them. Liars. Truth be told, all you need is a Red Bull, some confidence, and a little guidance. After all, you are an ARCHITECT. And writing a paper is all about construction. So put on your hard hat and let’s start with a strong foundation. An introduction paragraph and a thesis statement will become the most useful tools in your tool belt!
Let’s Build a House Together! Writing an introduction paragraph is just like building a house, except without all of the sweat and sawdust (bonus!). There are three steps: 1. Attention Grabber 2. Transitional Outline 3. Thesis Statement Step One: ATTENTION GRABBER #1 Step Two: TRANSITIONAL OUTLINE The attention grabber is a couple sentences that introduce your topic in a broad sense. This is your chance to be creative and get your readers engaged! Start with a quote, story, or question. The transitional outline connects your thesis and your attention grabber. It lays out the points or reasons you will be discussing in your essay. Ex: My aunt Polly never completed vaccinations as a baby. She got the mumps when she was twelve and it severely damaged her heart. #3 #2 Ex: The school board cut the music program due to a lack of financial support, classroom space, and specialized teachers. Step Three: THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement is the main idea of your paper stated in one sentence. This sentence is the most important part of your paper. It should directly tell your readers the argument you are presenting in your paper. Ex: The U.S. federal government should increase the national defense budget.
In the construction of the introduction paragraph, it is helpful to think of building a house. ROOF • The attention grabber is the FOUNDATION of the house. • The transitional outline sentences are the HOUSE itself. • And the thesis statement is the ROOF of the house. HOUSE FOUNDA TION Once you have built your house, it is time to “flip” the house. This part is super easy. Just turn your house upside down. Now you have the order your introduction paragraph. The introduction paragraph starts with the attention grabber, the transitional outline follows, and the last part is your thesis statement. EXAMPLE INTRO. PARAGRAPH: AT T ENT I ON G RABBE R TRANSITIONAL OUTLINE THESIS Wild turkeys are found in most of North America. These gobbling fowls have between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers and range in hue from black to brown to red. It is also true that Benjamin Franklin did not want the U.S. national bird to be the eagle. Instead, he wanted the turkey to be the feathery figure of patriotism for the country. Wild turkeys are smart, agile, and strong fighters. The U.S. national bird should be changed from the eagle to the turkey to emulate these characteristics. So now your introduction paragraph and thesis statement are complete! CONGRATULATIONS! That wasn’t so hard, right? But don’t shoot off the sparklers just yet. Now it’s time to start your body paragraphs and wrap your essay up with a conclusion! I know you can do it!

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Courtney - Thesis and Intros

  • 1. University of Utah Writing Center Marriott Library: Undergraduate Center (2nd Floor) Graduate Center (1180B) Business Building (Room 1171) 801-587-9122 www.writingcenter.utah.edu W O R K S H EE T P R O D U C ED FOR Y OU R EN JO Y M EN T B Y : Courtney Tanner INTRODUCTION & THESIS GETTING STARTING So you have a paper assignment, right? Well then, shoot off some cannons and light some sparklers—it’s party time! . . . No? In that case, sit back and brace yourself. I’m about to drop some knowledge on you. People always say getting started on an essay is the hardest part. But those people are wrong. Dead wrong. All of them. Liars. Truth be told, all you need is a Red Bull, some confidence, and a little guidance. After all, you are an ARCHITECT. And writing a paper is all about construction. So put on your hard hat and let’s start with a strong foundation. An introduction paragraph and a thesis statement will become the most useful tools in your tool belt!
  • 2. Let’s Build a House Together! Writing an introduction paragraph is just like building a house, except without all of the sweat and sawdust (bonus!). There are three steps: 1. Attention Grabber 2. Transitional Outline 3. Thesis Statement Step One: ATTENTION GRABBER #1 Step Two: TRANSITIONAL OUTLINE The attention grabber is a couple sentences that introduce your topic in a broad sense. This is your chance to be creative and get your readers engaged! Start with a quote, story, or question. The transitional outline connects your thesis and your attention grabber. It lays out the points or reasons you will be discussing in your essay. Ex: My aunt Polly never completed vaccinations as a baby. She got the mumps when she was twelve and it severely damaged her heart. #3 #2 Ex: The school board cut the music program due to a lack of financial support, classroom space, and specialized teachers. Step Three: THESIS STATEMENT The thesis statement is the main idea of your paper stated in one sentence. This sentence is the most important part of your paper. It should directly tell your readers the argument you are presenting in your paper. Ex: The U.S. federal government should increase the national defense budget.
  • 3. In the construction of the introduction paragraph, it is helpful to think of building a house. ROOF • The attention grabber is the FOUNDATION of the house. • The transitional outline sentences are the HOUSE itself. • And the thesis statement is the ROOF of the house. HOUSE FOUNDA TION Once you have built your house, it is time to “flip” the house. This part is super easy. Just turn your house upside down. Now you have the order your introduction paragraph. The introduction paragraph starts with the attention grabber, the transitional outline follows, and the last part is your thesis statement. EXAMPLE INTRO. PARAGRAPH: AT T ENT I ON G RABBE R TRANSITIONAL OUTLINE THESIS Wild turkeys are found in most of North America. These gobbling fowls have between 5,000 to 6,000 feathers and range in hue from black to brown to red. It is also true that Benjamin Franklin did not want the U.S. national bird to be the eagle. Instead, he wanted the turkey to be the feathery figure of patriotism for the country. Wild turkeys are smart, agile, and strong fighters. The U.S. national bird should be changed from the eagle to the turkey to emulate these characteristics. So now your introduction paragraph and thesis statement are complete! CONGRATULATIONS! That wasn’t so hard, right? But don’t shoot off the sparklers just yet. Now it’s time to start your body paragraphs and wrap your essay up with a conclusion! I know you can do it!