introduction writing -mengyao

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My topic is: Genetically Modified Crops and Food Security in US

Writing requirement:

Introduction paragraphs are where we gain our reader's interest and convince them to both care about our topic - AKA our food justice problem - and read the rest of our essay. Everyone has slightly different strategies for doing this, but I provide some ideas here in this PowerPoint ( attached in file) that I use in my WR 121 classes. You don't have to look at it to complete this discussion board thread, but it might be helpful. However, you should review the Essay #1 Checklist before completing this assignment, though, with special attention paid to the section on the introduction paragraph. When you're ready, address the following prompts:

1) Either copy and paste the introduction paragraph from your Essay #1 into your initial reply OR write a new one for this post. After you've done so, respond to the following question: Do you think a classmate in this course (who's your target audience, remember!) with no prior knowledge of your topic or question would want to continue reading the rest of the essay? Why, or why not? In explaining your answer, please point to specific places in the introduction paragraph. If you think a skeptical audience member would not want to keep reading, what do you think you need to change to grab their interests. Your reflection on your introduction paragraph should be between 4-6 sentences.

WRITE REQUIREMENT:

  1. Does the essay have an obvious introduction paragraph, and does that paragraph:
    • Make a clear attempt to "hook" the reader with a compelling question, a surprising statistic, an interesting quote from an expert, or a vivid anecdote related to the essay's topic?
    • Present the actual definition of the food justice problem that I've selected, including who that problem affects, and where this problem is most relevant for the essay's purposes?
    • Explain to the reader why this problem matters, and why it's worth defining in more detail in the remainder of the essay?

TO FULL MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS THREAD:

1) Your Initial Post (the intro paragraph) must be a minimum of 300 words, total.

2) The initial post should be a clear introduction paragraph to the essay that you're planning on submitting this Sunday (7/22) for Essay #1 - however, it can and should change between this post and the final essay based on the feedback you receive.

3) You must also offer a productive reply to a classmate's intro paragraph based on the criteria described in the second part of the prompt - described above.

  • I'll be especially appreciative of replies to classmates who have not received any feedback yet, so if someone has already replied to an intro, see if there are others in the thread that you can help out before adding a second or third reply to someone's intro paragraph.

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Introductions Why Write an Introduction? • To transport your readers from their own lives into the “place” of your analysis/argument. • Give your readers the foundation and tools that they need to confront your topic and care about what you are saying (the “hook”). Introduction Models Take 10-15 minutes to flip through the essays we’ve read together so far this term (either chapter is fine), and pay attention to the first paragraph in each essay. The introductions of these essays are generally longer than the first paragraph, but every essay’s first paragraph needs to do the same: convince the reader to keep reading. Pick out two essays that we’ve read that effectively capture your attention, and in 1-2 sentences each, describe the general strategy they use to “hook” their audience. Why You Need a Strong Intro • You never get a second chance to make a first impression • Your introduction provides the road map for the rest of your paper. • Your reader should voluntarily want to read your paper (that’s why you lead with your “sexy” stuff). Strategies for Introductions: • • • • • • • A startling statistic, unusual fact, or unique take on an old problem A vivid example or anecdote An opinion opposite to the one you’re about take. An analogy A compelling quotation A hypothetical situation that illustrates the stakes of your Q@I A definition or explanation of a term that’s central to your argument. What All Intros Must Do • Hook the reader (see previous strategies, or come up with your own) • Present and explain the Q@I • Who is having the disagreement (it’s ok to talk about groups or types of people in answering the “who?” question – it doesn’t have to be specific individuals)? • What is each side’s argument, briefly? • Why is answering this question important? Why should the reader care? (Think about potential consequences of answering or not answering your question at issue) • Provide your answer to the question (AKA: the enthymeme) When Should You Write It? • Usually, the best introductions are written last, or at least extensively revised after the draft is finished. • For some people, it’s OK to begin with a tentative introduction – it helps them think about shaping the paper. For others, it is a better use of time to start with the enthymeme, write the argument, and come back to flesh out the introduction later. Other Things to Keep in Mind • Pay special attention to your first sentence! (Meaning, say something interesting and useful, and say it without errors). • Be straightforward and confident (don’t waver here with statements like “it seems like…”) • Remember: Writing introductions is almost always trial and error: what works for one essay won’t work for another. There’s no secret formula to the “perfect” introduction. Try out different options and seek out feedback!
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