You need to break down a large subject area into a smaller number of topics, which can be explored in the time and space available. You also need to ask ques¬tions—lots of questions—about your topic. This will help you to focus your thinking and to find an important question to write about. | Chapter 7 How to Plan Your Writing Strategy Once you have gathered the various elements of your argument you can begin the next and final stage of your essay the actual writing. As we suggested earlier this should be the last thing you consider not the first. In this chapter we describe the four most important components of the essay the introduction the thesis paragraph the discussion and the conclusion. We also suggest ways to make your essay as interesting and persuasive as possible. I. The Introduction The purpose of the introduction is to attract your readers interest and to lead them to your topic question. A good introduction lets your readers know that you do not intend to bore them but will try to make your essay lively and interesting. A. THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF INTRODUCTIONS. 1. A FUNNEL INTRODUCTION BEGINS WITH A BROAD GENERAL SUBJECT AND NARROWS TO A SPECIFIC TOPIC. It THEN INTRODUCES YOUR THESIS QUESTION OR YOUR THESIS STATEMENT. EXAMPLE Topic question Why should John Pike be included among the great illustrators Funnel introduction leading to the topic question Over the past decade many early twentieth-century artists have received renewed acclaim as participants in the great age of illustration. Some of 67 Copyright 1999 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use the best artists however have been overlooked by both museums and publishers. One artist in particular John Pike is known only to those who purchase his old-fashioned instruction books. However I believe that Pike remains one of the great illustrators of his generation. 2. A HOOK IS A STARTLING IDEA THAT ATTRACTS YOUR READERS. Hooked like a fish to your bright idea and held by your line they read on. You can use a number of types of hooks a. Tell an anecdote that illustrates your thesis statement. b. Use a quotation that illustrates your thesis statement. 1 The quotation may be from a figure who is central to your essay. 2 The quotation may be from an authority in the field.
