Introductions
for Cause and Effect Essays
Take good notes so that you can use them when it's time to write your introduction!
We learned in the lesson about Essay Writing that Essay Introductions have 3 parts.
Background Information
A Thesis Statement
A Hook
to introduce readers to the topic
to state the main idea and preview the main points
to grab the audience's attention
01
A Hook
to grab your audience's attention
Watch the video about different types of hooks.
+ info
To Review:
Ask your reader to imagine something.
Start with a question that relates to your topic.
Quote a famous person or use a famous quote.
Start with a surprising fact or statistic.
+ info
02
Background Information
to introduce readers to the topic
Click the different areas of the image to explore.
Background information is different for different types of essays.
In a cause and effect essay, if we write about effects in the body, then our background information will be about the causes.
In a problem-solution essay, if we write about solutions in the body, then our background information will be about the problem.
In analysis essays, we often need to define a complex concept, so the background information will be an extended definition of the concept.
VS
Advanced Academic
Intermediate Academic
Learn about background information for analysis essays.
Learn about background information for effect essays.
Since we're doing a cause and effect essay that focuses on effects, your background information will discuss what causes your topic.
Discuss Several Causes
- What causes it?
- What influences it?
- What created the need for it?
Since we're doing an analysis and application essay, your background information will define the assigned concept in detail by giving an extended definition of the concept.
Establishing Context
- Context and background information in an introduction paragraph play a crucial role in providing readers with the necessary foundation to understand the topic of the essay.
- We'll be providing an extended definition for our reader as background information.
Info
03
Thesis Statement
to state the main idea and preview the main points
A thesis statement:
Is one clear sentence at the end of the introduction
Answers the assigned question or responds directly to the prompt
Previews the main points of the essay
Steps to build your introduction
Thesis Statement
Transition to Thesis Statement
Background Information
Transition to Background Information
Hook
The end!
Did you notice?
- A hook can be one or more sentences.
- A hook can include more than one strategy.
- You need to transition from your hook to the next part of your introduction.
When writing an extended definition of a concept, you need to…
- Begin by giving the generally accepted definition of the term.
After that, do two or more of the following:
- Break down the concept into its essential parts and explain each part thoroughly.
- Identify and describe the key characteristics or features that define the concept. This helps to differentiate it from other similar concepts.
- Illustrate your definition with examples that demonstrate how the concept is applied or manifested in real-life situations. Examples help to clarify and reinforce understanding.
- Compare the concept to similar concepts to highlight its unique qualities. Contrasting it with related concepts can help to clarify its boundaries and nuances.
- Provide information about the history and origins of the concept, including any key figures or events that have shaped its development over time.
- Discuss how the concept is used in different contexts or disciplines.
- Explain its practical applications and relevance in various fields.
- Offer different perspectives or interpretations that exist. Consider any controversies or debates surrounding the concept.
Always!
Pay attention to the 4 types of hooks and the examples that he gives of each type. When you write your introduction, you need to use one of these hook strategies!
Introductions
Sarah Hernandez
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Transcript
Introductions
for Cause and Effect Essays
Take good notes so that you can use them when it's time to write your introduction!
We learned in the lesson about Essay Writing that Essay Introductions have 3 parts.
Background Information
A Thesis Statement
A Hook
to introduce readers to the topic
to state the main idea and preview the main points
to grab the audience's attention
01
A Hook
to grab your audience's attention
Watch the video about different types of hooks.
+ info
To Review:
Ask your reader to imagine something.
Start with a question that relates to your topic.
Quote a famous person or use a famous quote.
Start with a surprising fact or statistic.
+ info
02
Background Information
to introduce readers to the topic
Click the different areas of the image to explore.
Background information is different for different types of essays.
In a cause and effect essay, if we write about effects in the body, then our background information will be about the causes.
In a problem-solution essay, if we write about solutions in the body, then our background information will be about the problem.
In analysis essays, we often need to define a complex concept, so the background information will be an extended definition of the concept.
VS
Advanced Academic
Intermediate Academic
Learn about background information for analysis essays.
Learn about background information for effect essays.
Since we're doing a cause and effect essay that focuses on effects, your background information will discuss what causes your topic.
Discuss Several Causes
Since we're doing an analysis and application essay, your background information will define the assigned concept in detail by giving an extended definition of the concept.
Establishing Context
Info
03
Thesis Statement
to state the main idea and preview the main points
A thesis statement:
Is one clear sentence at the end of the introduction
Answers the assigned question or responds directly to the prompt
Previews the main points of the essay
Steps to build your introduction
Thesis Statement
Transition to Thesis Statement
Background Information
Transition to Background Information
Hook
The end!
Did you notice?
When writing an extended definition of a concept, you need to…
- Begin by giving the generally accepted definition of the term.
After that, do two or more of the following:Always!
Pay attention to the 4 types of hooks and the examples that he gives of each type. When you write your introduction, you need to use one of these hook strategies!