Writing an Effective Introduction for Informative Essays

     There are many ways to introduce an essay. Whichever way you choose, you need to make sure that your introduction includes a thesis statement. A thesis includes a main idea that the rest of the essay will explain in more detail. For informative writing make sure you write a thesis statement that contains your topic and list your three to five reasons of supporting detail all in one sentence.
     But you don't want to start your essay with a thesis statement. Provide a background; set a scene. You may need to provide background information that Generally deals with the topic. You may want to write the rest of your essay and go back to add the lead before the thesis statement. This method works well for many students.
     Imagine that you have been asked to write an informative essay, or newspaper article, about someone you respect and admire. This happened on a Massachusetts standardized test in 2002 as seen in the following writing prompt:

"WRITING PROMPT
Respect. Singers sing about it. Some people inspire it. Think about someone you respect and admire. The person can be someone you know, or someone you have read or heard about. In a well-developed composition, describe the person you have selected. Explain in detail at least two reasons why you respect this person."
Source: MCAS Spring 2002 Grade Seven Long Composition Test. Retrieved 12-31-03 from http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/2002/release_na/g7ela.pdf

Your introductory paragraph may contain the following thesis statement:

"Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

It is a great thesis statement, but it needs something before it to introduce the reader to the subject and to capture his or her interest. It is called a "LEAD". Look at some of the following types of leads placed in front of our thesis statement and consider how each one affects you as a reader.

Start with a Proverb
It is said that "All adoptive parents get into heaven". Whether or not it is your belief system many people would generally agree that those who give unselfishly to others should be rewarded. As an adopted child, I know first hand the problems these parents are willing to face with a child they have never seen. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Begin with a Quotation
Comedienne, and adopted child, Paula Poundstone once said, "I don't have a bank account because I don't know my mother's maiden name." Although it is an exaggerated and humorous look at the trials of being adopted, many trails are equally as troubling and humorous for adoptive parents. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Utilize a Startling or Interesting Fact (Hint-Use an internet search engine)
A simple inquiry on an internet search engine will reveal over 100,000 adoption-related websites. Besides the public and private adoption centers, the websites reveal to me that there seems to be two great needs for those involved in the adoption process. One, can I get more information; and two, can I feel better about adoption. It is easy to think of the adoptee, many people would picture a small child being held in some loving arms, but it is not always easy for those loving arms. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Apply an Anecdote or Brief Story (Hint-- Sometimes this works best as two paragraphs)
Charlotte was truly anxious. All she wanted anymore was that one phone call. The one call she knew was right, logical even. After all, she was the emergency foster care parent, why shouldn't she be the logical choice as the adoptive parent? The child was doing better than ever in this placement and all of the paperwork, all seventy-five pages of it, was in order. What more did the adoption agency people want?

This kind of stress is not the kind most people see when they think of the adoption process, but it is real. It is also just the first hurdle that Charlotte will face, as did my own parents when they adopted me. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Make Use of an Analogy to Something Else
Two children are in a sandbox. They are both happy and playful. One child holding a truck said to the other child playing with a stick, "You want to play with me?" Although it seems simplified, both children became happier because although it is nice to feel included, it is also nice to be the one providing for others. This unselfishness can often be seen with a family. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Pose a Non-threatening Question
Have you ever included somebody in your plans because it was best for them and not yourself? It is a good feeling to know you have taken a stand for other people's needs. I personally see this with adoptive families because I too am adopted. It is a respect that is no different from any other family. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Use Imagery
Imagine sitting in an airport waiting for that relative to come home. But imagine that relative does not know you, may not like you, can't speak your language, and does not understand your culture. You may be in for a bumpy ride. "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Focus on a Word, Definition, or Theme
Infant mortality. It is the most disturbing thought that could ever cross my mind. In some parts of the world, even some that are close by, many children suffer because they do not have a family that can support them. Fortunately, there are other people who will try to do what they can to avoiding this tragedy for a child "Of all the people I know, I respect my adoptive parents because they accepted me, they raised me in a loving household, and they provided for me as equally as their own biological children."

Create a Combination
Sometimes you can combine a question lead with imagery, or try a question lead with a startling fact as a follow-up answer.

After you are done with your rough draft, look at your introduction. All you should have is your thesis. Ask yourself which type of lead can you do for the introduction to this essay? What general information is needed to entice your audience before your specific thesis? Add this lead into your final draft, which is due ___________.

Ó Copyright 2003, Michael D. Mulgrew, mrmulgrew.com. Printed with permission, all rights reserved. Duplication is limited to a single copy for personal use only.