1101: the first steps
DESCRIPTION
The second lecture in the First-Year Composition series; it addresses writing an effective introduction for a college-level essay. Recorded live on September 10, 2007.TRANSCRIPT
Writing: the First StepsDr. Gerald Lucas
Writing: the First StepsMLA Format
Title
Opening Sentence
Introduction
Thesis Statement
MLA FormatHacker, pages 355-412
MLA Format1” margins all around
Do not justify right margin
12 point serif font — double spaced
Title centered
1/2” right justified header: Lastname page#
Title
Required aspect of all essays
Title
Required aspect of all essays
Gets attention — never too long or vague
Title
Required aspect of all essays
Gets attention — never too long or vague
Informs of subject, purpose, and audience
TitleState a position — no questions
TitleState a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
TitleState a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
TitleState a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
Capitalize every noun and verb
TitleState a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
Capitalize every noun and verb
Do not use quotation marks
Title Examples
A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road
Title Examples
A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road
Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity
Title Examples
A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones on the Road
Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of Humanity
Treasured Memories: Keeping a Hope Chest
Opening Sentence
Make a general statement
Opening Sentence
Make a general statement
Keep it short
Opening Sentence
Make a general statement
Keep it short
Interest your reader
Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Lures your reader into your essay
Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Lures your reader into your essay
Excites but does not alienate
Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Lures your reader into your essay
Excites but does not alienate
Offers only a taste: appetizer
Opening Sentence Examples
Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly.
Opening Sentence Examples
Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly.
Life in the twenty-third century is great.
Opening Sentence Examples
Cell phones are often irritating, and sometimes they are deadly.
Life in the twenty-third century is great.
Imagine a convenient and attractive place to keep your dreams.
Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Moves from general to specific
Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Moves from general to specific
Introduces subject
Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Moves from general to specific
Introduces subject
Flows logically to thesis statement
Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Moves from general to specific
Introduces subject
Flows logically to thesis statement
Difficult but most important
Introduction
Begins with opening sentence
Introduction
Begins with opening sentence
Gains detail and focus
Introduction
Begins with opening sentence
Gains detail and focus
Ends with thesis statement
Hourglass
Intro ExamplesThe pallet, the canvas, and the different paints. They all contribute to my final product: a landscape with towering trees and majestic mountains, or maybe a simple sunset casting the shadows of two lovers. These are some of the ideas that I use while painting a picture. Painting is very important to my life because it allows me to relieve stress and express my imagination.
Like many other college students, I have many hobbies to help me relax when times are hectic. They include video games, drawing, hanging out, or just sleeping. However, the hobby that is most important to me and consumes most of my time is drumming. I have been playing drums for seven years and only death could make me give it up. Drumming remains my favorite hobby because it allows me to relieve stress to build my confidence, and to express myself.
Thesis StatementExplicitly states the subject
Thesis StatementExplicitly states the subject
Provides direction and structure
Thesis StatementExplicitly states the subject
Provides direction and structure
Suggests scope
Thesis StatementExplicitly states the subject
Provides direction and structure
Suggests scope
Makes a promise to the reader
Thesis StatementExplicitly states the subject
Provides direction and structure
Suggests scope
Makes a promise to the reader
Clearly explains the why and how
Thesis StatementRelates directly to topic
Thesis StatementRelates directly to topic
Be sure you stay on topic
Thesis StatementRelates directly to topic
Be sure you stay on topic
Be specific — narrow your scope as much as possible
Thesis StatementRelates directly to topic
Be sure you stay on topic
Be specific — narrow your scope as much as possible
Suggest reasons for your subject (purpose)
Thesis StatementDO NOT
Thesis StatementDO NOT
State Facts
Thesis StatementDO NOT
State Facts
Ask Questions
Thesis StatementDO NOT
State Facts
Ask Questions
Use Unsupportable Language
Thesis StatementDO NOT
State Facts
Ask Questions
Use Unsupportable Language
Announce
Thesis ExamplesCell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired.
Thesis ExamplesCell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired.
Star Trek should not be cancelled because its vision represents a positive view of humanity built on science and logic.
Thesis ExamplesCell phone regulation is needed because drivers using cell phones are seriously impaired.
Star Trek should not be cancelled because its vision represents a positive view of humanity built on science and logic.
Hopes, dreams, and memories make us humans: an organized and thoughtful hope chest not only benefits the maker, but her children for many generations.
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Most important part of the essay
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Most important part of the essay
Makes first impression
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Most important part of the essay
Makes first impression
Gives direction
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Most important part of the essay
Makes first impression
Gives direction
Provides focus and scope
Title, Opening, ThesisIntroduction
Most important part of the essay
Makes first impression
Gives direction
Provides focus and scope
Makes clear your subject, purpose, and audience