30 Questions
What is the primary purpose of the essay introduction?
To provide a hook, bridge, and thesis
How is the essay introduction similar to the lead-off batter in baseball?
Both set up the rest of their team for success
Why does the text compare the essay introduction to meeting someone for the first time?
To emphasize that first impressions matter
What is the purpose of the hook in an essay introduction?
To draw the reader's attention
In which type of essay would a jaw-dropping statistic or fact make an effective hook?
Expository essay
Why is it important for the hook to be interesting in an essay introduction?
To engage the reader's curiosity
What makes the quotation hook, 'You shall not pass!!', effective according to the text?
It leaves the reader wanting to know more about why the quote is being used.
In what way does a context summary bridge differ from a background information bridge?
A context summary bridge sums up the main points of the body of the essay, while a background information bridge gives enough basic information for the reader to understand and react to the content.
What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To sum up the central point or argument of the essay.
What type of thesis statement presents the central argument that the author plans to argue for in the body of the essay?
Persuasive Statement
Which type of thesis statement is written to be unbiased and to present information in a straightforward way?
Expository Statement
What is a characteristic of an ineffective thesis statement?
The thesis is in question form
In the provided text, what issue in school needs a resolution?
Damaged sidewalk around the playground
Which piece is NOT part of the example student's introduction to an essay?
Conclusion
What did the example student do after choosing the solution that they were going to argue for?
They wrote an anecdotal hook
What is the function of the bridge in an essay introduction?
To link the hook and the thesis by giving background information
How does the hook in an essay introduction relate to a good concert?
It determines whether people stay for the encore or leave
In which type of essay would starting off with an anecdotal hook be most appropriate?
Narrative essay
What is the main purpose of the bridge in an essay introduction?
To provide background information or context summary to transition into the thesis statement
What is the primary characteristic of an effective hook in an essay introduction?
It leaves the reader wanting to know more without providing any other context
What is the main purpose of a thesis statement in an essay?
To introduce the central argument of the essay
What is the purpose of the bridge in an essay introduction?
To connect the hook to the thesis
How is the funnel analogy used in connection with an essay introduction?
To demonstrate the flow of the three basic parts of an introduction
Why does the text compare the essay introduction to meeting someone for the first time?
To highlight the importance of making a memorable first impression
What is the primary purpose of an analysis thesis statement?
To analyze a particular topic, such as a specific piece of literature
Why is it ineffective to have a thesis statement in the form of a question?
Because the term 'statement' implies a question is ineffective
What makes the smallpox vaccine thesis statement an expository thesis statement?
It presents information in a straightforward way
Why is the thesis 'Dogs make great pets, and living on a farm is a tough life' considered ineffective?
It is too varied and combines unrelated concepts
Why did the example student write an anecdotal hook at the beginning of their essay introduction?
To get the reader interested using hyperbole
What was the final step taken by the example student when writing the essay introduction?
Writing a persuasive thesis arguing for the removal of the sidewalk
Study Notes
Essay Introduction
- The primary purpose of an essay introduction is to grab the reader's attention and provide background information.
- The essay introduction is similar to the lead-off batter in baseball, as it sets the tone for the rest of the essay.
Hook
- The purpose of the hook is to capture the reader's attention and draw them into the essay.
- A jaw-dropping statistic or fact makes an effective hook in a persuasive essay.
- A hook should be interesting to engage the reader.
- The quotation hook, 'You shall not pass!!', is effective because it is memorable and grabs attention.
Bridge
- The bridge provides background information and context to the topic.
- A context summary bridge provides a brief overview of the topic, while a background information bridge provides more detailed information.
- The function of the bridge is to provide a smooth transition from the hook to the thesis statement.
Thesis Statement
- The main purpose of a thesis statement is to present the central argument or claim of the essay.
- An argumentative thesis statement presents the central argument that the author plans to argue for in the body of the essay.
- An expository thesis statement, like the smallpox vaccine thesis statement, presents information in a straightforward way.
- An ineffective thesis statement lacks clarity, focus, or argument.
Essay Structure
- The funnel analogy is used to describe the essay introduction, with the hook being the widest part and the thesis statement being the narrowest.
- An anecdotal hook is most appropriate in a narrative essay.
- The bridge connects the hook to the thesis statement, providing a smooth transition.
Introduction Process
- The example student chose a solution to argue for, then wrote an anecdotal hook to engage the reader, and finally wrote the bridge and thesis statement.
- The final step taken by the example student was to write the thesis statement.
Test your ability to identify effective and ineffective story hooks with this quiz. Determine which hooks create intrigue and mystery, and which ones give away too much information.
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