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.
4. MLA Format
1” margins all around
Do not justify right
margin
12 point serif font —
double spaced
Title centered
1/2” right justified header: Lastname page#
10. Title
State a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
11. Title
State a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
Capitalize every noun and verb
12. Title
State a position — no questions
Explicitly state subject — colon effective
Imply audience, if possible
Capitalize every noun and verb
Do not use quotation marks
14. Title Examples
A Call to Action: Regulate Use of Cell Phones
on the Road
Star Trek’s Positive Vision: The Future of
Humanity
15. 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
21. Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Lures your reader into your essay
Excites but does not alienate
22. Opening Sentence
Not a topic sentence
Lures your reader into your essay
Excites but does not alienate
Offers only a taste: appetizer
23. Opening Sentence
Examples
Cell phones are often irritating, and
sometimes they are deadly.
24. Opening Sentence
Examples
Cell phones are often irritating, and
sometimes they are deadly.
Life in the twenty-third century is great.
25. 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.
30. Introduction
Encompasses the first paragraph
Moves from general to specific
Introduces subject
Flows logically to thesis statement
Difficult but most important
35. Intro Examples
The 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.
36. 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.
41. Thesis Statement
Explicitly states the subject
Provides direction and structure
Suggests scope
Makes a promise to the reader
Clearly explains the why and how
45. Thesis Statement
Relates directly to topic
Be sure you stay on topic
Be specific — narrow your scope as much as
possible
Suggest reasons for your subject
(purpose)
51. Thesis Examples
Cell phone regulation is needed because
drivers using cell phones are seriously
impaired.
52. Thesis Examples
Cell 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.
53. Thesis Examples
Cell 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.
59. Title, Opening, Thesis
Introduction
Most important part of the essay
Makes first impression
Gives direction
Provides focus and scope
Makes clear your subject, purpose, and
audience