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35 Writing Essay Introductions

What is the Purpose of an Introduction?

Introductions have two jobs:

• Catch readers’ attention.
• Introduce the focus and purpose of your writing.

How do I accomplish these jobs without giving away all of my essay in the introduction?

How do I know what will hook readers’ attention without sharing all the cool details?

You might start by using this simple formula and then choosing a method from the list below.

A good introduction = new information + ideas that everyone may not agree with.

To put it another way, if your piece begins with an idea most people know and agree with, it’s less likely to pull readers in. People are made curious by new ideas and opinions that have multiple perspectives or may be controversial.

The following are some methods and examples for introducing a topic and getting your reader’s attention.

Method : Share an interesting, shocking, or little known fact or statistic about your topic. Starting your paper with a fact or statistic that gives your readers insight into your topic right away will peak their curiosity and make them want to know more. It will also help you establish a strong ethos , or credibility, from the very beginning.

Example : According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 68% of prison inmates do not have a high school diploma.

Method : Tell an anecdote or story that will help readers connect with your topic on a personal level. Sharing a human interest story right away will help readers connect with your topic on a personal level and will help to illustrate way your topic matters.

Example : Today, Michael Ondaatje is a celebrated Canadian poet, but he was born in Sri Lanka and lived in England before emigrating to Canada.

Method : Ask a question that gets readers curious about the answer. People tend to want to answer questions when they’re presented with them. This provides you with an easy way to catch readers’ attention because they’ll keep reading to discover the answer to any questions you pose in the introduction. Just be sure to answer them at some point in your writing.

Example : Can prisons rehabilitate prisoners so they’re able to return to their communities, find jobs, and contribute in positive ways?

Exercise: Strong or Weak Introduction?

One way to improve your introduction-writing skills is to look at different choices that other writers make when introducing a topic and to consider what catches your interest as a reader and what doesn’t. Read the introductions below about teenagers and decision making. Which ones pull you in? Which ones are less interesting? What’s the difference? Work with peers to decide.

• Throughout history, teenagers have challenged the authority of adults. They do this because they want to be given more freedom and to be treated like adults themselves. This can cause real problems between teens and the adults in their lives.
• Some days my sixteen-year-old niece, Rachael, does all of her homework, helps friends study after school, and practices her cello, and other days she forgets her books at school, lies about where she’s going, and doesn’t do her chores. This sporadic behavior seems like it comes out of nowhere, but it turns out teenage brains are different from adult brains, causing teens to sometimes not think about consequences before they act.
• If teenage brains aren’t fully formed, causing them to act before they think about the risks they’re taking, should teens be restricted from some adult freedoms like driving, working, and socializing without adult supervision?
• Teenagers are known to be less responsible than adults, so they should have at least some adult guidance to make sure they stay safe. Without adult supervision, teens will make poor decisions that could put them at unnecessary risk.
• According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the frontal cortex in the brain, where reasoning and thinking before acting occurs, is not fully formed in teenagers. However, the amygdala, “responsible for immediate reactions including fear and aggressive behavior,” is fully formed early in life. This means teens aren’t as good at considering the consequences of their behavior before they react, so the adults in their lives should limit the risks in their lives until they’re better able to reason through them.

Exercise: Write an Introduction

Now that you’ve had an opportunity to think about some different approaches and techniques for writing introductions, let’s practice.

Find an entry in your journal or a draft of a piece of writing you’re working on this term and use what you’ve learned in this section to write an attention-grabbing introduction to your piece.

• If you don’t currently have a piece to work with, you can write an introduction using one of the following scenarios. Read through the following list and choose one. One to three sentences is enough.
• Persuade your local school board members that the elementary school should change the way it teaches sex education.
• Persuade teens to travel to a foreign country before they graduate from college.
• Give some tips to new parents that will help lower their stress and make their new baby feel safe and loved. Inform young athletes who may want to play football of the possible risks and benefits.
• Review a movie, book, product, or trip for someone thinking of making one of these purchases to help them decide that they should or shouldn’t do it.
• Share your introduction with your classmates and discuss what about it is effective and how it could be improved.

See the discussion about “Writing Beginnings” in the “ Writing a First Draft ” section in this text for more on writing introductions as part of your drafting process.

Text Attributions

• This chapter was adapted from “ Writing Introductions ” in The Word on College Reading and Writing by Carol Burnell, Jaime Wood, Monique Babin, Susan Pesznecker, and Nicole Rosevear, which is licensed under a CC BY-NC 4.0 Licence . Adapted by Allison Kilgannon.

Media Attributions

• “ iPhone 6 Hello ” by Microsiervos is licensed under a CC BY 2.0 Licence .

statement commonly accepted as true basis of argument

Advanced English Copyright © 2021 by Allison Kilgannon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Essay Introduction Examples

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Always have a road map for an essay introduction . Having a strong essay introduction structure is critical to a successful paper. It sets the tone for the reader and interests them in your work. It also tells them what the essay is about and why they should read it at all.

It shouldn't leave the reader confused with a cliffhanger at the end. Instead, it should generate interest and guide the reader to Chapter One. Using the right parts of an essay introduction can help with this.

Check out an effective essay introduction structure below. It’s a road map for writing an essay—just like the parts of essay introductions are road maps for readers.

Essay Introduction Structure

Attention-grabbing start

Outline of argument

Thesis statement

Some academics find the beginning the most difficult part of writing an essay , so our editors have created some examples of good essay introductions to guide you. Let's take a look at the samples below to see how the essay introduction structures come together. 

If you are unsure about your paper, our essay editors would love to give you some feedback on how to write an essay introduction. 

[1] According to Paul Ratsmith, the tenuous but nonetheless important relationship between pumpkins and rats is little understood: "While I've always been fascinated by this natural kinship, the connection between pumpkins and rats has been the subject of few, if any, other studies" (2008). [2] Ratsmith has been studying this connection, something he coined "pumpkinology," since the early 1990s. He is most well known for documenting the three years he spent living in the wild among pumpkins and rats. [3] Though it is a topic of little recent interest, the relationship has been noted in several ancient texts and seems to have been well understood by the Romans. Critics of Ratsmith have cited poor science and questionable methodology when dismissing his results, going so far as to call pumpkinology "rubbish" (de Vil, 2009), "stupid" (Claw, 2010), and "quite possibly made up" (Igthorn, 2009). [4] Despite these criticisms, there does appear to be a strong correlation between pumpkin patches and rat populations, with Ratsmith documenting numerous pumpkin–rat colonies across North America, leading to the conclusion that pumpkins and rats are indeed "nature's best friends" (2008).

Let's break down this example of a good essay introduction structure. The beginning hooks our attention from the get-go in section one. This is because it piques our curiosity. What is this strange relationship? Why has no one studied it? Then, section two gives us context for the topic. Ratsmith is an expert in a controversial field: pumpkinology. It's the study of the connection between pumpkins and rats. 

The second half of the paragraph also demonstrates why this is a good essay introduction example. Section three gives us the main argument: the topic is rarely studied because critics think Ratsmith's work is "rubbish," but the relationship between pumpkins and rats has ancient roots. Then section four gives us the thesis statement: Ratsmith's work has some merit.

The parts of an essay introduction help us chart a course through the topic. We know the paper will take us on a journey. It's all because the author practiced how to write an essay introduction. 

Let’s take a look at another example of a good essay introduction.

[1] Societies have long believed that if a black cat crosses one's path, one might have bad luck—but it wasn't until King Charles I's black cat died that the ruler's bad luck began (Pemberton, 2018). [2] Indeed, for centuries, black cats have been seen as the familiars of witches—as demonic associates of Satan who disrespect authority (Yuko, 2021). Yet, they have also been associated with good luck, from England's rulers to long-distance sailors (Cole, 2021). [3] This essay shows how outdated the bad luck superstition really is. It provides a comprehensive history of the belief and then provides proof that this superstition has no place in today's modern society. [4] It argues that despite the prevailing belief that animals cause bad luck, black cats often bring what seems to be "good luck" and deserve a new reputation.

This example of a good essay introduction pulls us in right away. This is because section one provides an interesting fact about King Charles I. What is the story there, and what bad luck did he experience after his cat passed away? Then, section two provides us with general information about the current status of black cats. We understand the context of the essay and why the topic is controversial.

Section three then gives us a road map that leads us through the main arguments. Finally, section four gives us the essay's thesis: "black cats often bring what seems to be 'good luck' and deserve a new reputation."

Still feeling unsure about how to write an essay introduction? Here's another example using the essay introduction structure we discussed earlier.

[1] When the Lutz family moved into a new house in Amityville, New York, they found themselves terrorized by a vengeful ghost (Labianca, 2021). Since then, their famous tale has been debunked by scientists and the family themselves (Smith, 2005). [2] Yet ghost stories have gripped human consciousness for centuries (History, 2009). Scientists, researchers, and theorists alike have argued whether ghosts are simply figments of the imagination or real things that go bump in the night. In considering this question, many scientists have stated that ghosts may actually exist. [3] Lindley (2017) believes the answer may be in the quantum world, which "just doesn’t work the way the world around us works," but "we don’t really have the concepts to deal with it." Scientific studies on the existence of ghosts date back hundreds of years (History, 2009), and technology has undergone a vast evolution since then (Lamey, 2018). State-of-the-art tools and concepts can now reveal more about ghosts than we've ever known (Kane, 2015). [4] This essay uses these tools to provide definitive proof of the existence of ghosts in the quantum realm. 

This example of a good essay introduction uses a slightly different strategy than the others. To hook the reader, it begins with an interesting anecdote related to the topic. That pulls us in, making us wonder what really happened to the Lutzs. Then, section two provides us with some background information about the topic to help us understand. Many people believe ghosts aren't real, but some scientists think they are.

This immediately flows into section three, which charts a course through the main arguments the essay will make. Finally, it ends with the essay's thesis: there is definitive proof of the existence of ghosts in the quantum realm. It all works because the author used the parts of an essay introduction well.

For attention-grabbing introductions, an understanding of essay introduction structure and how to write an essay introduction is required.

Our essay introduction examples showing the parts of an essay introduction will help you craft the beginning paragraph you need to start your writing journey on the right foot.

If you'd like more personalized attention to your essay, consider sending it for Essay Editing by Scribendi. We can help you ensure that your essay starts off strong.

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Scribendi's in-house editors work with writers from all over the globe to perfect their writing. They know that no piece of writing is complete without a professional edit, and they love to see a good piece of writing transformed into a great one. Scribendi's in-house editors are unrivaled in both experience and education, having collectively edited millions of words and obtained numerous degrees. They love consuming caffeinated beverages, reading books of various genres, and relaxing in quiet, dimly lit spaces.

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It’s the roadmap to your essay, it’s the forecast for your argument, it’s...your introduction paragraph, and writing one can feel pretty intimidating. The introduction paragraph is a part of just about every kind of academic writing , from persuasive essays to research papers. But that doesn’t mean writing one is easy!

If trying to write an intro paragraph makes you feel like a Muggle trying to do magic, trust us: you aren’t alone. But there are some tips and tricks that can make the process easier—and that’s where we come in.

In this article, we’re going to explain how to write a captivating intro paragraph by covering the following info:  

• A discussion of what an introduction paragraph is and its purpose in an essay
• An overview of the most effective introduction paragraph format, with explanations of the three main parts of an intro paragraph
• An analysis of real intro paragraph examples, with a discussion of what works and what doesn’t
• A list of four top tips on how to write an introduction paragraph

Are you ready? Let’s begin!

What Is an Introduction Paragraph? 

An introduction paragraph is the first paragraph of an essay , paper, or other type of academic writing. Argumentative essays , book reports, research papers, and even personal  essays are common types of writing that require an introduction paragraph. Whether you’re writing a research paper for a science course or an argumentative essay for English class , you’re going to have to write an intro paragraph. 

So what’s the purpose of an intro paragraph? As a reader’s first impression of your essay, the intro paragraph should introduce the topic of your paper. 

Your introduction will also state any claims, questions, or issues that your paper will focus on. This is commonly known as your paper’s thesis . This condenses the overall point of your paper into one or two short sentences that your reader can come back and reference later.

But intro paragraphs need to do a bit more than just introduce your topic. An intro paragraph is also supposed to grab your reader’s attention. The intro paragraph is your chance to provide just enough info and intrigue to make your reader say, “Hey, this topic sounds interesting. I think I’ll keep reading this essay!” That can help your essay stand out from the crowd.

In most cases, an intro paragraph will be relatively short. A good intro will be clear, brief, purposeful, and focused. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s common for intro paragraphs to consist of three to five sentences . 

Effectively introducing your essay’s topic, purpose, and getting your reader invested in your essay sounds like a lot to ask from one little paragraph, huh? In the next section, we’ll demystify the intro paragraph format by breaking it down into its core parts . When you learn how to approach each part of an intro, writing one won’t seem so scary!

Once you figure out the three parts of an intro paragraph, writing one will be a piece of cake!

The 3 Main Parts of an Intro Paragraph

In general, an intro paragraph is going to have three main parts: a hook, context, and a thesis statement . Each of these pieces of the intro plays a key role in acquainting the reader with the topic and purpose of your essay. 

Below, we’ll explain how to start an introduction paragraph by writing an effective hook, providing context, and crafting a thesis statement. When you put these elements together, you’ll have an intro paragraph that does a great job of making a great first impression on your audience!

Intro Paragraph Part 1: The Hook

When it comes to how to start an introduction paragraph, o ne of the most common approaches is to start with something called a hook. 

What does hook mean here, though? Think of it this way: it’s like when you start a new Netflix series: you look up a few hours (and a few episodes) later and you say, “Whoa. I guess I must be hooked on this show!” 

That’s how the hook is supposed to work in an intro paragrap h: it should get your reader interested enough that they don’t want to press the proverbial “pause” button while they’re reading it . In other words, a hook is designed to grab your reader’s attention and keep them reading your essay! 

This means that the hook comes first in the intro paragraph format—it’ll be the opening sentence of your intro. 

It’s important to realize  that there are many different ways to write a good hook. But generally speaking, hooks must include these two things: what your topic is, and the angle you’re taking on that topic in your essay. 

One approach to writing a hook that works is starting with a general, but interesting, statement on your topic. In this type of hook, you’re trying to provide a broad introduction to your topic and your angle on the topic in an engaging way . 

For example, if you’re writing an essay about the role of the government in the American healthcare system, your hook might look something like this: 

There's a growing movement to require that the federal government provide affordable, effective healthcare for all Americans. 

This hook introduces the essay topic in a broad way (government and healthcare) by presenting a general statement on the topic. But the assumption presented in the hook can also be seen as controversial, which gets readers interested in learning more about what the writer—and the essay—has to say.

In other words, the statement above fulfills the goals of a good hook: it’s intriguing and provides a general introduction to the essay topic.

Intro Paragraph Part 2: Context

Once you’ve provided an attention-grabbing hook, you’ll want to give more context about your essay topic. Context refers to additional details that reveal the specific focus of your paper. So, whereas the hook provides a general introduction to your topic, context starts helping readers understand what exactly you’re going to be writing about

You can include anywhere from one to several sentences of context in your intro, depending on your teacher’s expectations, the length of your paper, and complexity of your topic. In these context-providing sentences, you want to begin narrowing the focus of your intro. You can do this by describing a specific issue or question about your topic that you’ll address in your essay. It also helps readers start to understand why the topic you’re writing about matters and why they should read about it. 

So, what counts as context for an intro paragraph? Context can be any important details or descriptions that provide background on existing perspectives, common cultural attitudes, or a specific situation or controversy relating to your essay topic. The context you include should acquaint your reader with the issues, questions, or events that motivated you to write an essay on your topic...and that your reader should know in order to understand your thesis. 

For instance, if you’re writing an essay analyzing the consequences of sexism in Hollywood, the context you include after your hook might make reference to the #metoo and #timesup movements that have generated public support for victims of sexual harassment. 

The key takeaway here is that context establishes why you’re addressing your topic and what makes it important. It also sets you up for success on the final piece of an intro paragraph: the thesis statement.

Elle Woods' statement offers a specific point of view on the topic of murder...which means it could serve as a pretty decent thesis statement!

Intro Paragraph Part 3: The Thesis

The final key part of how to write an intro paragraph is the thesis statement. The thesis statement is the backbone of your introduction: it conveys your argument or point of view on your topic in a clear, concise, and compelling way . The thesis is usually the last sentence of your intro paragraph. 

Whether it’s making a claim, outlining key points, or stating a hypothesis, your thesis statement will tell your reader exactly what idea(s) are going to be addressed in your essay. A good thesis statement will be clear, straightforward, and highlight the overall point you’re trying to make.

Some instructors also ask students to include an essay map as part of their thesis. An essay map is a section that outlines the major topics a paper will address. So for instance, say you’re writing a paper that argues for the importance of public transport in rural communities. Your thesis and essay map might look like this: 

Having public transport in rural communities helps people improve their economic situation by giving them reliable transportation to their job, reducing the amount of money they spend on gas, and providing new and unionized work .

The underlined section is the essay map because it touches on the three big things the writer will talk about later. It literally maps out the rest of the essay!

So let’s review: Your thesis takes the idea you’ve introduced in your hook and context and wraps it up. Think of it like a television episode: the hook sets the scene by presenting a general statement and/or interesting idea that sucks you in. The context advances the plot by describing the topic in more detail and helping readers understand why the topic is important. And finally, the thesis statement provides the climax by telling the reader what you have to say about the topic. 

The thesis statement is the most important part of the intro. Without it, your reader won’t know what the purpose of your essay is! And for a piece of writing to be effective, it needs to have a clear purpose. Your thesis statement conveys that purpose , so it’s important to put careful thought into writing a clear and compelling thesis statement. 

How To Write an Introduction Paragraph: Example and Analysis

Now that we’ve provided an intro paragraph outline and have explained the three key parts of an intro paragraph, let’s take a look at an intro paragraph in action.

To show you how an intro paragraph works, we’ve included a sample introduction paragraph below, followed by an analysis of its strengths and weaknesses.

Example of Introduction Paragraph

While college students in the U.S. are struggling with how to pay for college, there is another surprising demographic that’s affected by the pressure to pay for college: families and parents. In the face of tuition price tags that total more than $100,000 (as a low estimate), families must make difficult decisions about how to save for their children’s college education. Charting a feasible path to saving for college is further complicated by the FAFSA’s estimates for an “Expected Family Contribution”—an amount of money that is rarely feasible for most American families. Due to these challenging financial circumstances and cultural pressure to give one’s children the best possible chance of success in adulthood, many families are going into serious debt to pay for their children’s college education. The U.S. government should move toward bearing more of the financial burden of college education. 

Example of Introduction Paragraph: Analysis

Before we dive into analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of this example intro paragraph, let’s establish the essay topic. The sample intro indicates that t he essay topic will focus on one specific issue: who should cover the cost of college education in the U.S., and why. Both the hook and the context help us identify the topic, while the thesis in the last sentence tells us why this topic matters to the writer—they think the U.S. Government needs to help finance college education. This is also the writer’s argument, which they’ll cover in the body of their essay. 

Now that we’ve identified the essay topic presented in the sample intro, let’s dig into some analysis. To pin down its strengths and weaknesses, we’re going to use the following three questions to guide our example of introduction paragraph analysis: 

• Does this intro provide an attention-grabbing opening sentence that conveys the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide relevant, engaging context about the essay topic? 
• Does this intro provide a thesis statement that establishes the writer’s point of view on the topic and what specific aspects of the issue the essay will address? 

Now, let’s use the questions above to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of this sample intro paragraph. 

Does the Intro Have a Good Hook? 

First, the intro starts out with an attention-grabbing hook . The writer starts by presenting  an assumption (that the U.S. federal government bears most of the financial burden of college education), which makes the topic relatable to a wide audience of readers. Also note that the hook relates to the general topic of the essay, which is the high cost of college education. 

The hook then takes a surprising turn by presenting a counterclaim : that American families, rather than students, feel the true burden of paying for college. Some readers will have a strong emotional reaction to this provocative counterclaim, which will make them want to keep reading! As such, this intro provides an effective opening sentence that conveys the essay topic. 

Does the Intro Give Context?

T he second, third, and fourth sentences of the intro provide contextual details that reveal the specific focus of the writer’s paper . Remember: the context helps readers start to zoom in on what the paper will focus on, and what aspect of the general topic (college costs) will be discussed later on. 

The context in this intro reveals the intent and direction of the paper by explaining why the issue of families financing college is important. In other words, the context helps readers understand why this issue matters , and what aspects of this issue will be addressed in the paper.  

To provide effective context, the writer refers to issues (the exorbitant cost of college and high levels of family debt) that have received a lot of recent scholarly and media attention. These sentences of context also elaborate on the interesting perspective included in the hook: that American families are most affected by college costs.

Does the Intro Have a Thesis? 

Finally, this intro provides a thesis statement that conveys the writer’s point of view on the issue of financing college education. This writer believes that the U.S. government should do more to pay for students’ college educations. 

However, the thesis statement doesn’t give us any details about why the writer has made this claim or why this will help American families . There isn’t an essay map that helps readers understand what points the writer will make in the essay.

To revise this thesis statement so that it establishes the specific aspects of the topic that the essay will address, the writer could add the following to the beginning of the thesis statement:

The U.S. government should take on more of the financial burden of college education because other countries have shown this can improve education rates while reducing levels of familial poverty.

Check out the new section in bold. Not only does it clarify that the writer is talking about the pressure put on families, it touches on the big topics the writer will address in the paper: improving education rates and reduction of poverty. So not only do we have a clearer argumentative statement in this thesis, we also have an essay map!  

So, let’s recap our analysis. This sample intro paragraph does an effective job of providing an engaging hook and relatable, interesting context, but the thesis statement needs some work ! As you write your own intro paragraphs, you might consider using the questions above to evaluate and revise your work. Doing this will help ensure you’ve covered all of your bases and written an intro that your readers will find interesting!

4 Tips for How To Write an Introduction Paragraph

Now that we’ve gone over an example of introduction paragraph analysis, let’s talk about how to write an introduction paragraph of your own. Keep reading for four tips for writing a successful intro paragraph for any essay. 

Tip 1: Analyze Your Essay Prompt

If you’re having trouble with how to start an introduction paragraph, analyze your essay prompt! Most teachers give you some kind of assignment sheet, formal instructions, or prompt to set the expectations for an essay they’ve assigned, right? Those instructions can help guide you as you write your intro paragraph!

Because they’ll be reading and responding to your essay, you want to make sure you meet your teacher’s expectations for an intro paragraph . For instance, if they’ve provided specific instructions about how long the intro should be or where the thesis statement should be located, be sure to follow them!

The type of paper you’re writing can give you clues as to how to approach your intro as well. If you’re writing a research paper, your professor might expect you to provide a research question or state a hypothesis in your intro. If you’re writing an argumentative essay, you’ll need to make sure your intro overviews the context surrounding your argument and your thesis statement includes a clear, defensible claim. 

Using the parameters set out by your instructor and assignment sheet can put some easy-to-follow boundaries in place for things like your intro’s length, structure, and content. Following these guidelines can free you up to focus on other aspects of your intro... like coming up with an exciting hook and conveying your point of view on your topic!

Tip 2: Narrow Your Topic

You can’t write an intro paragraph without first identifying your topic. To make your intro as effective as possible, you need to define the parameters of your topic clearly—and you need to be specific. 

For example, let’s say you want to write about college football. “NCAA football” is too broad of a topic for a paper. There is a lot to talk about in terms of college football! It would be tough to write an intro paragraph that’s focused, purposeful, and engaging on this topic. In fact, if you did try to address this whole topic, you’d probably end up writing a book!

Instead, you should narrow broad topics to  identify a specific question, claim, or issue pertaining to some aspect of NCAA football for your intro to be effective. So, for instance, you could frame your topic as, “How can college professors better support NCAA football players in academics?” This focused topic pertaining to NCAA football would give you a more manageable angle to discuss in your paper.

So before you think about writing your intro, ask yourself: Is my essay topic specific, focused, and logical? Does it convey an issue or question that I can explore over the course of several pages? Once you’ve established a good topic, you’ll have the foundation you need to write an effective intro paragraph . 

Once you've figured out your topic, it's time to hit the books!

Tip 3: Do Your Research

This tip is tightly intertwined with the one above, and it’s crucial to writing a good intro: do your research! And, guess what? This tip applies to all papers—even ones that aren’t technically research papers. 

Here’s why you need to do some research: getting the lay of the land on what others have said about your topic—whether that’s scholars and researchers or the mass media— will help you narrow your topic, write an engaging hook, and provide relatable context. 

You don't want to sit down to write your intro without a solid understanding of the different perspectives on your topic. Whether those are the perspectives of experts or the general public, these points of view will help you write your intro in a way that is intriguing and compelling for your audience of readers. 

Tip 4: Write Multiple Drafts

Some say to write your intro first; others say write it last. The truth is, there isn’t a right or wrong time to write your intro—but you do need to have enough time to write multiple drafts . 

Oftentimes, your professor will ask you to write multiple drafts of your paper, which gives you a built-in way to make sure you revise your intro. Another approach you could take is to write out a rough draft of your intro before you begin writing your essay, then revise it multiple times as you draft out your paper. 

Here’s why this approach can work: as you write your paper, you’ll probably come up with new insights on your topic that you didn’t have right from the start. You can use these “light bulb” moments to reevaluate your intro and make revisions that keep it in line with your developing essay draft. 

Once you’ve written your entire essay, consider going back and revising your intro again . You can ask yourself these questions as you evaluate your intro: 

• Is my hook still relevant to the way I’ve approached the topic in my essay?
• Do I provide enough appropriate context to introduce my essay? 
• Now that my essay is written, does my thesis statement still accurately reflect the point of view that I present in my essay?

Using these questions as a guide and putting your intro through multiple revisions will help ensure that you’ve written the best intro for the final draft of your essay. Also, revising your writing is always a good thing to do—and this applies to your intro, too!

What's Next?

Your college essays also need great intro paragraphs. Here’s a guide that focuses on how to write the perfect intro for your admissions essays. 

Of course, the intro is just one part of your college essay . This article will teach you how to write a college essay that makes admissions counselors sit up and take notice.

Are you trying to write an analytical essay? Our step-by-step guide can help you knock it out of the park.

Ashley Sufflé Robinson has a Ph.D. in 19th Century English Literature. As a content writer for PrepScholar, Ashley is passionate about giving college-bound students the in-depth information they need to get into the school of their dreams.

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How to Write an Effective Essay: The Introduction

Test your understanding of this English lesson

322 comments.

Thank you for the lesson

A nice class, keep it up!

Good lessons.God bless you.

helo,everyone i’m anamika from india. i ‘m very happy to see this site to learn english and i would like to say thanku for this.. but i want to say one more thing that is.. iwant to speak in english, which i don’t know how to speak. would u help me if u dont mind? thanks

hey i hv got an idea if u wanna improve ur self in english add me on skype (waled.khaled99) we can improve our english

Hi, Anamika.

You have just small mistek, but not much,you can write.I think you should use, I, not i. See more English movie..

It’s will help you..

I’m Taeyang and a English Student.. From Norway.. :)

Hi Taeyang! How are you? Do you have e-mail address?

appreciate ur commitment, a good lesson

Thanks for your lesson. This is the great one to figure out how to improve my essay. And i am looking forward to watching more great video from you.

You just uncovered and revealed the secret of the best way of write taht is being uesd by all good journalist! I have been studing English for nine months, yet I have never been touht such technic! Thank you so mush!keep making this series, and doing what you do!

it is wonderful method to learn English .MR.James you are a good teacher for me go a head . thanks

thanks for the lesson

hey am from iraq! and know i think to learn english and i begin watching to Your class, and your a good teacher for me and i can understand you rely well Thank You so much.

Thanks so much for posted this on the wed free,,,

hi very happy to know you.

Thank you, James. I love the way you present the lessons :X. You’re great!!!

i appreciate your way to teach…it’s very nice ‘n soft ;D thanks

I just want to thank you James for your good efforts ,don’t know why but I did apreciate all your videos just keep teeching !!

Your really are good teacher thanks so much for posted this video

I found this video very interesting, because, in my opinion, a good ideas and suggestions are things that always we will need. Note: I would like to know more about counterarguments.

Thank you for your solution

Thanks for showing right path

Hi, That was an amazing teacher with a well prepare lesson.

thank you Mr.james for the lesson.

Greeting! I hope your fine Regarda

One of your lessons I like the most. Well done.

Learning with enjoyment.Thanks for that. Welcome to India.

hey m from india ,,, dear frn vry nyv site , isn’t it ??

I really enjoy this video, and think that it´s very helpful, thanks for the videos, and James its a great and funny teacher.

Thanks for the video.. It helps me a lot.. Now I’ll try to do an essay.. :)

Thanks James! After listening to your lesson, I was immediately inspired to write a 250 self-profile. After applying what I learnt from you, my writing style was also much different. I will definitely look at all your videos. You aspire people to be just like you. You are really interesting to watch, although sometimes your lessons have so much to take in such a short period. Thanks again!

Hi; Greeting to all the staff of these programs, I hope you are feeling well with your team collegues, Regards

Hi James! The next part of the lesson: how to write an essay it was perfect! As always a very useful. Thank you for that! Greeting! Edyta from Poland

Brilliant!!! Light years ahead of my English teacher. Thx!

This is a very useful and helpful video. Thank you very much for it. I like watching engvid´s lessons.

Hello James, Just wanted to compliment you on all your lessons, you are a very dynamic teacher,keep up the good work. Best, Romey

thanks it is woderfull

thanks!!! it is wonderfull

thanks it is wonderful

Gorgeous lesson, keep uploading videos please. Thanks James.

please can you explan more about essay

thank you for this lesson am very useful

I really love the way and method of teaching shown in this video.Really appreciable and want to thank for the video.This video really helps everyone in developing their English writing skill.Thank u so much.

Thanks for the lesson, helped heaps!

Definetely it was a great lesson. Actually my teacher congratulate me because of my essay which was perfect thanks to James’.

JAMES’ the BEST! Thank you for teaching so clearly. Love English because of you!

thank you james, teached us to make introduction in essay, because , i had a problem to writing essay and you’d told us. great james. i will struggle more to writting essay fluently. you’re cool.

thanks alot Mr.James for this useful video & for all your videos . actually, I get a huge benefit from this amazing site .. thank you again ….

Thanks Sir…! It was really funny and educating. I want to know some of the usual “grabber” used as examples and that E (snail) is great and i like it.

really helpful

awesome man!

awsome 4 correcting concept ov essay introduction

thanks, James, your videos are such great grabbers! they just make you want keeping up to learn English… maybe because they are not just about English, but about real life!

i love your method of teaching ,really helpful. thank you james!

Damn cool !!

Hey guys, i really liked this video and i got some useful information. Thanks Mr: James . keep on :D

AH, james, finally ican breath , i prepared for ielts exam by myself and really ur videos help me . thank u very much . :)

I like the way your teaching expression,sir :)

Thanks a lot for your lessons. Plz Go on

Very helpful. Thanks

It was a wonderful lesson God bless you.

Thank you for the lesson,It helped a lot. I am not a English native speaker but academic essay writing has always been a struggle for me. That should be a good topic for a new video “essay writing for non-native English speakers”

i love u and thankful to u for launching this site. specially for video tips

thank you vary much your a great entertaining teacher and the way you explained it made me see all the sections in every into i read thank you again

you are great Sir G, i like the way you teach using examples, thank you sir G.

James, Thank you very much. I have just started relearning again at a later age in life and had a mental block to how to start writing an essay – watching your videos has helped me immensely. Great stuff!

i found this to be very helpful, and i will be passing this web site on to my class.

Hi,James can you help me to write an essay with advantages and disadvantages?

This is a beautyful lesson for students who have problems whith writting. I am one of them. I can’t to make my reader interest in my text and this video, in my opinion, can help everyone for improving their knowleges. Thank very much, James!

Hi.I’m Nick.I’m 12 years old. Your lessons are really useful for me.I really like all of them. This lesson helped me to write my school essay. thanks alot.

i wont to lern englesh proftionel

U are Awesome !! helped a lot on TOEFL.Thank You

you know Jems, I spent more than 3 years to learn English language to do my master next year, I have ever never seen any teachers in NZ said like this information,especially, in W5 questions.It’s really helps..thank you man … keep going , I wish I meet you one day.

Brother this is Great!!! you would make a excellent bible Teacher!!!

5 out of 5 :P thank you so much for the lecture :) really helpfull

thanks, hope to get a good result on the TOEFL essey

wow.. good lesson .. thank u a lot

hi i could talk with you i think that speaking will help us to improve our language skill

many many thanks! your lesson made me think clearer. Marina

Thanks for great explanations, I wish we had the same teachers in our university who could teach in an interesting way))

Thank you for your work! It was the most useful lesson for me because I’ve never been taught at school how to write a good introduction. Thanks to you I know it now!!!!!

THANK YOU FOR A GOOD ESSAY INTRODUCTION EXPLANATION. YOU ARE GOOD TEACHER FOR ENGLISH.

how do i take the quiz?

Mr, James your lessons are interesting

hello james

you should come in movies seriously your charming personality speaks itself

u r just amazing solved my problems thank you..!!

I like the way you teach. I have a hard time writing good introductory paragraphs.

it is so great lessoon thank teacher..

Thank you for the useful lesson =)

I prayed for help in writing and my prayers have been answered. I am 48 and going back to school and I have a fear for writing which I love to them? Some paper have cause me to drop classes until my writting get better. The word thesis drives me crazy thank you

Great………….. Lesson i have improved many things here

This is wonderful stuff and delivered with passion and energy. As a mature student here in England taking on writing for dissertation ,these video presentations make the business less daunting and enable a confident approach. All delivered in a very accessable friendly way. Keep it up james you are doing a fantastic job!

Your English is great, Jez! I’m glad you are finding the lessons useful.

thanx am from egypt it was a great lesson

hi,am ahmed from somalia and probable now most of u saying somalia !!! what does this pirate doing here? is there even an internet in somalia ? first of all let me say am not a pirate and many people in somalia or most of them are not a pirates either. so that is number one number tow yes we have internet in somalia and in some places we have the same technology that every one in the world’s first countries used or some time better then them.so i am here as many of you i wanna learn english what i wanna say about lesson is as usual mr jams is great teacher he has this way to combine fun and seriousness in his lessons so i had a lot of fun watching this video and also i benefited from it. in the end keep it up mr jams& engvid.com

Hey, I didn’t think you were a pirate! Relax!

hahaha, i was joking mr jams but admitted mr jams i got you . again thank you mr jams. you are a great teacher. ahmed from bosaso ,somalia

well described your position.

Very Nice :)

It was an awesome session!!! Really loved it!! and learned a lot.

nice and interesting class

Hi James. thanks a lot. you are very good teacher and your teaching can understand everyone.

James, I really like the way you teach! I appreciate Engvid.com. I can’t find the other videos that follow this one. Help?

Dear James,

I hope you are fine and doing well. I know that time is precious, but may I request you to rate my IELTS General writing task 2 on band scale? I would highly appreciate if you could do this favour before 6-Jan-12 as on 7th Jan I will be taking on IELTS exam.

Regards, Narendra

Wow u so funny and i love your way of presenting lessons :) wish u all the best.by the way im from morocco/north Africa

Thanks Mr.james…. nice lession

Hey! James! I’m an ESl student and i have problems with my writing skill, can you make a video about how to write a essay?

Hi James, You mention that there will be another video about the BODY of the essay. Will you be uploading it soon? Very eager to learn =D Thanks!

Where I can find the video of the BODY of the essay please?

wow…nice! i learned a lot,

Hi all, I am from Mongolia. It is just what I needed to start writing essays. Thank you.

Thanks so much for the video.

oiii u! yeahh im talking to you! ;) hahah when are you going to do the second vid about the essay how to write an effective essay: the body… common…. im in year 12 this year and i needa learn it quick!!!!! :D pleaseeee, im enjoying your vidz :D good stuff :) keep it up

how can i share my essay with you?i want you help for improving my essay.

Hi James, Thank you for the lovely lesson on “introduction”. Have you made a lesson on “the body of an essay”? I couldn’t see it in the menu.

Love you James! Going to sit for my IELTS test this Saturday at the Singapore British Council. Your video really helps! I will update you of my results. hehe

thank u very interesting and useful

Mosquito breeding goes on unabated in rural India

The intensified antilarval measures taken up by the civic authorities during the recent outbreak of chikungunya and dengue in the rural India do not seem to have had a positive impact. Several areas continue to be mosquito-breeding centers on a large scale, researchers of the vector Biology and Control laboratory of the Andhra University have found. The laboratory officials found large density of mosquito larvae in the water samples collected from different districts. The samples were taken from East Godavari, Nellore, Srikakulam and areas near by lakes and ponds. The density was 2000 to 2100 larvae per dip of water in these localities on an average while the normal limit is less than 200 larvae per dip of water. Each dip of water contains about 300ml. The uni-dimensional method of using only chemicals to curb mosquito menace, perhaps , was the reason for this , the researchers surmise. “Instead, an integrated mosquito management using physical, chemical and biological methods should have been taken up. Networking of various agencies involved in the efforts is also crucial. Mosquito control is a continual exercise and results cannot be expected by taking once-in-a-year anti-larval drive” says fellow Researcher with UGC on Vector control K.Hemalatha. The Vector Control Department would be submitting these recommendations in the national-level workshop on Integrated Mosquito Management to be held on Monday through Visakhapatnam municipal Commissioner Ms.Satyavathi.B. Spreading of mosquitoes in rural Indian and need to have an integrated approach to effectively control the breeding of mosquitoes.

James, Help me make tutorials on writing Primary 5 Picture Compositions! Thank you, Victoria Aye

Thanks so much . I found a great benefit from this video ^^

good lesson thx

finally someone who explains good (very good method)

Thank u very much………………….. Best teacher ever :D

Thanks James for a beautiful lecture….Indeed pleasure to learn from you…

You are an awesome teacher! Im learning zoo much from your videos and you are hilarious as well :D i was literally laughing so hard at the diet coke thing :D keep up the amazing work :)

hi thanku for this web ,i have learned more specialy from rebecca teacher wel i want to learn about precis how write passage can you help me in this ? thanks

Hi James, Thank you for the lovely lesson on “introduction”. It is really very impressive. Have you made a lesson on “the body of an essay”? If not, please, do it.

James, you lessons are all good. As per this one, I have a question: will you continue explaining how to write a good essay? I mean, you did the INTRO, then seeing the rest would be wonderful.

Great thanks,

James will be doing the rest of the essay lessons soon!

Thank you James .. you are an amazing teacher i really need this lesson at this time because we had a competition

HI, I WISH YOU ARE O.K

PLEASE, WHY DON’T YOU DO AN ESSAY AND YOU EXPLAIN INTO IT.

EXCUSE ME FOR HOW I WRITE

Do you have something about writing a letter for general Ielts??The only thing i know how to write in letter is “Dear Sir/Madam”… and “Yours faithfully…” :) Maybe u have in mind a few words which i can write between? :)

Thank you so much for this lesson you explained it very well.

Thanks!! from Sydney, Australia :D

This is my first seeing your english videos and I must say, it is very simple to grasp.I have been withdrawing myself away from writing due to the complicated steps that I was taught throughout my years of school. I want to write a book but I want to write with effectiveness. I want to say to you, thank you, thank you and thank you. From the USA.

think u so much ^^

Wow! you make things so clear! This video was really helpful! I want to be an excellent teacher like you.. thanks a lot

Oh my God!!!!!! I am shocked !!!!!! You ALWAYS explain so easy and clearly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your lessons are always breathtaking!!!!!!! Thanks a lot =*

you have an amazing personality(i love the way you share jokes) James…i like the way you teach and i find it/understands so effectively! keep it up!

James, thank you for sharing these wonderful videos. Your teaching style is fun, easy to understand, and full of value.

I would LOVE to see Part 2- “The Body,” of this video. Where might that be?

James, you’re amazing! , so much better than my current English teacher!

You are the best english teacher ever for real.

You have no idea how you are a big help to me even though i am not even in high school. I wish that you are in the United States.I have a trouble with writing even though I am advanced in English class. I am from Ethiopia and spoke my language since I was 3. Then I toke ESOL for 4 years. Now it is hard to speak Amaric but I speak english. I want you to know how much I appreciate you and your smarticles(I made up this word).Please us it in a video.If not, I understand.I am sorry I wrote a lot.

so nice teacher….

Thankyou so much for an inspiring lesson on introduction! Can you please tell me when will your lesson on the body of the essay be available?

Thankyou and Take Care

Amazing teacher !!

i really need help for writting my college essay :) thank u teacher

yhank you <3

i wish that you would display a topic and first of all paragraph,secondly paragraph, thirdly and inconculision so that i may visualize

I am learning English, i need to practice more speaking and listening, this video was interesting

thanks, it was usefull this video for me, I´m lerning English

it’s a really nice video, but where can i find the video of writing the body part, please?

A fun and informative video

I want MOOOOREEE videos about writing an essay! :)

Thanks! I love your classes

You are an amazing teacher JAmes.God sent u.Have my Intermediate level of GCSE and this helped a lot.MAy i suggest writing some structures for reports such as informative,proposal or maybe even an assesment report.Improving on summarising a text would also be benefitial to me thanks again.

Thank you very much for the effective Intro presentation! It is very useful and it helped me a lot. But I could find the second video, “How to write an ultimate Essay Body” =(, please help me with it. Thank U in advance!=)

I really enjoyed your lessons James it has given me good ideas when am in school teaching others.

hi….do these videos help me by wtiring an srtong formal essay?paper?

Good speech. thanks

I think you are a great teacher. I live in Toronto, just wondering if you provide a private tutoring?

Great lesson.Thank you

this lesson was great, entertaining and helpful so thank you

I really enjoyed your teaching and I learned a lot from you. I am a teacher and I would love to show this to my students; however, I cannot because of a few choice words – it is not appropriate for 6 graders. I will use a lot of this in teaching writing to my students. Thanks. I need you to do some on information writing, argumentative writing, and expository writing. Thanks I am looking forward to more videos from you.

Loved the video…. Where is part 2?

Hello ,Mr.James, i really thankful and grateful to you and like your way in teaching , i have an IELTS exam on december the first and i need someone to check my writing to tell me exactly what’s the defects are so if you could help on that , i send what i wrote and you leave comments it will be so FANTASTIC :) thank you

I watched your video once at got 5/5 on your quiz straight away!! You are the best English teacher!

Good eve Sir James, can you please discuss about parallelism? in English, I know as well that can add flavor in writing. What is the degree of its importance? can i used them regularly when I’m writing about anything?

Best Regards.

U consume lot of time.

thank you for the valiabul advice and time it was a nice funy video

HI James, Would you explain of inferences in passage? I am still waiting for your teaching to us.

very well done, thank you for the insights

Thank you and God bless you,,,God teach me your way, accidentally ,, I need an introduction to my essay ,,,and it is really help a lot…My God thank you for video …perfect

Hi James, thank you for such an interesting lesson in writing essays! You made it fun & you made it all sound so simple and easy to follow. you are in inspiration! god bless Gail

good lesson

This helped a ton, thanks.

James, How would you use this formula to answer a question? Thank You!

Thank you for you help

I loved the way you teach sir. One thing i could not find on the site is the precise writing;i wish to learn about how to write a precise of any given topic. Will you please update some lectures regarding precise writing? Thanks.

an amazing and dedicated lesson. I love it. thank you very much

very productive way of authoring a topic….

thank you so much

Thank you very much the grabbere has really grabbed my attention …God bless you

JAMES,I RELLY RELLY APPECIATE YOURS LESSONS.YOU ARE VERY GOOD

Thanks, very helpful

Thanks for the lesson, it has been so interesting!

Awesome Video thanks heaps! I’ve copied the format and will use it often – wow writing essays is actually doable, who would have thought? Where is the essay body video located? I really want to see that. Thanks for all your hard work, its very appreciated!

this did not help at all :( The grabbers are a bit stupid c’mon!

Wow….. so interesting, James..Loved it Keep it up … :) :D

thank you,it was great class I was wondering if you could explaning the ultimate body and the ultimate concluding I look forward for it

Hi Mr.James I want to ask about the three main idea. do we have to concluded in the introduction or just in the body

HI, I really wanted to know how I can improve upon this and how I can write a thesis fro this kind of a topic…please HELP! This is my intro.- Redemption? Destiny? “Holes” (by Louis Sachar) is an engrossing novel that revolves around these. In fact, everything, for whatever the reason might be, seems to line up, linking many generations and histories together through “Stanley Yelnats IV”, the protagonist. Nevertheless, he doesn’t know about it! Nor does he know that his endeavors have actually reformed him into a better person. This essay will now explore and examine how Stanley, unaware of what he was actually doing, set things right and how this changed him from a mousy to a confident character. The reader will discover how Stanley gets rid of a curse…a curse put on the Yelnats which completely eliminates their chances of making a fortune, in fact, is believed to be the reason they face such problems. Moreover, this “redemption” results in many worthy implications. In addition, the reader will also acquire how Stanley re-unites Zero and his missing mother. So, how does our environment affect us? Does it make us who we are? Does it change us?

Hi Mr James, I saw two videos and I learned good advice in both reading and essay, really you have good point of view, this encourage me to improve my English.. Thank you

James..thank you 4 da lesson you are very good, top teacher

is this intro good

The Oxford Dictionary defines literature as written work, especially the work that lies in the beauty of language or in emotional effect. A picture is worth a thousand words, meaning just pictures can give you much information as text or spoken words. The award winning graphic novel Chinese Born American won the Best Book award in 2006/2007 because it was smashing through all genre barriers and racked up, yet another prestigious first. Persepolis is a very emotional story about a little girl and her family going through hard time while their country, Iran, is at war. Stitches is a memoir about the author, David Small, and his crazy life. Graphic novels should count as a form of literature because they are emotional, funny, crazy, etc., in other words, they attract readers in their own intelligent way.

Many Thanks

Thanks for this video James – even as a native English speaker it is only now (when writing my undergraduate dissertation) that I have learnt how to write a good introduction! Good Job!

Is the follow-up video available yet? Could someone post the link if it’s ready? This was great!

Please will other video about the rest be soon?

wow, that’s great, i like your method of teaching, thank you!

Many thanks James, you are a very inspiring teacher, and your humour on the side really adds to the learning experience, and makes it a more joyful and memorable.

hi james thanks for the lesson. But i have a question. how do you relate the grabber to your topic? also when is the next video coming out?

Wonderful James.you are amazing but i am sad. Do you know why because I didn’t met you when I was there.

sir ??.. hmm… i really need your help.. can you help me to finalize my research papers ?

You are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love how you explain…

hello james i like your lessons but i steel have problems in writing could you help me more can you give me some advice’s thank you

Somehow I got it… but I’m so confused about the topic and thesis, isn’t that the thesis is the same as topic? for example my thesis for my essay will be, I love cycling, because cycling is a great cardio, good for health and challenge. So do you think that’s is thesis statement or topic? please help!!!! I hate and love writing at the same time, because… I don’t get it yet… thanks

I’m writing an essay topic the causes of civil war :) my thesis stamens is, Thus the civil war was the revolution war socially, economically and politically.

It was very useful ,fantastic lesson ,thank you.

OMG! James is great teacher, really caught my attention. Very helpful video.

I like the calculated approach James took to handle The Introduction. For me it is never easy to start an essay, my mind always wonders off the topic.

hanks for this video James – even as a native English speaker it is only now (when writing my undergraduate dissertation) that I have learnt how to write a good introduction! Good Job!

I very thank

thanks but can you tell me which martial art you taught

thank you:)

Hi James! Firs of all I would like to say “Thank you”. I think you are a wonderful teacher and all your lessons are very useful. I’m glad there’s such a web site. I’m confused because I’ve never written an essay before and it seems to be very complicated. I have to write a 350 word essay. The topic I’ve chosen is: “Why I want a university education and what I expect from it with regard to the future”. There are some grammar mistakes in the title but I have copied it from a book. In this video ( https://www.engvid.com/writing-skills-paragraph/ ) it is said that the paragraph should contain from four to five sentences. The introduction is a paragraph, isn’t it? It is said in one of your lessons that the simple essay consists of five paragraphs with five sentences in which of them so it contains twenty-five sentences. 350 words divided into 25 sentences equals 14 words in a sentence. The paragraph of a simple essay should contain 70 words. Here is the problem! My introduction contains 83 words, which are almost the half of the essay. Please, read my introduction and tell me what I’ve done wrong: “How can you get every woman’s heart – have a nice university education! There’re lots of women and men in the universities where people study interesting subjects. There people can meet someone with similar interests. Great friendships can emerge. Furthermore the studies encourage people to develop. Companies need smart people, so the university education can help you have a good start. The university education is the way that can open many doors for you and it can show you many paths in your life.”. Thank you one more time for the great lessons!

The lesson was very clear and to the point, James! I am impressed by your teaching!

not good 60 %

I enjoyed the lesson it was very informative. My problem is writing an essay off of what I just read.

thank you so much keep up you are an amazing teacher ever

my weakness is brainstorm. can you teach how to do?

It is nice to be taught by such a charismatic teacher =))

thank you for your lesson please if you can help me with personal Statement ))

I need an advice on this

Thank you very much James for the video it was very helpful I scord 100% fro the quiz!!!

Thank you very much James for the video it was very helpful I scord 100% for the quiz!!!

hi games my name I francesska and I would like be better in my English I don’t really know where should I start from

Thanks, James,an exellent work! How can I send message to Mr.E?

Hi James, your tutorials are great! I found it very useful. However, i couldn’t find the video for teaching How to Write an Effective Essay: The Body. Can you send me the link?

Thanks, Frankie

super great!

great thank you for your lesson James i really appreciate it . can you make tv show , it would really help lots of people around the world . its a good idea really . thanks again James and Mr.E

Hello, James! I’ve searched about complicating for me FAN BOYS, so I found, but I still have misunderstanding (>__<) Can you make video about that, for goodness sake please (*_*) ? (please correct my answer)

I mean answer (shame on me)

*question, who could make double mistakes? only I

oh my goodness, I talk with myself

It’s really good class I used a grabber in my report introduction and it’s work!! thanks James

it is one of the best video

You blow my mind like a Cat 5 hurricane.Thanks.

That’s awesome! The best I ever seen/heard!

Thank you so much for the fantastic lesson. The only problem I had was with the captions. As I usually tell my students to use your videos, and they often use the captions; this time they were complaining about the inaccuracy of the “subtitles”! I checked them myself and saw they were so right. What you say is nothing written there…

Thank you for sharing to us your lessons. Your way of teaching us is truly amazing simple yet meaty and concise.

teacher James , thanks for this lesson i wrote every single word you said it i really liked your way in teaching English and i get the full mark in your quiz

great sense of humor! thank you I lough a lot :D

HEY JAMES!!! I LOVED YOUR VID BUT I CANT FIND YOUR NEXT VID ‘THE ULTIMATE BODY’!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME OUT OR SOMEBODY!!!!!

thangs james

Thank James. You have my dad name, and i really love your teaching. You’re really a grabber.

James,you are a good teacher,funny as well.

Engaging and understandable

Thanks Mr. James can i send you my outlines and thesis statements for critical analysis. i will write them for my upcoming exam.

Thanks sir,, stay awesome! godbless

Hello.. Mr. James, I need your help for my argumentation speech for this coming feb,11,2015 would you help me to make that speech.?

Hello!! Mr. James Can you upload more videos about how to write Essay?

hi the lesson went o good but im the learner can pls explain the words like thesis so it will be good and i can know english to some extent and thanks for the lesson

Thanks for the useful information. I feel more confident now and I will definitely continue with your lesson plans. I’m glad that I stumble upon your YouTube video and this site as well.

The lesson was really fun and usefull to me. Thank you so much!

…great job! I need to practice speaking English as well…hmmmm

That was nice I liked it :)

Thank you for the lesson)I will use your tips for writing essay for writing site Essayltd, i hope they will be enjoy

Hahhah … you are the best!!! Before I had not any idea how I can I write a assay , but now I have got !!!! And I have to say THANK TO YOU!!!!!!

thanks for the lesson ready to go to the next step.

I am extremely impressed with you teaching methods. I do have a question about Introduction paragraph. If we use an anecdote, is there an etiquette to follow on how long it should be? I don’t want to lose my readers (my professor).

Sorry, I used you instead of your….but my typing is a lot slower than my thinking. Good excuse??

Thank you so much ^_^

hello . I want to ask how to write an essay about a quote (discussing a quote)

thanks but i will like to get your videos for the body and conclusion. how do i get them? plsss

Wonderful explanation. I made notes to study later. James, where is the second part? I’m craving it.

I really love the way that u teaching ?

What makes a teacher become happy of teaching? It is when his/her students say ” Teacher I am learning or Teacher I learned a lot from you”. Sometimes, we tend to think that when a student tell us “teacher you are smart, or teacher you are the best in the world, or teacher you are my favorite” that will make a teacher proud and happy. In contrary, a dedicated teacher would be the happiest profession on earth if he/she sees successful students he/she taught. What’s my point here is, JAMES IS A GREAT TEACHER BECAUSE I LEARNED!!!!! AND I LEARNED A LOT FROM THIS SIMPLE LECTURE.. Honestly, I do not pick you for any lesson in this site, however, you were able to grab my attention with your advertisement topic for your lecture. From now on, I would be excited to check on new tutorial lessons from you.. I hope to successfully pass the IELTS Academic exam with your tips.

Love the lesson, I wish I can send my writing for you to see if what are the things I need to improve more…

Awesome study, love the quiz! Thank you!

Love my picture picture and your doing a wonderful job, I’m learning a lot. Thanks much

Great lesson! Love your enthusiam!

Must say your lessons are very entertaining! Keep it up! Could you please improve the sound quality?

This was a complete lesson with a lot of concepts to learn and a little difficult to put in practice because you have to think clearly and carefully to enchain the four parts: grabbers, topics, thesis and his relations. It was a great lesson, thanks a lot, teacher James Greer from EngVid.

Prof Jame how May I write an narrative essay about m experience in a car accident

I got two wrong! Shucks!

Wow, I suck on the second attempt!

FINALLY, I get 100!

Good for you. congrats! i will be taking my 2nd TOEFL attempt next month and i am still having trouble forming my own essay. it sucks!

Thank you Mr. James. That helped me understand better on writing intro. i was hoping u will make a part 2.

Keep teaching..

Thank you for the explanation, when are you going to do the next part of the video? I would like to learn about the body and the conclusion.

it was a very interesting lesson, but it seems too fast though I shall watch again before the second part…but you´re a very good teacher james

Hello James,

Thanks for your great lessons, but do you have any suggestion to check essay and paragraph which is written by me. Because I can not check it correctly. So please tell me any suggestion?

Thank you James

I can’t believe I am understanding and learning more from EngVid.com than in my own classroom! Thanks, James, you are a lifesaver.

James you are a better teacher explaining the concepts then my past composition one teacher, also I have a question for introduction we can use quotes two but what my Comp 1 teacher said that a quote counts as a outside source and should be put after the thesis statement? can you explain me more about what he meant because that got me confuse.

thank you, this was really helpful.

Wonderful lesson! I want some more new technics.

You got 5 correct out of 5.

Thanks for your help.

I liked “grabbed her”.Oh,wait a second, I have just grabbed your ATTENTION.

thanksss .. sir you are the tip top

Thank you sir.

Excellent!! Thank you so much for the lesson.

I really need help doing an outline on Teenagers and Young Kids are spending too much Time on Technology Devices please help me

You grabbed my attention and even I signed up which I do not do easily! ?

Cool article!

Dear James I am writing an academic essay and as usual I have problems with sequence and structure. I understand the theory of your approach. It makes it sound easy, however I find it difficult to pick out proof statements or my proof statements are not adequate because I cannot write freely. I would appreciate suggestions.

hey am enjoying your lessons thank you for the great work, have a great day too

James, thank you for your teaching. one of the best teachers with all the jokes makes your teaching very interesting I want to learn more and am a student nurse. now I can write my essay well

Hey James I am a very bad writer, putting my thoughts together. Can you please go more into the introduction with the thesis? Give an example of combined. Greatly appreciate Thank you very much with your lessons

Better I learned here than my teachers thought me.

I got a 100% in the quiz!! Thank you so so much this was really a great lesson.

thanks James, interesting lesson. I’ll practice on it.

I must say this has been the best explanation of an introduction. Thank you Mr. James I learned a lot; it was a pleasure learning from you. I will incorporate what has been taught to me in the future.

Very Helpful. Thank You very much for the lesson.

good explanation from James , id like to thank you

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Essay Introductions

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Write an introduction that interests the reader and effectively outlines your arguments.

Every essay or assignment you write must begin with an introduction. It might be helpful to think of the introduction as an inverted pyramid. In such a pyramid, you begin by presenting a broad introduction to the topic and end by making a more focused point about that topic in your thesis statement. The introduction has three essential parts, each of which serves a particular purpose.

The first part is the "attention-grabber." You need to interest your reader in your topic so that they will want to continue reading. You also want to do that in a way that is fresh and original. For example, although it may be tempting to begin your essay with a dictionary definition, this technique is stale  because it has been widely overused. Instead, you might try one of the following techniques:

Offer a surprising statistic that conveys something about the problem to be addressed in the paper.

Perhaps you can find an interesting quote that nicely sums up your argument.

Use rhetorical questions that place your readers in a different situation in order to get them thinking about your topic in a new way.

If you have a personal connection to the topic, you might use an anecdote or story to get your readers emotionally involved.

For example, if you were writing a paper about drunk drivers, you might begin with a compelling story about someone whose life was forever altered by a drunk driver: "At eighteen, Michelle had a lifetime of promise in front of her. Attending college on a track scholarship, she was earning good grades and making lots of friends. Then one night her life was forever altered…"

From this attention grabbing opener, you would need to move to the next part of the introduction, in which you offer some relevant background on the specific purpose of the essay. This section helps the reader see why you are focusing on this topic and makes the transition to the main point of your paper. For this reason, this is sometimes called the "transitional" part of the introduction.

In the example above, the anecdote about Michelle might capture the reader's attention, but the essay is not really about Michelle. The attention grabber might get the reader thinking about how drunk driving can destroy people's lives, but it doesn't introduce the topic of the need for stricter drunk driving penalties (or whatever the real focus of the paper might be).

Therefore, you need to bridge the gap between your attention-grabber and your thesis with some transitional discussion. In this part of your introduction, you narrow your focus of the topic and explain why the attention-grabber is relevant to the specific area you will be discussing. You should introduce your specific topic and provide any necessary background information that the reader would need in order to understand the problem that you are presenting in the paper. You can also define any key terms the reader might not know.

Continuing with the example above, we might move from the narrative about Michelle to a short discussion of the scope of the problem of drunk drivers. We might say, for example: "Michelle's story is not isolated. Each year XX (number) of lives are lost due to drunk-driving accidents." You could follow this with a short discussion of how serious the problem is and why the reader should care about this problem. This effectively moves the reader from the story about Michelle to your real topic, which might be the need for stricter penalties for drinking and driving.

Finally, the introduction must conclude with a clear statement of the overall point you want to make in the paper. This is called your "thesis statement." It is the narrowest part of your inverted pyramid, and it states exactly what your essay will be arguing.

In this scenario, your thesis would be the point you are trying to make about drunk driving. You might be arguing for better enforcement of existing laws, enactment of stricter penalties, or funding for education about drinking and driving. Whatever the case, your thesis would clearly state the main point your paper is trying to make. Here's an example: "Drunk driving laws need to include stricter penalties for those convicted of drinking under the influence of alcohol." Your essay would then go on to support this thesis with the reasons why stricter penalties are needed.

In addition to your thesis, your introduction can often include a "road map" that explains how you will defend your thesis. This gives the reader a general sense of how you will organize the different points that follow throughout the essay. Sometimes the "map" is incorporated right into the thesis statement, and sometimes it is a separate sentence. Below is an example of a thesis with a "map."

"Because drunk driving can result in unnecessary and premature deaths, permanent injury for survivors, and billions of dollars spent on medical expenses,  drunk drivers should face stricter penalties for driving under the influence." The underlined words here are the "map" that show your reader the main points of support you will present in the essay. They also serve to set up the paper's arrangement because they tell the order in which you will present these topics.

In constructing an introduction, make sure the introduction clearly reflects the goal or purpose of the assignment and that the thesis presents not only the topic to be discussed but also states a clear position about that topic that you will support and develop throughout the paper. In shorter papers, the introduction is usually only one or two paragraphs, but it can be several paragraphs in a longer paper.

For Longer Papers

Although for short essays the introduction is usually just one paragraph, longer argument or research papers may require a more substantial introduction. The first paragraph might consist of just the attention grabber and some narrative about the problem. Then you might have one or more paragraphs that provide background on the main topics of the paper and present the overall argument, concluding with your thesis statement.

Below is a sample of an introduction that is less effective because it doesn't apply the principles discussed above.

An Ineffective Introduction

Everyone uses math during their entire lives. Some people use math on the job as adults, and others used math when they were kids. The topic I have chosen to write about for this paper is how I use math in my life both as a child and as an adult. I use math to balance my checkbook and to budget my monthly expenses as an adult. When I was a child, I used math to run a lemonade stand. I will be talking more about these things in my paper.

In the introduction above, the opening line does not serve to grab the reader's attention. Instead, it is a statement of an obvious and mundane fact. The second sentence is also not very specific. A more effective attention grabber may point out a specific, and perhaps surprising, instance when adults use math in their daily lives, in order to show the reader why this is such as important topic to consider.

Next the writer "announces" her topic by stating, "The topic I have chosen to write about…" Although it is necessary to introduce your specific topic, you want to avoid making generic announcements that reference your assignment. What you have chosen to write about will be evident as your reader moves through the writing. Instead, you might try to make the reader see why this is such an important topic to discuss.

Finally, this sample introduction is lacking a clear thesis statement. The writer concludes with a vague statement: "I will be talking more about these things in my paper."  This kind of statement may be referred to as a "purpose statement," in which the writer states the topics that will be discussed. However, it is not yet working as a thesis statement because it fails to make an argument or claim about those topics. A thesis statement for this essay would clearly tell the reader what "things" you will be discussing and what point you will make about them.

Now let's look at how the above principles can be incorporated more effectively into an introduction.

A More Effective Introduction

"A penny saved is a penny earned," the well-known quote by Ben Franklin, is an expression I have never quite understood, because to me it seems that any penny—whether saved or spent—is still earned no matter what is done with it. My earliest memories of earning and spending money are when I was ten years old when I would sell Dixie cups of too-sweet lemonade and bags of salty popcorn to the neighborhood kids. From that early age, I learned the importance of money management and the math skills involved. I learned that there were four quarters in a dollar, and if I bought a non-food item—like a handful of balloons—that I was going to need to come up with six cents for every dollar I spent. I also knew that Kool-Aid packets were 25 cents each or that I could save money and get five of them for a dollar. Today, however, money management involves knowing more than which combinations of 10-cent, five-cent, and one-penny candies I can get for a dollar. Proper money management today involves knowing interest rates, balancing checkbooks, paying taxes, estimating my paycheck, and budgeting to make ends meet from month-to-month.

In the first line the writer uses a well-known quotation to introduce her topic.

The writer follows this "attention-grabber" with specific examples of earning and spending money. Compare how the specific details of the second example paint a better picture for the reader about what the writer learned about money as a child, rather than this general statement: "As a child, I used math to run a lemonade stand." In the first introduction, this statement leaves the reader to guess how the writer used math, but in the second introduction we can actually see what the child did and what she learned.

Notice, too, how the reader makes the transition from the lessons of childhood to the real focus of her paper in this sentence: "Today, however, money management involves knowing…."

This transition sentence effectively connects the opening narrative to the main point of the essay, her thesis: "Proper money management today involves knowing  interest rates, balancing checkbooks, paying taxes, estimating my paycheck, and budgeting to make ends meet from month-to-month ." This thesis also maps out for the reader the main points (underlined here) that will be discussed in the essay.

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ESL Essay Writing: 7 Important Tips

“Every good story has a beginning, a middle and an end.”

This is true for a good essay, too.

An essay needs a coherent structure to successfully articulate its arguments. Strong preparation and planning is crucial to providing that structure.

Of course, essay writing can be challenging for ESL students. They must order their thoughts and construct their arguments—all in their second language.

So, here are seven ESL essay writing tips that will allow your students to weave together a coherent and persuasive essay, plus teacher resources for writing activities, prompts and lessons!

1. Build the Essay Around a Central Question

2. use the traditional 5-paragraph essay structure, 3. plan the essay carefully before writing, 4. encourage research and rewriting, 5. practice utilizing repetition, 6. aim to write a “full circle” essay, 7. edit the essay to the end, esl essay writing resources.

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Encourage your students to build all their writing around one central question.

That central question is the engine of the writing—it should drive everything!

If a word or sentence is not assisting that forward motion toward the explication of that question and its possible answers, then it needs to be reworded, rephrased or just plain cut out and discarded.

Lean writing is merciless. Focusing on a central question throughout the prewriting, writing and rewriting stages helps develop the critical faculties required to discern what to keep and what to throw away.

Providing a clear structure for the student to approach essay writing can do a lot to build their confidence. The 5-paragraph essay, or “hamburger” essay, provides that clear structure for ESL writers.

Generally, this structure employs five separate paragraphs for the entire essay. Each paragraph serves a specific purpose, melding together to form a coherent whole:

• Paragraph 1: The introductory paragraph. This includes the thesis statement, orientating the reader to the purpose of the essay.
• Paragraphs 2 to 4: The body paragraphs. These make individual points that are further backed up by various forms of evidence.
• Paragraph 5:  The conclusion paragraph. This provides a summation of the arguments and a final statement of the thesis.

While students do not need to rigidly follow this format forever, the simple structure outlined above can serve as excellent training wheels for your writers.

Using the 5-paragraph structure as outlined above makes planning clear cut.

Once they have their theses and are planning their paragraphs, share with the students the ridiculously useful acronym P.E.E. This stands for Point, Explanation and Evidence.

Each body paragraph should make a point or argument in favor of the central thesis, followed by an explanation of this point and relevant evidence to back it up.

Students can make note of all their points, explanations and evidence before they start writing them in essay form. This helps take away some of the pressure ESL writers feel when faced with a blank page.

Extol the necessity for students to constantly refer to their planning. The mind-mapping techniques popularized by Tony Buzan can be useful at the planning stage and make for easy reference points to ensure focus is maintained throughout the essay.

Having a visual reference such as this can help ensure that your student-writers see each piece of the whole as well as that elusive “bigger picture,” so it becomes a case of seeing the forest and the trees!

Just as planning is crucial, so too is research.

Often ideas or connections do not occur until the writing process has begun. This is a good thing! Essay writing is a creative act, so students can have more ideas along the way and work them in as they go.

The key is to always be able to back up these ideas. Students who have done their research on their subject will be much more confident and articulate in expressing their arguments in their writing.

One way you can help students with context and research is to show relevant video content via FluentU . This language learning program uses authentic videos made by and for native speakers to help students learn English.

You can watch videos as a class or assign them directly to students for individual viewing. Videos come equipped with interactive bilingual subtitles and other learning tools such as multimedia flashcards and personalized quizzes so you can see how each student is doing.

No matter how your students do their research, the important thing is that they explore and understand their topic area before beginning the big task of writing their essay.

Even with thorough planning and research, writing oneself into a linguistic cul-de-sac is a common error. Especially with higher-level students, unforeseen currents can pull the student-writer off course.

Sometimes abandoning such a sentence helps. Going back to the drawing board and rewriting it is often best.

Students can be creative with their sentence structures   when expressing simpler ideas and arguments. However, when it comes to more complex concepts, help them learn to use shorter sentences to break their arguments into smaller, more digestible chunks.

Essay writing falls firmly in the camp of non-fiction. However, that doesn’t mean that essay writers can’t use some of the techniques more traditionally associated with fiction, poetry and drama .

One technique that’s particularly useful in essay writing is repetition. Just as poetry relies heavily on rhythm, so too does argument. Repetition can provide that sense of rhythm.

This is because written language has its origins in oral language. Think of the great orators and demagogues and their use of repetition. Speechwriters, too, are well aware of the power of repetition.

The writing principle of the “rule of 3” states that ideas expressed in these terms are more convincing and memorable. This is true of both spoken and written words and the ideas they express. Teach your students to use this method in their essay writing.

The very structure of the 5-paragraph essay lends itself to planning for this repetition, in fact. Each idea that is explored in a body paragraph should be outlined first in the introductory paragraph.

Then, the single body paragraph devoted to the idea will explore it at greater length, supported by evidence. And the third rap of the hammer occurs in the summation of the concluding paragraph, driving the point securely and convincingly home.

As mentioned at the start of this post, every good essay has a beginning, a middle and an end.

Each point made, explained and supported by evidence is a step toward what the writing teacher Roy Peter Clark calls “closing the circle of meaning.”

In planning for the conclusion of the essay, the students should take the opportunity to reaffirm their position. By referring to the points outlined in the introduction and driving them home one last time, the student-writer is bringing the essay to a satisfying full circle.

This may be accomplished by employing various strategies: an apt quotation, referring to future consequences or attempting to inspire and mobilize the reader.

Ending with a succinct quotation has the double benefit of lending some authoritative weight to the argument while also allowing the student to select a well-written, distilled expression of their central thesis. This can make for a strong ending, particularly for ESL students.

Often the essay thesis will suggest its own ending. If the essay is structured around a problem, it’s frequently appropriate to end the essay by offering solutions to the problem and outlining potential consequences if those solutions are not followed.

In the more polemical type of essay, the student may end with a call to arms, a plea for action on the part of the reader.

The strategy chosen by the student will depend largely on what fits the central thesis of their essay best.

For the ESL student, the final edit is especially important.

It offers a final chance to check form and meaning. For all writers, this process can be daunting, but more so for language students.

Often, ESL students will use the same words over and over again due to a limited vocabulary. Encourage your students to employ a thesaurus in the final draft before submission. This will freshen up their work, making it more readable, and will also increase their active vocabulary in the long run!

Another useful strategy at this stage is to encourage students to read their work aloud before handing it in.

This can be good pronunciation practice , but it also provides an opportunity to listen for grammatical errors. Further, it helps students hear where punctuation is required in the text, helping the overall rhythm and readability of the writing.

To really help your students become master essay writers, you’ll want to provide them with plenty of opportunities to test and flex their skills.

Writing prompts and exercises are a good place to start:

Descriptive writing activities encourage students to get creative and use their five senses, literary devices and diverse vocabulary. Read on for eight descriptive writing…

Giving good ESL writing prompts is important because inspiring prompts inspire students to write more and writing more is how they improve. Read this post to learn 50…

You’ll likely also want to teach them more about the mechanics of writing :

Are you looking for ESL writing skills to share with your ESL students? In this guide, you’ll find different ESL writing techniques, such as helping students understand…

Introducing ESL journal writing to your students is a great way to get them practicing their English skills. Here are nine essential tips to make this activity creative,…

Essays are a great way not only for students to learn how the language works, but also to learn about themselves.

Formulating thoughts and arguments about various subjects is good exercise for not only the students’ linguistic faculties, but also for understanding who they are and how they see the world.

Related posts:

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Introductory Academic Essay and Paragraph Writing Exercises and Worksheets

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15+ BEST Self-Introduction Scripts for ESL Teachers

Save your effort in thinking about what to write on your self-introduction – I have plenty of sample scripts for your ESL teaching job self-introduction audio/video.

Most online ESL companies would ask an audio/video self-introduction during the application process so make sure to prepare for it. The quality of introduction can make or break your application, so it’s monumental to do it right. Well good thing that you won’t be asked to produce an hour-long introduction video. Some even accept an audio-only recording.

By the way, I created a YouTube channel just recently so I hope you could be part of it. You mind supporting my channel by subscribing, liking, and watching my videos? I promise to better my content. I can only do that if you guys help me grow my channel. I’m fostering strays, spaying and neutering them when I can so if I’m able to monetize my channel, it’ll be a game changer for this cause that I believe in. My YouTube name is Momo. Thank you in advance. 

More often than not, companies or recruiters would ask a 1-minute introduction – which you can simply record on your phone. As long as it’s audible, clear with no background noise, then you’re good. Essentially, you have to be mindful of your pronunciation and the words you use in your introduction: it has to be relevant, straightforward and catchy at the same time.

Things to Remember in Filming Your ESL Self-Introduction

• If a company requires you to make an intro that’s specific for kids , that means you have to be lively or perky: speak in a level that a child or a beginner learner would understand. Use easy and simple words, not idioms nor slangs/colloquialisms. Never take for granted the instructions or guidelines that are given to you. It may seem simple or not a big deal but your ability to follow instructions can make or break your application.
• If a company asks for a formal introduction wherein your students are adults, then make sure you submit something that’s beyond compare – with no pronunciation and grammar slips and don’t forget to wear a professional attire. You have to act, look and sound convincing to ace your application.
• If the instruction is to submit a 1-minute introduction, be sure to follow it. If it’s a 30-second clip, then do it. There’s a reason why a company has specified the duration of your introduction, so it’s best to stick with the instruction.
• Under no circumstances, do not use this line: What are you waiting for? This line is a turn-off – you’ll lack originality if you add this to your introduction script.
• Record yourself and listen to it multiple times until your lines are perfectly delivered. Once you reach the point where you no longer get annoyed with your own voice, then you know it’s ready to be saved.
• Your objective should be to charm whoever is listening or watching your ESL self-introduction. Be mindful that in submitting an introduction clip to a company, it wouldn’t be their first time receiving it. Again, it isn’t their first time seeing a video introduction from a job seeker or teacher like you. In that case, you aren’t special. You have to standout or else you won’t get invited for an interview.
• I highly encouraged that you add some greetings. Make it personalized that way your intro is catchy and genuine. For instance, if the company you’re applying for caters Japanese, then say ‘Konnichiwa’. If they’re Koreans, say ‘Annyeong-haseyo’. For Chinese or Taiwanese, greet them with ‘Ni Hao’. What’s more, you may add another word using their native language at the end part of your intro like ‘Sayonara’ which means goodbye in English. So, what’s goodbye in Korean and Chinese? Well, if you google it, it’s ‘Annyeong’ and ‘Zàijiàn’ respectively.
• If the learners of the company are juniors, I suggest starting with a short song that’s appropriate for their age. It’ll make your intro appealing this way and it’s cute too. You can also add simple questions like ‘What’s your name?’ or ‘How are you?’. It may sound corny but this might be your ticket to landing that role. If have no courage to pull it off, then try a different style. Be creative and charismatic.

SAMPLE SCRIPTS FOR ESL AUDIO/VIDEO INTRODUCTION

WHEN YOU HAVE TO SOUND PROFESSIONAL, CASUAL, OR FORMAL ON YOUR INTRODUCTION: (STUDENTS: ADULTS)

Hello there!

I’m  ___from ___. I’ve been happily teaching English learners for __ years. My background includes teaching kids and adults of all levels. In my class, I talk about a variety of topics, and my classes are always fun and respectful. Most importantly, I focus on my learners’ goals.

I can’t wait to see you in my class soon – bye!

Konnichiwa!

My name is ___. I’ve been sharing my enthusiasm in English for about __ years. I’ve worked with diverse students including ___, and I always found them to be friendly and respectful.

In my class, I’m interested in many topics and I’m happy to focus on my learners’ goals.

I look forward to having a class with you soon!

My name is Monica, a ___ from the Philippines. I’m (age).

I’ve been teaching for more than __ years, and I’ve worked with learners around the world. My background includes planning and delivering lessons to children and adults. I specialize in Business English, job interview practice, and exam preparations like IELTS, OPIC, and TOEIC.

In my class, I work with wonderful enthusiasm and positivity. I’m interested in many different topics, and I’m happy to work with learners of all levels.

I can’t wait to meet you soon! See yah!

Konnichiwa! _____-desu.

I am an experienced ESL teacher with expertise in one-to-one and group classes. I would love to share my enthusiasm with the learners in this platform. I’ve been working with diverse learners of all levels for many years. I coach learners in ESL, IELTS, and TOEIC.

Throughout my career, I’ve been recognized for my work ethic and effectiveness. I’m greatly passionate about my profession, and I love helping others improve their English skills. I’m thrilled about this opportunity, so I look forward to speaking with you soon. Sayonara!

My name is ___. You can call me ___ or ___.

I have a varied experience in ESL teaching, and I’ve worked with diverse learners for many years. My background includes planning and delivering lessons to children and adults. I give instructions in General English, Business English, Job Interview Practice, Exam Preparations, among others —all with the aim of helping students achieve their goals.

In my class, I make sure that students feel heard and understood. I teach in a manner that encourage them to speak without the fear of making mistakes. Essentially, I center my attention towards the class’ objectives while taking into consideration my students’ level and preference.

I hope to see you soon!

How To Become A Home-Based Online ESL Teacher

Hello! I’m ___.

I’m a ____ by profession. I’ve been teaching for more than ___ years, and I loved every minute with my students for many years.

Teaching is my passion, so there’s no better feeling in this world than seeing my students learned something from my class.

I hope to speak with you soon. See you!

Annyeong-haseyo!

Call me ___. I’m a ___ from the Philippines. I’ve been to ___ ___ years ago, and it was my most treasured experience. I’ve worked with Korean learners for many years, and I always found them to be cordial and smart.

In my class, I aim to be a valuable resource for my students. I love to discuss many different topics, so if you’re someone who’s interested about music, politics, food, travel, books, movies, and sports—you’ll find my class quite interesting.

Talk to you soon! Annyeong!

Hi there! It’s ___.

I’m an experienced teacher, and currently based in _____. I love working with diverse people, and I aim to become a valuable resource for my students wherever I teach.

I’d like to share my enthusiasm in English with the learners in your platform.

I can’t wait to start my first class!

Hello lovely learners!

I’m ____ from the Philippines. Have you been here? I’d love to share with you some insights about the Philippines while simultaneously helping you improve your English skills.

I can’t wait to meet you. I promise it’s going to be fun. See you!

WHEN YOU HAVE TO SOUND LIVELY ON YOUR INTRO: (STUDENTS: YOUNG LEARNERS)

Hello! How are you today?

My name is ____. You can call me ‘Teacher ____’. How about you? What’s your name?

I am excited to meet you in my class.

Have a lovely day! See you soon!

It’s me Teacher ____.

I am from the Philippines. How about you?

I have been teaching English to learners around the world for many years. I love seeing my students have fun in my class. I hope we can practice English together!

I look forward to speaking with you soon. Bye!

Hello to you!

Call me ____. I live in the beautiful country of the Philippines. Have you been here before?

We have hundreds of beautiful beaches – do you love going to the beach? How about cute animals like dogs, cats, and dolphins? In my class, I talk about these interesting things. Let’s talk about them in my class.

See you soon!

My name is ___ from the Philippines. How about you? Where do you live?

In my country, our current season is summer, so it is hot right now. How about in your place?

I am sure there are many things that you would like to share with me, right? I’d love to hear them, so I can’t wait to meet you in class.

See you soon! Zàijiàn!

What’s your name?

By the way, I am ____. You can call me ____ for short.

I want to get to know you in my class.

I have so many funny stories and jokes for you. Do you want to hear them?

I’ll see you in my class, okay?

Hello hello hello..

Hello how do you do?

I’m glad to be with you, and you and you and you···

Oh Hi! I’m Teacher ____.

Nice to meet you!

I’m excited to have a class with you in English. I am sure it’s going to be fun.

Talk to you soon!

(You Can Start By Singing A Popular Song For Kids In Your Intro)

♫ I have two hands, the left and the right Hold them up high, so clean and bright Clap them softly One, two, three Clean little hands are good to see ♫

Hello! My name is ____. You can call me ____ or Teacher ____.

Do you know the song I just sing?

In my class, we will sing all your favorite songs. I love singing and dancing. I am sure you do too!

See you in my class and let’s have fun learning English! ☺

Looking for homebased online ESL jobs ? How about sample introduction scripts for no experience or fresh grad? Check my previous posts – there’s a ton of them! ♥

Share this:, 2 thoughts on “15+ best self-introduction scripts for esl teachers”.

Wow, these self-introduction scripts for ESL teachers are incredibly helpful! As someone who’s passionate about teaching English as a second language, I’m always looking for creative ways to introduce myself and engage with my students. The variety of scripts provided here seems fantastic, offering options for different teaching styles and age groups. I particularly love the emphasis on building rapport and creating a positive classroom environment. Thank you for sharing these valuable resources. Can’t wait to try them out and make my self-introduction even more engaging for my students!

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How to Structure an Essay

Essay writing is a fundamental skill, a basic task, that is expected of those who choose to pursue their undergraduate and master’s degrees. It constitutes a key requirement for students to complete a given course credit. However, many students and early career researchers find themselves struggling with the challenge of organizing their thoughts into a coherent, engaging structure. This article is especially for those who see essay writing as a daunting task and face problems in presenting their work in an impactful way.  

Table of Contents

• Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles  
• Essay structure template 
• Chronological structure 
• Problem-methods-solutions structure 
• Compare and contrast structures 
• Frequently asked questions on essay structure 

Read on as we delve into the basic elements of essay writing, outline key principles for organizing information, and cover some foundational features of writing essays.  

Writing an essay: basic elements and some key principles

Essays are written in a flowing and continuous pattern but with a structure of its own. An introduction, body and conclusion are integral to it. The key is to balance the amount and kind of information to be presented in each part. Various disciplines may have their own conventions or guidelines on the information to be provided in the introduction.  

A clear articulation of the context and background of the study is important, as is the definition of key terms and an outline of specific models or theories used. Readers also need to know the significance of the study and its implications for further research. Most importantly, the thesis or the main proposition should be clearly presented.  

The body of the essay is therefore organized into paragraphs that hold the main ideas and arguments and is presented and analyzed in a logical manner. Ideally, each paragraph of the body focuses on one main point or a distinct topic and must be supported by evidence and analysis. The concluding paragraph should bring back to the reader the key arguments, its significance and food for thought. It is best not to re-state all the points of the essay or introduce a new concept here. 

In other words, certain general guidelines help structure the information in the essay. The information must flow logically with the context or the background information presented in the introductory part of the essay. The arguments are built organically where each paragraph in the body of the essay deals with a different point, yet closely linked to the para preceding and following it. Importantly, when writing essays, early career researchers must be careful in ensuring that each piece of information relates to the main thesis and is a building block to the arguments. 

Essay structure template

• Introduction 
• Provide the context and share significance of the study 
• Clearly articulate the thesis statement 
• Body  
• Paragraph 1 consisting of the first main point, followed by supporting evidence and an analysis of the findings. Transitional words and phrases can be used to move to the next main point. 
• There can be as many paragraphs with the above-mentioned elements as there are points and arguments to support your thesis. 
• Conclusion  
• Bring in key ideas and discuss their significance and relevance 
• Call for action 
• References 

Essay structures

The structure of an essay can be determined by the kind of essay that is required.  

Chronological structure

Also known as the cause-and-effect approach, this is a straightforward way to structure an essay. In such essays, events are discussed sequentially, as they occurred from the earliest to the latest. A chronological structure is useful for discussing a series of events or processes such as historical analyses or narratives of events. The introduction should have the topic sentence. The body of the essay should follow a chorological progression with each para discussing a major aspect of that event with supporting evidence. It ends with a summarizing of the results of the events.  

Problem-methods-solutions structure

Where the essay focuses on a specific problem, the problem-methods-solutions structure can be used to organize the essay. This structure is ideal for essays that address complex issues. It starts with presenting the problem, the context, and thesis statement as introduction to the essay. The major part of the discussion which forms the body of the essay focuses on stating the problem and its significance, the author’s approach or methods adopted to address the problem along with its relevance, and accordingly proposing solution(s) to the identified problem. The concluding part offers a recap of the research problem, methods, and proposed solutions, emphasizing their significance and potential impact. 

Compare and contrast structures

This structure of essay writing is ideally used when two or more key subjects require a comparison of ideas, theories, or phenomena. The three crucial elements, introduction, body, and conclusion, remain the same. The introduction presents the context and the thesis statement. The body of the essay seeks to focus on and highlight differences between the subjects, supported by evidence and analysis. The conclusion is used to summarize the key points of comparison and contrast, offering insights into the significance of the analysis.  

Depending on how the subjects will be discussed, the body of the essay can be organized according to the block method or the alternating method. In the block method, one para discusses one subject and the next para the other subject. In the alternative method, both subjects are discussed in one para based on a particular topic or issue followed by the next para on another issue and so on.  

Frequently asked questions on essay structure

An essay structure serves as a framework for presenting ideas coherently and logically. It comprises three crucial elements: an introduction that communicates the context, topic, and thesis statement; the body focusing on the main points and arguments supported with appropriate evidence followed by its analysis; and a conclusion that ties together the main points and its importance .  

An essay structure well-defined essay structure enhances clarity, coherence, and readability, and is crucial for organizing ideas and arguments to effectively communicate key aspects of a chosen topic. It allows readers to better understand arguments presented and demonstrates the author’s ability to organize and present information systematically. 

Yes, while expert recommend following an essay structure, early career researchers may choose how best to adapt standard essay structures to communicate and share their research in an impactful and engaging way. However, do keep in mind that deviating too far from established structures can hinder comprehension and weaken the overall effectiveness of the essay,  By understanding the basic elements of essay writing and employing appropriate structures such as chronological, problem-methods-solutions, or compare and contrast, researchers can effectively organize their ideas and communicate their findings with clarity and precision. 

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Powerful academic phrases to improve your essay writing .

• How to Paraphrase Research Papers Effectively
• How to Use AI to Enhance Your College Essays and Thesis
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Self-Introduction ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Self-Introduction ESL lesson plan is essential for English language learners as it equips them with the necessary language skills to introduce themselves in various social and professional settings. This topic holds significance as it enables students to build confidence in speaking, enhances their vocabulary, and fosters cultural understanding. By mastering self-introductions, ESL learners can navigate social interactions more comfortably and effectively, ultimately strengthening their communication abilities.

Vocabulary Building

Contextual Usage

Esl warm-up activity.

To kick-start the Self-Introduction ESL Lesson, begin with a fun activity called “Mystery Bag Introductions.” Place several everyday items in a bag. Have each student pick an item from the bag without looking inside. Then, they should introduce themselves by creatively incorporating the item into their introduction. For example, if a student picks up a pair of sunglasses, they might say, “Hi everyone, I’m Sarah. Just like these cool sunglasses, I enjoy bringing brightness and positivity to every situation.” This activity not only encourages creative thinking and speaking in English but also sets an inclusive and interactive tone for the lesson.

Main ESL Lesson Activities

Vocabulary activity: “self-introduction bingo”, roleplay activity: “meet and greet skit”.

Divide the class into pairs and assign each pair a scenario (e.g., at a job interview, a social event). Students then create a short skit incorporating self-introduction dialogue relevant to their assigned situation. This allows for practical application of language in different contexts.

Listening Activity: “Introduce a Classmate”

Reading and writing exercise: “personal introduction essays”.

Assign students to write an essay introducing themselves, including personal information, hobbies/interests, and aspirations. Encourage them to share their essays with classmates for peer review or discussion. This activity promotes written expression as well as reading comprehension when reviewing peers’ essays.

ESL Homework Assignment

Throughout this lesson, students have learned essential vocabulary and phrases for self-introductions, practiced speaking and listening in various scenarios, and explored cultural aspects of introductions.

Why this topic is great for ESL learning

Enhances communication skills, promotes cultural understanding.

This topic also fosters cultural understanding as students explore the diverse ways self-introductions are conducted across different cultures. Understanding cultural nuances in introductions promotes respect for diversity and prepares learners to navigate multicultural environments effectively.

Builds Confidence

Post navigation.

Guess How Much I Love You ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck ESL Lesson Plan [Free PDF]

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• School Education /

Long Essay on Digital Marketing in English for Students

• Updated on  
• Jun 27, 2024

Digital marketing is the practice of using digital platforms, channels, and technologies to promote products, services, and brands to consumers. Almost every successful business and private organisation uses digital marketing strategies to promote its products and services. Knowing what digital marketing is and how it can leverage our lives is crucial due to its enormous potential. According to reports, a digital marketing professional makes around $100,000 in a year, opening doors to employment opportunities. Today, we will discuss a long essay on digital marketing for students.

Table of Contents

• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Components of Digital Marketing
• 1.3 Use of Digital Marketing
• 1.4 Challenges and Future Trends

Long Essay on Digital Marketing 

Digital marketing has revolutionised the way many businesses operate. Digital marketing refers to using internet technology, such as digital media or platforms, to promote products or services. This essay discusses multiple strategies, evolution, and the impact of digital marketing on the modern world.

Digital marketing originated in the 1990s, with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Early forms of digital marketing included website banner advertisements and email marketing. However, the field has undergone substantial evolution since then. The emergence of search engines, such as Google, set up the concept of Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), which is an essential aspect of digital marketing.

SEO focuses on raising the visibility and traffic of a website by improving its ranking on search engines. The rise of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter has introduced new levels of engagement and interaction. The introduction of smartphones and mobile technology increased digital marketing’s rise. 

Also Read: Essay on Advantages and Disadvantages of Social Media

Components of Digital Marketing

• Search Engine Optimization (SEO): SEO stresses keywords, backlinks, and website usability to increase visibility and attract organic visitors.
• Social Media Marketing: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn use social media marketing to engage with people, build brand loyalty, and generate traffic.
• Content Marketing: Blogs, articles, videos, infographics, and ebooks are popular content marketing forms for increasing brand authority and retaining target consumers.
• Influencer Marketing: Influencer marketing, which uses individuals with a large following and impact on social media, can efficiently reach specific groups and improve brand credibility.
• Email Marketing: It is one of the oldest kinds of digital marketing, utilising personalised email messages to nurture leads, promote products, and retain customer relationships.
• Affiliate Marketing: This approach includes collaborating with people who promote products or services in exchange for a commission on the sales generated by their efforts.
• Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising : PPC is the practice of putting advertising on search engines and other platforms in exchange for a fee for each click. One of the examples of PPC is Google Ads.
• Analytics and Data Management: Tools such as Google Analytics, social media insights, and CRM enable us to collect, understand, and analyse data to deliver important insights into customer behaviour and campaign performance.

Also Read: Essay on Viksit Bharat

Use of Digital Marketing

Digital marketing has influenced the market in a variety of ways. There are various reasons why one should practise digital marketing.

• Enhance Personalization: Digital marketing enables businesses to segment their audience based on demographics, behaviour, and preferences, increasing conversion rates.
• Real-time management Social media platforms enable real-time interaction with customers, allowing businesses to respond more quickly. This helps build strong customer relationships.
• Cost-effectiveness: Compared to traditional marketing, digital marketing frequently gives a higher return on investment (ROI) for a lower cost.
• Global Reach: The internet crosses geographical boundaries, allowing businesses to target local, national, and international markets.
• Measurable results: Digital marketing offers exact metrics and statistics, allowing businesses to analyse campaign performance in real time. This helps with future campaign decision-making.

Challenges and Future Trends

While digital marketing offers various advantages, it also offers its own set of challenges. The digital landscape is fiercely competitive, forcing firms to constantly innovate and adapt. Privacy and data security are key issues, with customers becoming increasingly worried about how their information is utilised.

Here are some trends that will shape digital marketing shortly.

• Artificial intelligence and Machine learning: Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning facilitate enhanced data analysis and automation. For example, chatbots and personalised recommendations.
• Voice Search: The increasing popularity of voice-activated devices such as Amazon Echo and Google Home is changing how people search for information. 
• Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):   AR and VR technologies allow users to connect with products and services in new ways, increasing customer engagement.
• Sustainable Marketing: Businesses that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and ethical practices are more likely to connect with modern consumers.

By focusing on targeting, engagement, and analysis, digital marketing has transformed how businesses operate and interact with their audiences. As technology advances, we must keep up with digital marketing trends to remain competitive in an increasingly digital environment.

Also Read: Essay on Social Media

Ans: Digital marketing refers to using internet technology, such as digital media or platforms, to promote products or services. Digital marketing has revolutionised the way many businesses operate. Digital marketing originated in the 1990s, with the introduction of the World Wide Web. Early forms of digital marketing included website banner advertisements and email marketing. However, the field has undergone substantial evolution since then. 

Ans: There are eight key components of Digital Marketing: Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Social Media Marketing Content Marketing Influencer Marketing Email Marketing Affiliate Marketing Pay-per-click (PPC) advertising Analytics and Data Management

Ans: While digital marketing offers various advantages, it also offers its own set of challenges. The digital landscape is fiercely competitive, forcing firms to constantly innovate and adapt. Privacy and data security are key issues, with customers becoming increasingly worried about how their information is utilised.

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What We Lost During Last Night’s Cringeworthy Debate

T he first presidential debate of this protracted presidential season was a horror show. Preceded by what seemed like weeks of excited speculation, idiotic predictions, and presumptive pre-debate analysis, when the debate actually happened, it demonstrated the dire choice that the two major political parties have given the electorate: pick the ranting liar and fear-mongering xenophobe, or choose the befuddled, stumbling man whose attempts to explain policy. (“I support Roe v. Wade , which had three trimesters”?) It was painful to watch.

One might rightly wonder what purpose presidential debates serve, particularly this year. We already know both candidates pretty well, and if we don’t, we have four more months to learn that Trump neither cares for the duties of office or the complexities of foreign affairs (and cultures), but does possess a talent for stirring up prejudice, for making people laugh, and for making them fearful. He does not answer questions. Last night, he avoided the question on the war in Gaza. He punted on the opioid crisis and climate change. He makes no appeal to decency, which is Biden’s forte (or was). But decency without backbone is what makes Biden appear, well, doddery. And we can watch that too until November. In fact, this otherwise consequential president seemed most focused when he talked about hitting a golf ball.

Read More: Calls for Biden to Step Aside Are About to Get Deafening

Part of the problem is that we live in a visual age. As a result, though we value them, our presumptive leaders become leaders even if they lack oratorical skills. In fact, it’s not surprising that the first well-known presidential debate , in 1960, occurred when television was a relatively new medium, and it did Richard Nixon no favors. No one remembers what he said, just how he looked. (Actually, the first televised debate, between candidates Adlai Stevenson and Dwight Eisenhower , took place four years earlier but without them; they used stand-ins, Eleanor Roosevelt and Margaret Chase Smith.) Before that, presidents depended on radio, with Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s “fireside chats” bringing him, and his voice, with its powers of persuasion, into one’s home. Before that, we debated in the public square of newspapers. Word, skillfully written, can change minds. Consider Lincoln and Douglas, a debate for a seat in the Senate, and the rest is history.

So oratory matters. The ability to persuade, through words, mattered. It still does, which is why last night’s debate was so chilling. When William Jennings Bryan was nominated by Democrats as their presidential candidate for the third time in 1908, even though he’d been unsuccessful twice before, it was because of his oratorical gift. His voice, once heard, was never forgotten. He could address a crowd of 20,000 and make the audience feel as though he spoke directly to each and everyone one of them and he understood what they needed. They called him the “Great Commoner.” He even started a newspaper so he could write column after column and deliver what amounted to sermons.

And, like all good orators, he knew how to perform. He did not want his tie too straight. Bryan practiced parts of his famous “Cross of Gold” speech , one of the most famous in American political history, for months and months before he delivered it in 1896 at the Democratic National Convention. He bounded onto the stage, raised his arms, and then spoke in the lyrical, cadenced phrases of Scripture. “We are fighting in the defense of our homes, our families, and posterity,” Bryan declared. “We have petitioned, and our petitions have been scorned; we have entreated, and our entreaties have been disregarded; we have begged, and they have mocked when our calamity came. We beg no longer; we entreat no more; we petition no more.” It was good stuff.

Read More: These Are the Biggest Moments in the First Presidential Debate

But performance needs substance. And so Bryan would eventually meet his nemesis when he was confronted by an orator even more practiced, clever, and dramatic than he. That was Clarence Darrow, the celebrated lawyer in rumpled clothes whose talent for mesmerizing juries with his impression of humility (some of which was genuine) was unparalleled. Though not a politician, or at least not a professional one, Darrow was a man who could deliver a rational argument with much emotion. It was a winning combination.

Take his defense of Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb, two teenagers accused of the gruesome and motiveless murder of 14 year-old Bobby Franks. Darrow had Leopold and Loeb plead guilty to avoid a jury trial so he could argue before the judge that their lives should be spared. Claiming Leopold and Loeb were just adolescents, the products of genetics and environment, Darrow said they were essentially without free will. “They killed,” said Darrow, “because hey were made that way.” At the same time, let us not blindly and cruelly call for yet another death, he implored the judge. Let us acknowledge that capital punishment grows out of our primitive need for vengeance, and let’s acknowledge that our killing two defective, two abnormal adolescents would not prevent other impaired boys or malevolent men or vicious women from committing murder.

“I sometimes wonder whether I am dreaming, whether I am not living in centuries long gone by, when savagery roamed wild, and the world was wet with human blood?” he concluded at the trial’s end. It was a consummate performance: a rational argument topped off by an emotional one. Leopold and Loeb received life sentences.

When Darrow and Bryan confronted each other in the courtroom, both of them, like Biden and Trump, were considered past their prime. Certainly they weren’t vying for the Oval Office, and their confrontation took place in a court of law, not on a television set. But they were jousting over the meaning of America and America’s future with far more passion, compassion, and reasonableness than anything that happened last night on the debate stage. For all his faults, Bryan was an optimistic idealist who thought he could improve the lives of ordinary men and women. He was a progressive who sincerely believed—and fought for—such reforms as the government ownership of utilities, a graduated income tax, currency reform, woman's suffrage and, for better and worse, Prohibition, which, in his mind, would help purify the nation by abolishing alcoholism, child abuse, and violence against women.

But when he wanted to turn the country into a Christian theocracy, Darrow objected. Their showdown took place in the summer of 1925 over a law recently passed by the Tennessee legislature that barred teaching the theory of evolution in public schools. It later became known, famously, as the Scopes Trial .

Darrow volunteered to defend the young schoolteacher who had purposefully broken the law (to test it), and he mustered, once again, all his oratorical skills. “Ignorance and fanaticism are ever busy and needs feeding,” Darrow declared. “Today it is the public school teachers, tomorrow the private. The next day the preachers and the lecturers, the magazines, the books, the newspapers. After a while, it is the setting of man against man and creed against creed until with flying banners and beating drums we are marching backward to the glorious ages of the sixteenth century when bigots lighted fagots to burn the men who dared to bring any intelligence and enlightenment and culture to the human mind."

“No subject possesses the minds of men like religious bigotry and hate,” Darrow concluded, “and these fires are being lighted today in America.”

He spoke without notes. He was persuasive and passionate. That’s what I thought about—what we had lost—as I watched last night’s sad, cringeworthy debate.

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Fall 2024 Semester

Undergraduate courses.

Composition courses that offer many sections (ENGL 101, 201, 277 and 379) are not listed on this schedule unless they are tailored to specific thematic content or particularly appropriate for specific programs and majors.

• 100-200 level

ENGL 151.S01: Introduction to English Studies

Tuesday and Thursday, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

Sharon Smith

ENGL 151 serves as an introduction to both the English major and the discipline of English studies. In this class, you will develop the thinking, reading, writing and research practices that define both the major and the discipline. Much of the semester will be devoted to honing your literary analysis skills, and we will study and discuss texts from several different genres—poetry, short fiction, the novel, drama and film—as well as some literary criticism. As we do so, we will explore the language of the discipline, and you will learn a variety of key literary terms and concepts. In addition, you will develop your skills as both a writer and researcher within the discipline of English.

ENGL 201.ST1 Composition II: The Mind/Body Connection

In this section of English 201, students will use research and writing to learn more about problems that are important to them and articulate ways to address those problems. The course will focus specifically on issues related to the mind, the body and the relationship between them. The topics we will discuss during the course will include the correlation between social media and body image; the efficacy of sex education programs; the degree to which beliefs about race and gender influence school dress codes; and the unique mental and physical challenges faced by college students today. In this course, you will be learning about different approaches to argumentation, analyzing the arguments of others and constructing your own arguments. At the same time, you will be honing your skills as a researcher and developing your abilities as a persuasive and effective writer.

ENGL 201.S10 Composition II: Environmental Writing   

Monday/Wednesday/Friday 1-1:50 p.m.

Gwen Horsley

English 201 will help students develop the ability to think critically and analytically and to write effectively for other university courses and careers. This course will provide opportunities to develop analytical skills that will help students become critical readers and effective writers. Specifically, in this class, students will:

• Focus on the relationships between world environments, land, animals and humankind.
• Read various essays by environmental, conservational and regional authors.
• Produce student writings. 

Students will improve their writing skills by reading essays and applying techniques they witness in others’ work and those learned in class. This class is also a course in logical and creative thought. Students will write about humankind’s place in the world and our influence on the land and animals, places that hold special meaning to them or have influenced their lives and stories of their own families and their places and passions in the world. Students will practice writing in an informed and persuasive manner, in language that engages and enlivens readers by using vivid verbs and avoiding unnecessary passives, nominalizations and expletive constructions.

Students will prepare writing assignments based on readings and discussions of essays included in "Literature and the Environment " and other sources. They may use "The St. Martin’s Handbook," as well as other sources, to review grammar, punctuation, mechanics and usage as needed.

ENGL 201.13 Composition II: Writing the Environment

Tuesday and Thursday 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Paul Baggett

For generations, environmentalists have relied on the power of prose to change the minds and habits of their contemporaries. In the wake of fires, floods, storms and droughts, environmental writing has gained a new sense of urgency, with authors joining activists in their efforts to educate the public about the grim realities of climate change. But do they make a difference? Have reports of present and future disasters so saturated our airwaves that we no longer hear them? How do writers make us care about the planet amidst all the noise? In this course, students will examine the various rhetorical strategies employed by some of today’s leading environmental writers and filmmakers. And while analyzing their different arguments, students also will strengthen their own strategies of argumentation as they research and develop essays that explore a range of environmental concerns.

ENGL 201 Composition II: Food Writing

S17 Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:45 p.m.

S18 Tuesday and Thursday 2-3:15 p.m.

Jodi Andrews

In this composition class, students will critically analyze essays about food, food systems and environments, food cultures, the intersections of personal choice, market forces and policy and the values underneath these forces. Students will learn to better read like writers, noting authors’ purpose, audience organizational moves, sentence-level punctuation and diction. We will read a variety of essays including research-intensive arguments and personal narratives which intersect with one of our most primal needs as humans: food consumption. Students will rhetorically analyze texts, conduct advanced research, reflect on the writing process and write essays utilizing intentional rhetorical strategies. Through doing this work, students will practice the writing moves valued in every discipline: argument, evidence, concision, engaging prose and the essential research skills for the 21st century.

ENGL 221.S01 British Literature I

Michael S. Nagy

English 221 is a survey of early British literature from its inception in the Old English period with works such as "Beowulf" and the “Battle of Maldon,” through the Middle Ages and the incomparable writings of Geoffrey Chaucer and the Gawain - poet, to the Renaissance and beyond. Students will explore the historical and cultural contexts in which all assigned reading materials were written, and they will bring that information to bear on class discussion. Likely themes that this class will cover include heroism, humor, honor, religion, heresy and moral relativity. Students will write one research paper in this class and sit for two formal exams: a midterm covering everything up to that point in the semester, and a comprehensive final. Probable texts include the following:

• The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Middle Ages. Ed. Alfred David, M. H. Abrams, and Stephen Greenblatt. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.
• The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Sixteenth Century and Early Seventeenth Century. Ed. George M. Logan, Stephen Greenblatt, Barbara K Lewalski, and M. H. Abrams. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.
• The Norton Anthology of English Literature: The Restoration and the Eighteenth Century. Ed. George M. Logan, Stephen Greenblatt, Barbara K Lewalski, and M. H. Abrams. 9th ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2012.
• Gibaldi, Joseph. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers. 6th ed. New York: The Modern Language Association of America, 2003.
• Any Standard College Dictionary.

ENGL 240.S01 Juvenile Literature Elementary-5th Grade

Monday, Wednesday and Friday noon-12:50 p.m.

April Myrick

A survey of the history of literature written for children and adolescents, and a consideration of the various types of juvenile literature. Text selection will focus on the themes of imagination and breaking boundaries.

ENGL 240.ST1 Juvenile Literature Elementary-5th Grade

Randi Anderson

In English 240 students will develop the skills to interpret and evaluate various genres of literature for juvenile readers. This particular section will focus on various works of literature at approximately the K-5 grade level. We will read a large range of works that fall into this category, as well as information on the history, development and genre of juvenile literature.

Readings for this course include classical works such as "Hatchet," "Little Women", "The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe" and "Brown Girl Dreaming," as well as newer works like "Storm in the Barn," "Anne Frank’s Diary: A Graphic Adaptation," "Lumberjanes," and a variety of picture books. These readings will be paired with chapters from "Reading Children’s Literature: A Critical Introduction " to help develop understanding of various genres, themes and concepts that are both related to juvenile literature and also present in our readings.

In addition to exposing students to various genres of writing (poetry, historical fiction, non-fiction, fantasy, picture books, graphic novels, etc.) this course will also allow students to engage in a discussion of larger themes present in these works such as censorship, race and gender. Students’ understanding of these works and concepts will be developed through readings, research, discussion posts, exams and writing assignments designed to get students to practice analyzing poetry, picture books, informational books and transitional/easy readers.

ENGL 241.S01: American Literature I

Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-1:45 p.m.

This course provides a broad, historical survey of American literature from the early colonial period to the Civil War. Ranging across historical periods and literary genres—including early accounts of contact and discovery, narratives of captivity and slavery, poetry of revolution, essays on gender equality and stories of industrial exploitation—this class examines how subjects such as colonialism, nationhood, religion, slavery, westward expansion, race, gender and democracy continue to influence how Americans see themselves and their society.

Required Texts

• The Norton Anthology of American Literature: Package 1, Volumes A and B Beginnings to 1865, Ninth Edition. (ISBN 978-0-393-26454-8)

ENGL 283.S01 Introduction to Creative Writing

Steven Wingate

Students will explore the various forms of creative writing (fiction, nonfiction and poetry) not one at a time in a survey format—as if there were decisive walls of separation between then—but as intensely related genres that share much of their creative DNA. Through close reading and work on personal texts, students will address the decisions that writers in any genre must face on voice, rhetorical position, relationship to audience, etc. Students will produce and revise portfolios of original creative work developed from prompts and research. This course fulfills the same SGR #2 requirements ENGL 201; note that the course will involve a research project. Successful completion of ENGL 101 (including by test or dual credit) is a prerequisite.

ENGL 283.S02 Introduction to Creative Writing

Jodilyn Andrews

This course introduces students to the craft of writing, with readings and practice in at least two genres (including fiction, poetry and drama).

ENGL 283.ST1 Introduction to Creative Writing

Amber Jensen, M.A., M.F.A.

This course explores creative writing as a way of encountering the world, research as a component of the creative writing process, elements of craft and their rhetorical effect and drafting, workshop and revision as integral parts of writing polished literary creative work. Student writers will engage in the research practices that inform the writing of literature and in the composing strategies and writing process writers use to create literary texts. Through their reading and writing of fiction, poetry and creative nonfiction, students will learn about craft elements, find examples of those craft elements in published works and apply these elements in their own creative work, developed through weekly writing activities, small group and large group workshop and conferences with the instructor. Work will be submitted, along with a learning reflection and revision plan in each genre and will then be revised and submitted as a final portfolio at the end of the semester to demonstrate continued growth in the creation of polished literary writing.

• 300-400 level

ENGL 424.S01 Language Arts Methods grades 7-12  

Tuesday 6-8:50 p.m.

Danielle Harms

Techniques, materials and resources for teaching English language and literature to middle and secondary school students. Required of students in the English education option.

AIS/ENGL 447.S01: American Indian Literature of the Present 

Thursdays 3-6 p.m.

This course introduces students to contemporary works by authors from various Indigenous nations. Students examine these works to enhance their historical understanding of Indigenous peoples, discover the variety of literary forms used by those who identify as Indigenous writers, and consider the cultural and political significance of these varieties of expression. Topics and questions to be explored include:

• Genre: What makes Indigenous literature indigenous?
• Political and Cultural Sovereignty: Why have an emphasis on tribal specificity and calls for “literary separatism” emerged in recent decades, and what are some of the critical conversations surrounding such particularized perspectives?
• Gender and Sexuality: What are the intersecting concerns of Indigenous Studies and Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, and how might these research fields inform one another?
• Trans-Indigeneity: What might we learn by comparing works across different Indigenous traditions, and what challenges do such comparisons present?
• Aesthetics: How do Indigenous writers understand the dynamics between tradition and creativity?
• Visual Forms: What questions or concerns do visual representations (television and film) by or about Indigenous peoples present?

Possible Texts

• Akiwenzie-Damm, Kateri and Josie Douglas (eds), Skins: Contemporary Indigenous Writing. IAD Press, 2000. (978-1864650327)
• Erdrich, Louise, The Sentence. Harper, 2021 (978-0062671127)
• Harjo, Joy, Poet Warrior: A Memoir. Norton, 2021 (978-0393248524)
• Harjo, Sterlin and Taika Waititi, Reservation Dogs (selected episodes)
• Talty, Morgan. Night of the Living Rez, 2022, Tin House (978-1953534187)
• Wall Kimmerer, Robin. Braiding Sweet Grass, Milkweed Editions (978-1571313560)
• Wilson, Diane. The Seed Keeper: A Novel. Milkweed Editions (978-1571311375)
• Critical essays by Alexie, Allen, Cohen, Cox, King, Kroeber, Ortiz, Piatote, Ross and Sexton, Smith, Taylor, Teuton, Treuer, Vizenor, and Womack.

ENGL 472.S01: Film Criticism

Tuesdays 2-4:50 p.m.

Jason McEntee

Do you have an appreciation for, and enjoy watching, movies? Do you want to study movies in a genre-oriented format (such as those we typically call the Western, the screwball comedy, the science fiction or the crime/gangster, to name a few)? Do you want to explore the different critical approaches for talking and writing about movies (such as auteur, feminist, genre or reception)?

In this class, you will examine movies through viewing and defining different genres while, at the same time, studying and utilizing different styles of film criticism. You will share your discoveries in both class discussions and short writings. The final project will be a formal written piece of film criticism based on our work throughout the semester. The course satisfies requirements and electives for all English majors and minors, including both the Film Studies and Professional Writing minors. (Note: Viewing of movies outside of class required and may require rental and/or streaming service fees.)

ENGL 476.ST1: Fiction

In this workshop-based creative writing course, students will develop original fiction based on strong attention to the fundamentals of literary storytelling: full-bodied characters, robust story lines, palpable environments and unique voices. We will pay particular attention to process awareness, to the integrity of the sentence, and to authors' commitments to their characters and the places in which their stories unfold. Some workshop experience is helpful, as student peer critique will be an important element of the class.

ENGL 479.01 Capstone: The Gothic

Wednesday 3-5:50 p.m.

With the publication of Horace Walpole’s "The Castle of Otranto " in 1764, the Gothic officially came into being. Dark tales of physical violence and psychological terror, the Gothic incorporates elements such as distressed heroes and heroines pursued by tyrannical villains; gloomy estates with dark corridors, secret passageways and mysterious chambers; haunting dreams, troubling prophecies and disturbing premonitions; abduction, imprisonment and murder; and a varied assortment of corpses, apparitions and “monsters.” In this course, we will trace the development of Gothic literature—and some film—from the eighteenth-century to the present time. As we do so, we will consider how the Gothic engages philosophical beliefs about the beautiful and sublime; shapes psychological understandings of human beings’ encounters with horror, terror, the fantastic and the uncanny; and intervenes in the social and historical contexts in which it was written. We’ll consider, for example, how the Gothic undermines ideals related to domesticity and marriage through representations of domestic abuse, toxicity and gaslighting. In addition, we’ll discuss Gothic texts that center the injustices of slavery and racism. As many Gothic texts suggest, the true horrors of human existence often have less to do with inexplicable supernatural phenomena than with the realities of the world in which we live. 

ENGL 485.S01: Undergraduate Writing Center Learning Assistants 

Flexible Scheduling

Nathan Serfling

Since their beginnings in the 1920s and 30s, writing centers have come to serve numerous functions: as hubs for writing across the curriculum initiatives, sites to develop and deliver workshops and resource centers for faculty as well as students, among other functions. But the primary function of writing centers has necessarily and rightfully remained the tutoring of student writers. This course will immerse you in that function in two parts. During the first four weeks, you will explore writing center praxis—that is, the dialogic interplay of theory and practice related to writing center work. This part of the course will orient you to writing center history, key theoretical tenets and practical aspects of writing center tutoring. Once we have developed and practiced this foundation, you will begin work in the writing center as a tutor, responsible for assisting a wide variety of student clients with numerous writing tasks. Through this work, you will learn to actively engage with student clients in the revision of a text, respond to different student needs and abilities, work with a variety of writing tasks and rhetorical situations, and develop a richer sense of writing as a complex and negotiated social process.

Graduate Courses

Engl 572.s01: film criticism, engl 576.st1 fiction.

In this workshop-based creative writing course, students will develop original fiction based on strong attention to the fundamentals of literary storytelling: full-bodied characters, robust story lines, palpable environments and unique voices. We will pay particular attention to process awareness, to the integrity of the sentence and to authors' commitments to their characters and the places in which their stories unfold. Some workshop experience is helpful, as student peer critique will be an important element of the class.

ENGL 605.S01 Seminar in Teaching Composition

Thursdays 1-3:50 p.m.

This course will provide you with a foundation in the pedagogies and theories (and their attendant histories) of writing instruction, a foundation that will prepare you to teach your own writing courses at SDSU and elsewhere. As you will discover through our course, though, writing instruction does not come with any prescribed set of “best” practices. Rather, writing pedagogies stem from and continue to evolve because of various and largely unsettled conversations about what constitutes effective writing and effective writing instruction. Part of becoming a practicing writing instructor, then, is studying these conversations to develop a sense of what “good writing” and “effective writing instruction” might mean for you in our particular program and how you might adapt that understanding to different programs and contexts.

As we read about, discuss and research writing instruction, we will address a variety of practical and theoretical topics. The practical focus will allow us to attend to topics relevant to your immediate classroom practices: designing a curriculum and various types of assignments, delivering the course content and assessing student work, among others. Our theoretical topics will begin to reveal the underpinnings of these various practical matters, including their historical, rhetorical, social and political contexts. In other words, we will investigate the praxis—the dialogic interaction of practice and theory—of writing pedagogy. As a result, this course aims to prepare you not only as a writing teacher but also as a nascent writing studies/writing pedagogy scholar.

At the end of this course, you should be able to engage effectively in the classroom practices described above and participate in academic conversations about writing pedagogy, both orally and in writing. Assessment of these outcomes will be based primarily on the various writing assignments you submit and to a smaller degree on your participation in class discussions and activities.

ENGL 726.S01: The New Woman, 1880–1900s 

Thursdays 3–5:50 p.m.

Katherine Malone

This course explores the rise of the New Woman at the end of the nineteenth century. The label New Woman referred to independent women who rebelled against social conventions. Often depicted riding bicycles, smoking cigarettes and wearing masculine clothing, these early feminists challenged gender roles and sought broader opportunities for women’s employment and self-determination. We will read provocative fiction and nonfiction by New Women writers and their critics, including authors such as Sarah Grand, Mona Caird, George Egerton, Amy Levy, Ella Hepworth Dixon, Grant Allen and George Gissing. We will analyze these exciting texts through a range of critical lenses and within the historical context of imperialism, scientific and technological innovation, the growth of the periodical press and discourse about race, class and gender. In addition to writing an argumentative seminar paper, students will complete short research assignments and lead discussion.

ENGL 792.ST1 Women in War: Female Authors and Characters in Contemporary War Lit

In this course, we will explore the voices of female authors and characters in contemporary literature of war. Drawing from various literary theories, our readings and discussion will explore the contributions of these voices to the evolving literature of war through archetypal and feminist criticism. We will read a variety of short works (both theoretical and creative) and complete works such as (selections subject to change): "Eyes Right" by Tracy Crow, "Plenty of Time When We Get Home" by Kayla Williams, "You Know When the Men are Gone" by Siobhan Fallon, "Still, Come Home" by Katie Schultz and "The Fine Art of Camouflage" by Lauren Johnson.

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• Knowledge Base
• How to structure an essay: Templates and tips

How to Structure an Essay | Tips & Templates

Published on September 18, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on July 23, 2023.

The basic structure of an essay always consists of an introduction , a body , and a conclusion . But for many students, the most difficult part of structuring an essay is deciding how to organize information within the body.

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Table of contents

The basics of essay structure, chronological structure, compare-and-contrast structure, problems-methods-solutions structure, signposting to clarify your structure, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about essay structure.

There are two main things to keep in mind when working on your essay structure: making sure to include the right information in each part, and deciding how you’ll organize the information within the body.

Parts of an essay

The three parts that make up all essays are described in the table below.

Order of information

You’ll also have to consider how to present information within the body. There are a few general principles that can guide you here.

The first is that your argument should move from the simplest claim to the most complex . The body of a good argumentative essay often begins with simple and widely accepted claims, and then moves towards more complex and contentious ones.

For example, you might begin by describing a generally accepted philosophical concept, and then apply it to a new topic. The grounding in the general concept will allow the reader to understand your unique application of it.

The second principle is that background information should appear towards the beginning of your essay . General background is presented in the introduction. If you have additional background to present, this information will usually come at the start of the body.

The third principle is that everything in your essay should be relevant to the thesis . Ask yourself whether each piece of information advances your argument or provides necessary background. And make sure that the text clearly expresses each piece of information’s relevance.

The sections below present several organizational templates for essays: the chronological approach, the compare-and-contrast approach, and the problems-methods-solutions approach.

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The chronological approach (sometimes called the cause-and-effect approach) is probably the simplest way to structure an essay. It just means discussing events in the order in which they occurred, discussing how they are related (i.e. the cause and effect involved) as you go.

A chronological approach can be useful when your essay is about a series of events. Don’t rule out other approaches, though—even when the chronological approach is the obvious one, you might be able to bring out more with a different structure.

Explore the tabs below to see a general template and a specific example outline from an essay on the invention of the printing press.

• Thesis statement
• Discussion of event/period
• Consequences
• Importance of topic
• Strong closing statement
• Claim that the printing press marks the end of the Middle Ages
• Background on the low levels of literacy before the printing press
• Thesis statement: The invention of the printing press increased circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation
• High levels of illiteracy in medieval Europe
• Literacy and thus knowledge and education were mainly the domain of religious and political elites
• Consequence: this discouraged political and religious change
• Invention of the printing press in 1440 by Johannes Gutenberg
• Implications of the new technology for book production
• Consequence: Rapid spread of the technology and the printing of the Gutenberg Bible
• Trend for translating the Bible into vernacular languages during the years following the printing press’s invention
• Luther’s own translation of the Bible during the Reformation
• Consequence: The large-scale effects the Reformation would have on religion and politics
• Summarize the history described
• Stress the significance of the printing press to the events of this period

Essays with two or more main subjects are often structured around comparing and contrasting . For example, a literary analysis essay might compare two different texts, and an argumentative essay might compare the strengths of different arguments.

There are two main ways of structuring a compare-and-contrast essay: the alternating method, and the block method.

Alternating

In the alternating method, each paragraph compares your subjects in terms of a specific point of comparison. These points of comparison are therefore what defines each paragraph.

The tabs below show a general template for this structure, and a specific example for an essay comparing and contrasting distance learning with traditional classroom learning.

• Synthesis of arguments
• Topical relevance of distance learning in lockdown
• Increasing prevalence of distance learning over the last decade
• Thesis statement: While distance learning has certain advantages, it introduces multiple new accessibility issues that must be addressed for it to be as effective as classroom learning
• Classroom learning: Ease of identifying difficulties and privately discussing them
• Distance learning: Difficulty of noticing and unobtrusively helping
• Classroom learning: Difficulties accessing the classroom (disability, distance travelled from home)
• Distance learning: Difficulties with online work (lack of tech literacy, unreliable connection, distractions)
• Classroom learning: Tends to encourage personal engagement among students and with teacher, more relaxed social environment
• Distance learning: Greater ability to reach out to teacher privately
• Sum up, emphasize that distance learning introduces more difficulties than it solves
• Stress the importance of addressing issues with distance learning as it becomes increasingly common
• Distance learning may prove to be the future, but it still has a long way to go

In the block method, each subject is covered all in one go, potentially across multiple paragraphs. For example, you might write two paragraphs about your first subject and then two about your second subject, making comparisons back to the first.

The tabs again show a general template, followed by another essay on distance learning, this time with the body structured in blocks.

• Point 1 (compare)
• Point 2 (compare)
• Point 3 (compare)
• Point 4 (compare)
• Advantages: Flexibility, accessibility
• Disadvantages: Discomfort, challenges for those with poor internet or tech literacy
• Advantages: Potential for teacher to discuss issues with a student in a separate private call
• Disadvantages: Difficulty of identifying struggling students and aiding them unobtrusively, lack of personal interaction among students
• Advantages: More accessible to those with low tech literacy, equality of all sharing one learning environment
• Disadvantages: Students must live close enough to attend, commutes may vary, classrooms not always accessible for disabled students
• Advantages: Ease of picking up on signs a student is struggling, more personal interaction among students
• Disadvantages: May be harder for students to approach teacher privately in person to raise issues

An essay that concerns a specific problem (practical or theoretical) may be structured according to the problems-methods-solutions approach.

This is just what it sounds like: You define the problem, characterize a method or theory that may solve it, and finally analyze the problem, using this method or theory to arrive at a solution. If the problem is theoretical, the solution might be the analysis you present in the essay itself; otherwise, you might just present a proposed solution.

The tabs below show a template for this structure and an example outline for an essay about the problem of fake news.

• Introduce the problem
• Provide background
• Describe your approach to solving it
• Define the problem precisely
• Describe why it’s important
• Indicate previous approaches to the problem
• Present your new approach, and why it’s better
• Apply the new method or theory to the problem
• Indicate the solution you arrive at by doing so
• Assess (potential or actual) effectiveness of solution
• Describe the implications
• Problem: The growth of “fake news” online
• Prevalence of polarized/conspiracy-focused news sources online
• Thesis statement: Rather than attempting to stamp out online fake news through social media moderation, an effective approach to combating it must work with educational institutions to improve media literacy
• Definition: Deliberate disinformation designed to spread virally online
• Popularization of the term, growth of the phenomenon
• Previous approaches: Labeling and moderation on social media platforms
• Critique: This approach feeds conspiracies; the real solution is to improve media literacy so users can better identify fake news
• Greater emphasis should be placed on media literacy education in schools
• This allows people to assess news sources independently, rather than just being told which ones to trust
• This is a long-term solution but could be highly effective
• It would require significant organization and investment, but would equip people to judge news sources more effectively
• Rather than trying to contain the spread of fake news, we must teach the next generation not to fall for it

Signposting means guiding the reader through your essay with language that describes or hints at the structure of what follows.  It can help you clarify your structure for yourself as well as helping your reader follow your ideas.

The essay overview

In longer essays whose body is split into multiple named sections, the introduction often ends with an overview of the rest of the essay. This gives a brief description of the main idea or argument of each section.

The overview allows the reader to immediately understand what will be covered in the essay and in what order. Though it describes what  comes later in the text, it is generally written in the present tense . The following example is from a literary analysis essay on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein .

Transitions

Transition words and phrases are used throughout all good essays to link together different ideas. They help guide the reader through your text, and an essay that uses them effectively will be much easier to follow.

Various different relationships can be expressed by transition words, as shown in this example.

Because Hitler failed to respond to the British ultimatum, France and the UK declared war on Germany. Although it was an outcome the Allies had hoped to avoid, they were prepared to back up their ultimatum in order to combat the existential threat posed by the Third Reich.

Transition sentences may be included to transition between different paragraphs or sections of an essay. A good transition sentence moves the reader on to the next topic while indicating how it relates to the previous one.

… Distance learning, then, seems to improve accessibility in some ways while representing a step backwards in others.

However , considering the issue of personal interaction among students presents a different picture.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

• Choosing Essay Topic
• Write a College Essay
• Write a Diversity Essay
• College Essay Format & Structure
• Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

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The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

An essay isn’t just a loose collection of facts and ideas. Instead, it should be centered on an overarching argument (summarized in your thesis statement ) that every part of the essay relates to.

The way you structure your essay is crucial to presenting your argument coherently. A well-structured essay helps your reader follow the logic of your ideas and understand your overall point.

Comparisons in essays are generally structured in one of two ways:

• The alternating method, where you compare your subjects side by side according to one specific aspect at a time.
• The block method, where you cover each subject separately in its entirety.

It’s also possible to combine both methods, for example by writing a full paragraph on each of your topics and then a final paragraph contrasting the two according to a specific metric.

You should try to follow your outline as you write your essay . However, if your ideas change or it becomes clear that your structure could be better, it’s okay to depart from your essay outline . Just make sure you know why you’re doing so.

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Osmosis 2024: Sustainability and the 5Ps for a Comprehensive Future

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

Conference Date: Thursday, 28 November 2024 Deadline for Proposal Submissions: Friday, 30 August 2024 Organised by: Department of English, School of Liberal Arts and Social Science, East Delta University, Chattogram 4209, Bangladesh Contact Email: [email protected] Keynote Speaker: TBA

Introduction In an era defined by unprecedented global challenges and opportunities, this conference aims to foster dialogue and collaboration across disciplines to address critical issues related to People, Planet, Prosperity, Peace, and Partnerships, the key pillars (5Ps) of the United Nations' Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. This conference aspires to bring together academics, practitioners, policymakers, and students from diverse fields such as STEM studies, development studies, environmental science, economics, political science, sociology, arts, and the humanities to explore comprehensive strategies for sustainable development. It is set to showcase speeches in sustainability and interdisciplinary fields offering valuable perspectives on cutting-edge research and creative approaches. By recognizing the need to adapt and evolve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) beyond 2030, this conference will also focus on envisioning and planning for a post-2030 future. It hopes to address the necessary adjustments to the goals to ensure they remain relevant and effective in tackling emerging global issues. The conference will centre on merging liberal arts education with sustainability efforts highlighting the importance of implementing digitization in thinking, creativity, innovation, leadership, and ethical reasoning in shaping a better future.

Questions that need to be addressed in the Osmosis 2024 conference are:

1) How can we measure and evaluate the impact of interdisciplinary strategies for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

2) How can we leverage innovation and foresight to effectively predict and mitigate challenges that threaten the global realization of the Sustainable Development Goals?

3) What can be a few potential educational reforms and innovations to create a culture of sustainability and empowerment of young people to build a more inclusive world?

4) What are the ways to extend gender dynamics for impacting access to resources and opportunities in sustainable development and interdisciplinary strategies?

5) How can we integrate Liberal Arts with scientific research and digital storytelling in the curricula to effectively respond to the urgency of sustainability issues, inspire collective action, and enhance students’ understanding of these critical concerns?

6) What are the local and global sustainability challenges, and how may interdisciplinary projects among/within multifarious institutions collaborate to develop innovative solutions for these challenges?

7) What role can policymakers and/or the government play in bringing together people, sustainability, and national development?

8) How far is it imperative, considering the difficulties encountered in achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the stipulated 2030 timeline, that we reassess the scope and timeframe of these objectives to ensure their effective realization through novel and comprehensive approaches?

This conference aims to catalyse the development of ideas and projects that will significantly impact the current and future advancements of the SDGs. Furthermore, it will engage deeply with the distinct complexities and prospects encountered by low- and middle-income nations within the framework of sustainable development. By emphasizing on the interconnectedness of social, environmental, and economic dimensions of sustainability, this conference hopes to inspire holistic approaches to resilience and sustainability, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive positive change in their communities and beyond.

Topics might include, but are not limited to:

• 17 SDGs and 5Ps
• Sustainability and AI/AGI
• Urban and Planetary Development
• Language, Literature, and Sustainability
• Climate Crises
• Inclusivity
• Universal Equality
• Peace and Conflict Studies
• Sustainable Communities, Social Justice, and Innovation
• Identity Design
• Biodiversity Conservation
• Health Humanities
• Bioregionalism
• Ethics and Philosophy of Sustainability
• The Role of Education in Achieving the SDGs
• Sustainable Tourism
• Environmental Sociology
• Ecopsychology
• Journalism and (Social) Media
• Cultural Sustainability
• Global Citizenship Education

Submission Guidelines The conference welcomes scholars and researchers in any discipline within the broad themes of sustainability, governance, education, and the 5Ps for submitting abstracts of 250 words (along with a 100-word short bio in MS Word format) for 20-minute presentation to [email protected] on/before Friday, 30 August 2024. The organising committee also welcomes focused-panel discussions, plenary sessions, and workshops. We aim to respond by the second week of September 2024 with a decision.

Key Considerations This is an in-person, one-day conference to take place at East Delta University, Chattogram, Bangladesh. The official language is English, and the conference does not cover travel or accommodation expenses.

Publication All selected abstracts will be published in the conference proceedings. After the conference, participants will have the option of submitting their complete papers for possible publication in Palimpsest: East Delta University Journal of English Studies, a double peer-reviewed journal, in its 5th volume in 2025.

For more details about Palimpsest, please visit: https://palimpsest.eastdelta.edu.bd 

For any queries about the conference, please email: [email protected]