HAVO 5 Writing an essay Class 4 (21-22)

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo
• Leerjaar 5

HAVO 5 Writing Class 4

Today

Class work

- how to write an introduction

Individually

- practise writing an introduction 

Leerdoelen

• Ik weet wat er in de introductie van een essay hoort.
• Ik heb geoefend met het schrijven van een introductie. 

What in an introduction? 

The introduction is the first paragraph of your essay. 

The main goals of your introduction are: 

• Catch your reader’s attention.
  
• Give background on your topic.
  
• Present your thesis—the central point of your essay.

How to write an introduction? 

Step 1: hook your reader 

• Your first sentence sets the tone for the entire essay. 
• Start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.
• Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

How to write an introduction? 

Examples

Weak hook: Braille was an extremely important invention.

Strong hook: The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The second hook is stronger because it doesn't just state a dry fact, but it states why this topic is important. 

How to write an introduction? 

Examples

Weak hook: The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”

Strong hook: The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows.

How to write an introduction? 

Examples

Weak hook: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.

Strong hook: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

How to write an introduction?

Step 2: give background information

Give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. This could include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
  
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
  
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
  
• Definitions of key terms

How to write an introduction?

Step 3: present your thesis statement

Introduction checklist

• My first sentence is engaging and relevant.
  
• I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.
  
• I have defined any important terms.
  
• My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.
  
• Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

What to do? 

Write an introduction of about 80 words about the following topic: 

Can a class size influence student performance? 

After writing you introduction, check it using the checklist.

Finished?

- Read a book from the book list

Today

- What is an introduction?

- How to write an introduction? 

What three aspects should you include in your introduction?

Next class

Practise writing topic sentences.

Have a nice day!