[ Home ] [ Up ] [ Inductive ] [ Deductive ] [ Introductions ] [ Conclusions ] [ Transitions ]

In any attempt to communicate, an introduction is an important first step in exchanging ideas with a receptor. The introduction, as an integral part of a composition, provides the necessary "warm up" to allow the writer to establish the writer­reader relationship. Not only should the introduction to a composition either state a thesis (deductive approach), or provide a pivotal quotation (inductive approach), but it should also show evidence that you are a communicator worthy of the reader's attention and that you are purposeful in presenting a substantial treatment of a thesis worthy of the reader's consideration.

Essentially, in all introductory paragraphs, you want to attain the following objectives:

You should consider the first two objectives as a "warm up" to prepare the reader for the substantive parts of the composition. The "warm up" can be presented in a number of ways so that the reader's attention and interest are secured. Five examples are shown in this lesson.

As indicated in the section on organizational strategies, you need to establish a means of organizing the composition. In addition to soliciting the reader's attention and interest, the introductory paragraph must satisfy a third objective: preparing the reader for the remaining parts of the paper.

Deductive Approach

If you plan to present the thesis for the composition at the beginning and then explain the thesis in the paragraphs which make up the body, you should state your thesis at the end of the introductory paragraph, immediately following the "warm up." Notice how the thesis is stated after each of the five "warm ups" you have previously read. It is very important that the "warm up" and thesis melt together to form an appropriate introductory paragraph.

Inductive Approach

If you plan to use the inductive approach in writing your paper, the thesis appears at the end. To conclude the introduction of an inductive paper, you should provide a pivotal question at the end of your "warm up" which will be ultimately answered by the statement of the thesis at the conclusion of the paper. Notice that the pivotal question technique should be avoided when the "warm up" itself is a provocative question.

© 2001, Luzerne County Community College

Luzerne County Community College makes this page available to members of the community
for possible use and enjoyment but does not necessarily endorse the items published here.