Writing+Skill+10

listen [|here] Writing Skill 10: WRITE THE INTRODUCTION The purpose of the introduction is first to interest the reader in your topic and then to explain clearly to the reader what you are going to discuss and how you are going to organize the dis­cussion. When finished with the introduction, the reader should be eager to continue reading your essay and should have an idea of what your topic is and how you are going to organize the discussion of your topic. You do not need to give the outcome of your discussion; you can save that for the conclusion. Study the following essay topic. Essay Topic Some people prefer to work in groups on projects, while other people prefer to work alone. What are the advantages of each, and which do you prefer? Use details and examples to support your response.

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l The following example shows one possible introduction to an essay on this topic. INTRODUCTION

The educational system where I have been a student for the last 16 years le a

• system that places a high value on individual achievement and little value on group

I achievement. Having been a rather successful student in the educational system for

the better part of my life, I am well aware of the advantages of working individually on

projects. However, I can only imagine the advantages of working on projects in groups.

i In the first part of the introduction, the writer provides background information that he or she has been a successful student in an educational system that is based on a lot of individual work, to interest the reader in the topic. By the end of the introduction, the reader also under­stands that the writer intends to discuss the advantages of individual work, based on personal experience, and then to discuss the advantages of working in groups from her or his imagina­tion. The following chart outlines the key information that you should remember about writing

an introduction.

. Writing THE Introduction

•You should state the topic directly in the middle of the introduction. .... You should end the introduction\ a statement:that shows the organization of lot the discussion of the topic. .

WRITING SKilLS 277