Writing/Comment

Start with ...

• a short anecdote, that quickly leads into the topic
• an interesting question - which is then answered by you
• a personal statement / your main thesis (which often directly results from a "Discuss"-Topic given to you)and a reason why you think it is important
• a surprising fact/statistic that asks for an explanation or supports your main thesis
• a short definition of the problem you are asked to discuss as you see it
• a short analysis of the message/your understanding of the quotation you are to discuss

Check if your introduction

• introduces the topic quickly and clearly (+)
• gives readers an idea of what direction the essay will take (+)
• provides an overview of the structure/line of argument (+)
• implies/poses a question and creates an expectation/interetst in the readers (+)
• states general truths/defines what needs no definition (-)
• asks questions/announces answers but does not give them (-)

Introductions to an essay - examples (with comments)

• Writing Essays on Quotes (pdf)
• Negative example of an essey on science (pdf)