An Introduction to Introductions!

Summary

This video script discusses the structure of introductory paragraphs in essays, contrasting them with PI (Point, Illustration, Explanation) paragraphs. The speaker advocates for a 'diamond model' for introductions, emphasizing the need to hook the reader with a specific strategy before broadening out to provide context and purpose. The script discourages the use of overused and ineffective strategies such as starting with a quote, definition, or question. Instead, it suggests using a variety of strategies to engage readers and prepare them for the thesis. The speaker also provides a handout with 25-30 different strategies for crafting compelling introductions.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video discusses the differences between introductory paragraphs and PI (Point, Illustration, Explanation) paragraphs.
• 🔄 The PI model is described with a triangle model, where the main idea is introduced, the stance is in the middle, and the 'so what' is at the end.
• 📈 Introductory paragraphs should start with a specific claim and broaden out, ending with the thesis statement.
• 🚫 The video discourages starting an introduction with a very broad claim, which can feel like 'spinning the wheels' and lacks focus.
• ❌ Common ineffective introductions include starting with a quote, a definition, or a question, as these can be too broad or condescending.
• 💡 The video suggests using a 'diamond model' for introductions, which involves a specific rhetorical strategy to grab the reader's attention, followed by context and a preview of the argument.
• 🎯 The main goal of an introduction is to prepare the reader for the thesis, not just the topic.
• 📈 The 'diamond model' involves a hook to engage the reader, followed by context, a narrowing down to the specific argument, and concluding with the thesis.
• 📝 The video provides a handout with 25-30 different introduction strategies, each with an example of how to use them effectively.
• 🔑 The video encourages students to practice different introduction strategies to find the ones that best suit their writing style and the requirements of their essays.

Q & A

What is the main difference between introductory paragraphs and PI paragraphs?

Introductory paragraphs start with a specific claim and broaden out, while PI paragraphs introduce the topic, stance, and 'so what' all at once in the main idea and then develop them in two different steps.

What is the triangle model mentioned in the script?

The triangle model refers to the structure of a PI paragraph, which includes a topic, a stance, and a 'so what', with the main idea at the top, the stance in the middle, and the 'so what' at the end.

Why does the speaker suggest that starting an introduction with a broad claim is not effective?

Starting with a broad claim often results in 'spinning the wheels' without introducing the specific thesis, which is the main focus of the introduction.

What is the usual order of a thesis in an introductory paragraph?

The thesis is typically the last sentence in an introductory paragraph, after providing context and narrowing down from a specific claim.

What are the three common but not very useful ways students begin their introductions according to the script?

The three common ways are starting with a quotation, a definition, or a question, which are not very useful as they often lack context or treat the reader as uninformed.

What is the purpose of an introduction in an essay?

The purpose of an introduction is to prepare the reader for the thesis by providing context and setting the stage for the argument that will follow.

What is the 'diamond model' for introductions mentioned in the script?

The 'diamond model' suggests that an introduction should start with a specific rhetorical strategy to grab the reader's attention (the hook), then broaden out to provide context and purpose, preview the specific argument, and finally land on the thesis.

Why is it important to grab the reader's attention at the beginning of an introduction?

Grabbing the reader's attention is important because it makes them want to read further; without a compelling start, the introduction may feel like unnecessary 'warm-up' rather than engaging content.

What strategies are suggested in the script to grab the reader's attention in an introduction?

The script suggests using a variety of strategies such as shocking the reader, painting a picture, using ethos or logos, and other specific rhetorical strategies to create a hook.

How many different introduction strategies does the speaker mention are provided in the handout?

The speaker mentions that there are 25 to 30 different introduction strategies provided in the handout.

What is the advice given for practicing different introduction strategies?

The advice is to practice using different strategies to find the ones that work best for the writer's style and to become comfortable with them for use in various classes.