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Introduction Paragraph—The first paragraph of your essay should introduce the topic, catch the reader’s interest, and present the thesis statement. There are many ways to begin an essay. Here are a few suggestions.The Funnel—To use the “funnel” approach, begin with a general statement about the topic and then lead into a more specific thesis statement. Don’t begin with a sentence that is too general. Friends are friends, but there are no groups of people who are closer than siblings. In fact, psychologists say that sibling relationships are likely to last longer than any other personal bond. Brother and sister relationships outlast marriages, survive the death of parents, and withstand quarrels that would sink any friendship. Indeed, researchers found in a recent survey of 650 adults that most brothers and sisters showed mutual support, longing for each other’s company, and positive competition in their relationships.Shared Experience—To use the “shared experience” approach, begin with a sentence that makes the reader feel involved with the topic. Use words like we, everyone, you, and all of us in the first sentence. Throughout the introduction, use more words to engage the reader: us, our, we, you, or your. These sentences should lead into your thesis statement.If you ever dream of being a famous scientist who makes a revolutionary discovery, you may be surprised to hear that birth order may be the key to your fame. A recent study analyzed 4,000 scientists from Copernicus to today. Who would you guess were the most revolutionary scientists: firstborns or later-born children? In truth, most first-born children supported traditional ideas while later-born children like Charles Darwin grew up to make radical discoveries. Therefore, if you are a later-born child, you may have the three essential characteristics that you need to be a successful scientist: open-mindedness, intellectual flexibility, and a noncompetitive attitude. The Turnabout—To use the “turnabout” approach, begin with a statement or statements contrary to your thesis statement, especially if this is the most popular opinion about the topic. Then introduce the opposite view (your own opinion) with words of contrast like however, on the other hand, or in fact. State your opinion in the thesis statement. Why do some siblings remain close while others drift apart? You may guess that it’s due to their age or childhood relationships. Or perhaps you think that brothers remain closer than a brother and a sister do. A recent survey on sibling relationships produced some surprising findings. In fact, siblings in large families remain closer than those in smaller families, and sisters are more likely than brothers to keep up close relationships.Thesis Statement—The thesis statement expresses the main topic of the essay. Like the ‘topic sentence’, it should give your opinion about the topic. The thesis differs from the ‘topic sentence’, however, because it expresses the main idea of the entire essay, not just one paragraph. In basic essay writing, the thesis statement appears at the end of the introductory paragraph.Here are some important points to remember when you write the thesis statement—-A thesis statement must be a complete sentenceNot a thesis: The advantages of being an only child.Thesis: Being the only child has several advantages.-A thesis statement should not simply announce the topic; rather it should express your attitude, opinion or idea about the topic.Not a thesis: I’m going to write about how the oldest son enjoys many privileges.Thesis: The oldest son enjoys many privileges.-The thesis statement should express an opinion, not a fact.Not a thesis: Nurturing a child means feeding it and taking care of it.Thesis: Parents must be firm, kind, and patient in order to nurture a child.-A thesis statement should express more than one idea about a topic, but these ideas should be consistent.Not a thesis: My friend Elaine is friendly, and she has three children.Thesis: My friend Elaine is a friendly, cheerful, and kind person.-A thesis statement is most often not a question.Not a thesis: What are the advantages of being single?Thesis: Being single means that you have a peaceful, private, and independent life.-I would like to discuss the negative effects of divorce. -Women in my home country usually marry at the age of 30.-Getting along well with siblings requires maturity, a sense of humor, and love.-The best way to raise my children.-U.S. families have become significantly smaller in the last 50 years.-In this essay, I’m going to discuss three effects of being the oldest son.-Parents should teach their children to respect their elders, be honest, and work hard.-What are the effects of growing up an only child? ................
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