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Discursive Essays: IntroductionsThe opening of an essay is important. It should capture the reader's attention and avoid being bland or dull. The reader should be hooked: interested and keen to read on. If the beginning is flat, they will not want to do so.Some examples of different styles that could be used in an introduction are:provocativebalancedquotationillustrativeanecdotalAn example of a?provocative?introduction is -?It is difficult to see how anyone can approve of fox hunting.An example of a?balanced?introduction is -?Fox hunting is a subject about which people hold strongly contrasting views.An example of a?quotation?introduction is -?Oscar Wilde once described fox hunting as 'The unspeakable in pursuit of the uneatable.An example of an?illustrative?introduction is -?On a glorious autumn morning a terrified, exhausted animal is savaged to death by a pack of baying dogs while a group of expensively dressed humans encourage the dogs in their bloody work.An example of an?anecdotal?introduction is -?I have always detested fox hunting since I was almost physically sick while watching a television film of the kill at the end of a hunt. Think about what your argument is and the best way to present that in an interesting way. Taking time to find the best possible way to hook your reader will be worth it.INTRODUCTIONS……should hook the reader’s interest and be stylish. Try one of these:Start with humour Start with a fact/story designed to shock/anger Start with an illustrative anecdote / story which introduces your essay’s theme, but which is not directly related to your specific topic Start with a quotation / expert opinion…should introduce the topic and make clear why the reader should care about it, for example:Show the issue is topical / contemporary / of the moment Show it affects everyone / ‘us all’ / the reader Show that the issue has been ignored / or is going unnoticed / under-the-radar / deserves attention Show that the issue is of wider historical importance / has a long history / wide-ranging consequences Show it is of intense personal significance to you…should outline your stance or the essay’s scope:show your stance through your tone, word choice and ideas. Avoid explicitly stating “I am going to argue…” or “I believe that…” The reader should be able to work your stance out themselves without being told. Make clear the scope of your essay and define the terms of your argument: does your argument apply to Scotland / UK / worldwide? when you say “education” do you mean primary, secondary, tertiary or all three? by “benefits” do you mean housing benefit, jobseekers’ allowance, childcare benefits, pensions…? when you say “immigrants” do you mean undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers, economic migrants, immigrants from specific countries, or all people who move between any countries?)What to Avoid!Don’t use a (rhetorical) question to introduce your topic. This may seem like a good idea but it is overused!Don’t go into specific details about particular points or evidence - keep it broad The detail will be explored in the main part of your essay.Don’t be wishy-washy: “This is a topic about which there are many different opinions on both sides…” Zone in on the specifics of your work to engage the readerAvoid the first person (“I / my opinion / me”) unless you are deliberately using a personal anecdote or conversational tone or your essay is persuasive – then your opinion is important.Don’t talk about your own essay “In this essay I’m going to argue that…”“I am going to discuss the …”Your first paragraph is vital in hooking the reader and making them want to read what you have to say. This is a very important part of your work. Take time to do it well – even if that is in redrafts. ................
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