Building Strong Introductions and Topic Sentences

Introductions and Cohesive Arguments

Step 1: Determining Your Argument

• Read the Prompt Carefully: Thoroughly read the essay prompt.
  • Highlight key terms and action words (e.g., analyze, compare, contrast).
• Identify the Task: Determine what the prompt asks you to do.
  • Are you analyzing a theme, character, or literary device?

Example Prompt

• What are the themes of the text and how are those themes demonstrated and developed through the characterization of the main character(s)?
• Task Breakdown:
  • Look at characterization of main characters.
  • Determine multiple themes of text (2 or 3) as shown through that characterization.

Step 2: Brainstorming Characterization

• Map out how character changes over the course of the text:
  • How did the character begin?
  • What caused the character to change?
  • What did the character turn into?
• Theme Consideration:
  • What message is the author trying to convey about life, human nature, or society through that character change?
  • What big picture is the author trying to get at?

Step 3: Drafting a Thesis

• Main Argument: Identify the central argument or claim in response to the prompt.
• Conciseness: Ensure your thesis is clear and concise, usually one to two sentences.
• Specificity: Make sure your thesis is specific and covers the main points to be discussed in your essay.
• Theme Essay Note: If doing a theme essay, only include thematic topics in the thesis.
• Thesis statements/Topic Sentences should always have:
  • What - FOCUS (CLAIM)
  • How - LITERARY DEVICE (PROOF)
  • Why - Why is the author doing this? Why is the author showing this? (ANALYSIS - BIG PICTURE/UNIVERSAL THEME)
• If your essay is a theme essay, then your “what” is also your “why” - your thesis will be shorter!

Example Thesis

• In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the text presents themes of the consequences of love and hate, as demonstrated through the characterization of Romeo and Tybalt.

Step 4: Constructing Your Hook

• Identify the Topic: Decide what big-picture topic your essay addresses.
• Craft a Generalized Statement: The hook should be a broad statement about the topic of your essay that piques interest.
• Hooks should NEVER include character names, titles of novels, or anything specific.

Example Hook

• Topics: Love, Hate, Emotions
• "In life, people have the opportunity to lead with their head, or their heart. Some may say that love is a stronger emotion than hate, but the truth is, both can equally impact an individual. If an individual lets emotions control their actions, the truth is that it can destroy a person."

Step 5: Providing Background Information

• Background Information: Briefly introduce the reader to the context of your topic.
  • This may include historical background, author information, or pertinent literary themes.
• Define Key Terms: If your essay includes specialized terms or concepts, define them for the reader.
• Set the Stage: Prepare the reader for your thesis by laying out the necessary groundwork.

Example Background Information

• "In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo, a Montague, falls head over heels in love with Juliet Capulet, his family’s nemesis, over the course of three days. During this time, he allows his emotions to take over his entire mindset, which causes him great trauma. Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, similarly allows his emotions to control his actions, but instead of love, it is his hate for the Montagues that pushes him along. Together, both characters explore how emotion can control an individual, thus creating a plethora of consequences."

Step 6: Integrating Thesis

• Position the Thesis: Typically, the thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction.
• Smooth Transition: Ensure a seamless flow from the hook and context to the thesis. The introduction should logically build up to your main argument.

Example Integration

• "Some may say that love is a stronger emotion than hate, but the truth is, both can equally impact an individual. In Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, Romeo, a Montague, falls head over heels in love with Juliet Capulet, his family’s nemesis, over the course of three days. During this time, he allows his emotions to take over his entire mindset, which causes him great trauma. Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt, similarly allows his emotions to control his actions, but instead of love, it is his hate for the Montagues that acts as a catalyst for him. Together, both characters explore how emotion can control an individual, thus creating a plethora of negative results. In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the text presents themes of the consequences of love and hate, as demonstrated through the characterization of Romeo and Tybalt."

Topic Sentences: Developing Your Nuanced Arguments

Step 1: Review Your Thesis

*Reviewing Thesis: In Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, the text presents themes of the consequences of love and hate, as demonstrated through the characterization of Romeo and Tybalt.

• Derive from Thesis: Each topic sentence should relate back to a specific point in your thesis.
• Focus on One Idea: Each paragraph should cover one main idea or argument that supports your thesis.

Step 2: Drafting Your Topic Sentences

• Draft your topic sentences being clear, concise, and with direction.
  1. What - FOCUS (CLAIM)
  2. How - LITERARY DEVICE (PROOF)
  3. Why - Why is the author doing this? Why is the author showing this? (ANALYSIS - BIG PICTURE/UNIVERSAL THEME). IF YOU ARE WRITING A THEME ESSAY, YOUR WHAT IS ALSO YOUR WHY, SO YOUR TOPIC SENTENCE SHOULD INCLUDE A THEMATIC STATEMENT THAT YOU ARE PROVING!
• Example: Through the characterization of Romeo, readers can learn that unchecked love has the ability, if given the power, to control a person.