How to Write an Introduction Paragraph for an Analytical Essay
by Jordan Feldman
Developing strong, quality writing is a difficult process for many students. When writing an essay, breaking it down into smaller, more manageable chunks is key. Essays are composed of paragraphs, which are composed of sentences. Each sentence (each word) serves a purpose. For example, if a child is tasked with writing an analytical paper on how the author of a given text uses literary devices in order to prove a larger theme, this needs to be unpacked. Writing a paper is a complex task. Below is a way to break this task down step by step:
Color Coding Key
Anything related to the theme will be highlighted green
Anything related to the author, title, or character(s) will be highlighted blue
Anything related to literary devices will be written and underlined in red
Theme: Before someone can write a thesis statement, they need to identify a theme. For example, one theme from August Wilson’s Fences is parenting. Once a student identifies the theme, they can begin to write the introduction paragraph.
The GST (General, Specific, Thesis) method is a sound approach to writing an introduction paragraph.
General: Write a general statement that does not mention the title or author of the book, but does include the theme. A general statement is a sentence that pertains to anything about life/the world we live in.
Sample General Sentence: The way a child is raised will automatically affect them as parents.
Specific: Write a specific statement that includes the title, author, and at least one character from the text, while also expanding on the theme (parenting). The title and author of the text must be mentioned here because the reader needs to know what the text is and who wrote it. Do not assume that the reader has read the text. It is also important to include the character(s) that the essay is being written about so that the reader is aware of who the writer is writing about.
Sample Specific Sentence: In August Wilson’s Fences, Troy’s parenting style is heavily influenced by how he was raised.
Thesis: Thesis statements are arguable statements that are not only applicable to the text, but life in general. Anyone who reads the thesis statement must be able to say to themselves: “Yeah, I agree with this because…” or “No, I do not agree with this because…” Now it’s time to tie it all together. Don’t forget those literary devices!
Sample Thesis Statement: Wilson uses imagery and conflict to demonstrate how Troy’s traumatic and abusive childhood negatively impacted him as a person, father, and subsequently his children.
Introduction Paragraph: The way a child is raised will automatically affect them as parents. In August Wilson’s Fences, Troy’s parenting style is heavily influenced by how he was raised. Wilson uses imagery and conflict to demonstrate how Troy’s traumatic and abusive childhood negatively impacted him as a person, father, and subsequently his children.
Following this structure and understanding the “why” behind each part of the GST method will make writing an introduction paragraph a breeze!