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Writing Grabby Intro Sentences 3126 Views


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Description:

We'll teach you how to create a touchy-feely first sentences that'll capture your reader from the get-go, but don't get too carried away. You don't want any lawsuits on your hands.

Language:
English Language

Transcript

00:04

Writing Grabby Intro Sentences, a la Shmoop. Just like the beginning of the universe, the

00:09

beginning of your essay should happen with a…

00:11

…big bang. After all, you’re creating your own little

00:15

universe with your essay. You’re inviting the masses to crawl out

00:18

of their primordial ooze and evolve… their way of thinking.

00:25

If you begin with a whimper, no one’s going to want to come along for the ride.

00:29

There are as many ways to open your essay as there are to cook an egg.

00:32

Or skin a cat. Although if you’re the type of person who

00:37

skins cats… writing a grabby intro sentence is the least of your problems.

00:44

The main thing you want to do is give your reader some context.

00:46

Ask yourself, Why are you writing this report? Because your teacher told you to is not the

00:54

right answer. Don’t state the obvious, and don’t open

00:59

with a summary. If you find yourself saying “My essay is

01:02

about…” …you need to put a lid on that faster than

01:05

you would last week’s tuna casserole leftovers. You should show us what your essay is about,

01:10

not tell us. How do you show what your essay was about?

01:16

It’s simple, in theory: just make a connection to a larger event.

01:22

Can you relate the past to something modern? It’s like bringing old fashion back into

01:31

style. There’s always some way to make it work.

01:35

Most importantly, have fun with it. Quote a song. Include some dialogue. Make a witty

01:41

pop culture reference. Tell an anecdote. Just make sure it’s relevant.

01:47

Unlike those first five minutes of every Simpsons episode that really have nothing to do with

01:50

what comes next. Make sure to keep it universal. Don’t talk

01:53

about anything too obscure, or too old. You want something that both your teacher

02:04

and your classmates can appreciate. In fact, think of your intro as you explaining

02:11

to your best friend why they should read your essay.

02:14

Just make sure to take the slang out of it. So that’s our big bang theory of opening

02:19

lines. Put things into context…

02:22

…make it snappy… …and keep it simple.

02:24

Because you don’t want your readers to keep marinating in their primordial ooze.

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