Introduction Paragraph Help

Question

I have to write an introduction paragraph but I don't have a clue as to where to start without sounding like I'm just repeating my thesis statement.

Thesis: In “Hills Like White Elephants,” Ernest Hemingway uses the setting of a railroad station to symbolize the relationship between the man and woman to be at a crossroads.

Answer 1

Hello Julia,

My first question for you would be: have you written the rest of the paper already? Often times it is hard for us to start at the literal beginning because all of our ideas and thoughts might not be right on the surface. For myself, I find that I know more specifically how I would like a paper to start after I've written the bulk of it.

Otherwise, if all you need is this introduction, try to put yourself in a reader's mindset who hasn't read the story before; what set up could you use that would help prepare you reader of your thesis? Since you're writing about metaphor and allegory, why not start the paper with a general statement about metaphors in Ernest Hemingway's work? Then proceed more and more into the specifics.

Good luck writing!

Answer 2

Hi, Julia!

Introductory paragraphs are always some of the hardest to nail down. I like to describe them as an upside-down pyramid. You start with a broad statement and then work your way to the narrow focus of your thesis statement. The question you need to answer is, what is the big idea this essay covers? Based on your thesis, I would go with something about relationships and how they change and/or end.

I hope this helps!

Celeste B.

Answer 3

Hi Julia!

Consider your introductory paragraph as your initial introduction to the what you want readers to understand. I often pose a question or a thought provoking statement to getting readers interested. You want to draw them in by offering an hors d'oeuvre as a prelude to the main course, your story. Readers love a great start that gets the mind stirred and interested in what you have to say...

I hope this helps!

Dr. T.