The document provides guidance on writing introductions for college papers according to rubrics at USF. An introduction should state the main topic/thesis clearly and capture the reader's attention. It can be written either before or after the first draft. Effective introductions start with a question, anecdote, fact, paradox or analogy related to the topic. The introduction should define the topic and divide out points that will be discussed in the body, then drive those points home in the conclusion.

1. Writing an Introduction USF ENC 1102 By babybunini

2. ENC 1102 Rubric When writing a paper for ENC 1101 and 1102 in USF, there is a particular rubric that needs to be followed. The rubric lists the introduction under focus and organization: Introduces the paper’s focus without relying on overgeneralizations, captures the reader’s attention, and prepares the reader for the paper. Clearly defines/establishes the focus (main idea), provides a thesis and forecasts organization, if appropriate. Capture’s the reader’s attention and prepares the reader for the paper. Taken from the First Year Composition Assessment Rubric

3. What is an Introduction? The introduction is what a reader sees first upon glancing at a paper. Just as first impressions are important when meeting someone, this is how a reader judges if a paper is worth reading. The introduction includes the main topic of the paper, stated clearly. This topic is called the thesis. The location of the thesis is generally the last sentence of the introduction.

4. When to Write the Introduction There are different times in which you can write the introduction: In writing the first draft of a paper, the introduction can be written either: At the beginning, when the paper is in it’s beginning stages, so that the paper can be written following the logic of the introduction. After the first draft is mostly finished, the introduction is written based on what has already been written. Writing the introduction at either time is acceptable, as long as the paper follows the logic of the introduction and vice, versa. Adapted from the Perdue University OWL

5. How to start the Introduction The first sentences in the introduction are the way to draw in the reader. Some examples are: Begin with a question. Begin with an anecdote that has to do with the paper. Begin with an interesting fact. Begin with irony or a paradox. Begin with an analogy that has direct correlation. However the introduction begins, make sure it has relates to the paper, and does not detract from your main point. Adapted from the Perdue OWL

6. How to Write an Introduction There are a couple of tried and proven ways to writing an introduction. The Four D’s Who, What, Why, When, Where, How

7. The Four D’s The introduction is an important part of a paper, but it is a part of the whole. The first two points are about the introduction, but the last two are just as important to consider. Define Define the point of your paper. Divide Divide the points that will be the subject of the paper. Discuss This is how the body of the paper discusses the points divided out in the introduction Drive home The conclusion drives home the points that the introduction lists and the paper discusses. Adapted from the Taft College Writing Lab

8. Who, What, When, Where, Why, How Answering these questions will give an idea on what the basis of the paper will be about. Answer these questions, then start the introduction generalized and work it up to the specific point of the thesis. Adapted from the RSCC Online Writing Lab

9. So, in Conclusion Remember, the introduction of the paper is the first things people see, so get their attention. Start with something interesting. It is okay to draft your paper, then write your intro. Or you can write the intro to help draft the paper. Find a way that suits your writing style to help you get started on the intro. Ask yourself relevant questions. Make sure your introduction states your thesis!

10. Works Cited Berven, Ellen. &quot;How to Begin to Write.&quot; 20 Mar 1998. The RSCC Online Writing Lab. 8 Dec 2008 <http://www.rscc.cc.tn.us/owl&writingcenter/OWL/HowtoBegin.html>. Flateby, Teresa; Metzger, Elizabeth. &quot;First Year Composition Assessment Rubric.&quot; 2008. 7 Dec 2008 <https://usfweb3.usf.edu/FYC_admin/Assess/Default.aspx>. &quot;Research Papers: Writing an Introduction.&quot; OWL . 1995-2004. Perdue University. 8 Dec 2008 <http://owl.english.purdue.edu/workshops/hypertext/ResearchW/writeintro.html>. &quot;Writing Introductions.&quot; Taft College Online Writing Lab. 07 Dec 2008 <http://www.taft.cc.ca.us/newTC/Academic/LiberalArts/OWL/INTRO.HTML>.