Transcript Introductions - DrHeafner.com

QUIZ #1
Take out a sheet of paper.
What are the three pieces of information that you
need to know before you start writing an essay?
2) We learned how to write thesis statements in three
different ways. Name or describe 2 of them.
3) Compose a thesis statement for the following topic
1)
Myrtle Beach
 Don't start with quotes in the first
sentence—regardless of what the books
says!
 Don't say "In this paper, I'm going to talk
about . . .“
 Don't start arguing your points.
 Don't mention the assignment.
 Don’t leave out your thesis statement.
 Give your readers a reason to read your
paper.
 Grab your reader’s attention.
 Include your thesis statement.
 Keep it short.
 Broad to Narrow
 Personal Narrative
 Contrary opinions
Ease your readers into your discussion by showing how your
argument fits into the larger picture.
Example:
Americans see advertisements every day, and if asked,
many people would probably claim that those advertisements
have little to no affect on them. However, if this were true, then
businesses would be wasting the billions of dollars they
collectively spend on advertizing. The truth is, whether most
people realize it or not, ads do influence us, and the Folgers ad in
the most recent edition of GQ magazine shows some very
interesting ways the company is attempting to appeal to our
emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and figures.
Perhaps the most effective appeal in this ad is the appeal to
our fears. . . .
Tell a short story that will help ease your readers into your argument.
Example:
I often learn more on the subway than I do in the classes that I
take at the local community college. After all, there is no better place
to study society than the place where everyone in the city comes and
goes. But last week, I was shown that sometimes the information in
class and the gritty reality of the subway can merge. As I was glancing
up at one of the ads that are smattered all over the walls of the subway
cars, I realized that I couldn’t take my eyes off the Folgers ad. The more
I stared at it, the more I started to realize that perhaps my English
teacher is correct. Perhaps the advertising tricks of the trade do
influence us more than we know. This ad, in particular, exemplifies
some very interesting ways the company is attempting to appeal to our
emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and figures.
Perhaps the most effective appeal in this ad is the appeal to our
fears. . . .
Show how your argument fits into the larger conversation.
Example:
Over the last ten years, there have been many people who have
commented on the advertising industry. In fact, many have claimed
that regardless of all hoopla, advertising really has little effect on a
person’s decision making. In his essay, “The Skinny on Weight Loss
Ads,” John Smith says just this when he claims that “most advertising is
only occasionally effective and rarely creates an ‘I’ve got to have it now’
feeling in the minds of potential consumers” (34). Martin Jones echoes
this sentiment in “Flight of the Conchords,” when he claims that a
band’s advertising campaigns are never a factor in the success of a
band” (2). However, the truth is, whether or not Smith and Jones
recognize it, that ads do influence us. If this weren’t the case, then
businesses wouldn’t place billions of dollars a year into advertising their
products. In fact, it’s easy to see why advertising is so effective when
you look at the Folgers ad in the most recent edition of GQ magazine.
This ad shows some very interesting ways the company is attempting to
appeal to our emotions, our values and our desire to see facts and
figures.
How might you introduce these
theses?
 College should be free for everyone.
 Walking is the best way to exercise.
How might you introduce these theses?
 All teens should have cell phones.
 Bike week is good for Myrtle Beach.
Or this?
Your thesis:
Tom Hanks is the best male actor in America.
Other opinions:
In “Actors in America,” John Smith says “Hanks has no
range at all and always plays the same type of
character.”
In “Again,” Janice Jones claims “No one likes Hanks , and
he needs to retire.”