Fabulous Problem-Solution Introductions

The First Taste of a Good Essay

Good Introductions Include:

1. An Anecdote (3-5 Sentences)

2. An Explanation of the Problem and Need for Solutions using Words from the Prompt (1-2 Sentences)

3. The Thesis Statement Promising Solutions and Maybe Even Forecasting Them! (1-3 Sentences)

Anecdotes (3-5 Sentences)

Humans like stories! Stories focus our attention and motivate us to listen to people. A brief story in an introduction is called an anecdote. All good introductions begin with an anecdote. Note: it can be made up!

Using the Prompt to Summarize the Problem and Show a Need for Solutions

Using words from the prompt is easy because someone else already wrote them for us!

Using words from the prompt also shows you know how to EVALUATE which words were important and which words might be missing!

Thesis Statement with a Promise to Provide Solutions (and Maybe Even Forecasting!) (1-3 Sentences)

The thesis statement should clearly states the problem and promise the audience that you’ll provide solutions.

A forecasting statement flat-out tells the audience ahead of time what solutions you will share. Forecasting is polite, and it is also a good structure tool!