The introduction should have some of the following elements, depending on the type of paper:
Start with an attention grabber: a short story, example, statistic, or historical
context that introduces the paper topic
Give an overview of any issues involved with the subject
Define of any key terminology need to understand the topic
Quote or paraphrase sources revealing the controversial nature of the subject
(argumentative papers only)
Highlight background information on the topic needed to understand the direction
of the paper
Write an antithesis paragraph, presenting the primary opposing views
(argumentative paper only)
The introduction must end with a THESIS statement (a 1 to 2 sentences in length):
Tell what the overall paper will focus on
Briefly outline the main points in the paper
II. Body
Clearly present the main points of the paper as listed in the thesis
Give strong examples, details, and explanations to support each main points
If an argumentative paper, address any counterarguments and refute those arguments
If a research paper, use strong evidence from sources—paraphrases, summaries, and
quotations that support the main points
III. Conclusion
Restate your thesis from the introduction in different words
Briefly summarize each main point found in the body of the paper (avoid going over 2
sentences for each point)
Give a statement of the consequences of not embracing the position (argumentative paper
only)
End with a strong clincher statement: an appropriate, meaningful final sentence that ties the
whole point of the paper together (may refer back to the attention grabber)
Additional Tips
Decide on the thesis and main points first
You do not need to start writing your paper with the introduction
Try writing the thesis and body first; then go back and figure out how to best introduce the body
and conclude the paper
Use transitions between main points and between examples within the main points
Always keep your thesis in the forefront of your mind while writing; everything in your paper
must point back to the thesis
Use the back of this handout to make an outline of your paper
Paper Topic: Audience:__. Introduction
Possible ideas for the introduction (see front side of handout for suggestions): Thesis Statement (Usually the last sentence(s) in the introduction): II. Body (A paper may have a few or many main points; decide how Examples/Details/Explanations:
a. b. c. Main Point: Examples/Details/Explanations: a. b. c Examples/Details/Explanations:
a. b. c. II. Conclusion
Reworded Thesis (Usually found near the beginning of the conclusion):Other Ideas to Conclude. Clincher Ideas:
Is the thesis clear?Does the author use his or her own ideas in the thesis and argument?Is the significance of the problem in the paper explained? Is the significance compelling?Are the ideas developed logically and thoroughly?Does the author use ethos effectively?Does the author use pathos effectively?Are different viewpoints acknowledged?Are objections effectively handled?Does the author give adequate explanations about sources used?Are the sources well-integrated into the paper, or do they seem to be added in just for the sake of adding sources?Is the word choice specific, concrete and interesting?Are the sentences clear?Is the overall organization of the argument effective?Are the transitions between paragraphs smooth?Are there any grammatical errors?Make sure your final draft is in the correct format (MLA)
https://www.gse.harvard.edu/ideas/usable-knowledge/17/12/social-media-and-teen-anxiety
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/social-media-teen-mental-health-a-parents-guide#:~:text=According%20to%20a%20research%20study,including%20depression%20and%20anxiety%20symptoms.
Effects of Social Media on Teens: Understanding the Headlines
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK594763/