Writing a Thematic Essay Introduction
Introduction
The introduction to the essay response should communicate what it is that the essay will show or prove. The Thematic essay generic scoring rubric states that to earn a five, the essay, “Introduces the theme or problem by establishing a framework that is beyond a simple restatement of the Theme and concludes with a summation of the theme or problem.”
Most points are lost on the introduction. For this reason, we have developed a formula for completing an introduction that would give you the highest amount of points right from the start of the essay. This formula is called DRL. When used for your essay, it established a basic framework which is solid.
DRL Formula
Define
Define the main idea or topic.
| Historical Context or Theme | Example |
|---|---|
| Culture and Intellectual Life | Culture is the way of life of a society or group of people. |
ReWrite
ReWrite the historical context or theme given in your own words. You may use the WRS (Word Replacement Strategy)below to ReWrite your theme.
WRS (Word Replacement Strategy)
How to re-write an introduction from the theme or historical context
- Read the theme or historical context
- Circle the important words.
- Think of replacements for the most of the important words and phrases. (Multiple replacements may be necessary)
- Paraphrase (put into your own words) the theme or historical context using the replacement words.
| Culture and Intellectual Life |
|---|
| Intellectuals, philosophers, and leaders have often recorded their ideas in written works. These ideas have been used throughout history to guide societies and influence the course of national and regional development. |
| Rewrite of Theme |
|---|
| All over the world, thinkers, dreamers, and the people in power use words such as books to move and shape their culture within their state in order to affect the advancement of their society. |
List
List the topics and/or items you will discuss in your body paragraphs.
| Example |
|---|
| Two of the most important intellectuals that have affected society have been Michiavelli and Marx. |
Complete Introduction Example Using the DRL Formula
| Example |
|---|
| Culture is a way of life of society or people. All over the world, thinkers, dreamers, and the people in power use words such as books to move and shape their culture within their state in order to affect the advancement of their society. Two of the most important intellectuals that have affected society have been Machiavelli and Karl Marx. |