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ENG 104--Gathering background information

The introduction of an essay is a general discussion of the topic that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body. Specifically, what are the facts, concepts, and issues related to the topic, as well as information and statistics illustrating the importance or significance of the topic.

In addition, noting how an issue evolved and how it fits into the broader societal context helps the reader to become familiar with and relate to the topic. It can also help capture and maintain the reader's attention.

Questions:

  • Have you introduced the topic clearly and provided a general focus?
  • Have you identified and defined terms, concepts, and principles used to explain the topic?
  • Have you identified the actions or circumstance responsible for contributing to a consequence.
  • Have you identified the primary cause?

ENG 101/104 Gathering Background Information (Cause and Effect)

The introduction of a cause and effect essay is a general discussion of the topic that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body. Specifically, what is identified are the facts, concepts, and issues related to the topic, as well as information and statistics illustrating the importance or significance of the topic.

Furthermore, noting how an issue evolved and how it fits into a broader societal context helps the reader to become familiar with and relate to the topic. It can also help capture and maintain the reader's attention.

ENG 101/104 Analyzing Problems (Adapted from the Elder & Paul Critical Thinking Model)

Your purpose is your goal, your objective, what you are trying to accomplish. The term is also used to include functions, motives, and intentions.

  • What is the objective of the assignment?
  • Why did you say ... ?
  • What is your central aim in this line of thought?

The question lays out the problem or issue and guides your thinking. When the question is vague, your thinking will lack clarity and distinctness.

  • What is the question you are trying to answer?
  • Is there a better way to put the question?
  • What would you have to do to settle this questions?

Information includes the facts, data, evidence, or experiences you use to figure things out. It does not necessarily imply accuracy or correctness.

  • What information do you need to answer the question?
  • What data are relevant to the problem?
  • Is the information relevant to your purpose or goal?
  • What information are you basing your comment(s)?
  • How do you know the information (data, testimony) is accurate?
  • Have you left out any important information that you need to consider?

ENG 101/104--Background Information (Cause and Effect 2)

The introduction of a cause and effect essay is a general discussion of the topic that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body.  Specifically, what are the issues related to the topic, as well as information and data illustrating the importance or significance of the problem under discussion. 

Questions

  • What issue(s) will be analyzed?
  • What are the actions or circumstances responsible for or contributing to the problem?
  • What is the primary cause of the problem and why is it the primary cause?

ENG 104--Getting Background Information (Cause and Effect 3)

A well-written introduction demonstrates knowledge and understanding of a topic.  The information presented is fair and non-biased.  It begins with a general discussion of the topic that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to come in the body.  Specifically, present the facts, concepts, and issues related to the topic, as well as information and statistics illustrating the importance or significance of the topic. Also note how an issue evolved and how it fits into a broader societal context.  Finally, create an effective lead or “hook” to help the reader connect to the topic.

Types of leads/hooks

  •  relate a personal story about the topic
  •  provide a vivid description of the topic that appeals to the reader's five senses
  •  identify a startling fact or statistic related to the topic
  •  begin with a quotation (inspirational or famous quote)
  •  use universality or identify an example everyone can relate to
  •  make a comparison
  •  open with a dramatic or thoughtful dialog

ENG 104--Analyzing Problems (Adapted from Elder & Paul Critical Thinking Model) (Cause and Effect 3)

A purpose is a goal, an objective, what a person is trying to accomplish.  The term is also used to include functions, motives, and intentions.

  • What is the objective of the assignment?
  • Why did you say ... ?
  • What is your central aim in this line of thought?

The question lays out the problem or issue and guides one's thinking.  When the question is vague, a person's thinking will lack clarity and distinctness.

  • What is the question you are trying to answer?
  •  Is there a better way to put the question?
  •  What would you have to do to settle this questions?

Information includes the facts, data, evidence, or experiences one applies to scrutinize the topic.  It does not necessarily imply accuracy or correctness.

  • What information do you need to answer the question?
  •  What data are relevant to the problem?
  •  Is the information relevant to your purpose or goal?
  •  What information are you basing your comment(s)?
  •  How do you know the information (data, testimony) is accurate?
  •  Have you left out any important information that you need to consider?

ENG 101/104--Background Information (Argumentative)

The introduction of an argumentative paper is a general discussion of the topic that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body. Specifically, what is identified are the issues related to the topic, as well as information and statistics illustrating the importance or significance of the topic.

Providing information on how an issue evolved and how it fits into a broader context helps the reader to become familiar with and relate to a topic. It can also help to capture and maintain the reader's attention.

Questions

  • What are the pertinent facts?
  • What are the questions which must be asked and answered in order to understand the problem?
    • What are the actions or circumstances responsible for or contributing to the result or consequence?
    • What is the primary cause and why is it the primary cause?
  • What statistics are available documenting or substantiating that a problem exists?
  • Are there related problems and if so, what are those problems?

Do not forget to provide a summation of the "current state of understanding" on the top.

ENG 101--Gathering Background Information (Informational)

The introduction of an informative essay is a general discussion of the problem that provides enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body. Specifically, what is identified are the facts, concepts, and principles to assist the reader in understanding the problem, as well as examples and statistics illustrating the importance or significance of the problem.

Furthermore, noting how a problem evolved and how it fits into a broader societal context helps the reader to become familiar with and relate to the topic. It can also help capture and maintain the reader's attention.

Questions:

  1. Have you introduced the problem clearly and provided a general focus?
  2. Have you identified and defined terms, concepts, and principles used to explain the problem?

ENG 101--Finding Solutions (Informational)

Clarify the nature of the problem before deciding on what action should be taken:

  • define the problem
  • establish its existence by explaining what has caused or led to the problem
  • explain the extent of the problem
  • explain the effects of the problem and why it is an issue that needs to be solved
  • identify future effects if  no solution is found for the problem

Collect and summarize the data systematically:

  • explain how others view the problem and discuss the concerns of those people when trying to solve the problem
  • address opposing arguments and anticipate questions and concerns
  • identify criteria for evaluating potential solutions

ENG 101--Getting Background Information (Framing)

The introduction begins with your thesis statement.  In your thesis statement it is important to explicitly state your interpretation or analysis of the subject under discussion. This is followed by a general discussion of the subject that in essence is a summation focused on providing enough background information to prepare the reader for what is to be presented in the body. 

First you will need to frame the discussion by providing an overview of the subject, or for the purposes of this assignment the artifact  (e.g., what it is, its history, etc.), as well as identifying the meaning or significance of the artifact. Specifically, identify the significant concepts and ideas associated with your artifact, as well as how these concepts and ideas are related.

ENG 104--Background Information (Introducing Your Topic)

When introducing a topic it is important to:

  • capture the reader's attention
  • consider what the reader needs to know to understand the topic when providing background information on the topic
  • narrow the focus of the essay to the topic itself after providing sufficient context to guide the reader through the essay
  • provide a thesis statement

ENG 104--Finding Background Information (Introducing Your Topic)

Encyclopedias, handbooks, and dictionaries often ...

  • provide an overview of a topic
  • identify key terms and concepts related to a topic
  • provides additional resources to consult on a topic

ENG 101/104--Where to look for background information

ENG 101/104--Where to look for statistics