Three Ways In

The introduction to a paper is just about important as the thesis. If done well, it is what draws the reader in, getting them curious about what you have to say. 

For this exercise I was to write out three introductions that I could use for my research paper. The point of this was to see the different ways that I could possibly begin my essay. They were supposed to be at least one or two paragraphs.

Mine are listed below:

1. It’s the week before your wedding and everything seems to be going just as planned, except for one thing. You are unsatisfied with the way your dress fits. You have already lost a lot of weight over the past few months but with all of the planning and stress, you could not quite reach your goal. The dress has already been altered twice before  and time has just about run out, so you decide to take drastic measures and go on a crash diet.

2. Have you ever felt that society expects you to be thinner? Do you compare your body to the images you see in magazines, Hollywood, or even among your peers? Instead of being satisfied with the body that you have, you feel compelled to change yourself in order to be accepted.

This fear of exclusion has led many of us to take foolish and extreme measures when it comes to our health and nutrition. As a result, we believe that the popular fitness programs and diet fads will produce our ideal body in no time. However, a diet is a lifestyle not a quick fix program.

3. While sitting in the library one evening, I overheard two girls discussing their need to lose weight. They were going back and forth, expressing their dissatisfaction with their appearances. The one girl began to suggest that they start working out, but was quickly interrupted by her friend who said that she did not have time for that. She only wanted to drop a few pounds in the quickest amount of time  possible. After contemplating for a few minutes, they decided that it couldn’t hurt to try out different diets and detoxes to achieve their goals.

I found this exercise to be really helpful. As I begin to write and think through everything that I've researched, I am becoming more confident that this paper may actually turn out alright!