Writing the Research Paper

Introduction

• Hook: a few sentences where you grab attention
• Transition: a sentence that lets you move smoothly to...
• Thesis: 1-2 sentences that expresses the main idea of your entire paper

Hook: Connected Quote

• Aristotle once said that "the roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet." Even over two thousand years ago, once of the ancient world's greatest teachers recognized that the profession is a challenging one, but for the right person, the rewards it can yield are unique in comparison with almost any other career [TRANSITION].

Hook: Anecdote

• a short story that's related to your thesis and gives the reader an interesting example of the topic

Hook: Statistic or Fact

• Within the first five years on the job, between 40 and 50% of new teachers will leave the profession ("Beginning Teacher"). This oft-cited statistic demonstrates just how challenging the career can be, but [TRANSITION]

Hook: Opening Scene (Description)

• The bell rings and it's on: pencils out, heads and hands up (minus a few sleepyheads), 30 hungry minds waiting to be fed, and every face is staring at you. Not everyone would want to face this before 8am on a dreary Monday morning, but for some people it's one of the most rewarding careers imaginable. [TRANSITION]