The Write Skill: Practice Writing Strong Essay Introductions
An essay introduction is like the first turn on a treasure map—if it’s clear and exciting, the journey becomes an adventure. This course teaches your learner to write strong opening paragraphs that set the tone for their nonfiction writing.
New on Outschool
What's included
4 live meetings
3 in-class hoursMastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Immediate verbal feedback will be provided during each session for participation in guided writing practice and workshop participation. While most of the writing can be completed during each session, learners are welcome to independently continue refining their ideas between sessions. Brief written feedback on revisions made outside of a session can be provided upon request.Progress Report
Brief written feedback on your learner's progress toward achieving course objectives will be provided at the end of the course. The progress report will highlight a strength and an area of opportunity with a recommendation for next steps.Class Experience
The blank page, an endless desert where ideas evaporate like mirages, can leave us stranded, searching desperately for the first spark of inspiration. But starting an essay doesn’t have to feel this way. With the right tools, you can transform your introductions into inviting pathways that draw readers into the heart of your essay. ✍️ What We Will Study: Building on The Write Skill: Strategies for Crafting Stronger Thesis Statements, this 4-week course focuses on one of the most challenging and rewarding elements of essay writing: the introductory paragraph. Students will learn advanced techniques for crafting hooks that engage readers right away, transitions that set a clear and inviting context, and thesis statement connections that guide readers seamlessly into the essay. With strategies like vivid anecdotes, analogies, and contrasting ideas, learners will discover how to write introductions that grab attention and lay the foundation for a compelling argument. While it’s helpful to take the thesis-crafting course first, learners new to The Write Skill series are welcome to join. 🧠 Why These Skills Are Important: A strong introduction sets the tone for an essay, just like a good first impression sets the tone for a conversation. In academic settings, crafting engaging and clear introductions makes it easier for teachers and peers to understand your argument and follow your ideas. Beyond school, this skill applies to all forms of communication—whether writing an email, preparing a presentation, or introducing a topic in conversation. Learning how to grab attention, provide a roadmap, and communicate with clarity can make you a more confident and effective communicator in every part of life. 📚 How We Will Learn: Through interactive lessons, hands-on practice, and group workshops, learners will explore various techniques to craft openings that captivate, clarify, and flow seamlessly into a strong thesis. Students will receive personalized feedback and engage in collaborative activities to refine and elevate their writing, ensuring their introductions are polished, thoughtful, and impactful. The small group size allows for significant individualized attention and feedback and more participation for students. 🚀 Ready to Take Your Writing to the Next Level? Are you ready to discover how to write introductions that set the tone, establish focus, and leave a lasting impression? 💬 Have Questions? If you have any questions about the course, please feel free to message me.
Learning Goals
Use sophisticated techniques like contrasting ideas, vivid anecdotes, and analogies to grab readers’ attention.Provide relevant background information in introductions to frame the essay’s focus and transition seamlessly to the thesis.
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Craft Engaging Hooks
Use sophisticated techniques like contrasting ideas, vivid anecdotes, and analogies to grab readers’ attention. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Establish Clear Context
Provide relevant background information in introductions to frame the essay’s focus and transition seamlessly to the thesis. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Connect Hooks to Thesis Statements
Write introductions that logically flow from engaging openings to the essay’s central argument. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Refine and Revise Introductions
Evaluate and improve their own writing for clarity, tone, and reader engagement, using peer and self-feedback. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
No outside sources needed.
Joined November, 2024
New on Outschool
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from Harvard University
✨ Meet Your Writing Instructor
I’m an Ivy League-educated, award-winning instructor with over a decade of experience teaching writing, critical thinking, and creative storytelling to both native and non-native English speakers in the K-12 online and traditional space, as well as in 1:1 private tutoring environments. As the author of several ESL books and scripts for animated children’s stories, I bring a unique blend of creativity, expertise, and practical experience to every class.
📚 What I Bring to Our Writing Classes
• ✍️ Tailored Writing Support
Learn to craft clear and compelling pieces, from essays to creative stories. We’ll focus on grammar, sentence structure, and fluency, while also developing your unique voice and style.
• 🎨 Creative Storytelling Techniques
Explore how to build memorable characters, dynamic plots, and immersive worlds. Together, we’ll refine narrative tension and connect character arcs to your story’s progression.
• 📖 Critical Thinking Through Writing
Engage in thought-provoking exercises to analyze themes, strengthen arguments, and connect your ideas to broader real-world contexts, making your writing meaningful and impactful.
🚀 Why Join These Writing Classes?
I create a collaborative and supportive space where writers of all levels feel empowered to express their ideas, share their work, and refine their skills. Whether you're looking to improve academic writing, expand your storytelling abilities, or simply gain confidence as a writer, these classes are designed to help you succeed.
📩 Ready to write, create, and grow? Join me today!
Reviews
Live Group Course
$20
weekly1x per week, 4 weeks
45 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-16
2-6 learners per class
