How to make an effective introduction

Capítulo 5

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The introduction is a crucial part of any essay, especially when we are talking about the National High School Examination (ENEM). It is the first contact that the evaluator has with your text and, therefore, it must be clear, objective and interesting. Here are five steps to creating an effective introduction to your ENEM essay.

1. Understand the Theme

Before starting to write, it is essential to fully understand the proposed topic. Carefully read the proposal, instructions and supporting texts. If necessary, take notes to help organize your ideas. Remember that the introduction should introduce the topic that will be discussed throughout the text, so it's important that you have a solid understanding of it.

2. Define the Thesis

The thesis is the main idea that you will defend in your essay. It should be presented clearly and directly in the introduction. The thesis is not just an opinion, but a statement that will be argued and justified throughout the text. So think carefully about the thesis before you start writing.

3. Write a Hook Phrase

The hook phrase is the first phrase of the intro. It should be interesting and provocative to get the evaluator's attention. The hook phrase can be a question, a startling statement, a quote, or anything else that piques the reader's interest. Remember, however, to keep it relevant to the theme.

4. Develop the Introduction

After the hook phrase, develop the introduction by introducing the theme and thesis. Use short, clear sentences to avoid confusion. Remember that the introduction is just a preview of what will be discussed in the text, so don't go into details or anticipate arguments that will be presented in the development.

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5. Review

Finally, proofread your introduction to make sure it's clear, to the point, and error-free. Check that the topic and thesis are presented correctly and that the hook phrase is interesting and relevant. Remember, a good introduction can make a big difference to your final grade, so take the time to perfect it.

By following these five steps, you will be able to create an effective introduction to your ENEM essay. Remember that practice makes perfect, so be sure to train your writing skills regularly. Good luck!

Now answer the exercise about the content:

Which of the following steps is not included in creating an effective introduction to the ENEM essay, according to the text?

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The text outlines five steps to writing an effective introduction: understanding the theme, defining the thesis, writing a hook phrase, developing the introduction, and reviewing it. Specifically, it emphasizes that the introduction should not include details and arguments but rather be a preview of what will be discussed. Therefore, option 3, "Include details and arguments in the introduction," is not included in the outlined steps.

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