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How to write a funnel-shaped introduction.

Mr. Klingensmith's Online Writing Guide

An easy to understand Online Writing Guide for beginning writers.  Here you will find a list of various writing models, general tips and hints to help guide you to writing success.

Before you begin

Be sure you know what your thesis is going to be (and how to write one).

The big idea

The introduction of a persuasive piece should serve three main purposes: first, it should catch the reader's attention; second, it should clearly explain what the topic of the essay is; finally, it should give the writer's position on the topic (for it or against it) and mention the subtopics the reader can expect to see later in the essay.  This last sentence is called the thesis.

How to do it

This is called a funnel-shaped introduction because it begins broad (like the mouth of a funnel) and then leads you step by step down to the very narrow point of your essay (the thesis).

The first sentence of the introduction should get the reader's attention.  It should be on the general subject, but you don't necessarily need to be able to tell what the specific topic or thesis of the piece is going to be.

The introduction should lead the reader step by step, sentence by sentence, through a chain of connected sentences that leads to the most important sentence in the entire thing: the thesis.  This should be at the end.  If the thesis is not at the end, then you're not writing a funnel-shaped introduction.

Being a kid is hard; don't let anyone tell you differently.  If you ask 100 adults, you'll find that most of them wouldn't want to live through adolescence over again.  Why not?  There are too many things to worry about: friends, grades, why your P.E.  teacher hates you, what to do when you grow up--the list is endless.  That's why it would be doing most kids a favor to give them one less major concern in life.  Because it would give them fewer worries, and because it would save their parents money, students in public school should have to wear uniforms.

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Copyright 1996-2004 by Michael Klingensmith

Scientific Writing for Health Research

Chapter 2 introduction section.

A scientific research paper generally follows the format of IMRaD (Introduction, Methods, Results and Discussion). The introduction section sets the stage for the entire paper and introduces the topic of interest to the audience. This first section provides a broad context of the issue under investigation, summarizes what is known and unknown, and tries to convince the readers that this particular study will be a valuable addition to current knowledge.

There are several guidelines suggesting how to best structure the introduction section for a research paper ( Cals and Kotz 2013a ; Bahadoran et al. 2018 ; Heard 2016, 84–88 ) . Typically, a well-written introduction section will contain broader background information on the topic, a summary of key existing knowledge relevant to the specific problem, the gap in the current knowledge (rationale), and the research question and/or the hypothesis. Though not essential, some authors may opt to briefly describe the study design and methods.

2.1 Funnel shape

To better organize the main components of the introduction, it may be useful to build an outline or a skeleton of the section. One approach could be adopting a “funnel shape” or an inverted pyramid shape to organize the components. Based on the funnel shape, the introduction section has five key elements going from broad to narrow: big picture, what is known, what is unknown, research question and methods/design (see Figure 1).

The typical funnel shape of an Introduction section.

Figure 2.1: The typical funnel shape of an Introduction section.

Big picture : the introduction starts with the big picture, represented by the broad opening of the funnel shape. The big picture introduces the general context of the research area and provides an overview of “why this topic or issue is important.” For a research paper in population and public health, it is a good idea to present the broader background information on the health-related topic. This may include the magnitude of the problem and/or the burden of disease (e.g., incidence, prevalence or cost). The big picture should provide the audience with an understanding of the study outcome or explanatory variable from a public health perspective.

What is known : from the big picture, the author narrows down to a more specific research area under investigation. This part should outline the existing knowledge of the research area by providing a summary of the evidence, including the landmark and recent studies. This summary should cite the most current and comprehensive knowledge on the subject. Remember that the evidence cited should be directly relevant to your specific study and inform your research question. These summaries should focus on the particular exposure or disease of interest (e.g., intervention or outcome elements of the PICOT framework) ( Thabane et al. 2009 ) .

What is unknown : as the funnel further narrows, this part should present a synthesis of the reasons why the issue is important (in the big picture), what is already known, and what is unknown, to convince the audience that there is a need to conduct your specific study. This part can include the gaps in current knowledge, any inconsistencies in the literature, gaps in the methodology or the need for different or better methodology. When describing what is unknown, the author should highlight the importance of conducting the present study and persuade the readers that this analysis was needed (rationale). Who would likely benefit from this study should also be highlighted. For example, if there is a previous study that answered the same research question, a clear and compelling argument on the need for the updated study should be included.

Research question : following the identification of the gap in current knowledge, this part outlines the specific purpose of the study. It should include the study objective and/or hypothesis that will address the identified gap in current knowledge.

Methods/design : as the last stage of the funnel, this part can briefly introduce the approach used to answer the research question. This can include the study design or methods, however, a brief summary is sufficient as the methodological approach will be described in depth in the methods section.

2.2 Examples

2.2.1 example 1.

The first example is taken from Nisingizwe et al. ( 2020 ) . You can download the open access PDF from here .

Table 1: A study about the association between perceived barriers to health care access and inadequate antenatal care visits ( Nisingizwe et al. 2020 )

2.2.2 Example 2

The second example is taken from Basham and Karim ( 2019 ) . You can download the open access PDF from here .

Table 1: A study about prevalence of multimorbidity in northern vs. southern Canada ( Basham and Karim 2019 )

Through these 2 examples, we have looked at the key elements of an introduction section of a scientific article in population and public health research. The introduction section provides the general context of the topic (big picture), the narrower research area and what is known, the gap in the existing knowledge, the specific purpose of the study and a summary of the methods and design.

2.2.3 Importance of a ‘hook’

As the author and researcher, you have the knowledge of the “whole story” of your study from start to end. Hence, you can write the introduction strategically. The introduction section introduces the public health problem to the audience and tries to capture their interest to continue reading. In a newspaper or magazine article, the writer aims to grab the readers’ attention with a “hook” at the beginning. In a scientific article, although you don’t necessarily want to give out all the findings and study implications initially, you should utilize the introduction section to incite the readers’ and reviewers’ interest. By clearly outlining the key components, the introduction section should convince the audience that the population/public health issue under investigation is critical to address and that your particular study is novel and valuable.

2.3 Common pitfalls

  • Common pitfalls in the introduction section include incomplete, inaccurate or outdated reviews of the literature on the topic. For example, including literature that is tangentially related or within the same field but not directly related to the problem, may result in an incomplete or confusing review of the background knowledge. Including inadequate, incomplete or outdated information may result in the rejection of the paper.
  • Not adequately explaining the importance or the relevance of the current knowledge in relation to the study aims is another pitfall. This can lead to an introduction section that is less effective in communicating the relevancy and novelty of your study.
  • Arguably, incorporating clear study aim(s) and rationales for the study objectives are the most important aspects of the introduction section. (i) Aims should be clearly articulated, and the design of the study should be planned accordingly. (ii) Take time to think about the justification of the current study.
  • Provide only the key references that are needed to describe the background knowledge, as well as what is known and unknown about the topic of interest. Including an excessive amount of literature in the introduction can be distracting. Be mindful that you will have an opportunity to contextualize your research in the literature by comparing your findings with other studies in the Discussion section. The introduction should be focused on setting the tone for what is coming next.
  • A lengthy introduction can also make the readers lose interest. A general suggestion is that the introduction section should be about 10-15% of the whole paper ( Cals and Kotz 2013a ) .
  • If you already have a general idea of the journals that you would like to submit your article to, the introduction can be tailored to the audience of the target journal. For example, if you are interested in submitting to journals with a heavier focus on methodology or epidemiology, you may want to highlight the novelties in the design or methods. If you are interested in submitting to clinician-focused or subject-specific journals, you may emphasize the clinical or public health implications of the study.

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9.4 Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

Learning objectives.

  • Recognize the importance of strong introductory and concluding paragraphs.
  • Learn to engage the reader immediately with the introductory paragraph.
  • Practice concluding your essays in a more memorable way.

Picture your introduction as a storefront window: You have a certain amount of space to attract your customers (readers) to your goods (subject) and bring them inside your store (discussion). Once you have enticed them with something intriguing, you then point them in a specific direction and try to make the sale (convince them to accept your thesis).

Your introduction is an invitation to your readers to consider what you have to say and then to follow your train of thought as you expand upon your thesis statement.

An introduction serves the following purposes:

  • Establishes your voice and tone, or your attitude, toward the subject
  • Introduces the general topic of the essay
  • States the thesis that will be supported in the body paragraphs

First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader’s mind, which is why the introduction is so important to your essay. If your introductory paragraph is dull or disjointed, your reader probably will not have much interest in continuing with the essay.

Attracting Interest in Your Introductory Paragraph

Your introduction should begin with an engaging statement devised to provoke your readers’ interest. In the next few sentences, introduce them to your topic by stating general facts or ideas about the subject. As you move deeper into your introduction, you gradually narrow the focus, moving closer to your thesis. Moving smoothly and logically from your introductory remarks to your thesis statement can be achieved using a funnel technique , as illustrated in the diagram in Figure 9.1 “Funnel Technique” .

Figure 9.1 Funnel Technique

image

On a separate sheet of paper, jot down a few general remarks that you can make about the topic for which you formed a thesis in Section 9.1 “Developing a Strong, Clear Thesis Statement” .

Immediately capturing your readers’ interest increases the chances of having them read what you are about to discuss. You can garner curiosity for your essay in a number of ways. Try to get your readers personally involved by doing any of the following:

  • Appealing to their emotions
  • Using logic
  • Beginning with a provocative question or opinion
  • Opening with a startling statistic or surprising fact
  • Raising a question or series of questions
  • Presenting an explanation or rationalization for your essay
  • Opening with a relevant quotation or incident
  • Opening with a striking image
  • Including a personal anecdote

Remember that your diction, or word choice, while always important, is most crucial in your introductory paragraph. Boring diction could extinguish any desire a person might have to read through your discussion. Choose words that create images or express action. For more information on diction, see Chapter 4 “Working with Words: Which Word Is Right?” .

In Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” , you followed Mariah as she moved through the writing process. In this chapter, Mariah writes her introduction and conclusion for the same essay. Mariah incorporates some of the introductory elements into her introductory paragraph, which she previously outlined in Chapter 8 “The Writing Process: How Do I Begin?” . Her thesis statement is underlined.

If you have trouble coming up with a provocative statement for your opening, it is a good idea to use a relevant, attention-grabbing quote about your topic. Use a search engine to find statements made by historical or significant figures about your subject.

Writing at Work

In your job field, you may be required to write a speech for an event, such as an awards banquet or a dedication ceremony. The introduction of a speech is similar to an essay because you have a limited amount of space to attract your audience’s attention. Using the same techniques, such as a provocative quote or an interesting statistic, is an effective way to engage your listeners. Using the funnel approach also introduces your audience to your topic and then presents your main idea in a logical manner.

Reread each sentence in Mariah’s introductory paragraph. Indicate which techniques she used and comment on how each sentence is designed to attract her readers’ interest.

Writing a Conclusion

It is not unusual to want to rush when you approach your conclusion, and even experienced writers may fade. But what good writers remember is that it is vital to put just as much attention into the conclusion as in the rest of the essay. After all, a hasty ending can undermine an otherwise strong essay.

A conclusion that does not correspond to the rest of your essay, has loose ends, or is unorganized can unsettle your readers and raise doubts about the entire essay. However, if you have worked hard to write the introduction and body, your conclusion can often be the most logical part to compose.

The Anatomy of a Strong Conclusion

Keep in mind that the ideas in your conclusion must conform to the rest of your essay. In order to tie these components together, restate your thesis at the beginning of your conclusion. This helps you assemble, in an orderly fashion, all the information you have explained in the body. Repeating your thesis reminds your readers of the major arguments you have been trying to prove and also indicates that your essay is drawing to a close. A strong conclusion also reviews your main points and emphasizes the importance of the topic.

The construction of the conclusion is similar to the introduction, in which you make general introductory statements and then present your thesis. The difference is that in the conclusion you first paraphrase , or state in different words, your thesis and then follow up with general concluding remarks. These sentences should progressively broaden the focus of your thesis and maneuver your readers out of the essay.

Many writers like to end their essays with a final emphatic statement. This strong closing statement will cause your readers to continue thinking about the implications of your essay; it will make your conclusion, and thus your essay, more memorable. Another powerful technique is to challenge your readers to make a change in either their thoughts or their actions. Challenging your readers to see the subject through new eyes is a powerful way to ease yourself and your readers out of the essay.

When closing your essay, do not expressly state that you are drawing to a close. Relying on statements such as in conclusion , it is clear that , as you can see , or in summation is unnecessary and can be considered trite.

It is wise to avoid doing any of the following in your conclusion:

  • Introducing new material
  • Contradicting your thesis
  • Changing your thesis
  • Using apologies or disclaimers

Introducing new material in your conclusion has an unsettling effect on your reader. When you raise new points, you make your reader want more information, which you could not possibly provide in the limited space of your final paragraph.

Contradicting or changing your thesis statement causes your readers to think that you do not actually have a conviction about your topic. After all, you have spent several paragraphs adhering to a singular point of view. When you change sides or open up your point of view in the conclusion, your reader becomes less inclined to believe your original argument.

By apologizing for your opinion or stating that you know it is tough to digest, you are in fact admitting that even you know what you have discussed is irrelevant or unconvincing. You do not want your readers to feel this way. Effective writers stand by their thesis statement and do not stray from it.

On a separate sheet of a paper, restate your thesis from Note 9.52 “Exercise 2” of this section and then make some general concluding remarks. Next, compose a final emphatic statement. Finally, incorporate what you have written into a strong conclusion paragraph for your essay.

Collaboration

Please share with a classmate and compare your answers

Mariah incorporates some of these pointers into her conclusion. She has paraphrased her thesis statement in the first sentence.

Make sure your essay is balanced by not having an excessively long or short introduction or conclusion. Check that they match each other in length as closely as possible, and try to mirror the formula you used in each. Parallelism strengthens the message of your essay.

On the job you will sometimes give oral presentations based on research you have conducted. A concluding statement to an oral report contains the same elements as a written conclusion. You should wrap up your presentation by restating the purpose of the presentation, reviewing its main points, and emphasizing the importance of the material you presented. A strong conclusion will leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Key Takeaways

  • A strong opening captures your readers’ interest and introduces them to your topic before you present your thesis statement.
  • An introduction should restate your thesis, review your main points, and emphasize the importance of the topic.
  • The funnel technique to writing the introduction begins with generalities and gradually narrows your focus until you present your thesis.
  • A good introduction engages people’s emotions or logic, questions or explains the subject, or provides a striking image or quotation.
  • Carefully chosen diction in both the introduction and conclusion prevents any confusing or boring ideas.
  • A conclusion that does not connect to the rest of the essay can diminish the effect of your paper.
  • The conclusion should remain true to your thesis statement. It is best to avoid changing your tone or your main idea and avoid introducing any new material.
  • Closing with a final emphatic statement provides closure for your readers and makes your essay more memorable.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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Students often make the mistake of sailing straight into the answering the essay question in the first paragraph without following the convention of beginning with an introduction. Basic introduction paragraphs have a special function. Fortunately, introductions have a recognisable pattern (recipe) you can follow so that you do this correctly.

About introduction paragraphs

The introduction to an essay is very important. It is the FIRST paragraph that the marker reads and should ‘grab’ the reader. Introduction paragraphs are usually about 5% of your essay word count . In clearly-written sentences, the writer gives some background on the main topic; explains the academic problem and tells the reader what to expect in the rest of the essay. You can follow a basic pattern (recipe) for writing introduction paragraphs to help you get started. As essay topics and lecturer requirements vary, you will find that ‘the recipe’ will need to be adjusted to suit the style of essay you will be asked to write.

Try to write your introduction straight from your question analysis, then review it many times while you are writing the body of the essay—this will help you to keep your essay on target (i.e. answering the set question). Note that most introductions generally only include references if definitions are taken from an information source.

Writing pattern for introduction paragraphs

The introduction to an essay is rather like a formal social introduction: How do you do! For example, if an ASO consultant comes to a lecture to do a guest presentation, it would be good practice to be introduced in a meaningful way:

This is Mary Bloggs who is a consultant from the Academic Skills office (relevant info about the person for the job about to be done) . Good question analysis is critical to the success of your assignment essay, so it is important that you learn a process for analysing a question (statement of purpose) . Mary will work with you on analysis of the question you will be answering in your assignment and will show you how to develop an essay plan from your question (a statement about what will be happening in the next hour) .

An introductory paragraph is very much tied to the question that has been set (see Question analysis workshop ), and we use special terms to describe each stage of the introduction.

Click or hover over the introductory paragraph below to see an analysis of its structure, and how the introduction matches the set question.

The introduction is usually ‘funnel shaped’. It begins with the broadest topic (sentence 1). Then, it narrows to the thesis statement or the part of the topic that will be specifically addressed in the essay (sentence 2). The last sentence of the paragraph usually outlines the main points that will be covered in the essay (sentence 3).

Figure 1: A pattern for introduction paragraphs

Read the following question and the sample introduction paragraph. The sentences are in the wrong order for an introduction paragraph. Match the statements to the correct sentence type.

Some students who enrol in university studies have difficulties with their writing skills. Discuss the reasons for this problem and critically assess the effectiveness of university intervention writing programs.

Because poor writing skills can affect students’ success in tertiary education, it is important that writing problems are understood so that university assistance programs are adequate.

This essay will identify and examine the main causes underpinning student difficulties with academic writing and consider evidence to evaluate whether programs delivered in universities address this problem.

Assignment essays are frequently used as assessment tasks to involve students in research, academic reading and formal essay writing.

These introduction sentences are in the incorrect order. Now that you have identified the sentence types, put them in the correct order (background statement -> thesis statement -> outline statement) for an introduction paragraph.

Drag the sentences to rearrange them.

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2.3.2: Introduction – the Funnel Approach, Write an Introduction

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Write an Introduction

In this practice exercise, use the prewriting and writing techniques you know from Unit 1 to write an introductory paragraph for your essay for this unit. The topic is:

"How does my selected activity or characteristic affect success in an Internet-based college course?"

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funnel shaped introduction essay

What is the Funnel Technique in Writing?

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funnel shaped introduction essay

The funnel technique is a popular method used in writing. It’s traditionally used to lay out the opening paragraph of an essay but has also expanded to be used in other writing forms. The general idea is that you begin with a very broad statement before narrowing your focus a little and providing some introductory comments pertaining to your ideas. Then your focus is limited even more, and you reach the point where you introduce your thesis statement. A thesis statement is a neat summation of your argument, condensing your claim into one sentence.

A visualization of this would look like a funnel! It starts broad at the top and gradually narrows to a point. What do I write for the broad statement?

The broad opening statement almost acts like a hook to grab your reader’s interest. It might be an interesting quote, a funny pun, or a cool fact. It should be related to the topic you’re going to talk about, but it doesn’t need to be too specific to your argument. It should introduce the topic rather than the argument, and while you should be able to relate it to what you’re going to say, it doesn’t have to be too niche.

What do I write for the introductory comments?

It is where you begin to narrow your focus, so these comments should be more specific to the area you’re discussing rather than the whole topic. For example, you could mention previous discourse on your subject matter and what people have recently and historically thought about it. It provides a great opening for you to get into the meat of what you have to say while acknowledging other viewpoints that may have helped shape your own.

What do I write for my thesis statement?

A thesis statement is notoriously difficult to write and something many seasoned professionals still struggle with. It should be no longer than one or two sentences, and it must summarize your essay’s central point. It shouldn’t go into evidential details – that’s what your essay is for.

To write your thesis statement, you need to know what you will write in your essay! It means that you need to do your research first. You might have an initial idea of your argument, but you need to be certain that it’s your viewpoint, as your conclusion should not differ from your thesis statement.

When you’re researching, be sure to explore lots of different avenues of thought and a variety of perspectives! It won’t only ensure that your argument is well-informed, but you might surprise yourself with the standpoint you eventually take.

Make sure your thesis statement answers the question clearly and concisely and has implications and importance in the broader topic. A great way to check that you’re doing this is to ask yourself, so what? It will help you make sure it’s connected to the wider context!

The thesis statements should be specific! It will help you throughout your whole essay. Arguing a particular point can make your essay more detailed, informed, and stronger. It is where the funnel technique is really useful. Remember, this is the point of the funnel, so where should you focus?

Why is it so important to write a great introduction?

The introduction to your essay must be as strong as it can be. It is the first thing your readers will read and, in many cases, will decide whether they will read the rest of your essay. If your introduction is boring or they’re unsure what your essay’s point is, they may move on to the next one! It is why the funnel technique is so great. It helps provide a great hook at the beginning, to get the reader interested, and enables you to ensure that you include a clear and concise summary of your argument without getting bogged down in the details. It will mean they’ll read on to learn more about your point of view and understand its evidence!

Where else can we see the funnel technique?

As we’ve mentioned, although the funnel technique is typically used in essay writing, you can see it working in other walks of life too!

Sometimes it appears in fiction writing. Like the funnel technique, an author might gradually zoom in on a scene. For example, they might start by discussing a whole city before focusing on a particular neighborhood. From there, they could introduce their protagonist, sitting in their flat.

You could even see a zoom-in cinema as an example of the funnel technique! Sometimes a scene might start very zoomed out, perhaps over a street, then zoom into a building, and finally a person. It is a very visual interpretation of the funnel technique!

These both show how that final point fits into a broader view. Again, it is the same as in academic

Why do we study the funnel technique?

Essay writing can be an intimidating task for many children and adults too! Going to school can spark many worries, from wondering whether they are smart enough to agonizing over whether they are popular. In some ways, the essay is the summation of all of this, as it is a very formal and traditional type of assessment. So naturally, this can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.

The funnel technique gives children an easy approach when trying to begin essays. For many people, the introduction is the hardest part of the essay, and this method allows children to ease into it with the help of a great structure.

It is entirely flexible so that it can be applied to any topic! It’s a great way of organizing ideas, and when used correctly, it can provide an impactful opening to an essay.

Persuasive essays that open with the funnel technique can help children become better communicators. In oral communication, the vernacular takes over, and things like grammar sometimes fall by the wayside. It doesn’t help when children eventually come to do things such as job interviews, which require a much more formal method of communication! Essay writing requires a much more traditional approach, which helps children to understand how grammar is used.

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What is Funnel Technique in Writing

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A funnel structure is organized in a triangle form, with the topic's general area at the top. It can be a blanket statement. The goal of this structure is to gather a lot of material or data and gradually get to the topic. Now, you are thinking how it relates to the essay-writing assignment help . Basically in funnel structure writing, first you have to write the introductory paragraph which includes the general statement, then body which includes main points. A summary of the main ideas is the most efficient technique to conclude an essay. This will ensure that the reader is satisfied with the topic at hand. Use the assistance of research paper help if you do not understand how to create its format.

Funnel Method Writing:

  • Strong Introduction :

Your introduction captures the reader's attention. So think carefully what you have to say and then develop your thesis statement. It should have an intriguing statement designed to pique the interest of your readers. Introduce your topic by giving a few concepts or facts about it in the following phrases.

You can write body in multiple paragraphs. State a specific purpose for each paragraph. Your first paragraph should be wider to connect it to the ending of the first paragraph to the beginning of the second.

  • Conclusion :

Your conclusion needs to be very strong. A powerful conclusion summarizes your main points and highlights the significance of the subject. End with an empathetic statement or challenge your readers, so that this leaves an impression in their mind.

What Is A Reverse Funnel Conclusion?

A Reverse Funnel Conclusion Is Written Like This:

  • Use imaginative language to alert your reader that your article is about to come to an end. Use phrases like "Throughout, it is clear that" and "As a result..."
  • Tell the thesis in a different way.
  • Summaries your main points in a concise manner.
  • Conclude with a strong remark that gets the reader to think.
  • Key points should be relevant.
  • The final sentence should provoke thought and give your audience giving the reader a nugget of truth or something to think about.

What Do You Mean By Funnel Technique In Writing?

The funnel approach is a common funnel technique in writing. The fundamental concept is that you start off with a fairly broad statement, then you focus a little more specifically and give some introductory remarks about your thoughts. When you get to the section when you introduce your thesis statement, your focus becomes even more restricted. A thesis statement concisely restates your assertion and summarizes your whole argument.

What Is A Funnel Introduction?

The first line in a funnel introduction provides a broad, general remark about the topic. Then, gradually narrow the subject to a certain viewpoint or argument (the thesis). The goal of an introduction is to clearly state your point of view and identify the topic of your work. A strong start also captures the reader's interest and explains what they will learn or comprehend from your essay. You might choose to write your introduction last. In this manner, you can prepare your speech in full before attempting to introduce it.

Funnel Introduction Example:

  • A housecat's existence is not always the most secure.
  • In actuality, there are a lot of issues that are frequently disregarded when domesticated cats play outside.
  • Given that the typical housecat spends 40 to 60 hours outside each week, it is not surprising that the majority of these issues involve other local animals.
  • The stray dog poses the greatest risk to the health of the housecat.

Funnel Paragraph: Introduction

  • Start with a hook, such as a provocative statement or question. Your thesis must be related to your hook.
  • Mention the work's title and author in your essay. Use the author's full name when referencing them. Only the author's last name should be used after this citation.
  • Recap the key ideas in your essay.
  • Conclude the sentence with your thesis.

How Do You Start A Funnel Introduction?

A funnel introduction should accomplish three main goals: it should first grab the reader's attention; it should then clearly state what the essay's topic is; and finally, it should state the writer's position on the subject whether they are in favour of it or against it. The thesis is the final sentence. This is referred to as a "funnel-shaped introduction" because it starts out broad and gradually narrows down to the thesis statement of your essay (the thesis). It should cover the broad subject, but you do not necessarily need to know what the essay's precise topic or argument will be.

What's A Funnel Introduction?

Your funnel introduction should start with an intriguing statement designed to pique the interest of your readers. A funnel strategy can help you transition logically and smoothly from your opening statement to your thesis statement. The thesis, the most crucial sentence in the entire piece, should be reached after the introduction has guided the reader, sentence by sentence, through a series of connected sentences.

Funnel Approach In The Research Example:

Imagine that you run an online store where you sell vintage signs. You are aware that both men and women make up your target market and that they frequently use Facebook. You manage an excellent Facebook advertisement that sends people to a landing page. On the page, you provide a lead magnet in exchange for a prospect's email address. Pretty basic, yes? Now leads are generated.

You send out content over the coming weeks to inform your subscribers about vintage signs. You are making a fortune off of these signs. From Funnel approach in the research example, it can be inferred that factors like awareness, interest, and decision are taken into action.

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funnel shaped introduction essay

How To Write a Funnel-Shaped Introduction

Before you begin.

Be sure you know what your thesis is going to be (and how to write one).

The big idea

The introduction of a persuasive piece should serve three main purposes: first, it should catch the reader's attention; second, it should clearly explain what the topic of the essay is; finally, it should give the writer's position on the topic (for it or against it) and mention the subtopics the reader can expect to see later in the essay. This last sentence is called the thesis.

How to do it

This is called a funnel-shaped introduction because it begins broad (like the mouth of a funnel) and then leads you step by step down to the very narrow point of your essay (the thesis).

The first sentence of the introduction should get the reader's attention. It should be on the general subject, but you don't necessarily need to be able to tell what the specific topic or thesis of the piece is going to be.

The introduction should lead the reader step by step, sentence by sentence, through a chain of connected sentences that leads to the most important sentence in the entire thing: the thesis. This should be at the end. If the thesis is not at the end, then you're not writing a funnel-shaped introduction.

Being a kid is hard; don't let anyone tell you differently. If you ask 100 adults, you'll find that most of them wouldn't want to live through adolescence over again. Why not? There are too many things to worry about: friends, grades, why your P.E. teacher hates you, what to do when you grow up--the list is endless. That's why it would be doing most kids a favor to give them one less major concern in life. Because it would give them fewer worries, and because it would save their parents money, students in public school should have to wear uniforms.

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Understand What is Funnel Structure by Instant Assignment Help

How to Use Funnel Structure in Essay Writing?

28 Sep 2023

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Table of Contents

What is a funnel structure, benefits of using funnel structure, get any queries our experts are here.

What is the one common document that students often write, whether in school or university? So, the most common answer to this question would be essay. It is one of the papers students must craft from the beginning of their academic career. However, they could not do justice to their paper for some unfortunate reasons. If this sounds familiar, you can try the funnel essay writing technique. We understand most of you are unaware of this, which is why this blog is written. Also, we understand every student dreams of getting a good score and for which they put effort. Still, they need to get it due to poor skills and lack of knowledge. However, using   a funnel structure will surely craft an impressive essay. Moreover, let's start by knowing what it is. 

You must know what the shape of a funnel is, right? It starts with a wide opening and then narrows down to the bottom. Thus, while crafting your essay paper, you can use this. Now you must be thinking how, right? The answer is to collect much information related to your topic at the beginning of your essay. Hence, once you gather it, it is time to present this by funnel essay structure. First, you have to provide relevant background information in the introduction, then the main points in the body, and conclude all of them in the closing part. So this goes like this: if you have any doubt, the next part will explain this to you better. Students often go through several writing issues while crafting their papers and search online, "Can someone  do my essay  for me?" If this also happens to you, contact our website, instantassignmenthelp.com. Moreover, let's move to the next part to understand this funnel structure.

By reading the above section, you must be curious to know how to use the   structure of funnel in the essay. If yes, do not worry, as you have reached the part that will let you know the answer. So, without any delay, let's dive into the section.

Introduction:

An introduction is vital to any document because a reader first sees this. So, there must always be something in the part which hooks the reader. So, in this section, brief your readers about the topic and provide them with background information. So, do it by using a   funnel essay structure. In short, explain the topic, broaden its scope, and narrow it down. While doing this, remember that it must interest your readers. As it is the first part of the document, a writer's image depends totally on this. So, use this effectively to attract your audience. 

This part of any document is considered the longest, as a writer must provide all its main points. Students get stuck not only in an essay but also in other assignments. That is why they search for an  assignment writing service . So, the experts there can provide the best assistance to craft their paper. However, if you also face a similar situation while writing your essay, then try this funnel technique. In this, you can explain each main point with a broader aspect. Using the   funnel writing technique, write all the noteworthy information first and then try to sum up and narrow down your topic. While doing this, remember to connect this part with the introduction, as it confuses readers. 

Conclusion:

Now comes the last part, which also students find writing challenging as they fail to conclude all the main points. Due to this, they even look for  essay writing services UK , so they can get help from experts to craft a strong conclusion. Moreover, you can easily craft a mind-blowing conclusion using this funnel technique. But here, you have to use a reverse funnel; understand. In brief, a writer has to explain the topic first and then move to explain all the necessary points with a broader perspective. 

It is the best way to use this technique while crafting your paper. Still, if there is anything which you need help understanding, then you have the option to search for a funnel essay example online .  By going through it, you can understand its correct use. In the next section, we will explain some of the benefits of funnel structure essay. 

Need Assignment Writing Help?

Crafting an impressive essay has always been a headache for students. They go through multiple issues due to poor skills and lack of knowledge. Well, the main thing that makes writing difficult for students is structure essay writing .  They need to structure their paper better and get stuck at it. If this is your case, you have read the above section and understand the funnel structure for essay writing. If you still need convincing, then you will read some of its benefits here.

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Stay on Point: 

Students often get diverts while writing a long paper-like essay. So, the  funnel structure  helps them to stay on point. Thus, once you gather all the information, you must follow this structure and put these data. Hence, through this, a writer stays on the point of the topic. 

Follow a Particular Structure:

As you read above, structuring an essay is another challenging job students hate. Hence, half of their stress is reduced using a funnel structure. They have a particular structure, so writing following that becomes easy. Ask for  Academic Writing Service  from our experts!

It Provide Organized Look: 

You must have often heard that an organized essay helps readers follow the correct path. But if, for any reason, it is not organized, then there is a high chance that it makes audience. So, if you want to write an organized essay, follow the   structure of funnel . 

So, these are   some of the benefits a writer gets when using this structure of funnel. Thus, if you are writing your essay and losing your grades, try this.

Need Help With Essay Writing?

We understand that submitting an impressive essay and getting a good score is the dream of every student. But due to a few reasons, they fail to do this. If this is your case, then you must try funnel essay writing .  It will not only assist you in creating a perfect essay but also help you achieve good grades. Still, if you are still looking for this effective, we are here. Our website, instantassignmenthelp.com, has a pool of expert writers who can help you create an outstanding essay. Not only this, you will get other features as well, which you can check on our website. So do contact us if you need any academic writing assistance.

Read More -  How to Write Law Essays Effectively?

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funnel shaped introduction essay

Introductions: not a funnel but a T

  • Academic Writing
  • | April 29, 2013
  • By Katherine Firth

The world being pushed into a funnel shape

Some people find the traditional description of an introduction as a ‘funnel’ really helpful.  Some people, on the other hand, really struggle to move their writing from general to specific in incremental steps.  What’s more, when looking at journal articles to try to find some good examples, I only found one (one!) that fit the traditional ‘funnel’ model. So perhaps we need to think about this differently.

When I did my survey, however I did find some definite patterns.

The introduction should have:

  • A broad statement of the topic–what you are going to discuss
  • A specific statement of your argument
  • [Sometimes a road map of the work as a whole]
  • The  answer to your research question

When you’re taught to write at school, lots of people seem to have been told to start with a ‘global’ statement and then ‘funnel’ it down to a specific argument for their essay.  This means many people start with a mouth of a funnel that is the size of the whole world, and then struggle to get it down to something that will fit in a 20 minute conference paper, or a 7,000 article, or a 10,000 chapter.  I can tell you now, no book in the world is long enough to start with a truly global statement and funnel it incrementally down to your specific argument.

The Universe, the Solar System, the World, the Asia-Pacific region, the Australian Continent, the State of Victoria, the City of Melbourne, North of the Yarra, the suburb of Parkville, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Students and Learning (previously the Division of the Provost), Student Services, Student Programs, Academic Skills, first floor, third cubicle on the right, at the desk, on the chair, me. 

The world being pushed into a funnel shape

Moreover, in the diagram, ‘your focus’ is still the size of North America.  It ought to be the size of… say… Hackney:

Instead, it can be helpful to think of introductions as a T shape.  A broad (but not all encompassing) top statement, just enough to give the reader some context, and then focus right down on your specific topic or argument.

What you’re doing is, of course,  describing your position in the field  (which I covered in this other  post  in which ‘I’m defining the field by… standing in a paddock.’

A broad statement (in the wide top of the T); and a statement of position (in the narrow downward stroke)

What are some ways to  sketch that broad bar of the ‘T’ in writing?  Here are some potential first sentences

In the late sixteenth century, playwrights like William Shakespeare were often also producers and shareholders in their companies and theatres. Insomnia is a common medical problem which has received much research attention in the research (Finch, Machel and Wong, 1999). Using CBT to combat insomnia, however, is a relatively new field (Bankole, Chang and Singh, 2012). The social construction of the habitus of the studio for artists has been the subject of philosophical speculation from Plato to Bourdieu.

These are all big statements, they use generalising terms like often ,  common . They use big but defined periods of time,  from Plato to Bourdieu ,  in the late sixteenth century, relatively new . They flag the major thinkers, figures, or researchers who will be used,  William Shakespeare, Finch etc, Bankole etc, Plato, Bourdieu.  They include some key terms that I would expect to be significant for the rest of the written text,  playwrights, producers and shareholders, insomnia, studio, artists.  Finally, they mark their methodological approach,  historicism, CBT, Bourdieu’s ‘habitus’ .

Then you move on to the narrow downward tail of the T.

This history provides evidence of how ‘race’ has been performatively coded by different directorial approaches to  The Floating World . My discussion will centre on the three alter egos of Calvino that appear in the novel: the earnest writer Silas Flannery, the devious translator Ermes Marana, and the impossible-to-please female reader, Ludmilla. I propose to answer this question by reconciling the seemingly incompatible readings of Murakami’s works in Japan and in America with the author’s works.

The above are slightly adapted quotes from a first year English Studies reader from a course I taught recently (from Gilbert 2001, Feinstein 1989, Chozick 2008).  In English Studies it is perfectly acceptable to use the first person when setting out your argument, especially in single author papers. Even if you are from a field where you don’t  use ‘I’ in your final draft, use it in your first draft.  You are doing the writing, you are making the argument, writing ‘I’ helps you to own that, even if you later tidy it away behind a passive, impersonal construction.

This is all first draft, first thoughts, first writing stuff.  Being specific and taking control of your topic not only creates a good introduction, but a good introduction creates a good thesis.

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IMAGES

  1. Three parts of the Funnel- Shaped Introduction

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  2. The Funnel Introduction Purpose: To draw your reader into your

    funnel shaped introduction essay

  3. PPT

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  4. PPT

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  5. Essay writing

    funnel shaped introduction essay

  6. Writing Introductions

    funnel shaped introduction essay

VIDEO

  1. How to Set the Animation Style on an Input Element in ClickFunnels 2.0

  2. Abaft The Funnel by Rudyard Kipling

  3. Automatic ashtray to prevent ash escape #lifetips #goodtools #diy #greattools #usefulthings

  4. Understanding "Funnel Cloud Spotted": A Guide for English Learners

  5. Bernoulli's principle

  6. How to Write a Research Paper 1 (Bangla)

COMMENTS

  1. 2.3.1: Introduction

    All quotations are from Frederick Douglass, Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave, edited and with introduction by Houston A. Baker, Jr., New York: Penguin Books, 1986. 2.3.1: Introduction - the Funnel Approach, Introductions is shared under a license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.

  2. How to Write a Funnel-Shaped Introduction

    How to do it. This is called a funnel-shaped introduction because it begins broad (like the mouth of a funnel) and then leads you step by step down to the very narrow point of your essay (the thesis). The first sentence of the introduction should get the reader's attention. It should be on the general subject, but you don't necessarily need to ...

  3. PDF ntroductions

    Funnel In a funnel introduction, the first sentence offers a broad, general statement about the subject. Then, sentence by sentence, narrow the subject down to a specific point of view or argument (the thesis). Here is an example: The life of a housecat is not always the safest of situations. In fact, domesticated cats that play outside are faced

  4. PDF Drafting the Paper Writing Introductions

    Ways to Structure Your Introduction Funnel One of the simplest and most effective introductions, the funnel is useful for gradually building to your essay's central idea (the thesis). First, begin by offering a broad, general statement about the subject. Next, begin to offer more specific background detail related to your topic.

  5. Chapter 2 Introduction Section

    Figure 2.1: The typical funnel shape of an Introduction section. Big picture : the introduction starts with the big picture, represented by the broad opening of the funnel shape. The big picture introduces the general context of the research area and provides an overview of "why this topic or issue is important."

  6. PDF Sample Introductions and Conclusions

    In the funnel paragraph structure, ideas move from the general (background information, attention catching statement or question, naming of the topic) to the specific (thesis - the writer's main point(s) about the topic; the entire essay will be about the thesis). CONCLUDING PARAGRAPHS: Indicates the end of the essay

  7. How to Write Introduction Paragraphs in Essay

    You will learn about hooks, the funnel method, and thesis statements. You probably know that a hook is used to catch a fish. We also use hooks to start our e...

  8. 9.4 Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs

    An introduction serves the following purposes: Establishes your voice and tone, or your attitude, toward the subject. Introduces the general topic of the essay. States the thesis that will be supported in the body paragraphs. First impressions are crucial and can leave lasting effects in your reader's mind, which is why the introduction is so ...

  9. Introduction paragraphs

    The introduction is usually 'funnel shaped'. It begins with the broadest topic (sentence 1). Then, it narrows to the thesis statement or the part of the topic that will be specifically addressed in the essay (sentence 2). The last sentence of the paragraph usually outlines the main points that will be covered in the essay (sentence 3).

  10. PDF Introductory Paragraphs: The Funnel Introduction

    The Funnel. Starts in a general way about the subject/topic. (2-3 sentences) Clarifies or narrows the topic with a sentence or. two (try to include subtopics here) Leads to thesis statement, which clearly. identifies the central idea of the essay (1. sentence)

  11. 2.3.2: Introduction

    Write an Introduction. In this practice exercise, use the prewriting and writing techniques you know from Unit 1 to write an introductory paragraph for your essay for this unit. The topic is: "How does my selected activity or characteristic affect success in an Internet-based college course?"

  12. PDF VISUAL GUIDE TO AN A C A D E M I C E S S A Y

    which eventually leads you to your thesis. Oftentimes, though not always, an academic essay's introduction should take the shape of an upside down triangle, starting off broad with larger, overarching messages/issues and increasingly gets more and more narrow until you hit your thesis. Larger/broader ideas (usually more abstract).

  13. What is the Funnel Technique in Writing?

    The funnel technique gives children an easy approach when trying to begin essays. For many people, the introduction is the hardest part of the essay, and this method allows children to ease into it with the help of a great structure. It is entirely flexible so that it can be applied to any topic!

  14. PDF The Writing Process

    the topic in the rest of your essay. An introductory paragraph may be shaped in a number of different ways, but one common shape is frequently used. Called the "funnel shape" because it goes from wide to narrow, this type of introduction looks like this: General Statement of Subject (Topic) Limitation of Subject (Focus) Thesis (Point)

  15. 3 Introduction

    3 Introduction Tip 3 - Introduction: work on that funnel shape! What you should know Today many editors (and reviewers) of empirical papers prefer short and fo-cused introductions. The purpose of the introduction is to give the reader the essential information to understand why you did the study and to state the re-search question.

  16. What is the Funnel Technique in Writing?

    The funnel technique provides children with an easy approach when trying to begin essays. For many people, the introduction is the hardest part of the essay, and this method allows children to ease into it with the help of a great structure. It is entirely flexible, so can be applied to any topic!

  17. The Funnel-Approach Introduction and Conclusion The Introduction

    The Funnel-Approach Introduction and Conclusion. The Introduction. The introduction and conclusion should only be written once the body of the essay is essentially. done. While an introduction may be the first thing a reader sees in an essay, it should be the last. or second to last thing you write when you work on your draft.

  18. Using the 'funnel' essay structure: Essay writing at UWA

    Only got a few minutes to spare? Want some quick and easy tips on how to structure your ideas for essays? In this UWA STUDYSmarter shortcast we will show you...

  19. College-Level Writing

    This structure is a common feature of many students' writing education because it's an easy way to learn the basic elements of an academic argument. A five-paragraph essay streamlines an argument into five parts: A funnel-shaped introduction that begins with a broad topic before narrowing to a thesis statement.

  20. Funnel Structure Writing Structure Approach, Help, Ideas

    What is Funnel Technique in Writing. 2022-08-29. A funnel structure is organized in a triangle form, with the topic's general area at the top. It can be a blanket statement. The goal of this structure is to gather a lot of material or data and gradually get to the topic. Now, you are thinking how it relates to the essay-writing assignment help.

  21. How To Write a Funnel-Shaped Introduction

    This is called a funnel-shaped introduction because it begins broad (like the mouth of a funnel) and then leads you step by step down to the very narrow point of your essay (the thesis). The first sentence of the introduction should get the reader's attention. It should be on the general subject, but you don't necessarily need to be able to ...

  22. An Easy Guide to Understand Use of Funnel Structure

    Introduction: An introduction is vital to any document because a reader first sees this. So, there must always be something in the part which hooks the reader. So, in this section, brief your readers about the topic and provide them with background information. So, do it by using a funnel essay structure. In short, explain the topic, broaden ...

  23. Introductions: not a funnel but a T

    A specific statement of your argument. [Sometimes a road map of the work as a whole] The answer to your research question. When you're taught to write at school, lots of people seem to have been told to start with a 'global' statement and then 'funnel' it down to a specific argument for their essay. This means many people start with a ...