The analysis of methods of writing introductory paragraphs and the thesis statement on English articles in opinion column of Jakarta Post

Introductory paragraph is a paragraph that begins the writing with the thesis statement or the main point of the whole writing. Introductory paragraph is stated usually at the very beginning of the writing and will be read first by the reader, so it will determine whether the reader will enjoy reading the whole writing or not. It is extremely important because it sets the tone for the entire paper and introduces the reader to the topic, yet carries the most trouble. Because of the important of introductory paragraphs, writers usually use number of methods to make a good introductory paragraph and to grab the reader’s attention to read the following paragraphs. There are four basic type of introduction: Turnabout, Dramatic Entrance, Relevant Quotation, and Funnel.

This study is qualitative research, since the data do not deal with calculating and number. The data source of this study is texts taken from articles of opinion column in Jakarta Post published in the 1st to 18th February, 2008. This study employs the researcher herself as the primary instrument to gather data.

There are 40 articles analyzed which is taken from opinion column of Jakarta Post. Nearly all of the articles use the methods of introductory paragraphs, they are funnel, turnabout, relevant quotation, and dramatic entrance. In addition, almost all introductory paragraphs in articles analyzed have thesis statement that fulfills the characteristic of thesis statement proposed by Smalley & Ruetten.

The finally of the research brings recommendations to the English reading and writing lectures and students, people who concern on writing article and also for the next researcher. To English reading and writing lectures, the analysis of Introductory Paragraphs on English Articles in Opinion Column of Jakarta Post has faithful outcomes. This study can support students’ skill in writing. By this research, people who concern on writing article can decide to use the proper strategy of introductions that can grab their readers’ attention. To the next researcher of the similar area, the result of this research is hopefully can be used as a starting point to analyze more deeply about essay writing.