rotc essay introduction

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Rotc: the ultimate guide.

Are you considering JROTC or wondering how to pursue an ROTC scholarship? This guide will tell you everything you need to know in order to make an informed decision. 

What is ROTC? 

ROTC stands for Reserve Officers’ Training Corps . Members of ROTC earn their college degrees while simultaneously training to become military officers.

Click above to watch a video on ROTC.

In this article, we’ll go into detail on each branch, scholarship requirements, and more.

History of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

The training of “citizen soldiers” began in 1819 with Captain Alden Partridge, a former military academy superintendent. He established the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy, which eventually became Norwich University.

It was Partridge’s vision that university students receive military training so that there would always be educated officers available to serve. Many other institutions were founded in the image of his academy in the following decades, and some preexisting schools added compulsory military training. 

The Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862 granted each state 30,000 acres of public land to establish universities and centers for research. These land-grant institutions were required to offer military tactics courses. By the early 20th century, over one hundred colleges and universities across the country offered military training. 

The National Defense Act of 1916 placed the training of future military officers under a single, federally-controlled entity called the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. Colleges and universities with ROTC programs were given military training instructors and money for supplies.

The programs offered were originally specific to one branch of the military. After WWII, universities began to offer more generalized programs in Military Science. The Army ROTC still offers this curriculum; graduates are eligible for commissions in any branch of the military. 

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps began accepting women in 1972. ROTC graduates include retired General Colin Powell, James Earl Jones, and many NASA astronauts. Today there is a wide range of ROTC programs offered in over one thousand locations across the country.

What is the purpose of ROTC? 

The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps exists to train college students for future service in the U.S. military. It provides full scholarships to qualifying students, who are then obligated to serve at least four years on active duty . Students take military science courses in addition to normal college coursework, preparing them to become officers when they graduate.

Do all colleges have each branch of the ROTC? 

Not every college offers ROTC, but over one thousand colleges and universities offer at least one branch of the ROTC. The Army and Air Force ROTC are each relatively widespread; there are fewer options for the Navy ROTC, but still over 150 colleges and universities to choose from.

Large public universities are more likely to have ROTC programs.

Many amazing colleges offer Navy ROTC programs, including:

• Harvard University
• Cornell University
• Columbia University
• Vanderbilt University
• Northwestern University
• University of Virginia
• Georgetown University
• University of California Berkeley
• The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Participating in ROTC is not the same as attending a military academy. ROTC students attend classes alongside college students with no military commitment, whereas every student of a military academy is committed to serving after graduation for a minimum of five years. 

Military academies are very selective. There are five:

• US Military Academy (West Point, NY)
• US Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD)
• US Air Force Academy (Colorado Springs, CO)
• US Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
• US Merchant Marine Academy (Kings Point, NY)

Do I enlist for ROTC or is this different? 

Students must enlist to receive a scholarship. 

It’s possible to participate in ROTC for a year or two without committing to military service. Students can enroll in the ROTC Basic Course without enlisting. Students who wish to continue on to officer training must enlist. 

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Can i be a part of the rotc without committing to service in the military.

Enrolling in the ROTC Basic Course or participating in the JROTC does not obligate you to serve in the U.S. military. 

Those who enroll in the Army ROTC Advanced Course must serve full-time in the Army for three years and then serve five years in the Individual Ready Reserve (IRR). Scholarship recipients must serve four years on active duty and the remaining four in the IRR.

Anyone who accepts an ROTC scholarship from the military must agree to serve as an officer for a number of years (usually four or five) following graduation. Even once your time is up, leaving the military after becoming an officer is a complicated process. Take the time to speak to active and retired officers before making your decision. 

Which branches of the military offer ROTC? 

Each branch of the military offers its own ROTC program.

The AROTC offers a wider range of options than any other branch. Over 1,100 college and university campuses offer Army ROTC programs. They offer a wide array of career opportunities in more places around the world than any other program.

AROTC cadets are allowed to major in almost any academic area.

Applicants must complete a physical fitness test , which consists of one minute of push-ups, one minute of curl-ups, and a one-mile run. There are also weight requirements according to height.

AROTC graduates begin active duty as Second Lieutenants. 

Air Force ROTC

Over 1,100 college and university campuses offer Air Force ROTC programs. The first two years of Air Force ROTC include a General Military Course, Aerospace Studies, and Leadership Laboratories. 

AFROTC cadets must also meet fitness standards . There are minimum and maximum allowable weights according to height. Cadets must complete a Physical Fitness Test twice a year. The test includes one minute of push-ups, one minute of sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. 

In their sophomore years, cadets must take the Air Force Officer Qualification Test (AFOQT), which is similar to the SAT and ACT. This test measures verbal and mathematical aptitude, and also “aptitudes relevant to certain career fields”.

AFROTC graduates begin active duty as Second Lieutenants. 

Navy ROTC students choose one of three career paths: The Navy Option, The Marine Corps Option, or The Nurse Option.

Students who choose The Navy Option can study Surface Warfare, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, or Special Warfare ( SEAL teams ). They could also become Naval Aviators, Naval Flight Officers, or Submarine Officers.

The Marine Corps Option funnels its students into commissions as second lieutenants in the US Marine Corps.

The Nurse Option is for students who want to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. Graduates serve in the Navy Nurse Corps. These students still need to complete basic military training courses such as Seapower and Maritime Affairs and Introduction to Naval Science.

All students must participate in weekly ROTC drill instruction and attend two one-month summer training sessions. 

There are 153 campuses that currently offer these programs.

Coast Guard College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative

The Coast Guard does not have its own branch of the ROTC. 

They offer a scholarship program called the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative. Like ROTC, this program guarantees students an officer position upon graduation. This scholarship is only available to college students enrolled in certain schools.

CSPI students enlist in the United States Coast Guard, complete basic training during the summer, and receive a full ride for up to two years of college. These students receive money for their tuition, books, and fees, and a full-time Coast Guard salary, housing allowance, and medical benefits. 

While they’re in school, students participate in mandatory activities for at least 16 hours each month. They must dress in uniform at least once per week and attend Coast Guard trainings on school breaks. 

After graduation, CSPI students attend officer candidate school in New London, CT. When they’ve completed this 17-week course, graduates receive a commission as an ensign and an assignment with the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard also offers a guaranteed flight program called the Wilk’s Flight Initiative.

The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps

There are also programs for high school students called JROTC. The Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps is about “developing good citizens” and does not require any commitment to military service.

As with the ROTC, each branch of the military has its own JROTC program. Some schools allow students to participate in JROTC in place of taking a physical education class. Over a quarter of a million students participate each year. 

Participation in the JROTC is not a prerequisite to joining the ROTC.

Why should students consider ROTC? 

Participation in ROTC provides college students with community, structure, and purpose. Eligible students will receive scholarships that pay for their tuition, books, and living expenses. They serve their community during their time in college and serve their country upon graduation.

Students who join the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps need to be extremely dedicated. 

You would be committing up to 12 years of your life to study and military service. Students who fail to meet graduation requirements are still required to serve; they may even be required to serve additional time to compensate the military for scholarship expenditures. 

ROTC programs offer students the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills. You’ll learn leadership skills and the technical skills needed to pursue a lifelong career in or out of the military. 

How can I get the ROTC scholarship? 

ROTC students who meet the strict academic standards set by their branch are entitled to scholarship benefits. The ROTC scholarship pays full tuition and fees, including a separate allowance for books and a monthly stipend. Applicants must be U.S. citizens .

Army ROTC Scholarships

The AROTC offers a full four-year scholarship to high school students and graduates under the age of 26. This scholarship requires a GPA of at least 2.5 and a minimum of 1000 on the SAT (math/verbal) or 19 on the ACT (excluding the required writing test scores). 

Scholarship recipients must pass the Army Physical Fitness Test (APFT), which consists of one minute of push-ups, one minute of curl-ups, and a two-mile run. 

The Army also offers two-, three-, and four-year scholarships to college students. 

Recipients must commit to eight years of military service : four years of full-time service in the Army and four years with the Individual Ready Reserve.

Air Force ROTC Scholarships

High school students applying for Air Force ROTC scholarships must have a GPA of at least 3.0 and an SAT composite score of 1240 or an ACT composite score of 26 or higher. You would also need to complete a fitness test that includes one minute of push-ups, one minute of sit-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. 

The majority of Air Force ROTC scholarships go to STEM majors. Highly desired majors include:

• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Architectural Engineering
• Architecture
• Astronautical Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Science
• Electrical Engineering
• Environmental Engineering
• Mathematics
• Mechanical Engineering
• Meteorology/Atmospheric Sciences
• Nuclear Engineering
• Nuclear Physics
• Operations Research

Most of the remaining scholarships are given to foreign language majors. Common languages like French or Spanish won’t cut it. The Air Force is looking for the following languages:

• Chinese (Amoy, Cantonese, Mandarin, or Wu)
• Pashto-Afghan
• Persian-Afghan
• Persian-Iranian

If you receive a scholarship, you’ll need to agree to a number of conditions. If you are underage, your parent or legal guardian will also need to sign. Scholarship recipients must agree to:

• Enroll in the academic major for which the scholarship is offered
• Complete a two-week field training course in Alabama after sophomore year of college
• Complete the Air Force ROTC General Military Course and Professional Officer Course
• Serve at least four years on active duty as an Air Force officer

Scholarship recipients must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Cadets not on scholarship must maintain a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Navy ROTC Scholarships

The Navy only accepts scholarship applicants between the ages of 17 and 23 . Like the other branches, they have height/weight standards and physical assessments. 

Applicants must have a minimum SAT score of 1100 or a minimum ACT score of 24 .

If you were unable to take either exam, you’ll need:

• A cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher
• A 2.0 grade or better in Algebra II
• A statement from your high school guidance counselor or JROTC instructor stating that the ACT and SAT tests were unavailable 

Scholarship recipients must participate in weekly drills and attend summer trainings. They need to pass regular physical fitness tests , which include push-ups, pull-ups, crunches, and a three-mile run.

They must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or better while they carry a normal course load and complete certain courses specified by the Navy, including:

• Naval Science
• English grammar and composition 
• National Security Policy/American Military Affairs
• One semester of world culture and regional studies 

Graduates are required to serve four to five years on active duty .

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What ROTC Programs Are and How They Work

ROTC programs assist students through college in exchange for military service after graduation.

ROTC Programs Explained

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Students can earn the ROTC scholarship in high school or in college.

For students torn between joining the military and going to college , one option is to do both.

Paths to Reduce the Price of College

Courtney Rubin Sept. 20, 2017

The Reserve Officers' Training Corps, commonly referred to as ROTC, offers students a chance to study and serve after they complete their degree, or to participate for a short time in the program without a post-college commitment. The ROTC website traces the program's roots to 1819 and notes that more than 600,000 commissions have been earned through it.

Considering the current need for officers, the ROTC serves as an important pipeline for bolstering the ranks of the military.

What Is ROTC?

Students train as they learn, taking military science courses alongside regular college classes, with the requirement to enlist as an officer in the U.S. Army, Navy or Air Force upon graduation. The Coast Guard does not have an ROTC program but rather a College Student Pre-Commisioning Initiative, which offers scholarships and a spot at officer candidate school after graduation.

Students interested in ROTC participation without the military service commitment can join the program for a limited time, typically three semesters, officials say. While only those who enlist receive a scholarship, ROTC officials say short-term participants benefit from leadership skills taught in the program. For those who do join the military through ROTC, scholarships can help pay for college , though acceptance of the award means a commitment of at least eight years after graduation.

"If you're on scholarship, you have signed a contract saying that upon your graduation you will commission into the U.S. military, either active duty, National Guard or reserves," says Army Capt. Jonathon L. Heller, assistant professor of military science and operations officer at the University of Kansas .

But the ROTC scholarship , which covers tuition, fees and books – or room and board instead – is not automatic upon joining the program. Like other scholarships, students must compete for it.

ROTC Program for College Students

Students can earn the ROTC scholarship in high school or in college. Students who earn the scholarship in high school receive four years of funding if they remain in the ROTC program. Two-year and three-year scholarship options are available to current college students.

"The Army (ROTC) has a lot of scholarship opportunities once you've made your mark on campus. If you didn't do particularly well in high school but you arrive on campus … and do extremely well in the program at the university there are a lot of opportunities to earn that scholarship in the Army," says Army Col. Brad Brown, a professor of military science at Texas A&M University—College Station , which is one of six Senior Military Colleges.

The Senior Military College designation by the federal government means that Texas A&M has consistently provided high numbers of commissioned officers to the military via ROTC.

In addition to the option to have tuition and fees or room and board covered, ROTC cadets also receive a living stipend. According to ROTC officials, that amount can vary by branch and class standing. Online, the Army lists its living stipend at $420 a month compared with $300-$500 for the U.S. Air Force and $350-$400 for the U.S. Navy, according to websites for each branch's ROTC programs. A stipend for books varies by branch from $750 to $1,200.

Students interested in joining an ROTC program must meet certain standards for academics and physical fitness. To be eligible for a scholarship, students must meet minimum GPA requirements and SAT or ACT scores established by each service branch and be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 17 and 26, according to official ROTC websites and information from college programs.

In addition to a college curriculum that includes physical exercise and military science courses, cadets contracted to join the armed forces also must attend training, which ROTC officials say can last about a month and emphasizes learning and applying leadership skills in tactical environments. Held in the summer, training covers physical conditioning, handling weapons and survival skills.

Why Students Join ROTC

The ROTC boasts alumni such as former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito and Walmart founder Sam Walton, among the many Americans who have participated in the program over its long history.

According to testimonials on the Army and ROTC websites, former cadets list a variety of reasons for joining the program. Such factors include the ability to pay for college, leadership and decision-making skills, mentorship, the ability to make the most of their college experience, and the opportunity for students to serve their country upon graduation.

ROTC Programs by Military Branch

According to military figures, ROTC programs are offered at more than 1,700 U.S. colleges. These schools range from large, research-focused National Universities to smaller National Liberal Arts Colleges . ROTC-affiliated schools can be found through a search on each military branch's website.

With the exception of the Coast Guard and Marines Corps, all U.S. military branches have ROTC and Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps programs serving thousands of students across the country.

The U.S. Army, according to its website, was the first to launch an ROTC program as part of the National Defense Act of 1916. The first Air ROTC units were established in 1920, prior to the U.S. Air Force becoming a separate military branch, and the Navy ROTC was founded in 1926. While the Marine Corps does not have its own program, Navy ROTC graduates can join the Marine Corps.

JROTC Programs for High School Students

More than 500,000 students and 3,390 units were active in JROTC during the 2015-16 school year, according to a 2017 study from nonprofit think tank Rand Corp. Rand found that large and midsize schools are more likely to have JROTC programs, with more units in the South and fewer in Midwestern and Mountain states.

Altogether, 16% of public high schools had a JROTC unit at the time of the Rand study, which noted past research had indicated positive educational outcomes associated with the program, including higher GPAs, lower dropout rates and improved attendance. Rand reported that evidence for graduation rates and standardized test performance "showed mixed results."

The goal of the program is to develop good citizens, says retired Navy Capt. James Boyer, senior naval science officer and JROTC instructor for Spring High School outside of Houston.

"Good citizenship is about trying to do the right thing," Boyer says.

He emphasizes that students demonstrate good citizenship through community service as part of JROTC. Other activities include conducting military-style drills and participating in competitions while studying a naval science curriculum that draws on a range of topics including maritime history, oceanography, weather, navigation, astronomy and current events.

The Difference Between ROTC and JROTC

Though only one letter apart, instructors note that ROTC and JROTC programs have fundamentally different missions. For JROTC it's about developing good citizenship; for ROTC the goal is commissioning officers into the military once they graduate from college.

Boyer says many of his cadets have used JROTC as a vehicle to earn an ROTC scholarship. He describes JROTC as an "excellent lead-in," noting that his JROTC graduates enter college programs with a leg up on those who didn't participate.

Boyer says students who have participated in JROTC programs "have a fairly good background" to carry into ROTC service, adding students know the history, chain of command and general expectations.

While possibly beneficial, college officials note that JROTC experience is not necessary to participate in ROTC or earn the scholarship. Brown says the military is interested in good grades and standardized test scores as well as leadership skills developed in high school.

"The Army wants you to be a scholar, athlete, leader," Brown says.

Experts stress the importance of getting an early start if students hope to earn a scholarship and commission into the military.

"If they're looking at getting a commission and being an officer ... the sooner they start, the better," says Navy Col. Andrew J. Kostic, professor of naval science at Texas A&M, noting this gives students time to develop leadership abilities and physical fitness for military service.

The military also considers its needs when awarding a scholarship. For example, about 70% of scholarships awarded through the Air Force ROTC program at Texas A&M go to cadets majoring in science, technology, engineering and math fields, known as STEM , estimates U.S. Air Force Col. Christopher L. Bennett, professor of aerospace studies at Texas A&M.

Experts also remind students to consider the service obligation when weighing whether to pursue an ROTC scholarship.

"Don't let the money be your primary motivator for earning an ROTC scholarship," cautions retired Army Col. Sam Hawes, assistant commandant of recruiting at Texas A&M. "It is a hard road; there is a lot of work you have to put in to earn a commission."

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• How to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples

How to Write an Essay Introduction | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on February 4, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on July 23, 2023.

A good introduction paragraph is an essential part of any academic essay . It sets up your argument and tells the reader what to expect.

The main goals of an introduction are to:

• Catch your reader’s attention.
• Give background on your topic.
• Present your thesis statement —the central point of your essay.

This introduction example is taken from our interactive essay example on the history of Braille.

The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability. The writing system of raised dots used by visually impaired people was developed by Louis Braille in nineteenth-century France. In a society that did not value disabled people in general, blindness was particularly stigmatized, and lack of access to reading and writing was a significant barrier to social participation. The idea of tactile reading was not entirely new, but existing methods based on sighted systems were difficult to learn and use. As the first writing system designed for blind people’s needs, Braille was a groundbreaking new accessibility tool. It not only provided practical benefits, but also helped change the cultural status of blindness. This essay begins by discussing the situation of blind people in nineteenth-century Europe. It then describes the invention of Braille and the gradual process of its acceptance within blind education. Subsequently, it explores the wide-ranging effects of this invention on blind people’s social and cultural lives.

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Table of contents

Step 1: hook your reader, step 2: give background information, step 3: present your thesis statement, step 4: map your essay’s structure, step 5: check and revise, more examples of essay introductions, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the essay introduction.

Your first sentence sets the tone for the whole essay, so spend some time on writing an effective hook.

Avoid long, dense sentences—start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

The hook should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of the topic you’re writing about and why it’s interesting. Avoid overly broad claims or plain statements of fact.

Examples: Writing a good hook

Take a look at these examples of weak hooks and learn how to improve them.

• Braille was an extremely important invention.
• The invention of Braille was a major turning point in the history of disability.

The first sentence is a dry fact; the second sentence is more interesting, making a bold claim about exactly  why the topic is important.

• The internet is defined as “a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities.”
• The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education.

Avoid using a dictionary definition as your hook, especially if it’s an obvious term that everyone knows. The improved example here is still broad, but it gives us a much clearer sense of what the essay will be about.

• Mary Shelley’s  Frankenstein is a famous book from the nineteenth century.
• Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific advancement.

Instead of just stating a fact that the reader already knows, the improved hook here tells us about the mainstream interpretation of the book, implying that this essay will offer a different interpretation.

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Next, give your reader the context they need to understand your topic and argument. Depending on the subject of your essay, this might include:

• Historical, geographical, or social context
• An outline of the debate you’re addressing
• A summary of relevant theories or research about the topic
• Definitions of key terms

The information here should be broad but clearly focused and relevant to your argument. Don’t give too much detail—you can mention points that you will return to later, but save your evidence and interpretation for the main body of the essay.

How much space you need for background depends on your topic and the scope of your essay. In our Braille example, we take a few sentences to introduce the topic and sketch the social context that the essay will address:

Now it’s time to narrow your focus and show exactly what you want to say about the topic. This is your thesis statement —a sentence or two that sums up your overall argument.

This is the most important part of your introduction. A  good thesis isn’t just a statement of fact, but a claim that requires evidence and explanation.

The goal is to clearly convey your own position in a debate or your central point about a topic.

Particularly in longer essays, it’s helpful to end the introduction by signposting what will be covered in each part. Keep it concise and give your reader a clear sense of the direction your argument will take.

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As you research and write, your argument might change focus or direction as you learn more.

For this reason, it’s often a good idea to wait until later in the writing process before you write the introduction paragraph—it can even be the very last thing you write.

When you’ve finished writing the essay body and conclusion , you should return to the introduction and check that it matches the content of the essay.

It’s especially important to make sure your thesis statement accurately represents what you do in the essay. If your argument has gone in a different direction than planned, tweak your thesis statement to match what you actually say.

To polish your writing, you can use something like a paraphrasing tool .

You can use the checklist below to make sure your introduction does everything it’s supposed to.

Checklist: Essay introduction

My first sentence is engaging and relevant.

I have introduced the topic with necessary background information.

I have defined any important terms.

My thesis statement clearly presents my main point or argument.

Everything in the introduction is relevant to the main body of the essay.

You have a strong introduction - now make sure the rest of your essay is just as good.

• Argumentative
• Literary analysis

This introduction to an argumentative essay sets up the debate about the internet and education, and then clearly states the position the essay will argue for.

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its critical benefits for students and educators—as a uniquely comprehensive and accessible information source; a means of exposure to and engagement with different perspectives; and a highly flexible learning environment.

This introduction to a short expository essay leads into the topic (the invention of the printing press) and states the main point the essay will explain (the effect of this invention on European society).

In many ways, the invention of the printing press marked the end of the Middle Ages. The medieval period in Europe is often remembered as a time of intellectual and political stagnation. Prior to the Renaissance, the average person had very limited access to books and was unlikely to be literate. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century allowed for much less restricted circulation of information in Europe, paving the way for the Reformation.

This introduction to a literary analysis essay , about Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein , starts by describing a simplistic popular view of the story, and then states how the author will give a more complex analysis of the text’s literary devices.

Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein is often read as a crude cautionary tale. Arguably the first science fiction novel, its plot can be read as a warning about the dangers of scientific advancement unrestrained by ethical considerations. In this reading, and in popular culture representations of the character as a “mad scientist”, Victor Frankenstein represents the callous, arrogant ambition of modern science. However, far from providing a stable image of the character, Shelley uses shifting narrative perspectives to gradually transform our impression of Frankenstein, portraying him in an increasingly negative light as the novel goes on. While he initially appears to be a naive but sympathetic idealist, after the creature’s narrative Frankenstein begins to resemble—even in his own telling—the thoughtlessly cruel figure the creature represents him as.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
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• False cause fallacy
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Your essay introduction should include three main things, in this order:

• An opening hook to catch the reader’s attention.
• Relevant background information that the reader needs to know.
• A thesis statement that presents your main point or argument.

The length of each part depends on the length and complexity of your essay .

The “hook” is the first sentence of your essay introduction . It should lead the reader into your essay, giving a sense of why it’s interesting.

To write a good hook, avoid overly broad statements or long, dense sentences. Try to start with something clear, concise and catchy that will spark your reader’s curiosity.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

• It gives your writing direction and focus.
• It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

The structure of an essay is divided into an introduction that presents your topic and thesis statement , a body containing your in-depth analysis and arguments, and a conclusion wrapping up your ideas.

The structure of the body is flexible, but you should always spend some time thinking about how you can organize your essay to best serve your ideas.

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