The context is information presented in the introduction to help readers more fully understand essential information on the essay’s topic prior to the presentation of the thesis. Context plays an important role in introductory paragraphs because it helps the reader to situate the topic into a larger chronology, theme, or way of thinking. Context is especially necessary when the reader may be unfamiliar with the subject. The context usually appears in an introductory paragraph after the attention-grabber and prior to the thesis statement.

<aside> <img src="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/20651af7-b9cc-4182-a182-bca14f2ee94b/1_120_transparent.png" alt="https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/secure.notion-static.com/20651af7-b9cc-4182-a182-bca14f2ee94b/1_120_transparent.png" width="40px" /> Contents

1 Considerations 2 Strategies **2.1 Definition of Key Terms**
2.2 Review of the Controversy 2.3 Overview of the Topic’s History 2.4 Identification of Author and Titles 2.5 Information on the Topic’s Theme 2.6 Exploration of Societal Impact 2.7 Analysis of Current Trends 2.8 Connection to Personal Experience 2.9 Link to Broader Philosophical or Ethical Questions

</aside>

Considerations

The amount of narration the author should provide depends on the expectations of the assignment and the rhetorical situation. Some types of writing call for extensive narration (a research project or policy proposal), but for essays that are short-to-mid-range in length (approximately 3-5 pages, it’s best to be clear, brief, and explicit when providing the context. In terms of its form, writers should consider the following questions when determining what kind of context should be provided:

Is there anything my audience wants to know about the topic?
Is there anything they need to know?
Does the reader have any experience with my topic?
Can I appeal to the positive aspects of that experience? The negative aspects?
What do my readers already know about my topic? How can I leverage this concisely?
Are there any well-known current events that coincide with my topic?
Would a narrative account of this strengthen their awareness of the issue?
Are there things to which my audience may be sensitive?
Should I word things differently meeting the needs of my audience?

Strategies

Definition of Key Terms

Used primarily in argument essays, a writer can establish context by presenting definitions of key terms and concepts that are central to the topic. This can be an effective way to establish context since a reader needs to know how the author is understanding the topic before they can evaluate their argument. Defining key terms is important because a writer can’t assume the audience has prior knowledge on the topic especially if it is vital to the rest of the work. Depending on the topic, the writer defines key terms to clarify technical language, acknowledge any bias and presuppositions in the assumptions of the paper.

“Systemic racism is a complicated term but for the purposes of this paper, it refers to the way that society-at-large fosters racial discrimination in education, employment opportunities, access to health care, and the criminal justice system. These effects have been demonstrated to have a disproportionate effect on minority groups in the United States, leading some sociologists to refer to this concept as “social disadvantage,” a term that refers to the relative difficulty in reaching a similar position in society than people who don’t face the same level of disadvantage.”

Review of the Controversy

Used primarily in argument essays, a writer can establish context by presenting the main - and often competing - views on the topic. This can be an effective way to establish context since it gives an impression of objectivity and even-handedness while communicating the various points of view that make up the debate surrounding the topic at hand. If executed properly, writers can gain emotional trust and identification between speaker and audience in order to leverage this “fairness” into the audience’s consideration of an idea that would otherwise remain unconsidered.

“While transhumanists often promote the physical benefits, namely the vast increase to human life span, that would result from merging the human body with nano-technology, opponents of this movement cite the scientific and ethical consequences of modifying our physical bodies in their resistance to this view. Specifically, these critics point to…”

Overview of the Topic’s History

Used in both analysis and argument essays, a writer can establish context by presenting a brief history of the topic to allow the reader to situate the author’s claim into a larger timeline. Historical overviews tend to be written in an objective, fact-based style. This can be an effective way to establish context since it allows the writer to highlight aspects of the topic that have developed over time and, by doing so, emphasize that a problem does indeed exist, and there ought to be a dialogue about its potential ways of looking at.

“For nearly 30 years, since the United States began relying on volunteers to fill the ranks of the armed forces, the military recruiter’s job has been a tough one. Now that uphill battle is becoming a losing battle as the force struggles to recruit enough people – and comes up short. And the problem is only getting worse.”

Identification of the Author and Titles

Used primarily in analysis essays, a writer can establish context by presenting a list of the authors and/or titles that will be the focus of the essay. This can be an effective way to establish context since it gives the reader a clear sense of which texts, how many texts, and the focus of those readings will be the subject of the paper’s arguments. It is good practice to refer to the text’s form as specifically as possible (a novel, story, essay, memoir, or poem, etc.) Doing so will lessen the burden of having to do this thesis statement, something which has the potential to interfere with the clarity of the paper’s controlling argument.

“Many authors have taken inspiration from the trying times of The Great Depression, including John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Men and Don Nardo’s article “Snapping an Iconic Photo.” Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men tells the story of two migrant workers named George and Lennie, who got a new job at a ranch in California. Nardo’s article describes how one of the most famous pictures of the Great Depression, “Migrant Mother,” came to be taken.”

Information on the Topic’s Theme

Used primarily in analysis essays, a writer can establish context by situating the paper’s focus into a larger overview of the theme at hand. This can be an effective way to establish context since it helps situate both writer and reader within a shared understanding of the topic's theme. When the writer explains the significance of the theme at hand, it helps the reader understand why it matters and how it may fit into their own knowledge on the topic. This gives focus and clarity to the thesis and helps readers understand what they can expect from reading further.

““Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby focuses on the American Dream and it’s important to know exactly where this theme originates. The term "American dream" - first appearing in James Adams’s 1931 book The Epic of America - is defined as "that dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for everyone, with opportunity for each according to ability or achievement.” Is this the case in The Great Gatsby*?”*

Quick Navigation

Last Edited by

Eamon Cunningham (5 Feb 2024)

Introduction

Attention-Grabber

Context

Thesis Statement

Body Paragraphs

Conclusion

Exploration of Societal Impact

Used in both analysis and argument essays, a writer can establish context by examining the broader societal impact or implications of the topic. This approach is effective as it helps the reader understand the significance of the topic beyond its immediate scope. By outlining how the topic affects or reflects larger social, economic, or cultural issues, the writer can underscore its relevance and urgency. This strategy is particularly useful for topics that intersect with public policy, social movements, or cultural trends.

“The rise of social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter has transformed the way we communicate and consume information. This shift has profound implications for society, influencing everything from political discourse to personal relationships. As we delve into the impact of social media, it is crucial to understand how these platforms have reshaped public engagement and created new challenges in balancing free speech with the spread of misinformation.”

Analysis of Current Trends

Used primarily in argument essays, a writer can establish context by discussing current trends related to the topic. This strategy involves identifying and examining recent developments, events, or changes in public opinion that are relevant to the topic. This approach is effective because it situates the essay within a contemporary framework, making it more relatable and timely for the reader. It also helps in illustrating the evolving nature of the topic and its ongoing relevance.

“The recent surge in plant-based diets and veganism is not just a fad but a significant shift in consumer behavior. This trend is driven by various factors, including concerns about health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. Understanding this shift is crucial for analyzing the impact of dietary choices on the food industry, public health, and environmental policies.”

Connection to Personal Experience

Used in narrative and reflective essays, a writer can establish context by relating the topic to a personal experience. This strategy involves sharing a relevant personal story or reflection that illuminates the topic in a unique and intimate way. It is effective because it adds a human element to the essay, making the topic more relatable and engaging. Personal experiences can provide insight into how broader concepts or issues are experienced on an individual level.

“Growing up in a small rural community, I witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of agricultural life. This personal experience provides a unique perspective on the struggles of small farmers in the face of industrial agriculture and global economic pressures. It’s through this lens that I explore the broader issues of sustainability and food security.”

Link to Broader Philosophical or Ethical Questions

Used in argumentative and analytical essays, a writer can establish context by linking the topic to broader philosophical or ethical questions. This approach situates the topic within a larger framework of human thought and moral considerations. It is effective because it encourages the reader to think about the topic in terms of universal values and principles, thereby deepening their engagement and understanding. This strategy can also help in framing the topic as part of an ongoing human inquiry into important existential or ethical issues.