'We are currently in an energy crisis. After food, fossil fuels are humanity's most important source of energy. These resources take millions of years to make. We are currently using the fuels that were made more than 300 million years ago, before the time of dinosaurs. Fossil fuels are a non-renewable resource; once they are gone, they are gone. Compose a research paper that investigates and reports on the biological and environmental aspects of this energy crisis.'
[Introduction] 15 points are for:
-A clear thesis statement that expresses the argument, goals, and/or main focus of the paper; thesis statement should be easily recognizable
-Introduces topic with general background information and outlines a road map with development of supporting ideas; provides an overview of what the reader can expect to learn
-Effectively grabs readers' attention and makes them want to continue reading
Here's what I have so far for my introduction. Is it okay?
Fossil Fuels--An Energy Crisis [Title]
Have you ever thought about where your electricity comes from? What the petroleum your car runs on is made of? What produces all the energy you see?
Oil, coal, and natural gas are collectively known as fossil fuels. Today, eighty-five percent of all energy produced in the United States comes from burning these fuels. That energy powers almost two-thirds of our electricity and all of our transportation. We are currently in a crisis because fossil fuels are non-renewable; once they are gone, they are gone. To get past the emergency of fossil fuels finishing, alternative fuel sources need to be found that can substitute efficiently. [Thesis]
I tried to make the beginning attention-grabbing, but that's the best I could do...Does it fit in with the 15 points?
Thanks
-MC
Your introduction looks good. I'd make a couple of changes in your thesis, though.
To surve the end of fossil fuels, the world needs to find and develop alternative fuel sources.
Now think of three good reasons we need to find and develop alternative fuels.
Okay, thanks!
-MC
The introduction you have written is a good start, but there are a few ways to improve it to better fit the criteria for the 15 points. Here is a revised version:
Title: The Biological and Environmental Aspects of the Fossil Fuel Energy Crisis
Introduction:
Imagine a world without electricity, cars, or heat. It's hard to fathom our modern lives without the power provided by fossil fuels. Oil, coal, and natural gas have been humanity's primary sources of energy for decades, but their depletion presents a pressing crisis. These invaluable resources, formed over millions of years before the time of dinosaurs, are non-renewable. Once they are gone, there is no way to replenish them.
Currently, fossil fuels account for eighty-five percent of all energy produced in the United States, driving two-thirds of our electricity and transportation systems. However, as we exhaust these finite resources, it becomes crucial to find alternative fuel sources that can efficiently substitute for fossil fuels in order to overcome this looming crisis.
This research paper aims to investigate and report on the biological and environmental aspects of the energy crisis caused by our heavy reliance on fossil fuels. By examining the impacts on ecosystems, biodiversity, and the overall health of our planet, we hope to shed light on the urgent need for sustainable energy solutions.
With this introduction, you have clearly stated the thesis, provided background information on the topic, and outlined the main focus of the paper. Additionally, the revised introduction effectively grabs the readers' attention and sets the stage for what they can expect to learn from the research paper.
Overall, your introduction seems to be on the right track. It provides some general background information and introduces the topic of fossil fuels and the energy crisis. However, it could benefit from a few improvements to fully meet the criteria for an effective introduction.
First, let's take a look at your thesis statement. While you mention the argument of finding alternative fuel sources, it would be helpful to clearly state your main focus or goal for the research paper. For example, you could mention investigating the biological and environmental aspects specifically. Here's a revised thesis statement that emphasizes this aspect:
"In this research paper, we will investigate and report on the biological and environmental aspects of the current energy crisis caused by the non-renewable nature of fossil fuels, with a focus on exploring alternative fuel sources as a potential solution."
Secondly, regarding grabbing the reader's attention, your opening sentences are informative but could be made more engaging. Instead of simply asking questions, you could utilize a compelling fact or statistic, a thought-provoking statement, or a captivating anecdote. Here's an example of a revised opening:
"Imagine a world where your electricity supply dwindles, your car runs on an increasingly scarce resource, and the energy that powers your everyday life begins to fade away. This is not a distant future we're talking about - it's the reality of our current energy crisis, driven by the depletion of fossil fuels. With oil, coal, and natural gas running out, the need to explore new alternative fuel sources has become more urgent than ever."
Incorporating these adjustments will help create a more solid introduction that effectively communicates your argument and engages the reader's interest.