Q: If you find yourself getting stuck by the introduction and it is preventing you from writing the rest of your paper, skip it for now. Just write your thesis statement at the top of your paper and start on your body paragraphs.   You may find it easier to write your introduction after you finish your essay, after you know what you end up saying with your essay. It is more important to get into a groove with your writing than to write each part in the order that it comes in the essay. An introduction should introduce your topic, state your argument, and provide your reader with the context of your essay. If sentences in your introduction do not help with any of those goals, they are likely unnecessary. A hook, often the very first sentence in your paper, is a sentence or two that “hooks” or grabs the interest of your audience. Commonly used hooks may be good for novice writers, but some college professors think that certain hooks are overused.  A few ideas for hooks follow.   A statistic (particularly one that seems surprising to the reader) can be a good way to start certain types of papers. Be sure the statistic is from a reliable source, like one from your school’s library database. A personal story or anecdote told in detail can draw the reader in. It should, however, be relevant to the topic, and you will need to explicitly connect it to your thesis statement. This may not be appropriate in a formal essay. A quotation from a famous person can be a good lead-in. However, since this is one method that has been overused, try putting a twist on this method by using a surprising quote, contradicting the quote, or using it in a new context. You will also need to connect this to your thesis clearly. Illuminating a paradox or puzzling scenario could draw your reader in by making them question something that is usually taken for granted.  Try to avoid introductions that start by giving a dictionary definition of a word and explaining it or by asking a question. Avoid over-used and essentially empty phrases like “from the beginning of time” or “throughout the history of mankind.” You will need to write a few sentences that explain the context of your hook and transition into the thesis of your paper. If your hook is long, as with a detailed personal anecdote, this may be a phrase like “this experience has led me to believe that…” If your hook is shorter, like a statistic, you will likely need to write 3-4 sentences explaining your statistic and leading up to your thesis statement.
A: Consider writing your introduction last. Remember the purpose of an introduction. Write a hook. Transition from your hook to your thesis.

Q: Hanging your birdhouse from a branch or from your home is not recommended, as birds do not like when birdhouses sway in the wind. If there are poles or natural structures in the area, mount the birdhouse to one of them. Mounting it to an existing metal pole, or drilling it into the side of a barn or wood building are both great ways to set up a birdhouse. Mounting the birdhouse to an existing metal pole also protects the birdhouse from predators. Although this is not a necessity, birds are more attracted to birdhouses that receive natural sunlight in the mornings. Facing the birdhouse toward the east will also keep it from getting too hot in the afternoon, especially during the summer months or in hotter climates. Mounting the birdhouse at this level will make it easier for you to clean it out when necessary, and will also keep it away from most predators. Do not hang or mount your birdhouse lower than 5 feet (1.5 m), but feel free to mount it as high as 12 feet (3.7 m). The height range depends on the bird, so keep track of which birds are able to reach your birdhouse and make adjustments if need be. Keeping your birdhouse safe from weather will ensure that it lasts and that the birds are protected from rain or snow while they visit. Whether you hang the birdhouse or set it on a pole, keep it under some kind of existing overhang to prevent it from being damaged.
A: Mount the birdhouse to a pole or to the side of a building. Face the birdhouse east. Keep the birdhouse at least 5 feet (1.5 m) off the ground. Hang or set the birdhouse under an awning, roof overhang, or eaves.

Q: Rinse the area until there is no chemical smell. In addition, spray the area until you don’t see any visible indications of chemicals, such as suds. If you use a well or are in area with a shallow aquifer, you should avoid using petrochemical cleaners. Before using any chemical product, you need to read the directions carefully. This is important, as different products will require you to take different safety precautions.  Different products will require you to dilute them to a certain level. Follow directions about specialized safety equipment. For example, if a product recommends you use safety goggles, you should do so. This is important, as animals or small children may unwittingly expose themselves to toxic cleaning agents.  Keep dogs or other animals in the house or in a part of your yard that is separated from the fence for several hours. Don’t allow small children to play near the fence until the ground has dried.
A:
Rinse down the area. Read the directions of chemical products. Avoid letting animals or small children play around the area.