What is 'funneling' in terms of writing an essay?

Answer 1

Funneling is when in an essay one doesn't write direct to the point, but rather provides filler sentences that usually give unnecessary background information on the topic. It is usually most commonly found in introductory paragraphs.

Answer 2

In conventional academic writing, a funnel introduction begins with a general statement and ends with the exact thesis of the essay in question. Thus, "Most people in America have a habit of watching television" would serve as a general statement to begin an essay that argues against watching television; it would be followed by less general statements before ending in a thesis such as this: "For the sake of a happier, more productive society, televisions in America need to be turned off."